In front of the Brandenburg Gate in BerlinMerry Christmas and Happy New Year to you! It has been fun experiencing the holidays in another way this year. When you spend Christmas in Germany, the first thing you notice are the Weihnachtsmarkts (Christmas Markets) that pop up all over the city. I think we went to a different one every weekend this month, until we were Christmas-marketed out....and there were still dozens more to see! We learned which ones were good, and which ones to avoid. At the more traditional markets, craftsmen set up booths (these adorable little log-cabin looking things) and peddle the classic wooden figures that the Germans are known for making. Many people attend these markets for the delicious bratwurst or for a warm mug of Glüwein (a mulled wine full of aromatic spices...mmm). The ambiance at these markets is something to experience, and it really does put you in the Christmas spirit.
At a Christmas Market with some new friends...Admir, Emina, Marion and JensThe weather here has been cold and dreary, but we are thankful for the cozy and warm cafes in our neighborhood that have helped us survive our first real winter in 5 years. The German word Gemütlichkeit means coziness and comfort, and we have read that many cafes here try to compete to be the most Gemütlichkeit(ish) of them all. The idea is that when you enter, you are able to leave your worries and troubles at the door because you have entered a place that is not only warm and cozy, but also accepting and welcoming. What a great reason to compete, and we have been reaping the benefits. Often after dinner, we will seek out one of these places in our neighborhood and we are always excited to find one more that we never noticed before. It's may not be the warm sunshine of California, but it is a welcomed retreat from the chilly weather here in Berlin!
I've enjoyed one too many of these!
Jong, Matt and Admir at Jong's Christmas dinnerNew Years.......While Matt is in Boston visiting his family before going to a conference, I will be ringing in the new year with my favorite ladies...my mom and sister! More pictures to follow, I can assure you!
1 comments:
Okay Girl, where are the pictures?! I take it that your mum and sis were in Berlin with you. Are you enjoying getting back to work again? What are your students like? Any remind you of those back here in CA? Your replacement here is nice, but...well, the students (and others!)miss YOU! (Off the record, we feel like we should have tied you up and brainwashed you into staying here!) We ARE very happy that you are happy and enjoying life in 'another world'. Just know that you may not think so but you HAVE left a GREAT VOID at the Kellogg school. (Not trying to invoke any guilt, just telling it like it is!) Keep the adventures coming! Let us know about your daily dealings with your new students. I'm sure you have stolen their hearts as well! Here's to the BEST new year that you and Matt have EVER experienced!
Love and miss you!
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