Well, it appears that December is upon us and I must say that I am loving the holiday season in Europe. This past weekend, I ventured to Switzerland to visit my aunt and we spent three days wandering the famous Christmas markets of Basel and Strasbourg (France). We ate soft, drank Gluhvein, and, as the weekend came to a close, enjoyed a lovely coating of snow over the Swiss landscape.
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| Beautiful view over the Alps on my flight to Zurich! |
For those of you that have never ventured to European Christmas markets, I must advise you that they are just as hectic as an American mall. However, these markets are outdoors and are set-up similarly to carnivals, in that different shops occupy stalls that run in rows across an open square or piazza. As you wander through the markets, you'll find as much food as you will anything else. Soft pretzels, hot chocolate, fondues, chocolates, hot wines, and sweets of all kinds fill more stalls than the surrounding trinkets and ornaments seem to. All in all, it's a festive atmosphere for the hoards of people that attend.
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| The train station in Strasbourg, France. |
This week brings me to the last week of classes in Florence. I simply can't believe that my semester abroad is coming to a close and, as much as I'm looking forward to going home, I will be sad to leave my European surroundings. People aren't joking when they say that study abroad changes your life; it teaches you about the world as much as it teaches you about yourself. I'm firm with conviction that I'll look back upon the semester fondly and, in all honesty, I'm sure I'll begin planning my next adventure as soon as I've fully come to grips with the fact that this one has ended.
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| The Christmas markets in Basel! |
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| The amazing view over Basel from the rooftop bar! |
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| What are we telling children if Frosty is drinking? |
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| Musical santas! |
Best of luck as you begin your holiday preparations! Until next time, arrivederci!
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