Ever see locks attached to a bridge? They are Love Locks. Couples will attach a lock and then throw away the key to signify their lasting love together. I've seen them all over Europe and even started to see them in the US. (The photos here are from Frankfurt, Germany.) But the weight of these locks can damage the bridges and they are costly to remove, so many cities are trying to encourage the practice to stop.
This is one of my favorite ornaments from Germany. It's a Käthe Wohlfahrt frozen moon and stars ornament. I got it at a little stall at the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Souvenir Saturday is an every-other week series on the items that represent travel memories.
As I've written before, you'll often find these porcelain houses at German Christmas Markets. You place a candle inside and the light flickers in the windows. Some even have a chimney where you can put oil to burn for fragrance or place a small incense cone to simulate a smoking chimney. This one is made by 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. It is called "Stone House
I'm not known for spontaneity. As an introvert if I don't have set plans its too easy to forgo them. So when I travel I tend to overplan. I'm not insane. I don't have exact step by step down to the minute plans. Instead I have knowledge and options. I'll know of things to see and do, when they open, and what is nearby. Sort of like an al-la-carte menu. So what would you do with one free day? One full of promise, but no set plans? This is what I pondered for my last day in Egypt. I would be
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
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.
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
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.
While in Egypt I didn't make it to Fayum to see their pyramids and mummies, however I did see this beautiful Fayum Portrait in Frankfurt, Germany at the Städtische Galerie Liebieghaus. These portraits were often painted during life on wood, and were placed over the mummy upon death. Read more about Fayum Portraits here. Museum Monday is an every other week series about museum news, objects, and reviews.
This is my travel diary of my trip to Egypt. It contains in detail my memories of what I did and saw. Friday October 23, 2015 Egypt: Day 2 - Sick in Frankfurt I arrived in Frankfurt a little after 11 AM. Feeling very sick, my dream of wandering the city was slowly dying. I exited, and found myself in Z Terminal. I knew that the bag holding station was outside Terminal A. But more importantly I knew there was supposed to be an attached hotel at Terminal A. I figured instead of paying to leave my bags at the bag check,