So, although it was supposed to be a surprise, I can now finally post that Ryan and I will be making our way back to Canada for Christmas. We are sadly trading in the sunshine beaches for snow covered streets and scraping windows of ice in the morning. My original plan was to continue travelling after Ryan returned to work in January. Tyler connected me with a very nice couple in Spain whom I was going to live with (WWOOF'ing again) on their olive farm. As the Christmas lights started appearing and the passing travellers discussed their plans for the holidays, my heart strings were pulled towards my family. Ryan and I have had an amazing few months in Europe but the time has come for the two of us to return home. We will be flying into Canada on the 21st...just in time for Christmas! With only a small period of time left abroad, we are still planning on how to spend out final days. It has been interesting to learn how all of the different counties celebrate the holidays. Celebrations in Italy begin 8 days before Christmas whereas the main party in Germany has already passed (Dec. 6th). Here at the hostel, there is no shortage of holiday spirit. The old boxes of lights and garland were brought out this weekend and strung up both inside and out. Apologies for not having any pictures of Italy so far...I forgot my camera in Belgium. Our awesome CS host has mailed it to me here though so it should be arriving this week. Anyway, I guess now I can say I will see you all soon!