Warm Glühwein and roasted sugard almonds are keeping my blood warm as usual this December. I made the annual stop at the Zürich Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas market) in the main train station, which is the largest indoor Christmas market in Europe. I say this like it's this massive complex, but it's actually really not. If you don't stop for Glühwein at every Glühwein stand (and if you don't, what's the point?), you can easily make it around all the stalls in an hour. Soaring from the center is the massive Christmas tree decorated completely with Swarovski crystals. Now, go get another glass of Glühwein and have a look at those twinkling lights...they start to multiply for magnificent effect.
Swiss Christmastide is often filled with nuts, and Samichlaus (sound like Santa to you?) comes on 6 December and generously leaves heaping bags full. Once again, this December has seen massive amounts of peanut shells ground into the office carpet as we all happily crunch away during the day. I'm not complaining. I really like nuts, my favorites including walnuts, almonds and my mother.
We took a quick trip to Zagreb (Croatia) yesterday to enjoy THEIR lights (they made a good effort) and explore the city a bit. I had my usual hyperventiliation as we crossed the border (especially this time because the chick on the Slovenia side actually tried to say something...which turned out to be my name), but it was a very fun if short trip. Mira and I even got a few leans in.
I'm back to Zurich on Tuesday, but in closing I hope your holiday season this year has been full of starry nights, bright lights and all good things. I'm starting 2010 ready to take on a new decade surrounded by people who make me happy and things that make my life worthwhile, and when I remember that (and actually appreciate it) I can honestly say to you that I hope you are as happy as I am.
