Europe - Lili on the Loose

19 12, 2016

Travel Missteps: Sinking Venice

By Lili|December 19th, 2016|Categories: Travel, Travel Missteps|Tags: 2005, All in the family Italy 2005/2006, Europe, flooding, Italy, lagoon, New Years Eve, rain, Trafalger, UNESCO, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venice, Venice Lagoon, weather|0 Comments

Visiting Italy in the off season had its benefits. Venice wasn't crowded on that New Years Eve. There weren't annoying pidgins accosting anyone. And since it wasn't hot, the lagoon water didn't smell. But, I did find it odd that these weird tables were stacked all around the city. I wondered if it was for some New Years tradition that I wasn't aware of. But in the off season you have to deal with poor weather. I certainly got my money's worth out of my new rain boots and jacket. Here you can see St. Mark's Square! Except...the rain and

15 12, 2016

Colourful Christmas Doors of Burano, Italy

By Lili|December 15th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: 2006, All in the family 2005/2006, All in the family Italy 2005/2006, Burano, Christmas, door, Europe, Italy, New Year's Day, New Years Eve, Photo Essay, Travel Thursday, UNESCO, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venice, Venice Lagoon|0 Comments

I love taking photos of doors and windows. Here are some of my favorite from the little island of Burano, near Venice, Italy. I had the chance to wander around the deserted streets of Burano on New Years Day a few years ago and to peek into the windows and see the families celebrating together. I also enjoyed the chance to see the beautifully decorated doors amongst the multi-colored houses. Every other week Travel Thursday brings you travel tips and information on the amazing sights and activities the world has to offer.

10 12, 2016

Souvenir Saturday: Christmas Pyramid

By Lili|December 10th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Souvenirs, Travel|Tags: 2011, Christmas, Christmas in Germany 2011, Christmas Market, Christmas Pyramid, Egypt, Europe, Frankfurt, Germany, Guatemala, Lichtergestelle, Mexico, Munich, Pyramid|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.

9 12, 2016

The Magic of Teddy Bears in Munich, Germany

By Lili|December 9th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Photography, Travel|Tags: 2011, Christmas in Germany 2011, Europe, Germany, Munich, Photo Friday, Steiff, Teddy Bear|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.

5 12, 2016

Travel Missteps: Best Job in the World

By Lili|December 5th, 2016|Categories: Travel, Travel Missteps|Tags: 2011, Christmas, Christmas in Germany 2011, Christmas Market, Europe, Frankfurt, Germany, pretzels|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

2 12, 2016

German Gingerbread in Munich, Germany

By Lili|December 2nd, 2016|Categories: Photography, Souvenirs, Travel|Tags: 2011, Christmas in Germany 2011, Christmas Market, Cristkindlmarket, Europe, Frankfurt, German Christmas Market, Germany, Gingerbread, Lebkuchen, Munich, Photo Friday, Weinahtsmarkt|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.

1 12, 2016

Holiday Gift Giving Legends Around the World

By Lili|December 1st, 2016|Categories: Culture, Travel|Tags: Austria, Christkind, Christmas, Culture, Europe, France, Germany, Infographic, Italy, Krampus, La Befana, santa, Santa Claus, Travel Thursday, USA|0 Comments

Its December 1st, and while getting ready for the upcoming holidays I cannot stop thinking about the Christmas seasons I've spent abroad. Its amazing the different stories we have for the holiday gift giving around this time of year. Here are the top 10 "Santa Legends" from around the world. Courtesy of: Milkwhale Every other week Travel Thursday brings you travel tips and information on the amazing sights and activities the world has to offer.

26 11, 2016

Souvenir Saturday: German Boot Mugs

By Lili|November 26th, 2016|Categories: Souvenirs, Travel|Tags: 2011, boot, boot mug, Christmas, Christmas in Germany 2011, Christmas Market, Cristkindlmarket, deposit, ein Pfand, Europe, Germany, Glühwein, mug, mugs, Munich, Pfand, Weinahtsmarkt|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.

17 11, 2016

Munich’s Christmas Manger Market

By Lili|November 17th, 2016|Categories: Attractions & Sights, Events, Travel|Tags: 2011, christmas creche, Christmas in Germany 2011, Christmas Market, creche, Cristkindlmarket, Europe, German Christmas Market, Germany, Kripperlmarkt, Manger Market, mangers, Marienplatz, Munich, Neuhauser Strasse, Ornaments, Photo Essay, Travel Thursday, Weinahtsmarkt|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,

7 11, 2016

Travel Missteps: Static Cling Terror

By Lili|November 7th, 2016|Categories: Travel, Travel Missteps|Tags: 2005, 2006, All in the family 2005/2006, All in the family Italy 2005/2006, bus, Bus Tour, Europe, Florence, group, Italy, micro beads, neck pillow, static cling, styrofoam, tour group, Trafalgar, Tuscany|0 Comments

Source Do you know what that is? No? Consider yourself lucky. What those are, are little styrofoam balls called Micro-Beads and they are found in a lot of those travel neck pillows that people have. I discovered what was inside mine the hard way on a tour of Italy. I think it was halfway through the trip, somewhere around Florence or Tuscany when it happened. I remember my black neck pillow had fallen to the floor and gotten stuck. I was late getting off the bus, so I tugged as hard as I could, and it still wasn't