Gingerbread

My first full day home consisted mostly of something I specifically requested to do with the family once I was home: decorate a gingerbread house, because yes--I am still 5 years old. My mom was thrilled to hear this and wholeheartedly agreed, so we spent our Sunday evening pouring our soul into this little house. And I've gotta say, we're pretty proud of the result.

More Christkindlmärkte! (Friday night adventures)

This weekend we spent our Friday night meandering around several Christkindmarkts with some of our students and mentors. We started at the the Mitttlealter market, then moseyed on over to the one in der Rezidenz, next to the one at Rindermarkt (my personal favorite), and finally to the big kahuna at Tollwood. Several cups of Glühwein and Feuerzangenbowle were consumed, many laughs were had, and many shivers (and general laziness) unfortunately kept me from documenting a good part of this evening. But here are a few good shots I got throughout the night!The Rindermarkt Christkindlmarkt definitely had the most stunning decorations--if only we had a little snow too!

How visually appealing is that display of ornaments? And this soap? I mostly just wanted to stare at it, but I took a sniff of the lavender scent and I have to say, the smelled as good as they looked. These are just a few of the many wares at the Mittelalter, Renaissance-style Christkindlmarkt.

I'm starting to get extremely excited about Christmas, and especially coming home and seeing my family. 12 more days! Sending good Christmas/Holiday vibes to you all!

Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz

The first weekend after Thanksgiving means the Christmas markets are finally open! My friend Elizabeth and I headed to Marienplatz on Saturday for the afternoon to explore a little and buy some classic winter treats.

Glühwein (or mulled wine), is a traditional German Christmastime drink and shows up everywhere around this time of year. I tried my first sip the other night, so I decided I should give a full cup a try. I got the Rotwein and Elizabeth got the Weißwein--it's not something I would necessarily be dying to get again, but my taste buds did start to get used to it a little bit more as I got closer to the bottom of the cup (that could also have just been the alcohol taking effect).

Surprise, surprise, we saw a crepe stand that we just couldn't resist. And HOLY HOLY, they were soo tasty. I got Eggnog and Nutella and Elizabeth got Baileys, Banana and Nutella. 'Nuff said.

 

We have plans to go explore some more Christkindlmarkets on Friday with our mentors in the program as well as take a Christkindl-themed tram tour around the city on Saturday! It's just the most wonderful time of the year, isn't it?