FINIS!

The Montbéliard Marche de Noel is officially over.  It was truly an amazing experience.  I sold jewelry to people from all over France, Germany and Switzerland.  I also slipped on a lot of ice, trudged through a lot of snow, and made a lot of wonderful memories. 

During all the planning and preparations of this adventure, it never once occured to me that I would have so much fun!

I am now in Strasbourg on vacation....however....today I took a day off  to get some much needed work done.  But I have a great view from my hotel window.  

Merci beaucoup à tous mes Amis nouveaux francais.
J'ai passi un fabuleux moment dans votre pays!

All pictures

I have been working 11 hours a day, 7 days a week for almost a month!  It has been difficult to keep up with the blog.  The weather has been brutal, but somehow I am managing to have fun and keep warm.  Only four more days of this market, then off for a much needed vacation!

Since blogger gives me trouble with pictures, here is a link to see all of them.

I have also been meaning to put a link to the "Live Market Louisiana" web camera that shows our village in the marche.  It is usually on during business hours.  

J'adore Oscar of Nouveau Orleans.

This blog post is dedicated to the famous Oscar of New Orleans.   His booth is always surrounded by the prettiest French ladies, and everyone in Montbeliard says "bonjour" to him on the streets.  He is famous.  A few days ago I had the pleasure of watching him feed the animals at the "Mini Ferme".  Even the animals love Oscar!

Impromptu Concert

Ryan Brunet gives an impromptu concert for the folks at Soixante Six in Montbeliard.

Second Line in Montbeliard & other stuff

This was fun.

These are some freaky electronic polar bears.  Not very interesting but I felt the need to video tape them.

It is suppose to flood tomorrow.  Not quite sure what is going on.  I'm pretty sure it is no big deal. 

Je ne sais pas.

night time pictures

Papa Noel!

Louisiana Village - daytime pictures



The Louisiana Rum and Beer booth. Marjorie makes Vin Chaud (hot wine) in the
big metal pot. It is a combination of red wine, New Orleans Rum, and various
spices. Delicious!  Drink at least one a night to stay healthy.




Ryan Brunet and and some of  The Malfecteurs playing outside my booth. 
Phillipe (on the right) was nomiated for a Grammy the other day!

  

Louisiana state flags line the Cajun Village area

cool trees




 

poupee voodoo!

Poupee Voodoo!  My chalet neighbor, Annie, decided to sell these voodoo dolls so she could have some extra inventory.   Little did she know, they would be her best seller.  I hear people saying, "Poupee Voodoo!!!" all day.  One customer has come back several times, reporting to Annie how well the doll is working. 

I also have voodoo earrings, which I now call "poupee voodoo earrings".  I finally sold my first pair yesterday.   My other "hot" sellers are my alligator earrings (eye roll) and music note earrings.  People point at the Louisiana pendants and ask me, "Why did you cut out a boot?".  The crab and crawfish necklaces also seem to creep people out. 

The market has been really slow.  It supposedly picks up as it gets closer to Christmas.  It is somewhat excruciating sitting in the chalet all day in the freezing cold temperatures.  I just looked out the window, and the river is frozen, so I guess today will be another cold one. 

Here is a video of the musicians we are staying with.  They are all very awesome.  You may recognize some people in the background.