Christmas Markets

I love Christmastime in France! Though the commercial atmosphere is still present here, there are also many traditions that we don't really do in the United States, one of which is the Marche de Noel, or Christmas Markets. They are comprised of little booths where vendors sell their goods. Unfortunately, many of them are not original and are just selling items they've imported (from Africa, now that I've been there I see how much stuff originates there). But there are also some really cool ones, like the man in Tours who was selling melted wine bottles that he'd turned into vases, lamp bases, or jewelry or the man speaking French with a heavy Russian accent selling Matryoshka Dolls. Either way, many of the booths are interesting to look at. And probably the best thing about the markets are the edible goods - vin chaud, warm wine mulled with spices and marron grilles, roasted chestnuts, which I'd never had until here (very good), not to mention the assorted crepe booths that have tons of sweets and giant jars of Nutella. And no Marche de Noel would be complete without something for the kids. In Orleans it was an ice skating rink encircling the statue of Joan of Arc! In Tours, we have a Carousel. These markets really bring the spirit of Christmas alive. The one in Loches is next weekend, there's supposed to be a Salsa dancing exhibition and a bear (don't know how to feel about that). I'm sure I'll have more pictures to show then...