Cheesy pic in front of our little tree!
Reallllly delicious Christmas dinner...
One of our pretty "First Christmas" ornaments!!
It was quiet here, but we spent a nice day together. We decided to make Christmas cookies (they are one of my favorite things), but (like it seems with everything) we had to make them from scratch! They tasted delicious... but maybe left a little to be desired in the looks department. Since we didn't have cut-outs, and as usual, they were expensive to buy, we cut our cookies free style. This was hilarious, but let's just say neither of us is a creative genius. CJ enjoyed showing off his angel cookie to everyone we talked to... but let's just say his reindeer didn't fare so well... We had to make homemade frosting too. Not my favorite. Yes, I greatly prefer the Betty Crocker jar!
Our first New Years in Zurich was a little more lively! We met up with some friends from CJ's work for some celebratory beverages before heading down to the lake. They set off a wonderful fireworks display from the middle of Lake Zurich!! There were a TON of people out on New Years, and it was totally bizarre still to see everyone out on the street with champagne. However, even though it's still weird to see, this didn't stop me from partaking... I mean, I wouldn't want to offend anyone with my American ways... ;)
Party in the streets for New Years! :)
Since the holidays have come and gone it has been business as usual. We are slowly falling into a routine... which was brought to my attention the other day when CJ came home, looked in the fridge and cupboards, and commented on how it was full of our "usual" groceries. Hallelujah! We have "usuals" here. I never thought I would see the day.
We also spent an extremely fun Saturday a couple weekends ago in Liechtenstein and then at a local Carnival! If you are like me, you had no idea Liechtenstein even existed (before I decided to go there). I can assure you, it does exist. It is TINY. And nestled between Switzerland and Austria. If you care to know more, check it out here:
Liechtenstein... fun for all ;)
We had fun checking out Vaduz, the capital city. But, let's just say it didn't take too long.
In the vineyard... maybe not the best time of year to visit...
After, we went to one of the first local Carnival celebrations near Zurich. Let's just say, this is something you have to see for yourself!! I will try to do it justice, but I'm not too sure if I can. Anyways, local Carnival celebrations happen all over in different Cantons in Switzerland leading up to Lent. Basically (like Mardi Gras in New Orleans) it is a time where people let loose, and over-indulge, before Lent. Although it takes place for a LONG TIME here... And let me just say that if the street fair we went to was any indication, the Zurich Carnival is going to be crazy!!
Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, was dressed up. Most people were covered in bells?! And there were beer tents and dance tents lining the streets. There was also an enormous straw witch that people danced around (and handed out oranges... weird), strung fireworks to, and eventually lit on fire! It was something like I have never seen before! Ever. I think we all caught the "Carnival" spirit! Hahaha.
Burning witch (yet another witch in the foreground)!
We are also trying out some new places around town. Trying to get some ideas for when we have visitors! We are planning on a couple quiet months coming up while the weather is getting worse and CJ is entering busy season at work. But, we are really looking forward to our next big trip in May!! Until then, we are going to have to make our own fun... :)
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