Merry Christmas from the Christmas Markets of Germany and Austria

---

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

This was a December like no other. My friend, Dodie, and I spent 12 wonderful days in Germany and Austria visiting 16 Christmas Markets. It was a joy for the senses and a really fun time. We traveled from Frankfurt to Wurzburg, to Berlin, to Munich, to Vienna, and to several small towns surrounding Munich. We saw huge markets, small rustic markets, and magical artistic markets. We visited palaces, cathedrals, monasteries, dear friends, and best of all, Dodie’s relatives. They hosted us for several days and took us to markets that the tourists don’t usually see. Our time spent with them was very special. It was a wonderful way to feel and enjoy the Christmas spirit. We even had snow which was a delight for two Florida girls. I will let the photos and captions speak for themselves.

Thank you everyone for the Christmas cards that you have sent to me. I have enjoyed them and hope that you enjoy this blog as your digital Christmas card from me. I wish everyone a Joyous Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Hugs and Kisses,

Pam

---

Photos

Father Christmas
Glühwein - hot spiced wine that keeps you going in the cold.

My first Eirepunsch - hot eggnog with rum and white wine. It also kept me warm. These were really tasty!

Dodie earned her wings also

The Wurzburg Residence
The palace of the Prince-Bishop of Wurzburg. It houses the world’s largest fresco, more than 7000 square feet. It was painted by the Venetian artist, Giovanni Tiepolo. He was a master of 3-D illusion art. It was amazing!

The Reichstag Dome
The German Parliament building in Berlin

Spiral walkway leading up to the top of the dome. From here you can look down into the assembly hall for the German parliament.

Dodie and I reflected in the mirror panels

Looking down from the top to the bottom

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market
Lots of good shopping here

So many choices…

Getting our Christmas shopping done German style

Calling it a night after 10 hours of Christmas markets in Berlin

Comments

[Home and Away]

Dear Pam, I missed your annual Merry Christmas greetings...
so it is good to see this one about your visit to Christmas markets, which Linda and I loved to sample when we lived in Germany and Belgium. However, Ron is missing so this probably explains the gap over the last coupld of years. You didn't post any details so I hope that you are doing well as we approach the new year. I wish you a blessed new year...and continue to travel with friends. Bob

[Nancy Kopf]

Your trip!
It looks like lots of fun. I just don’t like being cold anymore…39 this am was cold enough. Merry Christmas. Cheers, Nancy