OXFORD, UK || At First Sight

Everyone knows Oxford. Famous for its university (Univesrsity of Oxford), famous for Harry Potter, famous for the stationary brand (Oxford), famous for the publishing company (Oxford Univesrity Press). And famous for being a must-see place in Engand.

Oxford is located in southern England, in the county of Oxfordshire. It is strategically situated between London and Birmingham what makes it really easy to get there, for example by train. Oxford is a small city however it has the oldest university in England and probably the best one nowadays. 

Oxford was founded by the Saxons in AD I, it was destroyed in the Norman Invation in the 11th century. However, this event didn't prevent Oxford from being a big source of knowledge since that century. In fact, the first records of Oxford University date from the 11th century. Multiple well-know personalities were related to Oxford since then: Geofrey of Monmouth, Lewis Carroll,  J R R Tolkien or Oscar Wilde among others. During the Great War, Oxford wasn't bombarded so its old colleges remain undamanged nowadys. 

After this  introduction to this fascinating city it's time to see some pictures of what you will find at first sight.

Enjoy!

xx

BIRMINGHAM, UK || Frankfurt Christmas Market

'It's the most wonderful time of the year'

This well-known song keeps playing in my head everytime I realise that Christmas is here. For me, this time of the year is not about spending money, is about watching Christmas films, listening to Villancicos and Christmas songs, decorating the house, gathering with family, eating special food and getting dressed as it is the end of the world! As you can see, I follow my traditions religiously every year and I am the happiest woman in the world.

So, being a traditional Christmas person I was very excited about the famous Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. The market is so different to what I was used to (you know, madrileños, la plaza mayor con sus millones de figuritas para el belén y los gorros de brillantina!) in Spain. This is so European!!! (see the 'Frankfurt' word on its name)

The Frankfurt Christmas & Craft Market is the largest Christmas Market in Britain thanks to its 180 stalls. In Victoria Square you can enjoy live music (mainly Christmas songs) and a carrousel for children. You can also enjoy its 180 stalls, including the Craft Market and all its mostly German food stalls (sausages,  mulled wine and cider, hot chocolate, crepes, wafles and preztels) And you can have a good time in the wheel and the ice skating rink. The whole market is situated along central Birmingham from the Symphony Hall to the Bullring. It is a big attraction for both Brumies and people around Britain so if you have the opportunity to visit the market be prepared for large agglomerations of people eating sausages and wearing Christmas jumpers. 

For more information, visit its web page here

And its facebook page here

For pictures of the market.....keep on reading the post!

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

xx

KENT, UK || Westerham & Chiddingstone

Today I want to do an especial post. So far, apart from gardens, I have only shown well-known cities, Manchester, Birmingham, and Worcester. It is really amazing to visit all those big cities, but it is also amazing to visit not-so known but traditional British villages. I strongly believe that the South East of England is one of the prettiest and more charming places in the UK. We saw some examples of nice places in some of my latest posts and we will see more soon. 

This is why today I'm presenting two little villages in Kent. Traditional pubs, traditinal buildings and really nice churches (and old cemeteries, my favorites!)

If you want to discover more about this two charming villages, continue reading!

xx

KENT, UK || Emmetts Garden

Last week, I wrote about the National Trust and I shared some pictures of one of their protected places: Scotney Castle. So, today, I want you to see another place you can visit with National Trust in Kent too. This is Emmetts Garden (Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6BA)A green paradise of flowers and colours. There are no houses no castles, just green grass, and colourful trees. A great choice if you want to spend the day taking a gentle walk through a peaceful garden.

Enjoy the walk!

xx