The Singing Christmas Tree

Last Thursday we made our way into Zurich to the Singing Christmas tree. We were told that this wasn't something to miss, but we had a special reason to be there Thursday night. Our friend Sandy was singing with some students and fellow teachers from her school.

We had a little bit of trouble finding the tree at first. Mostly because I am not at all familiar with Bahnhofstrasse. My conversation with Sandy went something like this:

Sandy: Do you know where Globus is?
Me: No.
Sandy: Do you know where McDonald's is?
Me: No.

Repeat for a couple of other stores. I obviously need to go explore the stores on Bahnhofstrasse some more. Brian will be thrilled.

We eventually found the entrance to the little square where the tree and market were.


And, lo and behold, there was another carousel there. Shocking!

That's Marion enjoying the carousel with her friend Sydney.

The market next to the tree was nice and mostly filled with food stands.


Then it was time for the singing to start! The "tree" is basically a very tall choir stand decorated to look like a tree. It was gorgeous all lit up. And the singing was great! All of the singers realy got into it. A great performance!

The kids loved it. They loved watching Miss Sandy!

Not far into the performance Marion started dancing and didn't stop. I wish I got a picture of that, it was priceless! The girl loves to dance and sing. One of these days I'm going to get her into that ballet class.

It was a wonderful evening. I highly recommend checking out the tree if you can!

The Swarovski Tree, at night

I was right. The tree definitely sparkles more at night. It is fantastic!


Yea, I know. These pictures don't really show it. You'll just have to trust me. It's gorgeous!

Einsiedeln Christmas Market

On Tuesday, Marion, Mom, and I went to the Einsiedeln Christmas Market with my friend Kacey. Supposedly the biggest market in Switzerland, we had to check it out.

Of course we picked a cold, rainy, snowy day to go. Why do I say rainy and snowy in the same sentence? Because what came down was totally dependant on where you were. At our apartment, it was rain. At the market, it was snowing. But that only gave the market some great wintertime ambiance. Once you got used to the cold, that is.

Mom and Marion braving the snow.

The market was fairly easy to find right off of the Einsiedeln train station. The market stands are set up along some side streets and lead right up to the monastery.

We walked around a bit, exploring the stands. And then Kacey and my Mom checked out the monastery. I wasn't feeling up to climbing another hill. They said it was very nice- I promised to drag Brian there next year.

While walking around, we discovered our new favorite treat: Opfelchuechli.
We now refer to these as heaven. These babies are slices of apple, dipped in dough, deep fried, and then smothered with vanilla sauce and cinnamon.
Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Get some. Fast. They are that good, I swear!!!!

After some walking around, we decided to head back to the train. On the way back though, we had to stop at the carousel. We can't get past these things without stopping for at least one ride for Marion. I've noticed the prices are higher at Christmas markets. One more thing for me to be in shock about- pricewise. But it is worth it for that big smile she gets on her face.
Totally worth it.

Samichlaus!!!

Samichlaus comes to Switzerland today! However, he came a little early to our town this year. We got a sneak peak at Samichlaus and his buddy Schmutzli at our town parade last Sunday.

Here we are waiting for the parade to start.
And here it comes! First up in the parade were some people who looked very warm carrying lights.
Next was a guy cracking a whip. Obviously I need a tripod for nighttime shots.
Then it was time for some cowbell. Lots and lots of cowbell.

Next were some drums. Those pictures turned out worse than the pictures of the guy with the whip.

And finally it was time for the big guy!
Samichlaus walked around giving out goodies to the kids- clementines, nuts, and snacks. Schmutzli did all the hard work pulling the cart filled with the goodies.
We had a great time! Samichlaus was very nice and gave all the kids treats. Marion hasn't stopped talking about him all week. He's been a great reminder for her to listen to Mommy and Daddy, as he should be!

Busy busy!

And without a laptop, still!

We've been keeping ourselves busy this week. So far we've hit another popular Christmas market, went to Brian's company holiday party, watched a singing Christmas tree, discovered a new favorite treat, and went to that Samichlaus parade I haven't posted about yet. As soon as I figure out a way to get the pictures on Brian's laptop, you will be smothered with information.

It's a good thing I've been up and about. It's a great time of year here, so festive. But I also get to deal with cramps, dizziness, nausea, and exhaustion after our trips. I'll be mentioning that to the good doctor at my appointment next Friday. All of this just makes me jealous of friends who are due to have their babies anyday now!

In other news, Marion's been a rockstar going potty during all of our outings. A favorite moment of hers was when she went number 2 on the potty on the choo-choo train. She'll kill me one day for posting about this on the internet. But I'm her mom, it comes with my job! At least I'm not posting a picture of it (you're welcome). Of course this momentus occasion came after she repeatedly hit the SOS button. I couldn't see it hidden below the sink and next to the toilet paper holder. However, it was at the perfect toddler height. She went right for the round, red button. Fun, fun.

Finally, our apartment is still on the market. One month down of paying two rents, two to go. We've advertised on yahoo expat groups, a popular apartment website here, and a popular expat website. Someone, please take our place!!!!

Murphy's Law, of course

My laptop was picked up yesterday by Dell to be taken to the repair center so they could work their magic. I figured this would be better than them shipping us parts that they thought might be causing the problems and then having us replace it.

However, in the last week, I've noticed a decrease in problems with the laptop. Go figure, right?

So I hope they find something wrong with it and fix it. Because if not I can already see the future- they'll send it back and all hell will break loose on it and I'll have to go through this process again. That, or I'll throw the darn thing against a wall and buy myself a new laptop. Hmmm, that might not be a bad scenario...

Anyway, basically this means that I'm blogging from Brian's laptop. So the pictures are set up a little different among other things. I'll keep trying to post but, if I happen to disappear for a few days, I'm probably sitting somewhere praying for my young laptop.

Zürich Hauptbahnhof Christmas Market

Brian, Mom, Marion, and I made our way into Zurich for the Zurich Hauptbahnhof Christmas Market. Yep, a market in the middle of the train station.
Pretty cool. I mainly like this idea because it is warmer than the markets that are outside. I'm not really a fan of freezing cold. Yet.

Anyway, it was bigger than I expected. And there was some great stuff for sale! But our favorite part, by far, was the Swarovski Christmas Tree.
Gorgeous. My pictures don't do this tree justice. Hundreds of ornaments were hanging from the tree. And then, below the tree, crystals and figurines were arranged all over the place. The entire thing sparkled in the sunlight.

See what I mean? If you are in town, go see it. I bet it would sparkle more at night under the lights. Note to self, try to get there to see it.

Marion liked the tree but was quickly distracted by a carousel. I think the Swiss have these at everything. Good thing, Marion loves them!

While she was riding her horse, we noticed a food stand right next to it. People were walking around with slabs of ham, mustard, and a slice of bread. I went over and bought three plates. It was delicious!!!! It reminded me of home a bit.

Anyway, the market was fantastic. I highly recommend it. I know we will definitely be going back before Christmas is here!

In pregnancy news, I guess you can tell I am getting better. I like to say we are moving in the right direction. I still have my moments of pregnancy ickiness but they have been few this weekend. Mom has been a huge help and I'm slowly getting back on my feet. Now, of course, I have to deal with being exhausted from a simple trip. One of the many downsides to bedrest I guess, even if it was only two weeks!!!