The European Christmas Update

A few days late, but thats ok. It is still the Christmas holiday after all.

Ok, now is the time to get that "OMG! You spent Christmas in PARIS?! I'm sooo jealous!" moment off your chest.

Ready?


Go!


...
And



...

Done.


Seriously, I got that... a lot.

Its the Christmas season. The most wonderful time of the year as an old song tells us. The festive spirit is in the air. Well, the decorations are at least. The question was asked whether Europeans decorate for Christmas like Americans do. They do not quite go to the extremes, but they do decorate the streets. It is quite beautiful.

Its been a very busy month. The SfC Brussels christmas party, the St Andrews 20s30s Christmas party, Lunch with friends, 9 Lessons and Carols service, and Christmas in Paris. Its been hard being away from home this time of year, but it has been an eventful time.

Christmas was exciting. It was also very french. My aunt's parents and brother came over for the day. The largest part of the day is not opening presents (unless you are 10 or younger, then that is all you care about). Its the meal. Its a wonder the french don't get fat and drunk. THEY DON'T STOP. Dinner, what's that? We are still eating lunch. I kid you not, it was maybe an 8 course meal. We actually had to stop half way through because two little girls wanted to open presents.

Even I got something. Tea. Good loose leaf tea, the type that would cost you your first born child in the US. That was more than I was expecting, for I was expecting nothing. I'm just happy I'm not alone for Christmas. Its a challenge being in a foreign culture on a good day, its harder during Christmas time. But sometimes the best gift is the one you give yourself.
For me, that was a one way ticket to the Philippines in January. My funding from AGWM has unfortunately been depleted. Not enough came in to get me till March like was planned. But thanks to my frugalness and resource management, I have more than enough to get by. Also, its about the same amount for me to fly around the world as it is to return straight back to the US.

And flying home just feels wrong. And boring. I've been wanting to return to the Philippines for a very long time. This is the closest I've been, so it is time to take advantage of that. My grandfather has been wanting me to do some film work at the school for a while now. In fact, this is his idea. Its just happens to be a good one.

So, two more weeks in Paris. I still have a job to do as well. One last project to film in early January. Back to brussels on the 11th for just under 3 weeks. One final trip to paris, on the 30th and I fly out from there the next day.

Zack and Evan at the 20s30s Christmas party

SfC Brussels Christmas Party

Paris