Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Happy Sunday everyone :) 

So last night I took a trip to the local Christmas Market. If you're North American, or just culturally oblivious like I am, you may be wondering "what exactly is a Christmas Market?" (side note: a quick Wikipedia search confirmed that we apparently have a “Christkindl” market in Kitchener, but I doubt it is as magical as the European experience J). Well, my friends, I think the best way to describe it is Santa's Workshop for Muggles. If you've ever seen my favourite Christmas movie, Elf, you will remember the scene where Buddy decorates the Gimbel's department store at lightening speed over night. Well that’s how I feel about Tours, because one day- BAM!- it’s Christmas!

The entire city of Tours is adorned with Christmas lights and there’s a giant Christmas tree in front of city hall. There is also a huge ferris wheel about 500 feet from the Tanneurs campus! The actual market starts at city hall and makes its way up to the gare (train station). Each vendor has its own little cabin which sells everything from crêpes, chocolats and macarons to hats, jewelry and art. We stopped to enjoy a French specialty of vin chaud. Translated directly, this means “hot wine” which didn't sound terrible appealing until I learned that it is mulled wine, much like we would drink apple cider. It is made from red wine and spices and is absolutely delicious! The entire atmosphere is very festive and just what I needed to get in the Christmas spirit (the absence of snow is throwing off my internal calendar).

vanilla bourbon crème brûlée- incredible!

I’m glad I got a taste of Christmas markets because my mom & I will be spending Christmas in Strasbourg, France, which is reputed to have one of the best Christmas markets in all of Europe. So until then, I will be counting down on my delicious Kinder Advent Calendar until she gets here! 

Z <3 

I can't decide whether I should buy this hat
36€ but so cute!