Christmas in Schaffhausen

Back to Switzerland...so beautiful. Schaffhausen is a nurturing place, especially at Christmas. The lights, the snow, the decor, the people...We got back just as the Christmas market was closing down, but just in time to get the Gluhwein (heated wine) and raclette.

The snow picture is from the next weekend with our friends. The Swiss people are sporty and very in-shape. We were going to a "country" restaurant for lunch, when i was informed that there was a small walk involved. I'm usually game to a little walk...so I was agreeable. We walked and walked for 2+ hours, uphill, in the snow, with my fabulous new boots on, before reaching the restaurant. Wow...remind me of this next time a walk is mention, I should get details first. A beautiful day...but 4 hours of walking is excessive for an American with new boots. I do have to say...I love the boots (one of my best purchases yet).

A little more Venice...

We also visited "The history of textiles and costumes museum" in Venice. Small museum, but a few very impressive exhibits. Unfortunately, no pictures of the museum...so just enjoy Venice.

Venice...the food

If you know me, you know I love to eat. The food is always a memorable event when we visit Italy. We visited a local favorite...a small restaurant just off the fish market. They get fresh fish every morning and prepare what available. We had Couscous, arugula salad with caramel, and sea bass seasoned with a light sauce and local vegetable...amazingly yummy. The other photos are from a fancier restaurant...veal scallopini al'

lemon and freshly-made pasta.

To market, to market...

Being on the sea, Venice harvests a multitude of fish. The fish and vegetable markets were just down the canal from our residence. I love to explore the local land, so to market we go. Very cool...so fresh and unusual. Some seafood still alive. I'm intrigued by the man smoking while filleting the fish:).

Just a regular day in Venice...

It's always fun to explore new lands, and Venice was quite interesting. We stayed in the Bed and Breakfast Rialto...so super nice. We got the suite (very affordable with the off-season). It was a beautiful apartment in the heart of Venice, overlooking the Grand Canal. Wow, what a location; and the room was superior. It was on the top floor and had ~3 rooms + a bathroom. We felt like we were living in Venice. Apparently there is a high tide in the morning on certain seasons. The water rises and overtakes the walkways. Secondary to this fact, everyone wears rubber-boots. Not knowing this factoid, we didn't bring rubber-boots. No worries...our host at the bed and breakfast provided boots with the room. Cool...huh? Here's a few shots of the room and from the room... (look closely at the one of the sidewalk and see the water to the door).

Weekend in Venice

One of the things I love about Bruno is his sense of adventure. A couple of weeks ago...we had frequent flyer miles that were burning a hole in our pockets. Bruno spontaneously booked us a trip to Venice, Italy for the weekend. Luckily, it was the off-season, so the the crowds were low and we got to experience the city in all it's beauty. Getting there was an amazing journey as well. A train to the airport so we didn't have to park the car. We flew from Zurich...just a short 1 hour flight over the alps. (The scenery was like a painting.) After landing, we had to take a water-bus to Venice. Venice is build on wood arising from the sea...not sure what keeps it so stable, but sure there's some physical chemistry involved. Simply amazing....

Thanksgiving

On the day of Thanks, giving thanks is what we did. The weather was unbelievable...a mere 78 degrees-not bad for the end of November. Our family gathered at my parents' cabin and "sister" cooked. The newly built cabin is ~400 square feet, so we opted to eat outside on the picnic tables. Good food, good fellowship, and we thank God for all he's given us and allowed us to experience in life.