December 19th, 2016
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 30th, 2015
Not that long ago a friend said to me that we should all be traveling while we can. To discover the world that is getting much smaller and definitely more dangerous. But, you have to do it, otherwise, they win. So, the State Department has just issued in the past few days a Worldwide Travel Alert which will expire in mid February, 2016. I believe that not since 9/11 such an alert has been issued, worldwide. 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. They will send you travel alerts, weather surprises, uprisings in any particular country….so please visit https://step.state.gov/step.
The whole week in Berlin was grey and cold. We did manage to do everything including 4 and 5 hour walking tours. We arrived at WeihnachtsZauber Christmas market late afternoon. This is a classic market in one of the most beautiful settings in Berlin; the opulent architecture is breathtaking.
The Christmas Markets are the perfect place to escape the noisy city streets. This market lends a magical air to the event because of where it is located. Music floats from the stage where many other events take place throughout the month.
The organizers of the WeihnachtsZauber Christmas Market will be presenting a check to Berlin to support people in need and to promote cultural projects based in Berlin.
The market opened on November 23rd and you can visit from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. The 1 Euro entry free is for the charity collection which I mentioned above.
Visitors like us walked from booth to booth, discovering glass blowers, jewelry designers, painters and wood carvers. Did not buy anything just for the fact that I did not want to carry anything else on the plane.
There are heated tents with seating where you can have something to drink or eat…..kale and potatoes!!
I chose Currywurst and Beer. It might not look as good to you but believe me it was. The wurst is so crispy on the outside and perfectly moist inside. The sauce is a mixture of Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, and Curry. It is sold everywhere with the best one being Currywurst #36.
Apparently this square lights up on New Years Eve with a spectacular firework display that will set off from the roof of the Konzerthaus.
Stay tuned, I have one more Christmas Market post in the making. Now that Thanksgiving is over we can say Merry Christmas!!
Comments Off on Berlin, Germany, Christmas Markets, Open Air Markets, Handcrafted Gifts, Tradition, Weihaachtsmarkt, Europe