December 19, 2012
On our first visit to Russell, we went to lunch at the the Duke of Marlborough Hotel with our friends Brad and Gloria from Kindred Spirit. It’s a historic hotel, dating back to 1827, and it has a beautiful location on the waterfront. The view was lovely and the food was excellent.
I will note that we were here about a week before Christmas. It was a classically beautiful summer day: people were sunbathing on the beach, strolling down tree-shaded lanes, and enjoying alfresco meals with their friends while kids played in the water, gleefully jumping off the pier. Boats where everywhere, just like Catalina at the height of summer. The only thing that seemed out of place here were all the Christmas decorations, and poor Santa must get awfully hot working here in his winter suit!
Being from Los Angeles, it wasn’t too hard for us to adjust to a summer Christmas, and I have to say it’s a nice thing for families to have Christmas at the height of summer when everyone’s on vacation and out having a fun. It’s all very festive, just in a summery way. -Cyndi
