Christmas stuff

Michael and Jack were in Christmas "spectacles" (shows) for Ecole Montriond, each class holding separate evening events the last week before Christmas.

Jack's class recited poetry, sang folk tunes, and performed a skit about Pere Noel (Father Christmas). 

Jack was the wind,

while Michael's class held to the semester theme of "The Night," focusing on bats & phases of the moon, performing in black costumes by candlelight (made filming impossible, btw).

Michael recited lines in French & German (introduced this year), playing "Clair de la Lune" on piano. The spectacle was ambitious; the class featured individual & group poetry, songs, choreography, & instrumental pieces, followed with Christmas cookies baked at school (Jack's teacher served us wine!). Marking the winter solstice, the class had an in-classroom sleepover and teachers prepared breakfast the next morning. 

We are amazed at the level of commitment & coordination (3 part-time teachers per class), the secular nature apparent - no mention of Mary, Joseph, or Jesus. The religious symbols - angels, carols, mangers - are present in decor and Bible lessons; innocuous, in contrast with the charged atmosphere in culture war America. The issues have been largely settled in Europe: the religious symbols are retained formally since the content is gutted; tribal nationalism and the State is where the action is.  

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I'm impressed at the serious art study here; checkout these paintings mimicking the style of Spanish artist, Miro

even the signature

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Went to Colmar, France (2.5 hrs) for their famed Christmas Market,


much more elaborate than Montreux's.

Colmar actually ran several markets at different sites, one devoted to children; ie more sweets & toys, like this Pinocchio marionette stand.

Charming amusement rides, 

such as this horsey ride complete with a rather strong, galloping motion

  
and snow-blowing machine

I was charmed by these porcelain creche figures from Provence, which are usually set in an expansive garden scene.

Colmar is the best preserved of the Alsace region towns, characterized by timber exteriors

  

 and canals like Venice.

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Like Beaune, there is beautiful artwork in cathedrals, although we didn't explore,

 

but enjoyed the architectural details as we walked past.

Both towns are 2.5 hrs away; Colmar more ornately beautiful with shops & restaurants tucked everywhere. Beaune, a sparse foodie town - given the Burgundy setting; what I imagine Napa to be like.