rushing in this holiday season

I'm back with another post! Apart from being busy and trying to balance a social life, my poor blog is suffering from neglect. Not to mention that time is flying by way too fast. Every year before Christmas, I think I have time to get presents and write/send Christmas cards. But it appears that I never have the time and always wait until the last minute and make a mad dash for it. At least this year, I'm not in the middle of finals and knee-deep in papers. What a refreshing change.

Since I left with the last post, I've been to Paris, Strasbourg, and Colmar. And of course, I stayed in Lyon for the famous Fête des Lumières. I am a lucky girl indeed. 

Paris. As lovely as I left it and much more. It was quite a warm November weekend. My friend and I were able to go to the Catacombs (because I've never been there) and the Picasso Museum, which has been under renovation for the past....5 years, give or take. 

We were lucky enough to wait about 45 mins in line before going inside the tombs. If you're into seeing just...bones, this is the place to go! I have no idea how many people were buried here, but the sheer amount of bones in the Catacombs gives you an idea of the number.

HOTPOT

I had a good dose of Chinese food that Saturday, which I appreciated. Including this lovely hotpot, which I haven't had in ages.

Followed by brunch the following morning. It was two days of non-stop eating. From brunch, we made our way to the Picasso Museum. The wait was surprisingly short. But take note all you people under 26: you can enter the museum without going to the ticket stand. Just show them your ID with a birthday and you can waltz in. If you're like me and look young, the cashier will just get really confused and ask you if you're sure you're over 26.

"The Kiss"

I really enjoyed this museum. It was extensive, big, and gives you an in-depth view of Picasso's work. I love his abstract art. Totally worth the 11€. Go if you're in town!

The following weekend, I went to Strasbourg and Colmar. Mostly for their Christmas markets but also to get a taste of Alsatian life. There were literally Christmas markets everywhere scattered in both cities and they were charming to boot.

Lots of canals running through the cities. And the colors on the buildings were just exquisite. I definitely got into the holiday mood while being here and also a slight feeling of not really being in France.

View from the Cathedral

Colmar is just a half hour train ride from Strasbourg. It's smaller than Strasbourg but just as charming. As usual, Christmas markets were scattered over the town. I ate waayyy too many cookies and had way too much mulled wine. It just couldn't be helped. I'll have to go back to these places once it gets warmer.

Tartiflette!

Finally, the Fête des Lumières. This year's lights were fantastic and cheery. I avoided Saturday night completely because I knew it'd be crowded, so I enjoyed the lights on Friday, Sunday, and Monday.

Parc de la tête d'or

Parc de la tête d'or

By Opera de Lyon

Place de Jacobins (Left)

Rue de la Republique (Right) 

Place Sathony

Hôtel de Ville!

Well, there you have it. All the activities and all the adventures. I look forward to the upcoming Christmas season. Even though I'll be working through the holidays, being in Lyon is already a wonderful gift for me. I've been given such a wonderful opportunity to be back in Lyon and working so I definitely don't plan on wasting it!

Bonne semaine, everyone! Enjoy the holiday rush =]