I forgot how pretty snow can be when it falls. Then of course there's the next day when it ices over. For the most part the roads and bike paths are clear but walking can be treacherous.
This weekend also sees the arrival of Sinterklaas and the exchange of presents, so I braved the arctic winds and went to Alkmaar center to do some shopping. What a difference between Spain. There was hardly anyone in the streets or bars. I guess people work here.
Speaking of my former home, in the region of Catalunya, there's quite a scatological bent to their traditions. For example presents come from the cagartió which is a log with a smiley face that you feed to crap out out your reward. There is also the caganer which is a figurine of a peasant taking a dump that's placed in the nativity scene. You can read the short story he inspired here. His squatting pose is then given to celebrities, politicians, and football players. It's all in good fun and not meant to be disrespectful. Below is a picture of the original figurine with Obama.
