Fluffy Snow, Christmas Markets, and Holiday Visitors

Yesterday I woke up to a fresh layer of glistening snow.

It covered everything.

It was beautiful.

Gnocchi was still admiring it this morning.

Despite the snow, a friend and I (this California native drove in the snow, it's true) made the drive to Strasbourg, France to visit the famous Christmas Market there.

It was -10 degrees Celsius outside. That's 14 degrees Fahrenheit. It was cold. Too cold for our toes. We routinely popped into small cafes and restaurants ordering food and beverages just to give our bodies a chance to thaw.

It was very beautiful there despite the frozen toes... each building decorated differently with the fragrant smells of vin chaud (hot wine) and roasting chestnuts.

This following picture does not do this alley justice. Unique and gorgeous chandeliers hung every few feet above us...

When we were officially frozen to the bone, we went to the mall (along with the entire population of Strasbourg) and stopped at Paul's bakery for goodies.

Then we drove home.

And my brother is coming for Christmas and gets here tomorrow!