Catch up... Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Life Galore!

I'm behind. Considering that I'm updating my blog with my December activities in February, I decided that I would crack down on my lazy ways and play catch up on my life... Enjoy the picture heavy edition of December to February! 

I spent my Christmas holiday in Bern, Switzerland with my lovely family who live there. 

Sprouting Christmas trees on a tree farm where we picked our tree 

Christmas Market in Thun, CH

Most of the homes actually look like this! 

Invited to dinner-- this is quite the eclectic and eccentric kitchen

Hands down, the coolest outhouse ever! That's a sheep's horn as the toilet lid handle... 

My favorite lamb... he acted just like a puppy! 

Fresh snow on Christmas Eve

Lighting the candles on the tree on Christmas Eve

The angle watching over the Alps

The family at the Ice Castle Exhibit (Yes, an ice castle exhibit in December in Switzerland... it was cold!) 

Most psychedelic ice castle ever

Weird scenarios going on in the castle!

New Year's Eve! 

My dear friend, Brandon! 

Happy New Year! 

Two weeks ago, Clermont Ferrand hosted its annual, world-renowned Short Film Festival. http://www.clermont-filmfest.com/ It lasts one week and, boy, what a week it is! The population of the city explodes with foreigners from all corners of the globe and the social calandar is jammed-packed with amazing activities!

 I went to one screening of short films: amongst the 7 films, two were incredible, and the rest left you in that, huh?, mode. 

Another highlight of the week was a circus-esque bar that was built called Electric Palace. It was brimming with cool people and fantastic music. Despite the long line to get in, this was a place we frequented several times. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from inside the tent...

Electric Palace madness

I'll admit I have neglected my camera lately, so despite having recently made a trip to Paris and having enjoyed some magnificent weather, that's all folks! 

A bientôt! Bisous! 

Noni Time!

The beginning of December was very exciting… MY NONI WAS COMING TO VISIT ME!! I was so excited to have my sister (whom I affectionately call Noni) in my new home-town and to see her and to hang out and to shop 

and to eat and to just be with her! I couldn’t wait!

Finally the day came… Hooray! But my anticipation was extended even longer as she was late due to delayed planes, trains and automobiles.  Christina and I waited in the snow, our toes frozen, for her train and finally, a very tired and a tad delirious Noni arrived! We scooped her up, after almost 30 hours of traveling, and took her home to feed her full of good things. We had a 

good sleep and then the fun really began…

 After sleeping well into the afternoon on Saturday, we ventured into the city to explore. I showed her all of the beautiful, quaint spots I had found. Cathedral, check! Place Jaude, check! Cute French boys, CHECK! With our smoke-like breath to keep us company in the cold, brisk air, we saw all we could fit into a few short hours before the shops closed, then headed home for dinner and party prep!

 All dolled up, we went to a party at friend’s fabulous apartment. Sitting with all the Frenchies 

amidst red walls and paintings galore, we sipped on red wine for hours.

 Stained red lips are a common thing here, luckily we beat the wine to it as we were both wearing bright red lipstick. This allowed for lots of fun as red lips invite kissing… And as you can see we kissed a lot of people!

 That evening we had to say goodbye to Christina who was headed for Paris the following day. We met up with some friends for drinks at Magma—what a riot! Nothing brings out cultural differences like drinking, and nothing makes those differences more funny than being drunk! 

Despite that during the week, I had to work, Jess and I kept busy. We certainly ate well… crepes, truffade, pastries, éclairs, and everything else delicious!

Now this is what I call heaven! 

Noni's new hat! Too cute! 

We were frequent visitors of the Christmas market where, under the tent of lights, we drank mulled wine and ate trouffard (which is SO good!) and bought many presents. One Wednesday we went to Royattonic, the local spa from heaven. Two and half hours of hot pools and saunas made us very prune-ie, but very happy!

Truffade.... Mmm!

View of the city! 

The weekend brought many more fun evenings out. After dancing the night away at Rat Pack, the Rock bar that is always packed with people dancing to Nirvana (an interesting sight to see), we finished the night with some of my closest friends at Couch Tard. Couch Tard is an interesting place: a restaurant that is only open from 5-9AM and only serves steak and French fries… delicious! Bellies full, my Noni and I returned home to sleep the day away like vampires…

Our last day together was lazy but great! The best part about having my Noni here was just getting to BE with her. It was a nice end to a great 10 days together. Love you Noni, Noni!!!