Merry Christmas

After receiving many curious and interested messages asking how my Christmas was, I am now writing a blog entry about it.

On December 24th, Christmas Eve, I was at the beach with my girlfriend Bridget and her sister Anika. We swam a bit, sunbathed, and then went for a coffee. When we got home, I changed because we were invited to a barbecue party at our neighbors' house. There was live music and lots of good food. Until then, it didn't feel like Christmas, more like a beautiful summer day. When we got home again, we started preparing the food for December 25th. After that, I stayed up past midnight wrapping gifts with my host mother and then distributed them under the tree. In Australia, Santa Claus comes overnight from December 24th to the 25th, and the gift-giving takes place on Christmas Day, the 25th.

On Christmas Day, I woke up early to Skype with my family and be a part of their Christmas Eve from a distance. Then the boys woke up and started unpacking and playing with their gifts.

We continued preparing more food throughout the morning, which we then took to the grandparents':

There was traditional Christmas ham, which is cooked and glazed. There was also lamb and turkey. We had potato gratin, salads, deviled eggs, various sauces, and shrimp. For dessert, there was tiramisu (made by me), pavlova, trifle (a mix of biscuit rolls, gelatin, vanilla pudding, and cream), and lots of fruits! It's currently cherry, mango, peach, apricot, and nectarine season here. A true feast!

Afterwards, we continued opening presents and the boys played on their water bouncy castle. In the evening, we drove back home and had another gift-exchange, this time with just the immediate family.

On Boxing Day, which is called Bermudian Christmas here, we celebrated a Bermudian family tradition. My host father and his friend prepared delicious traditional food: There was peas and rice, a special dish with black-eyed beans, spicy sausage, and rice. In addition, there was Bermudian potato salad (very tasty! I have the recipe!), Bermudian-style macaroni and cheese, and various grilled meats: beef, pork, and chicken.

So we sat on the veranda, had a beer or two (or Bermudian rum with apple juice), had funny conversations, and enjoyed the delicious food. It was very relaxed and enjoyable.

As you may have already noticed, it was a lot about food and spending time together. It was a very relaxed and warm Christmas, and I am incredibly happy to have had this experience. I fit in well with the family and it was a very nice, albeit unusual Christmas,

Now there are only 2 nights left until the cruise. On the morning of December 29th, we will be picked up in a white Hammer Stretch Limousine and driven to Sydney. This is still part of the 21st birthday gift for the daughter.

Then we will set sail in the evening and cruise on open sea for 2 days. After that, we will visit a different island every day. I am curious to see what awaits me there. I am definitely very excited and will provide you with a detailed report afterwards!

Take care and have a happy New Year!

Many greetings!

Leyla