St. Nick rides a Harley

We're feeling more and more part of the community here in Basel. Our little town is a "suburb" of the city, and is quiet, but also has some quaint traditions and sites. The language is still a barrier, but people have been welcoming to us. There is a "metzgerei" down the street, or meat market, and the kids enjoy going there to pick out sausage or pork. The owner offers them a piece of a cold cut as a treat -- it's a cross between bologna and ham, and we are becoming more familiar with the terms at the deli counter. We are also meeting neighbors. For example, we have met German neighbors who generously brought us the traditional gingerbread house that is pictured above. It is slowly being dismantled by the boys as Christmas approaches.

And now that Advent is upon us, the town has assigned houses for each night of the Advent calendar to showcase lights and gather people together. I took the boys to one of the nights this past week. A florist was hosting and at 6 pm, she unveiled the lights in her window, and then invited everyone in for hot wine, juice, and snacks. There were only about 10 people that were there, and it wasn't as dramatic as I expected, but it was welcoming to enjoy some glühwein and meet new people in the neighborhood. I have to admit that I saw Rick Steves take part in this tradition in one of his Switzerland shows, so I was somewhat prepared for what took place.

Our town Christmas market was happening this weekend and it was just a walk down the street for us. It was a small market, with maybe 30 stalls set up with food and crafts. We took the kids to a puppet show, or kinder theatre, about a prince and a dragon. Of course, it was in German -- well, I should say it was Basel Deutsch, which is different than High German. Side note: Basel Deutsch is more guttural, or requiring articulation from the back of the throat. (Get my drift?) 

As we were walking around the market after the puppet show, we heard some commotion coming from the street. It was Santa Claus on a motorcycle with goodies for the kids! 

He drove to the center of the market and stopped to talk to the children and hand out "Grättimannen", which is a sweet bread that looks similar to a gingerbread man with raisins for eyes.

      

So in many ways, I feel like we are still outsiders in this community. But slowly, we're starting to blend in more as we go about our routines and take part in events. 

Until next week... Tschüss! (Ciao!)