Tags
#2016, #art, #bars, #blessed, #bubbles, #celebration, #cocktails, #experiance, #family, #fireworks, #happy, #love, #newyear, #party, #resturants, #sculpture, Europe
I LOVE NEW YEARS EVE. Saying goodbye to past experiences and reflecting on life lessons learned to welcoming in the new year with anticipation of what the next has in store.
My husband and I decided that this would be a great opportunity to go away to different city’s around Europe and enjoy the last few days of the year to make each one extra special.
2011 EDINBURGH (Scotland)
This was huge! Commonly known as Hogmanay, the scots don’t just celebrate New years eve, but they make the most of the celebration and extend it to two days before!
We explored the castle and joined in with the torch light procession which looked epic. A sea of flames lighting up the path which would be seen for miles.
New years eve was so busy, a huge street party with several stages and live music playing including Mark Ronson! It was a great atmosphere… not quite sure why I thought wearing a skirt and huge heals was appropriate as it was freezing cold, I think the rum and coke / whiskey kept us going.
1012 KRACO (Poland)
This one was particularly special as Nic proposed at just after midnight! I was so in awe of the lazer show and spectacular fireworks that I ignored him trying to be romantic!
Pregnant with Tiffin, this was the perfect place to go… all contained in the square with lots to see and experience with bars and restaurants close by! We had lots of fun and enjoyed eating in restaurant illuminate watching a pianist play the piano whilst also playing the saxophone at the same time!
2013 COPENHAGAN (Denmark)
The year our little boy was born. This was an opportunity for Nic and I to go away as thought Tiffin wouldn’t appreciate being dragged out in the cold at midnight… though looking back, I wish we had taken him with us!
Going round Tivoli gardens was unforgettable and just like a fairy tail. I felt so emotional that Tiffin was missing out as he would have loved the bright lights and ambiance!
We defiantly made the most of being baby free though and enjoyed chatting and drinking cocktails in a random rock and roll diner!
Close to midnight we headed to the centre as this is were we were told on several occasions to avoid! right in the centre and surrounded by Champaign bubbles and fireworks exploding from every direction as people launched them from their hands! We decided to get a hot dog as didn’t reckon much to the food there and ended up in the middle of a firework explosion! all I could see was a flash of bright light and felt the stick bounce off Nic’s leg and onto mine though we were both ok other than a tiny burn… A very different experience from being in Sheffield!
2014 DUSSELDORF (Germany) Again, we were blessed with child care as again thought this wouldn’t be subtitle to take a one year old! We explored the art galleries (that’s Nic up there on that installation I was too frightened!) and admired the crazy architecture, We went down the Salt mine and saw the famous ‘Last supper’ piece. We headed onto the river side and the count down began… huge crowds and fireworks again being thrown off the bridge and the surrounding areas!
2015 BRUGES (Belgium) Our first new year adventure with little Tiffin! So our plan to have new year to our self failed for a 3rd year so found somewhere family friendly…We went by ferry and Tiffin was mega excited! We had a wonderful family holiday walking through the ice sculptures and going on the beer tour though was disappointed Tiffin slept through the point of it! Much more organised than the previous countries, a firework display from a distance and Abba’s ‘Happy New Year’ song on loop which is still in my head now!
2016 NORTHUMBERLAND (England) This year we decided to go for the quiet country option, mainly because we left it too late to book any flights that weren’t extortionate!
A great escape from the business of Christmas and our latest charity event mixed in with planning church events… little phone signal was just the break we needed. We have enjoyed the fresh air and done plenty of walking, finding sculptures in and exploring around Hadrian’s Wall. Today was spent shopping in the village and having lunch in a little vintage tea room.
The plan this year is to head to Allendale which we have been told is an experience! A complete change from previous years though am slightly nervous about controlling a hyperactive three year old for 4 hours in the tiniest village ever – he is well equipped with his new paw patrol hat and little mittens currently playing snap with daddy!
I am looking forward to celebrating my 6th new year with my best friend now husband and seeing what this new year celebration brings in the next couple of hours…
Time to pop open the Champaign and turn the music on loud to dance with my boys until its time to head out!
Thank you for reading and I wish YOU a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!