Merry Christmas from London Town!

So as you can see from the title, Christmas this year was a relaxed affair at home in London. Christmas Eve, after treating ourselves to a sleep in, we took the tube to Leicester Square and walked down to Trafalgar Square to check out the Norwegian Christmas tree. After a few photos and a visit to Waterstones for some browsing, we made our way to Hyde Park, via a few cute little pubs. We then spent time browsing the Christmas markets, fuelled by hot mulled wine and a chocolate banana on a stick. Being 4pm, it was already dark (London in winter; the sun goes down at 3pm), so all the Christmas lights were on and it made a pretty sight.
Christmas Day we spoke to our families at home, had porridge for breakfast, and watched some films (Mary Poppins and A Muppets Christmas Carol - nostalgic choices.) Dave cooked a fantastic Christmas dinner of pork, crackling, roast potatoes and veggies and Yorkshire Pudding, with Christmas Pudding and custard for after.
Tonight we are off to the ballet - the English National Ballet production of The Nutcracker at the Royal Opera House (very excited). Tuesday we fly to Copenhagen!! We make it in time for the final day of the Tivoli Christmas markets, and stay for New Years celebrations, returning to London on the 2nd.
A happy new year to everyone.

Christmas dinner (tablecloth and placemats courtesy of my mum)

At the Christmas markets in Hyde Park (with mulled wine)

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Christmas Eve drinks

With the tree in Trafalgar Square

Shakespeare-Upon-Avon

Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes,
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life
Prologue, 'Romeo and Juliet'

Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!
For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.
Act 1, Scene V

Yea, noise,then I'll be brief;
O, happy dagger!
This is thy sheath; there rest, and let me die.
Act V, Scene III

Last weekend we made our way by coach to Stratford-Upon-Avon, town of all things Shakespeare. It was bright and sunny, but absolutely freezing. Upon arrival on Saturday at 11, we checked into our nice, cosy B&B (after getting into the English spirit and sharing a pot of tea), and went to see the sights. We saw the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare's grave is, Shakespeare's birthplace, the Great Garden of New Place, and numerous statues and sculptures depicting the scenes and characters from his works. The play was our main reason for being there however, and after dinner and a few drinks at the Dirty Duck, we took our seats at the Courtyard Theatre for the RSC production of 'Romeo and Juliet'. I can't use enough superlatives here, so just let me say that it was absolutely BRILLIANT. Worth every penny. The actors were amazing, favourites being the portrayals of Mercutio and Benvolio by, respectively, Gyuri Sarossy and Daniel Percival.
In other London news, we had a great day/night yesterday at our 'Orphans Christmas' (thanks guys). Today, while Dave has been at work, I have done a themed walking tour, Shakespeare's and Dickens' London - very interesting and worthwhile.
A few photos below. Hope all is well.

At The Dirty Duck before seeing 'Romeo and Juliet'

Christmas lights in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Dave tries his best on the ice at Somerset House

Somerset House ice rink