Living in a Winter Wonderland

Europe has been gripped by a major cold snap.  It has been below zero (C) here for several days running.  The pond in our neighborhood is nearly completely frozen over.  It has snowed several times and it does not
seem like the city is fully
prepared to remove it.  Here and there they salt, but most places the snow just sits.

The city's transit does not respond well to the white stuff on the roads.  The problem probably starts with the cars that slow down considerably, but it effects the busses, big time.  The other night on the way home from class, it seemed like the busses had disappeared.  A big crowd at the stop, and after a 10 minute wait I gave up and started walking.  I made it home (5 stops) before a bus passed.  I wonder if one ever came.

Still it was a nice walk, even if the quaint little cobbletones with their uneven surfaces are a real challenge when covered with snow.  It was snowing, and it always seems warmer when the flakes are falling.  For a Californian, not something we get to do everyday.  It's like living in a Winter Wonderland.

The Christmas season is finally here.  The lights that they put up weeks ago have finally been turned on.  Saint Nicholas is everywhere.  It is very pretty.  I'll let you know when I've had enough of the snow.  I give it another week.