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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17 11, 2016

Munich’s Christmas Manger Market

By |November 17th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Events, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

In a week Germany's Christmas markets will open for the holiday season. Munich has numerous Christmas Markets, from their traditional large market in Marienplatz to the unique Medieval Market at Wittelsbacherplatz. But Munich also boasts of the largest Manger Market. You can find it at Neuhauser Strasse, just a short walk away from the main market at Marienplatz. Here you can find everything you'll need for your own nativity scene! From Angels to fill the sky... To blank paint your own figures. And all manner of creatures to fill the barn With fuzzy,

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15 04, 2016

Niederwalddenkmal in the Fog

By |April 15th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |0 Comments

Niederwalddenkmal is a monument in the Rhine Valley dedicated to the unification of Germany. It boasts of a beautiful walking park and great views of the valley. On the day I went, it was a quiet foggy landscape where you couldn't see the monument at all! So here is the gazebo in the park, the only thing beyond a few trees that i could see. Every Friday Lili shares her favorite photography & the stories behind the photos.

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