Munich has the largest Manger Market and you can find everything you need to create the perfect nativity scene. Every Friday Lili shares her favorite photography & the stories behind the photos.
We had been traveling for hours in the cold. Over 4 hours to be exact. On trains, and metros, and taxis. We wanted to get into our comfy rented apartment and crash before heading back out to Munich's Christmas Markets. But it was December 23rd in Germany, and most everything would be closed for a few days over Christmas. So we dropped our bags at the entrance and went off in search of food and supplies. After getting plenty of provisions, we were ready to climb the 4 flights of marble stairs (luggage in tow). However, our German housekeeper was...quite
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
Today Oktoberfest starts in Germany! I haven't had a chance to go to that event, but I did visit Germany over Christmas a few years ago and picked up these mini steins from Munich. Souvenir Saturday is an every-other week series on the items that represent travel memories.