Belgium Treats

Belgium is known for its wide seleciton of beers, and also the food. Leffe has always been one of my favorite beers, so when in Belgium... why not? Christine and I also had to try some of the chocolate whilst in Belgium, so why not a Crepe with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce? Delicious!

Brugge - Night time

In the evenings, the canals are lit up. It is really pretty to walk along, and it feels very safe.

One of the days we were there, we decided to have a trip into Brussels. We took the train, and then went on a site seeing bus to see the sites. Parts of the city were nice, but I was glad we stayed in Brugge.

Bicyclists in Brugge

In Brugge, it seems that the most popular mode of transport was the bike. People of every age were cycling around town, and as pedestrians, you always had to watch out for them.

Brugge

January was our 5 year anniversay and we decided to take a week holiday and go to Brugge, Belgium for 4 days. Its a gorgeous city/town with canals running through it. Next time we'd probably go in the summer and take a boat trip, but it was a relaxing couple of days.

Tower of London skating

A couple of days before Chrstmas we decided to have a night skate at the Tower of London. The idea was great, and the setting was pretty impressive (it was in the moat at the Tower of London), but the skating itself wasn't quite up to the standards of Canadina skating. The skates were all hard platic (and moist when you put your foot in), and the ice wasn't quite up to the Canadian winter quality. Overall, a good experience, but I don't think we'd rush back.

Christmas Eve at St Pauls

On Christmas Eve, Christine and I went to St. Pauls for the 4 o'clock carol service. Unfortunately, we were not alone in thinking this would be a fun thing to do. For when we showed up, there were probably a thousand people in the queue, and it was already completely full. We'll have to show up a bit earlier next year!

We are engaged!

On Christmas morning Christine made me the happiest person in the world! We got engaged and then spent the rest of the day sharing our good news with family. As requested, here is a picture of the ring. = )

Planet Earth

BBC has put together an amazing program called Planet Earth. We just watched the episode entitled from Pole to Pole, and it was amazing. For those who like Monkeys, penquins, polar bears or animals from the desert, there is some amazing footage!

Christmas Tree

This is our first Christmas Tree in London. One of Christine's coworkers kindly loaned us some ornaments, and we purchased the tree at a local grocery store.

It perfect for our needs, and makes it feel quite festive.

Dublin city centre

It was a bit chilly, but we had our warm jackets, so we managed to stay warm.

Another time we'll take a horse drawn carriage.

we were on our way into the city centre to do some christmas shopping. we were sipping coffee at a local cafe and found a department store called Penny's which sells day to day neccessities at a bargain.

Dublin - Saint Stephens Green

Brooks about to attempt to throw me in the water... nice guy. = )

Dublin - Scenery

This photo shows the giant needle coming up from Dublin. It is located on one of the major shopping streets, and definitely sticks out from its surrounding.

We walked up this main strip and also walked around a bit of central Dublin.

Dublin

Last weekend Christine and I flew to Dublin to visit Brooks, who had just finished his exams. It was great seeing him, and meeting a couple of his roommates. This photo is in a pub called Mulligans, which is one of the older pubs in Dublin.

After going to the pub, we went back to Brooks' place and watched the Toronto Maple Leafs win 9 -2. Not very Irish, but we had a great time.

Postbank Dinner

Last night Christine and I went to my work Christmas party at the Sofitel St James Hotel. It was a great evening, and Christine looked stunning!

During the evening, there was a raffle, and I was fortuante to win the big prize! It is a Christmas hamper from a gourmet grocer that will be delivered to our home later this week.

One thing we learned from the evening was to never take a cab into central London on a Saturday evening, as the journey took 1 1/2 hours (tube would have taken 45 minutes).

Blackrock Tennis

Yesturday, I was fortunate to get invited to see the Blackrock Masters tennis series. The lawyers that we regularly use had rented out a corporate box. The Royal Albert Hall is a great venue, and I couldn't believe a full tennis court fit in it. All and all, a great experience!

Pedestrianisation of Oxford and Regent Streets

On Saturday we met Neal and Sarah by Oxford Circus. This was a one day event, where both Oxford Street and Regent Street were closed to traffic. I understand that they have close Oxford Street previously, but never both streets. It was absolutely packed! However, because there was more space to walk, it was actually quite pleasant. There were street performers, acrobatics attached to big helium balloons, and santa!

All and all, it was a good experience. We didn't get any shopping done (way too busy), but well worth visiting.

High Tea

On the Wednesday in Toronto, we went to high tea with my Aunt Margaret and Uncle Roger. It was nice catching up and spending time with them. The high tea at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Yorkville was very nice.

After that, we had to run around and run some errands prior to meeting up with a group of people at the Bedford Academy.

Toronto Trip

Christine and I were in Toronto from November 14th to the 21st. It was a whirl wind trip, in which we got a chance to see many people. The highlights included having dim sum with my dad, staying at Nigel's great new place, going to Santa Clause parade with Shawn, Paula & Anthony (even though we actually missed the parade!), going to High Tea with my aunt & uncle, going shopping with Christine (things seem so much cheaper in Toronto - Compared to London that is!), Shawn and Caroline's wedding, and seeing all our friends.

Next time we'll definitely stay for a longer duration, but it was great seeing everyone, and thanks to all for taking the time to meet up. It meant a lot, and it was great seeing everyone.

Nigel & Christine

This is my cousin Nigel andChristine. The night we flew out we had a great steak dinner at my Aunt Margeret and Uncle Roger's house. It was a nice and relaxing way to end our super hectic trip. Thank you!

And thank you to Nigel for giving us such a comfortable place to stay whilst in Toronto.

Christine and my Dad

We've been back in London for a week and a half now, and I've been super busy and haven't got to post any of the Toronto photos.

The trip was a whirl wind, and I think we learned a valuable lesson. Do not fly to a country that has a 5 hour time difference for only 6 days. We were exhausted by the end of it, but it was great seeing everyone.

This is a photo of Christine with my dad when we went for dim sum at Rol San.