Back in London

I am back in London after my xmas break. I had two relaxed weeks filled with family and friends. I celebrated NY in Oslo - dinner with some friends. It as relaxed and fun. With good food and champagne. Just as it should be. Next year, however, I am planning on going somewhere else with a group of friends. We went to Tallinn last NY and it was such a great experience.

I came back two days ago, and it feels like I never left. Even Paddington station was not as grand as it normally feels upon return to London. Have I told you about the experience I normally get from arriving at Paddington? No?

Ok. Let me explain The Paddington Station Experience:

Imagine you are from a very large country with only 5 million inhabitants. This means you are not used to see many people in one place, and your train stations will usually never be really sizable. Then imagine that you are leaving that country to move to London. You arrive at the airport, and as you find the tube system somewhat complicated, you take the train to London Paddington. Upon arrival at the station you struggle with getting your heavy suitcase out onto the platform and when you finally look up you see Paddington. Its grandeur takes your breath away, and you are inevitably reminded of how small you are and how big the world is. It is a good feeling. A little daunting, but nevertheless a good feeling. I strongly recommend the Paddington experience to you too!

Paddington Station 1913 - not very different from the Paddington you arrive at today.