We decided to drive to Zermatt for a ski trip in December. After all, we’re living in Switzerland, we really should visit the most iconic mountain here! After a beautiful trip south, we drove the car onto the train that takes you toward Zermatt in the Valais canton, drove off the train, parked the car,… Continue reading Zermatt: It’s as cool as people say

We took a quick day trip to Strasbourg, France to see the city’s famous Christmas market. It’s listed on just about every “Best Christmas Markets in Europe” lists, I thought we should go. It’s only about an hour and half away, so it made a perfect day trip. It was beautiful! Lots of yummy sweets, gluwein,… Continue reading Merry Merry at the Strasbourg Christmas Market

Every year on December 6, Samichlaus and his partner Schmutzli, along with his donkey, emerge from their cottage in the woods and visit Swiss children. This day in Switzerland is perhaps even bigger than Christmas, when Swiss children believe that the Christkind, or Christ Child, brings them presents instead of Santa Claus. Samichlaus looks a little… Continue reading Samichlaus visits

Marc here. Vicki chose Budapest as a potential long weekend destination in December based on the recommendations of some Hungarian friends and what she had read about the Christmas markets there. She probably figured I would reluctantly, or at least, unenthusiastically tag along because it a new, different place to experience, even if I’m not… Continue reading Winter trip to Budapest