It feels a little early to be thinking about, especially since we are in the middle of our conference for Spring 2017, but winter holidays are coming up fast, folks! Usually I spend my time off around Vancouver, enjoying the seasonal sights like the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden or the Robson Square skating rink (although I do spend a lot of time cozied up in my apartment with a good book too.) This year will be a little different though as I’m jetting off the UK for a winter wedding and to spend some time with my British family.

I’ve been doing a little research to prepare myself to visit, since I haven’t been in more than a decade. I’ll be spending most of my time in a little village outside London called Upnor (specifically Upper Upnor) in the parish of Frindsbury Extra, Kent; I had to give you all that detail because, as a Canadian, I am unendingly charmed by English place names. Despite my rural lodgings, I’m hoping to make it into London at least a few times to see the sights!

DK’s Top 10 London 9781465445520

Lonely Planet England 8th Ed. 9781743214671

Shannon Bennett’s London: A Personal Guide to the City’s Best 9781743791745

Since I can’t spend all my time sightseeing, I’m taking some books to read during my downtime. Here’s what I’m packing:

The Life-Writer by David Constantine 9781771961011

Lost in London: Color Your Way Around the City 9781784880668

Victoria by Daisy Goodwin 9781250137593

Between the cold-damp of a UK winter and a house full to the rafters with my crazy family, I think coming back to work in Vancouver will feel like the real holiday! However, I’m looking forward to spending my time off in a different part of the world with people I hope your holidays are relaxing and full of good food!

— Dani “Picadilly Circus” Farmer

PS. You didn’t think I would leave you without a song to listen to, did you? Have a little Ella!

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