O du fröhliche Weihnachtszeit in Deutschland...

Christmastime has arrived in Germany :)

Since November 29th, Marburg has been lit up and decorated in a very festive way - yes, the Weihnachtsmärkte are in full swing. The Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) is a very important part of the German Christmas tradition. Having never been in Germany in the winter time, I'd never experienced it before. Marburg has 2 markets, one by the Elisabeth church and one in the Oberstadt. The Elisabeth church market is a bit bigger, and more spread out, but I personally prefer the Oberstadt just because it's so beautiful and cozy up there to begin with. The joyful, well-lit Glühwein and Bratwurst atmosphere just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Mulled wine, or Glühwein is a popular German Christmas treat. It's warm and spicy, yes, but... as I really hate the taste of cloves, I go for Kakao mit Schuss (hot cocoa with a shot of amaretto ...mmm) instead. Either way, there's nothing quite like a group of bundled up friends wrapping their cold hands around warm mugs of Glühwein or Kakao, chatting and taking in the sights and smells of the Christmas market - Bratwurst, gebrannte Mandel (roasted almonds), Schoko-früchte (chocolate covered fruit), Crepes, gerostete Maroni (roasted chestnuts), etc...

So far, I have seen 3 different cities during Christmas market "season". Marburg, Heidelberg and Frankfurt. I hope I can see more. Heidelberg's market set-up was really fantastic, with different squares all over the downtown areas filled with stands of goodies, artisan and crafty stuff for sale, Glühwein and of course, der Weihnachtsmann (Santa).

But, my favourite so far has been Frankfurt. SO cool. We went in the evening and it was lit up so beautifully...the best was in the Römerberg with the giant Christmas tree and carousel. Of course we took it all in with some Bratwurst and Glühwein/Kakao depending on the person, lol. Also got some chocolate fruit, tasty!

This Thursday, we're going on a huge Erasmus group trip to Berlin (4 days). I hope there will be more markets there! I have been to Berlin twice before - but I love this city. I'm also going to try to meet up with Jendrik (friend from WLU - he was on exchange at my undergrad when I was in 4th year). He's now married and has a little boy!! Also, Kate's longtime family friend Caroline lives in Berlin...I met her with Kate a few years ago (many times) so we'll try to get together too. And, generally, I'm excited about seeing BERLIN :)

I have one last English class to teach before the Christmas break. We're going to have a little Christmas party - the class topic IS holidays and travel. Class has been going really well, they handed in their first essays last week and I have yet to correct them. I will let you know what comes from that - I'm hoping to get a move on that tomorrow.

This month (and the coming months too) is going to be insane. My study is in full swing...Christmas...I have a Referat to prepare for my class on the first day back in January...I have to finish my dissertation proposal once and for all...I have to get going on that conference paper...FUN TIMES AHEAD! (eek) I'm leaving on December 17 for home...what the hell, that's just over a week. It's really unbelievable - I almost don't want to go. But I can't wait to see everyone, including Rubie ;)

But first, I am exhausted, and will sleep.

Buenas noches (because my Spanish is improving at an unimaginable rate!)
xx