Kiki In Vienna

What can be better than traveling to a beautiful city for a weekend getaway? Answer: Doing it all while barely spending a dime.  Or shall I say zehn rappen.
My husband and I spent three days in Vienna.  Which meant traveling eight hours (each way) by train from Zurich. Yes, 16 hours round trip was a bit much.  But we were lucky enough to travel premium class paying only 15% of the actually cost for two round trip tickets.  And I found a nice, clean, CHEAP hotel one block away from the Museum Quarters.  (Not to toot my own horn, but I am pretty good at finding quality, inexpensive hotels)

I LOVE BUDGET GETAWAYS!

Enjoy!

Christmas - America vs. Switzerland

A few nights ago, my husband and I attended his company's Christmas party.  My husband's boss asked us will we celebrate an American Christmas or a Swiss Christmas once our little one is born.  I said, "American."  Of course, my husband said, "Swiss." 

I made my decision based on this...

 photo clubadfundum.ch

The dark, chilling figures in soot-covered faces are Samichlaus' helper(s) named Schmutzli. There are many tales surrounding the duties performed by Schmutzli.  My husband was raised to believe that he snatches misbehaving children, places them in his sack, and takes them to the forest.  Another story claims that he carries a broom of twigs to administer punishment to naughty children.

In recent years, Schmutzli's scary reputation has taken a more positive turn.  In some parts of Switzerland, he is viewed simply as Samichlaus' companion and helper.  But in the smaller, more conservative regions, the original Schmutzli still exists.

Personally, I prefer the good ole American "naughty or nice" tactic.  I can't imagine frightening my little one with the thought of being kidnapped.

Eventually, we concluded that we will combine both Christmas traditions. Problem is, my husband wants to include old school Schmutzli, while I want to exclude his @$$.  We'll see who will win this one...

Caio.

Baby Countdown : 74 days

Basel Christmas Market

Merry Christmas!

I know that I am a few days overdue, but my sendiments remain the same.  I hope you all enjoyed the day we reserve to celebrate the birth of Our Lord.

Below are photos of the Basel Christmas Market.  Word is, it is the largest Christmas Market in Switzerland and the most luminous in Europe.  In one word, Maginificent. 

Happy 2011, Ciao!

My Busy Life

I have been quite busy, as usual.  I work five days a week and my commute is a killer.  I mentioned this in a previous post.  I'm serious; it's draining.  But thank God, starting next year I will be working less hours per week per my request.  Woohoo!  What a great New Year's gift to me.

So now I am catching up on a few posts...so here I am...Kiki in Switzerland.

Hockey
It took 30+ years, but I have finally attended a hockey game.  Take in a few drinks and a hockey game can be quite exciting.  And the Swiss are crazy!  They were loud, drunk, and not so friendly to the visiting spectators.  Middle fingers were flying everywhere.  Accompanied by bad language.
We attended the game with my husband's old friend and her mate.  Check out the photos below.

That's me. 

Hubby's old friend.

Räbechilbi - The Turnip Festival

Räbechilbi is an event where children and adults sing songs and walk the darkened streets of Zurich holding beautifully decorated lantern turnips.  A few Swiss equate it to Halloween.  I didn't see any similarities between Räbechilbi and Halloween.  But the kids did enjoy it.  Maybe that's the similarity.

Funeral

I attended my first Swiss funeral.  It was a beautiful, yet, casual affair.  The deceased didn't want a fuss. 

First, the burial took place.  Then the church service.  Followed by dinner at a local restaurant. 

I met the deceased a few times.  She was a lovely woman; 90+ years old.  She had several children, many grandchildren; and a few great grandkids.  She lived a plentiful live.  What more can you ask for.

Christmas Market
Oh, I love Christmas in Switzerland.

First, it's truly about celebrating the birth of Christ.  In schools, songs are sang and windows are decorated paying homage to Christ's birth.  I love it!

Next, the Christmas Markets are so incredibly alluring.  I think European Christmas Markets are known around the world for their beauty.  I plan on attending several markets this month and will take many photos for your viewing pleasures.

Finally,  Christmas in Switzerland is far from commercial.  Simple, low key gifts are truly appreciated.  Afterall, Christmas is not about breaking the bank to please others.  It's about spending time with loved ones and celebrating the birth of Christ (for believers, that is).

With that being said, I am so upset that I missed Black Friday.  I hope many of you got some great deals.  Haha.

Christmas Market - Zurich Haupbahnhof (Main Station)

Ciao.