December 3rd, 2015
Saturday, December 5th the Holiday Season will begin in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Known as The Quiet Resort, Bethany Beach does get a little quiet in the winter but plenty of the merchants are open during the week-ends. Not wanting to stay behind other Delaware Beach resorts, Bethany puts a good show for the Holidays.
On Saturday make plans to be there by 1 p.m. when free events will be happening: Photos with Santa….he will be arriving at 1:15 p.m., Letters to Santa, Horse-drawn carriage rides, trolley rides, face painting, hot cocoa and cookies and music!!
Help Bethany Beach start a new tradition when at 6 p.m. the Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on the Boardwalk by the Bandstand.
Gather with friends and family and help light the “Tree of Warmth”, and sing along to a performance by the Lord Baltimore Children’s Choir.
Everyone is encouranged to bring hats, gloves, scarves and canned goods as a donation to area charities.
Please have in mind that every Saturday in December prior to Christmas, there will be caroling arond the “Tree of Warmth” on the Bandstand to end the day. Stores will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Please check the schedule of events for the Holiday Season in Bethany Beach at http://www.townofbethanybeach.com
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!!
November 29th, 2015
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.
November 27th, 2015
Arriving at the Brandenburg Tor (Gate) in the evening it is so impressive. It was quiet too. But still there were a few like us, new in the city, checking the most important sites to see. It is Berlin’s landmark and it represents important turning points within German history. At the end of WWII it remained the only gate to the city still intact.
This is East Berlin. After the construction of the Berlin Wall, Branderburg Tor was right within the restricted area and because of that it was not accessible neither from the West nor from the East. And when the Berlin Wall came down, it actually became a symbol for a reunited Germany and Europe.
As you cross the gate, then look up….
Brandenburg Gate’s most prominent statue is the Quadriga. This is the statue of the goddess of peace, Eirene. Also known as the goddess of victory..riding into the city on a chariot drawn by four horses. This is a copy of the original, which was destroyed in WWII.
During the day Brandenburg Gate’s is full of people. Also, this is a very important place for peaceful demonstrations. Many tours originate at the Gate.
The American Embassy is located here. During our visit it was heavily protected.
Across the street from the American Embassy you will find the French Embassy. Due to the recent tragic developments a memorial could be also found in front of it.
Right on this square is also the Adlon Hotel. Believe it or not this is the hotel where Michael Jackson dangled his baby. I kid you not, they mentioned that on the tour. You can have tea in the afternoons at the hotel.
Living statues…
On week-ends just like in any other city, the visitors come out to explore and catch tours. We took a great free tour by New Europe Tours. Our tour guide, Sam, was so well informed, entertaining and so friendly. These tour guides are self employed. More info? Please visit http://www.neweuropetours.eu.
Sam took us on the Free Tour from Brandenburg Gate to Site of Hitler’s bunker, Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, SS Headquarters, The Berlin Wall, TV Towr, Pariser Platz…it was cold but we made it.
And, Georgia took us on an Alternative City Tour…12 Euros. We explored Berlin’s underground in all its grit and graffiti.
Was it cold in Berlin this time of the year? Yest it was.
The week went fast and now I can show you some of the things we did…..stayed tuned.
November 15th, 2015
This was new to me. Thanks to my friend, Dick Bryan, I went to the Oyster & Dumpling Dinner and annual event at the Felton Fire House, Station #48 in Felton, Delaware. This is Kent County and the heart of agrigulture in Southern Delaware. Deer season opened on Friday, but there were plenty attending this event….I could not wait to have the dumplings.
You can find the Delaware Auctioneers Association on Facebook.
There was a live auction, and also a silent auction. And, a gun raffle for a Benelli shotgun and a 357 Mag pistol. The Delaware Auctioneers Association focuses in preserving the auction industry.
Every auctioneer has its own technique…not so. Almost all auctioneers learn to end their bid calling in exactly the same way. The chant repeats numbers and filler words as the auctioneer conducts an auction.
The Chant denotes both the “have” and the “want”. The “have” is the amount that is a bid. The “want” is the amount the auctioneer wishes someone to bid. When the auctioneer is about to sell the item, he slightly inflects his or her voice, and say the “want”, almost as a question, “want?”. Then, if no bid comes in, the next word is “sold” and then the “have” and then the “buyer” which is usually a bid number.
There was a silent auction. You were to use your bid number to place your bids. Lots of interesting things from gadgets to wine.
In the Live auction there were larger items such as the following.
The dinner was going to be family style. Our table was so excited with the anticipation of oysters and dumplings. And the kitchen was ready for us, as well.
These ladies were fast….serving, green beans, chicken salad, cole slaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried oysters and dumplings….OMG so delish!!
Here is my plate….so good. Seconds and Thirds.
Money was raised, the bid calling competition took place…customers were happy and our table was so much fun!!
And until next year when the 6th Annual Delaware Auctioneers Association will take place. Stay tuned.
November 3rd, 2015
“A retaurant is a fantasy-a kind of living fantasy in which diners are the most important members of the cast.” warner leroy
Crust & Craft opened in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, about 4 weeks ago. Pretty impressive to see this locale transform itself into a really nice looking place. And, the food, pretty awesome, as well. The address is 18701 Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-313-5029 Website? http://www.crustandcraftde.com.
You can find Crust & Craft on Facebook! Please note that it will be opening this week-end for lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m.
My friend, Cathy and I arrived very early. By the time we left every seat on the house was taken with the exception of one table.
Some pizzas were coming out of their oven….you can customize your pizzas!!
The menu is divided into Hearth…Bruschetta. Then, Ocean which are starters from the sea. Continuing with Earth which are seasonable veggies. Fire means 12″ wood-fire pizza and finally Stone which is their housemade pasta.
Our strategy was to order more than a few dishes tapas style.
From the Hearth we ordered the Roasted Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, Pecorino, and Balsamic. I don’t know what it was but the combination of the roasted squash and the rest of the ingredients on that toasted bread was perfect.
The Ocean brought us Wood Roasted Octopus, Olives, Potato, Oregano, Jalapeno, Lemon Maionese. The octopus was tender and had a definite wood roasted flavor.
Earth…the Beets, Ricotta, Greens, Poppy Seeds, and a Lemon Vinaigrette. Loved it! The Lemon Vinaigrette gave it a bit of a tangy taste.
Stone…The Pumpkin Zucca, Mushroom, Squash, Sage, Brown Butter, Peccorino, Pumpkin Seed….This dish was excellent. The pasta absorbed the pumpkin flavor. It was one of my favorites of the evening.
Of course we did not need any dessert but we did have it….Choco Tacos made out of Pizzelle, Mascarpone Semifredo, and Nutella…..Decadent, so much so that Cathy and I took off for the Rehoboth Boardwalk to walk off this one.
 
I would like to thank our server, Brittany, for taking care of us in such a speedy way. Her recommendations were on target. Loved everything we ordered.
I almost forgot to tell you that Crust & Craft partners with local farmers and craft beer artisans….Congratulations and wish you much success. We will be back!! Have to try the pizza.
See you soon!
 A Little Bit of This A Little Bit of That
October 27th, 2015
A holiday week-end in October and the perfect time of the year to visit friends in East Sandwich, MA. The weather was awesome, and the leaves, although not completely turned, were just very pretty indeed.
Driving through the towns I could not believe how crowded they were. Just like here at the Delaware Beaches, the visitors there were getting out of the city and some were just spending the week-end in their summer homes.
Apparently there is a saying in Cape Cod; “You can’t get lost on the Cape”….you just have to keep on going and at some point or another you will hit the water. And so we did…Gray’s Beach!! You hit this beach as you travel north from 6A along Centre Street in Yarmouthport.
The first thing that caught my attention was the long Boardwalk, which extends over salt marsh partway to beach. You can get an excellent view of marshes, plant, and marine life.
The beach is perfect for young children, a nice sandy beach and the right place for adults to unwind, or take your kajak through these calm waters.
Have a good one.
October 21st, 2015
Pumpkins, skeletons, tombstones, spiders and cobwebs. It is a Sea Witch Week End and the Delaware Beaches…Are there real ghosts and gobblins? The costumes tell a story. It will be a fun week-end at the beach!
So, what is going on?
Friday, October 23rd – A PINK AFFAIR TO REMEMBER, This is a fundraising event for Cancer Support Community Delaware and Delaware Hospice. Location? Rehoboth Beach Country Club on 221 West Side Drive in Rehoboth Beach. 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Luncheon, Fabulous Fashion Show, Chinese Auction and One-of-a-Kind Accessory Shop! Tickets are $40 per person. Lunch choices: Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken or Spinach Quiche with Side Salad.
No on line reservations at the moment, so please call 302-645-9150 to reserve a spot. To know about Cancer Support Community Delaware, please visit http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, October 23rd, October 24th and October 25th – 27th CHILDRENS FANTASY TRAIL from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cape Henlopen State Park. Wear your Halloween costume and trick-or-treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. $5 per person, adults and children.
Friday, October 23rd – 2nd ANNUAL ZOMBIE WALK AND APOCALYSE BALL – In Milton, Delaware. It is hosted by Po’ Boys and the Milton Theatre. The event will begin at 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. For tickets, please call 302-684-3038.
6 p.m. – Pig Roast at Po’ Boys.
8 p.m. – Zombie Walk from Po’ Boys to the Milton Theatre.
8 p.m. Apocalypse Ball at the Theatre
This event is a fundraising event for Casa San Francisco.
Saturday, October 24th – SPOOKY ON SATURDAY WALKING AND LANTERN TOUR – 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The area around the Lewes Ferry Terminal is reported to be one of the most haunted locations in Delaware with one of the largest unknown sailors’ and seaman’s burial grounds on the east coast. Travel on board the “spooky” shuttle to the heart of Historic Lewes to view Saint Peter’s Churchyard home to three centuries of burials.
 
An apparition or 2 may travel with you. Hear Captain James Drew’s tragic tale of a ship lost at sea. Supposedly filled with gold. Listen to the woeful tale of a “misprinted” gravestone.
A historic guide, aided by lantern light will accompany groups through the candlelit Burton Ingram House Circa 1785 where voices of the past may still echo.
Tickets must be purchased by Friday, October 23rd by 3:30 p.m. via Credit Card by calling the Lewes Historical Society’s Main Office at 302-645-7670. Or in person at the Hiram Rodney House Administrative Office at 110 Shipcarpenter Street in Lewes.
Cost is $20.00 per person.
This tour is not recommended for children below the age of 12. The spooky shuttle departs and returns from the Lewes Ferry Terminal.
27th ANNUAL SEA WITCH HALLOWEEN & FIDDLER’S FESTIVAL! – FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, 10/23, 10/24 AND 10/25 – For full schedule, please visit http://www.beach-fun.com/sea-witch-halloween-fiddlers-festival.html.
You really need to look at the schedule…it is too extensive to put here. But, one of my favorite parades will be taking place on Sunday at 3 p.m. on the Boardwalk. It is the Pets on Parade. It is so much fun and one of the most popular events of the whole week-end. Hope to see you there.
Have a good one!!
 
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