La fin de 2010

Here we are, I had my last lesson before Christmas today. I thought it would be the last one of the year but it won't be. This reflects how the year has been: very busy. Better than 2009, 2008 and 2007.

This year, the City has seen dozens of new tall buildings - I love watching them grow - numerous corners hidden by building works to undercover a beautiful new buidling, a new shopping centre, like the 'One new chance' between Bank and St Paul's stations. It's funny, I was there on the opening day, but never went back. I just don't think about it. When I think 'shopping', I don't think about this place, and it's not because it's far from me, non non non!

We have also seen all these empty shops from the recession reopening under new names. Therefore, we now have new places to grab lunch from, and many are of the healthy kind, a new Daunt bookshop (I just fell in love), a Paperchase (the best for notebooks, journals and diaries as far as I'm concerned), as well as new clothes and shoe shops. Jones is still there, I wonder why, I've been quite disappointed by their shoes, I would like to see Minelli or San Marina in the City. One can dream.

I confirm cupcakes, Prêt-à-manger, sushis, Cafe Nero and Costa Cafe are still popular. But I don't go to Starbucks anymore. I fell out of love ages ago. The same for the gym. I couldn't bear to give my money anymore to FF, they didn't deserve me. And I lost weight. Girls, you don't need to go to the gym to lose weight/be fit. The streets are all yours to run/walk free and you can treat yourself to cheap evening classes in your local Public Hall, whose money will go to an individual instead of a big company who clearly doesn't care about you.

This year was also the snowiest I've ever seen in London, that's been wonderful to see, days of white landscapes to drive through, watch through the train windows, when I could get a train, eh oui. That was the problem: snow and trains don't mix (well). So much for global warming, it's going the opposite way. I should improve (I mean) start my 'Skype' teaching. It is the future. If you want lessons, please contact me. I do take on new motivated students.

Starting to learn a new language is a great new year's resolution, you're going to learn about a new culture, make your brain do some gymnastics and have the satisfaction of conversing in French, Italian, Spanish, Greek, what's your pick?