It gets dark so early! Today was a bit better after getting some rest, but will be brief. Started off walking down the main street called Bahnhofstraße, (Train Station Street) loaded with lots of upscale shops and dining establishments. Saw the really neat Christmas Market inside the train station with a big beautiful central tree covered in Swarovski crystal surrounded by all kinds of shops. The markets sell all kinds of foods, drinks (something called Glühwein – glowing/heated wine flavored with extra holiday seasonings such as cinnamon and more) are ALL OVER! It is very popular! Headed back around south back around old town passing by the neat Niederdorf district of Zürich which has all kinds of neat stores and shops. Went back to the main Christmas Market in front of the opera house. Even busier in the daytime and without rain!

Shortly after I boarded a train and headed to Basel, right on the border with Germany, which is quite a neat city! Of course next stop after checking in at the hotel was the first Christmas market which was pretty neat. Very large, and VERY crowded like the others! You move faster on the 405 freeway in rush hour trying to pass a major accident in the rain when the freeway is closed than you move in these markets. Much of the town and many of the buildings decorate for the holidays which adds to the merriment. Also today was the Basel Stadtlauf (Basel City Run), a major event which closes down roads and has huge numbers of spectators lining the streets. The start of the run is also at the famous Basler Münster, the famous Basel Minster, a Protestant Church, and also the site of another nearby moderately sized  Christmas Market! I decided to pickup a couple neat souvenirs, little Basel Christmas mugs, one shaped like a Santa boot, and another a little red mug with hot cocoa. Mmmmm. Tons and tons and tons of people also have these little mugs with Glühwein in them. Fun!

Pictures of Basel Here!