Christmas market

After Katy was finished with her last exam, we all jumped in the van and zipped over to a Christmas market in France, about 40 minutes away. It was a cold and damp day (yes, even for hearty Canadians), but the market was beautiful.
This is Raclette chesse which is melted and spread on potatoes. It is a delicious meal which we also enjoy at home, but our house has a rather strong odor for several hours (sometimes days) afterwards!


We found something to eat, similar to what we called "churros" in Brazil. These "massive french fries" you can see are deep-fried, rolled in cinnamon and sugar, and taste much like a donut. You can see the little pot of chocolate for dipping "on the side". They were hot and delicious!

Christmas markets are always set in the town or city square so the beauty of the surrounding buildings adds to the charm of the market.
The region of France we live close to is called the Alsace. It is quite famous for its amazing Alsatian fabric. The prints are very unique and look like something from the East.


All kinds of cookies.
My dad would have loved looking at all these creations made from tin, nuts and bolts.
These ceramic tea light houses are actually replicas of houses and buildings in the area.
We found a real Canadian - a Quebecois - selling maple syrup and other Canadian goodies. His sales weren't very brisk, so we bought a small (but pricey) pot of maple butter from him. I think it is something we will have to ration! It was neat to talk to him. I think he was homesick for Canada (and Canadians) because he wouldn't let us go!
Howard visiting with our Canadian friend. You can see the cathedral in the background.
The night view from the steps of the cathedral.