This weekend we traveled to Aachen, Germany to shop at the Christmas Market. Aachen is Germany's westernmost city, so while the city itself doesn't have much to offer tourists, the traditional German Christmas Market brings in all the Belgian, Dutch, and other neighbors. A Christmas Market is exactly what it sounds like: an insane mass of crazed people yelling in foreign tongues, elbowing each other for position at the front of the line to buy ornaments and sausage. And the little old ladies are the worst, because they look so sweet and kindly, but, in reality, they have the sharpest elbows- how else do you think they survived this long? (Hint: It's the elbows!)
Here, Erika works her way into the crowd:
Somehow, we survived the gauntlet and managed to enjoy ourselves. Several of our friends also made the trip, so we all shared in the bratwurst, gluhwein, and schnitzel. Gluhwein is a mulled red wine (Rob doesn't know what that means, either, but he likes it anyway) and is perfect for warming you up as you take a break from the elbows and the gnashing of teeth. We like it so much, we brought some home with us, along with some beautiful crafts and ornaments and even a "German Christmas Decoration Thing" for ourselves:
The candle-smoke turns the fan, which spins the figurines. And, yeah, it's as cool as it sounds. It has fire and wind and it's made out of wood! What could possibly go wrong?
3 comments:
- I don't miss Glue Wine, but I do miss Germany, the snow, the skiing... and I guess you and even Erika too... you working in a "tea/coffee" shop yet?
-by the way, that was me (Jon) commenting.
Just set up a blogger acount so I can comment on your site! What a wonderful idea to keep those of us back home updated on your lives!
Think German market shoppers are bad? Try shopping for new flooring, etc. at the big box stores alongside all the Christmas shoppers. And that's in a predominately Jewish town!!!
Enjoy every minute of your time there! What memories you're making!! Love, Auntie Amy
Post a Comment