A Christmas Carol

Christmas has come to Sussex ! I've just returned from Library Square, where an enormous Christmas tree was lit up. The University had also arranged for mulled wine and mince pies - I tried one for the first time ! A choir was there to sing some lovely carols as well.

Here are a couple of pictures I took:

Library Square

Christmas tree !

The choir

Yesterday I took the train up to London just to have some time to myself off-campus. London is one of my favourite cities in the world and didn't disappoint ! The streets were all decked out for Christmas, and people were out in hordes to do their Christmas shopping. Here are some pictures for your enjoyment:

New Bond Street - I was on my way to Victoria's Secret, obviously.

Selfridge's selfie

Classic Oxford Street view

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

One of the innumerable Christmas trees in Hyde Park

I'm definitely feeling the Christmas spirit ! Are you?

Love, M

PS. In a week's time I'll be home !

Twelfth Night

In exactly twelve days, I am flying home for Christmas. Today I thought I'd share some things that I've particularly loved about my life here at Sussex.

1. I feel like I've finally found "my thing" and can see a long and happy career ahead of me in my chosen field.
2. As discussed in my last post, Brighton is breath-takingly gorgeous.
3. New friends.
4. A new appreciation for old friends and my family.
5. Getting to see my dear godson Lucas so often (he is the cutest)!
6. The whole university campus experience (which isn't really a thing in Finland).
7. Little to no snow that will inevitably turn into slush - no ruined shoes !
8. Being back in England after missing it for so long.
9. Being able to miss Helsinki.
10. Discovering the joy that is Amazon and other incredibly convenient and reasonably priced online shopping.
11. Cheap food, alcohol, clothes, make-up... We just do not have the same calibre of shopping back home.
12. Hosting visitors !

Even though the thought of going home really excites me, it also fills me with a strange, wistful feeling. The fact that this term has gone by in what feels like the blink of an eye seems incredible. What surprises me most is that I really didn't feel homesick at all. Not that I haven't missed my family and friends, I definitely have. But the thing is, I'm having such an amazing time that I just don't have the time or inclination to be homesick. I would much rather be making new friends or otherwise enjoying all that Brighton has to offer !

Here's hoping that Helsinki is blanketed in snow in time for my arrival - or for Christmas at the very least. I think I can handle a month of full-on winter, but I'm sure come January I'll be happy to return to a snow-free climate.

To help you all get into the Christmas spirit, here's an aptly named Christmas song I've been listening to.

Love, M