Christmas is cancelled!!

Well it’s that time of year again where we eat too much, drink too much, party too much – don’t you just love Christmas! I do…

Christmas is cancelled for “1 day only” in my house as it is Kim’s birthday on 23rd December (I didn’t time that very well did I)..

Kim will be 17 years old this year – Oh dear that means she can drive. I don’t know what’s worse, the fact that she is 17 or that she will be on the roads once she has passed her test. She takes her first driving lesson in January. I’ll be a nervous wreck! I remember my first driving lesson I was so scared. I’m sure she’ll be fine though ( I say through gritted teeth).

But before Kim’s birthday & Christmas, I get to go on our Christmas Conference which is being held on board P&O Oceana. We are sailing from Southampton on 20th December for 2 nights visiting Belgium. The Oceana will dock at Zeebrugge port which is approx 10 miles from Bruges. How we’ll get into Bruges we haven’t decided yet so if any of you have done it before please feel free to advise the best option.

I haven’t been lucky enough to sail on Oceana so I’m really looking forward to it, I have seen her docked in Southampton and I have seen her sail past whilst I was on the Ventura. So to be going on a ship I haven’t been on is a real treat.

A few facts on Oceana.

The P&O Oceana first entered service in 2000, she was registered in Bermuda. 77,000 tons & has passenger capacity of 2016 & crew of 870. She is family friendly, mid sized ship which makes for a sociable and informal atmosphere.
There are 10 decks on board offereing a variety of activities including:- 4 pools, 6 whirlpool spas, sauna, gym, Oasis spa, salon, sports court, golf nets, table tennis, card room, photo gallery, library & shops.
There are 5 restaurants on board including 2 speciality restaurants – Marco Pierre White & Horizon Grill which have a cover charge from £5 to £30 payable to dine here. Over 8 different bars so plenty to keep you occupied in the evenings after dinner.
There are kids clubs on board too offering a variety of activities & entertainment to keep the big & the little kids happy.

A little bit of history on Bruges:-

Bruge

Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe!

It was a justified motive that prompted UNESCO in 2000 to include the entire historical city centre on the World Heritage list. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times. The wealth of museums is a striking image of this city’s stirring history.

The Belfry of Bruges, or Belfort, is a medieval bell tower in the historical center of Bruges. One of the city’s most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other danger. A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83-meter-high building, which leans about a meter to the east. This can be included on one of the shore excursions bookable prior to you visit.

Bruges is also home to contemporary culture, such as the new Concert Hall, which is one of the most prominent music complexes in Flanders.

The restaurants in Bruges which offer gastronomic cuisine and the exclusive hotels are a true feast for those who enjoy the good things in life.

I am mostly looking forward to visiting the Christmas Market whilst in Bruges, I have only ever been to the Birmingham German Market so this will be something completly different, might even fit in a bit of ice-skating.

So it’s all go for me.

Kim is having a party on the 22nd Dec in the evening, so a mad rush to get back from Southampton in time.

Sunday 23rd Dec is her actual birthday so mother & daughter time – off out for a spot of lunch & a bit of shopping no doubt.

Then to sort out my house for my family who are coming to stay. My mum, my sister & my 2 nephews from Bolton are coming on Christmas Eve for the week. I can’t wait as been a long time since we spent Christmas together as a family.  Just a shame my brother & his family can’t be there. Maybe next year. It will be like the advert on TV – sorting beds all over the house & lots of cooking to do but luckliy Adam likes to cook so that is his job. So a busy couple of weeks ahead & I cannot wait.

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!! Hope you all get what you wish for.