I spent last weekend drinking from Friday until Sunday. Friday began at the Vancouver Christmas Market, in its first year here and based on the 700-year-old German tradition of outdoor Christmas markets.
It's only $2 if you go during the work week before 2pm. Otherwise, it's $5 and not really worth that admission price. It's small inside and the food is a bit pricey. However, it's a fun way to get into the festive spirit. There's a gazebo in the middle that features musicians or singers, and of course there is Bratwurst. We had a cup of hot mulled wine, which warmed us up immediately. Then we checked out all the pretty decorations they had for sale, including the beautiful German christmas carousels, which range from $50 to $200. I of course bragged that I already had one, courtesy of the Salvation Army thrift shop, for a mere $2!
Afterwards, I found myself at the only country bar in downtown Vancouver, with a group of mostly gay guys who wanted to go there to celebrate a birthday. I line danced, watched people get thrown off the mechanical bull, and then two-stepped my way out of there by midnight.
On Saturday, I hung out with my coworker at his place watching old Christmas specials. We also made a batch of German buns/rolls. (Germany seems to be the theme this year for Christmas, it seems! I noticed a lot of "Stollen" bread around town, at the Thomas Haas shop, at the Bakers' Market, and at the Christmas market.)
Speaking of the Bakers' Market, this weekend looks to be the last weekend they will be open, so it's your final chance this year to get down there and grab some locally made goodies for the holiday season!
On Sunday, I went over to Alexis' place for a festive get together that included cheese, wine, and spiked egg nog.
Other than that, I've been taking it easy. I watched the movie Easy A, and it was actually quite funny and entertaining. If you want something light without your intelligence being insulted, check it out!
If you want something more Oscar-worthy, then The Social Network was rather good. I mean, it's getting a lot of talk about being the best film of the year. I'm not sure I agree with that completely, but it is a good movie.
If you're into more of an artsy vibe, then I would recommend the Italian film I Am Love, starring Tilda Swinton. How amazing is she? She rocks the Italian (at least, she comes across like she does) and puts in a powerful performance as a bored housewife having a mid-life crisis. If that's not enough, the movie itself is as gorgeous and beautiful to look at, as the language is to listen to.
I've put up the Christmas tree, done some shopping, sent out some cards, and made numerous playlists. We're getting soaked with rain here in Vancouver, i.e. it sounds like someone is spraying a garden house on my window when I wake up in the morning. However, it could be worse - I could be beneath a bank of snow in Montreal or Toronto or London (both Ontario, and the UK).
Speaking of playlists, I've been trying to find songs that aren't the typical Christmas fare, just to mix it up and make it a bit more fun. I'll post some up here, starting with the now classic, Dick In a Box:
Do you have any suggestions for new holiday/Christmas songs?
Hope everyone is having a great December!!
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