HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Merry Christamas and a Happy New Year!

Der Weihnachtsmark - The Christmas Market

Christmas - one of my most favorite time in Germany. Why? Because of the "Weihnachtsmarkt" (Christmas Market) of course!

The Christmas market begins with Advent and lasts until noon of the 24th of December. The stands are decorated with fir branches and lights. In the middle of the "Weihnachtsmarkt" is a large, decorated with candles Christmas tree, under which the crib is with the Holy Family. At the market square, Christmas music is playing. My favorite part of the Weihnachtsmarkt is the Glühwein (this is a hot, spiced red wine), Lebkuchen (a traditional German product baked for Christmas, somewhat resembling soft gingerbread) and roasted chestnuts.

Unfortunately, today many same Christmas markets are rather an amusement than a pre-Christmas market. Due to the high level rents crafts are disappearing and they replace items with all kinds of junk. Therefore arose more frequently lately "alternative" markets again offer old world craftsmanship. A traditional Christmas market is characterized by stalls selling Christmas decorations, nativity figurines, tea, pottery, candles and Christmas specialties such as tunnels and fruit bread.




Culinary, either a red, thick sausage or Schweinsbratwürst (two thin sausages) is eaten with mustard in bread. With that, a mug of mulled wine (Glühwein)  (hot red wine with spices) or punch is consumed. There is also something sweet to eat like Magenbrot (literaly: stomach bread), gingerbread, hot roasted chestnuts or almonds. 

The Nuremberg Christmas Market is the most famous market, followed by the Munich Christmas Market, which was first mentioned already in 1310. 1434 is the Dresden Strietzelmarkt. 
Since the Nuremberg Christmas Market is usually very crowded, the Augsburg Christmas market is a recommended alternative, which is very similar to the original.

In Augsburg, the "Engelsspiel" (Angels game) is very well known. Every Saturday and Sunday evening by 6pm, at the town hall windows a flock of angels appear and make music. It's a very romantic spectacle!

The Autobahn

When ever I tell somebody that I am from Germany, I almost always get asked about the Autobahn. Yes, I miss the Autobahn...

Here are some things you should know about the Autobahn:

There are speed limits! There is usually a speed limit of 130 km/h (80.78 mph) unless you see the following sign:

 Yes, that is the dream of every driver and that will put a smile on your face! NO SPEED LIMIT!!!

 Below are some street signs you should be aware of:

This sign will indicate what the speed limit is from this sign on

This indicates that you are now going on the Autobahn :-)

This means "Exit"

 This indicates that you are now left the Autobahn :-(

Gute Fahrt! (Bon voyage / Drive Safe)


Hier is a YouTube video I found, that I am sure, will get you in the mood: