More Sechseläuten

On Monday, Zoë and Annie had off of school and we went to another parade. This parade was for all of the guild members of Zurich, who marched in their historic dress costumes. There were lots of bands and horses, too.

One of the highlights of the day was our tram ride home. An entire guild marching band got on and we got to chat with some of the members and get a close up look.

Sechseläuten

This past weekend we celebrated Sechseläuten, a Zurich holiday celebrating spring. The celebration starts on the weekend with a children's parade (Kinderumzug). Kids march in traditional Swiss historical costumes and immigrant children wear costumes from their birth countries. The highlight of this parade is the coming of the Böögg. The Böögg is this giant snowman guy who is meant to symbolize winter. The following day (after another parade) the Böögg is lit on fire--the faster his head blows up, the better summer will be.

Uetliberg

Last weekend we headed up to Uetliberg, the small mountain next to Zurich, to show of the view of the city to Zoë and Annie's grandma.

Venice, Italy

On our way home from Bologna we took a day trip to Venice. We could spend a long time exploring this fantastic city and we've decided we'll have to go back some day....

We were lucky to find a wonderful seafood restaurant tucked along a canal off the tourist route:

We didn't have time to go inside, but we did at least have a chance to see St. Mark's Basilica from outside:

The winged lion is the mascot of Venice, and there are lions all over the city. We had a great time hunting for them!