London is a spot that was always the top of my list for places to visit around the world.  Now, during my last week abroad, I checked that off my list.  Not only was one of my best friends … who is the most confident not to be mistaken for cocky persons in the world, in London during my 4 day stay, but some of my new, Italian, exceptionally beautiful friends I met in Paris were coincidentally in town during that time period.  It’s nice to make lasting memories with people you’ll never forget.

I got to experience a lot of the great things in London, yet I still feel like another trip will be necessary to fulfill the items I missed.  First stop for me was Hyde Park where they were hosting “Winter Wonderland.”  Like I’ve mentioned many times before, the Christmas season is bar none the best time of the year.  To walk around hearing the great Christmas jingles and singing all the merry booths set up gave a feeling of warmth in the freezing weather.  Not to mention Shahzil talked me into getting on two of the rides that I knew I would cause me cardiac arrest.  The first of these rides was a 66 M climb to the top (During the night where you are simply seating with a barrier attaching you to the seat, and you have nothing but the view of the whole city from the highest peak in the area) then, without notice, a death defying drop to the bottom, and yet another climb, and another drop, and so forth.  Safe to say after the first drop I had gotten over my fear and thoroughly enjoyed the ride!  The next, however, caused me to keep my eyes shut for a record amount of time.  The Ski Jump, as it was called, swung you like a pendulum, while rotating you at fierce speeds.  The ride seemed to last for years, and Shahzil being the clever tot that he is, recorded my pants-pissing experience.  All in all, a wonderful night!

Day two called for visiting the landmarks that are automatically associated with London.  We visited the London Eye (and received a nice complimentary “4D” experience) where we stood in an eye shaped seating on a large, very large, Ferris Wheel that over-looked the river and had a great view of Big Ben and the Parliament.  London became dark very quickly, so at approximately 6:30pm, while we were on the London Eye, it was pitch black dark with an amazing view of the city.  I, for one, am a sucker for amazing views.  After the experience we visited the Center London Ismaili Centre, where we were given a tour of the beautiful landmark by a gracious host.  Safe to say this trip was able to get me back inside my beloved church after many of days.  For me, the day was very satisfying and I felt I got a good amount out of London.

The last day consisted of relaxing, and eventually meeting up with my aforementioned beautiful Italian friends.  I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of creating and sustaining relationships with people from the other side of the world.  Growing up, I was confined to a few particular cities, not knowing what the world beyond held.  Now, at the age of 21 (about to be 22), I’ve seen and experienced far more than I would’ve guessed, and It’s great to know I’ve met so many wonderful people who I know I will keep in touch with for years and years to come.  Anyways, to get back on track, I met my friends and caught up on what had happened in the last few days, and entering a melancholy state from the soon to be end of our time together. 

Now it’s today, December 14^th 2010, and I’m waiting in the lounge to get on a train back to Paris.  I’m returning to Paris, my home for the last 3 months and 6 days, for the last time.  I know we’ve given each other a lot, had our differences, and moments of true love.  It was nice to get a break but I’m glad to be going back.  I know the feelings mutual.

Living in Texas since 1996, winters have slowly become better known as “a cooler summer.”  Just a couple of weeks ago some friend posted on Facebook, “It’s 82 degrees in Austin!” That’s 28 degrees Celsius for the rest of the world.  I thought to myself, “What is going on?  I can’t live in an environment where I can’t wear a nice sweater, peacoat, scarf, and gloves.”  (Most of which I purchased in Paris).  Now there’s nothing wrong with some warmth, but to be drenched in Texas heat for 80% of the year is just diabolical, Mother Nature, and I don’t like it one bit.  But it’s more than just what I like and my preference.  Thanksgiving is over and done with and that can mean only one thing…

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME!

There is absolutely no better time of the year than Christmas season.  The warm feeling when you’re with family and friends to offset what should be a freezing weather pattern outdoors.  The music, the movies, the holiday drinks from Starbucks, and the movies!  Who doesn’t love wearing layers of clothes at home and watching Home Alone?  I dare you to tell me otherwise!  But an important aspect of the whole Christmas holiday season is the weather.  The cold wind blowing as flakes of snow slowly drift down and land subtly on your nose and begin to blanket the ground.  You see it in any film and in any décor that has any relevance to Christmas.  But, sadly, I can’t get the full experience in Texas.  And with the whole global warming conspiracy, who knows what the weather will be like next winter, and the winter after that, etc. etc.  So for today, I would like to take the time and give a belated thanks for this opportunity to be in Paris, where the temperatures are below freezing, the wind is soft and welcomed, and snow has slowly fallen below our feet.  Maybe I can witness a winter I long for and miss from my time in Chicago before I have to return to “a cooler summer.”