A Saffa’s UK Christmas went a little something like this.
Before I begin, Merry Christmas to all those whom celebrate and a Merry Festive Season for all those who’d rather hide their faces until all this malarkey’s done with.
Last Wednesday a friend visited me here in a semi-rural village outside Guildford town, and upon departing handed me a box wrapped in Father Christmas and reindeer paper. “You’re to wait until Christmas day!” Yes, Sir! I did. I made it. Excitement gripped me while I began shredding the paper. As soon as I realised what it was I couldn’t stop laughing. My friend had bought me the same present, for Christmas, exactly 10 years ago. He’s recently commenced ‘early’ retirement so I should perhaps consider forgiving him this round. All the free time has clearly knocked out a few memory cells…
Ever since my arrival in Guildford, 26th November to be precise, I’ve been cooking meals in the form of Master-Chef-Winner-Michelin-Star variety on a daily basis. No exaggeration. I couldn’t recall when last I’d prepared dead animal flesh (being a vegetarian, vegan and pescetarian most of my life this may come as a surprise to most) and now I find myself not only cooking it but excelling at being creative with the task. The compliments I’ve received after each meal caused me to swell with pride. Today, I decided to take a break from such creativity and only prepared roasted vegetables, baked cauliflower in a goat cheese and almond sauce accompanied with a bought nut roast. I doubt I could have made the nut roast any tastier. Well done, Tesco! Your butternut and kale nut roast hit our many spots.
By this time I was ready to roll out the door and enjoy what I love most about being in the United Kingdom on Christmas day. Walking or rather in today’s case being blown through the woods by a dripping wind, alone. In case you’ve missed it, the operative word here is ‘alone’. Yes, alone. Never could I, a SWF, walk through woods at any time in South Africa alone, never mind when it’s deserted and everyone’s tucked in doors stuffing their faces with food and alcohol. Perhaps it shouldn’t be done here either, but at least I felt safe.
What a pity it wasn’t a white Christmas; the last time I was here, Christmas 2010, it snowed and stayed crisp for me to photograph. Unfortunately, these disappeared with the batch I’d lost on my crashed hard drive.
When it’s not raining the below photographs, taken by my iPhone 6’s trusty camera, show my favourite running route through the woods surrounding the village. The rain and wind today didn’t entice me to run so instead I strolled and stopped en route to photograph and video the mood of the wet, windy Christmas day. Only in the UK!
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