15 04, 2017

Souvenir Saturday: Larimar, Stone of the Caribbean

By |April 15th, 2017|Categories: Souvenirs, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

Larimar is a stone only found in the Dominican Republic, but you'll find jewelry made from the stone throughout the Carribean as the "Official" stone of the area. It's beautiful aqua blue color does remind you of the ocean waves. I have 3 pieces of Larimar jewelry, all purchased at various places of the US Virgin Islands. The first piece The first piece, is actually my newest acquisition, as I got it right before leaving the USVIs on St. Thomas in Charlotte Amalie at a market usually serving cruise ship passengers. We had arrived by ferry and right after exiting found

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6 04, 2017

Free Las Vegas – Bellagio Fountains

By |April 6th, 2017|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

One of my favorite free activities in Las Vegas is the famous Bellagio Fountains. Starting mid afternoon and going into the night, the fountains are choreographed to various songs. During the day I recommend viewing from the front of the lake, looking onto the hotel. But at night, nothing beats a sideview looking onto the faux Eiffel Tower at the Paris Hotel. View from the Front during the Day Check here for the latest selection of songs and the timing of the fountains.

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7 01, 2017

Souvenir Saturday: Nativity Star Schwibbögen

By |January 7th, 2017|Categories: Souvenirs, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

A Schwibbögen is a Christmas arch candle holder made in Germany. This one is electric and is designed to be hung in the window. It features the Star of Bethlehem with a Nativity scene within it. Its tail has little stars and flourishes. Souvenir Saturday is an every-other week series on the items that represent travel memories.

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24 12, 2016

Souvenir Saturday: German Porcelain Candle House

By |December 24th, 2016|Categories: Souvenirs, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |1 Comment

One souvenir that you'll see commonly at German Christmas Markets are these little ceramic, clay, or porcelain houses. (Although now you'll see all types of buildings including churches to castles.) Mine are from Kastel Keramik Haus (or they are also known as Lichthauser) and I purchased it at my first Christmas Market in Frankfurt. It was the last night of their market, and so I got some of these little houses for 50% off. They either have a hole in a the back, or separate into two pieces so you can place a candle within it. You'll see the light flickering

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23 12, 2016

Antique Ornaments in Munich, Germany

By |December 23rd, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

The stalls at German Christmas Markets are so beautiful. This one had antique ornaments hanging from the ceiling with mangers in the background. Every Friday Lili shares her favorite photography & the stories behind the photos.

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10 12, 2016

Souvenir Saturday: Christmas Pyramid

By |December 10th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Souvenirs, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

I've seen ancient pyramids in Egypt, Guatemala, & Mexico. But while traveling in Germany I frequently saw larger than life Christmas Pyramids at the Christmas Markets. A glowing Pyramid in Munich Christmas Pyramids originated in Erzgebirge aka Ore Mountains of Germany (like the Nutcracker) and is rumored to be a predecessor to the Christmas Tree. It is designed more like a tiered carousel which often depicted Christian scenes like angles or mangers, while others might feature forests or everyday life. The spinning motion at the top was often achieved by candles whose rising heat would help spin the propeller.

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9 12, 2016

The Magic of Teddy Bears in Munich, Germany

By |December 9th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , |0 Comments

A department store in Munich had an amazing store window, with tons of Steiff stuffed animals, some that were moving, to create this beautiful world. Children pressed against the glass to catch a better look at this wonderland. Every Friday Lili shares her favorite photography & the stories behind the photos.

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5 12, 2016

Travel Missteps: Best Job in the World

By |December 5th, 2016|Categories: Travel, Travel Missteps|Tags: , , , , , , , |0 Comments

The Christmas Markets of Germany are magical places full of Christmas cheer and goodwill....Or at least it is for the visitors. For the vendors? Not so much. Mouthwatering Pretzels at the Frankfurt Christmas Market. On the last day of the Frankfurt Christmas Market a few years ago, my family was delighted to find good deals as many stalls had discounts on their products. While we shopped we worked up a good appetite and saw these amazing German pretzels. While we looked them over, my little sister made small talk with the owner. "This market is so magical! You

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2 12, 2016

German Gingerbread in Munich, Germany

By |December 2nd, 2016|Categories: Photography, Souvenirs, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

While walking through Christmas Markets in Germany you cannot help to notice the many Gingerbread treats and ornaments all around. Also known as Lebkuchen they make great souvenirs and can last for years if you keep them wrapped! Every Friday Lili shares her favorite photography & the stories behind the photos.

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26 11, 2016

Souvenir Saturday: German Boot Mugs

By |November 26th, 2016|Categories: Souvenirs, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

As I've written before, collecting German Christmas Market Mugs can be addicting! Here are two examples of the elusive "boot mug" that you might find at Christmas Markets. I cannot recall where the red one is from (yes I bought way to many mugs) but the blue one is from Munich. It also is more molded, with buttons, laces, and more "fold" texture around the base of the mug. Souvenir Saturday is an every-other week series on the items that represent travel memories.

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