New Year, New Sights, New Joy
One of the events that I was most looking forward to in London was ringing in the New Year. Ever since I was a child, I would spend my New Year's Eve in America watching CNN and the end-of-the-year countdown around the world. Memories of London resonated in my mind, as it was so frequently named the best place to experience a new year celebration. It may be due to the strong nightlife and party culture combined with the eagerness to set off a firework. London does New Years in style and the world takes notice.
Because I had a few weeks off from university for the holidays, I was pleased to welcome a friend in from the United States to celebrate with me. I quickly realized the seriousness of this event when I found that tickets had sold out for the grand show long before my friend even arrived. We spent portions of our week trying to scope out areas to get a free glimpse of the fireworks. This was quickly cast off once we noticed ticketed locations expanded down towards Waterloo, and chances of any sneaky visuals were slim. The increasing population into Central London brought on new challenges, and the state of the tube was unsurprisingly chaotic. As the night grew busier and colder, my friend and I retired to my flat above Stratford where the reality of distance from the show set in. The defeat didn't last long, however, as fireworks from the neighborhoods below started rising up from the rooftops.
The skyline grew in sparkling color while the hours past. I sought out BBC to provide the countdown online and was so pleased to have a panoramic view of the party epicenter at my fingertips. We twirled the interactive camera around, counting down with the those on the other side of the camera. Once the new year rang in, bursts of color held me in awe. A strange medley of upbeat songs played from the London Eye broadcast and I gazed from the scene on my computer screen to the unbelievable celebration outside. I clearly remember shouting how I had never seen so many fireworks in my life. London erupted in an enormous display of union and cheer that I will never be able to forget.
Although I didn't get to set foot near the world renowned party that night, I had an experience of a lifetime. Witnessing events unfold from the comfort of my warm, new flat with a dear friend at my side successfully closed the door to one year and burst open the path down another. I have heard that the way you spend your new year is only a forecast of the year to come. Due to my joy in the moment, one could say that I anticipate lots of contentment. I only hope that everyone from the great city of London to distances far away started off this new chapter in a similar manner. Hold on to these moments as you journey into 2017.
Peace to you and happiest New Year!
Because I had a few weeks off from university for the holidays, I was pleased to welcome a friend in from the United States to celebrate with me. I quickly realized the seriousness of this event when I found that tickets had sold out for the grand show long before my friend even arrived. We spent portions of our week trying to scope out areas to get a free glimpse of the fireworks. This was quickly cast off once we noticed ticketed locations expanded down towards Waterloo, and chances of any sneaky visuals were slim. The increasing population into Central London brought on new challenges, and the state of the tube was unsurprisingly chaotic. As the night grew busier and colder, my friend and I retired to my flat above Stratford where the reality of distance from the show set in. The defeat didn't last long, however, as fireworks from the neighborhoods below started rising up from the rooftops.
The skyline grew in sparkling color while the hours past. I sought out BBC to provide the countdown online and was so pleased to have a panoramic view of the party epicenter at my fingertips. We twirled the interactive camera around, counting down with the those on the other side of the camera. Once the new year rang in, bursts of color held me in awe. A strange medley of upbeat songs played from the London Eye broadcast and I gazed from the scene on my computer screen to the unbelievable celebration outside. I clearly remember shouting how I had never seen so many fireworks in my life. London erupted in an enormous display of union and cheer that I will never be able to forget.
Although I didn't get to set foot near the world renowned party that night, I had an experience of a lifetime. Witnessing events unfold from the comfort of my warm, new flat with a dear friend at my side successfully closed the door to one year and burst open the path down another. I have heard that the way you spend your new year is only a forecast of the year to come. Due to my joy in the moment, one could say that I anticipate lots of contentment. I only hope that everyone from the great city of London to distances far away started off this new chapter in a similar manner. Hold on to these moments as you journey into 2017.
Peace to you and happiest New Year!