December 19th, 2016

Berlin, Germany, Christmas Markets, Open Air Markets, Handcrafted Gifts, Tradition, Weihaachtsmarkt, Europe

I am remembering so well when last year I went to the opening of the Christmas Markets in Berlin, Germany.  It was Thanksgiving and visitors were a little apprehensive after the tragedy in Paris.  Berlin was well guarded.  It is a beautiful city and it transforms itself into a living Christmas.  There were about 60 markets around the city. Buildings, shops, restaurants were all decorated with real trees and thousands of lights.

And today, once again another tragedy happened. It was at the market called City Weihaachtsmarkt.  I remember telling my children that if someone wanted to do damage these Christmas markets would be perfect targets.  The first photo above is right across from where today’s tragedy occured.  And, the second one is of that particular market, as well. This West Berlin street called Tauentzienstrasse is very upscale; sort of like the the Fifth Ave of Berlin.  Our hotel was 2 blocks away.

Residents of Berlin were comfortable with the fact that so many refugees were being accepted.  They have had no problems with others that have assimilated the culture. But, they did say that if something did happen things would start change very quickly.  So, here we are.

Getting into the Christmas Spirit was easy in Berlin.  You could not help it!  Some of the Christmas Markets are bigger than others, and some are more family oriented.  The food was amazing.

All markets are laden with traditional food, drinks and crafts.

The tradition of these markets go back to the Middle Ages.  I would go back again because there is still so much that I did not see.  Discovering the world is a must.  It is getting much smaller and definitely more dangerous.  If you are traveling abroad you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  This is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  It is a way of staying connected through these uncertain times.  If you enroll, they will send you travel alerts, weather surprises, uprisings in any particular country, so please visit https://step.state.gov/step.

Until next time I remain. Merry Christmas!

November 29th, 2015

Destination? Christmas Markets, Berlin, Germany, Open Air Markets, Handcrafted Gifts, Food, Drinks…Berlin’s Cheer is not for its markets; the streets light up too!

A week in Berlin, Germany, just as the Christmas Markets were ready to open.  It is a German tradition called Weihaachtsmarkt or Christmas Market.  Not only there are about 60 markets around the City, but Berlin itself has an obssession with Christmas decorations throughout.  Buildings, shops, restaurants….all are decorated and for the most part all Christmas trees are real.

A main shopping street in West Berlin is Tauentzienstrasse…Shops are upscale and plenty of them are not shy about saying Merry Christmas!!  One of such store, Hugo Boss.

This avenue will be completely lit up at night and they were still placing lights as we left on Thanksgiving Day.

With everything happening in this world, it was great to see all the decorations and hear Christmas music all throughout the city.

But nothing will get you more in the spirit of Christmas than Berlin’s Christmas Markets.  All the markets are laden with traditional food, drinks, and crafts.

The market just opened this past week and will be opening throughout December.  It is a lot of work as I watched some of the merchants putting the last minute details on their stalls.

One market in West Berlin, near my hotel, was called City Weihaachtsmarkt.

The markets open around 11 a.m. and continue until about 10 p.m. depending on the market.  Also, some of them have rides for kids and others have heated restaurants within the market.

Plenty of food and no need to be on a diet in Berlin….you can’t.

I love roasted chestnuts so twice I went to this stall….the chestnuts were from Italy.  I had them in the a.m. and then in the p.m.  They told me that late in the day they were better….they tasted great to me both times.

They were perfectly roasted, easy to peel and best was eating them while walking around checking other stalls out…..did I tell you that Berlin does not have open container laws?

The Christmas Markets are a place to meet for drinks and dinner.  Grab something up or just have a drink and enjoy.  It was cold so make sure you bundle up.

Stay tuned….a few more posts from the markets in Berlin.