Reiterlesmarkt - Rothenburg O.D. Taub

When most people think of Germany, it seems that they think of Christmas- the Markets, the Glühwein, the decorations, the Lebküchen, all of it.  And they are right.  Starting the first week of advent, the towns bring out their best, they light themselves up, the put up booths, they simmer the wine in amazing spices, and they attract the tourists.  Perhaps none more so than Rothenburg ob der Taub.  Rothenburg is a small city, that is about 30 minutes from my house.

In nearly every guide book I have ever read, Rothenburg is mentioned as a "must see".  It is historically significant, as it was a Free Imperial City throughout the middle ages, and today it's architecture, and culture serve to remind us of what was.  We see life as it would have been living behind the city wall that to this day still completely encircles the town.  We can wander through the castle garden, and even down into what was the old moat (now totally empty, of course.  There are numerous covered bridges, and watch towers that you can climb up and walk into throughout the city - there are funny little doors all around, and beautiful churches, statues and fountains sprinkled about.

Last night we went to the Reiterlesmarkt (the Rothenburg Weihnachtmarkt).  We got to Rothenburg shortly before sunset, and before the crowds really came out - the merchants were just opening up in the Markt, and we were not crowded at all!  Later at night, more and more people come out, and on the weekends, the crowds will have you nearly shoulder to shoulder.  Rothenburg's market is not huge, it is not its size that makes it special.  It is special because of what it is - the booths are a bit more unique, a little more upscale than some other places.

 Not all the booths, are in the main square, in fact, most of the booths wind around the block behind the Rathalle, and they fill smaller, less well known courtyards.  There is a section that is for only hand made items - this is my favorite part - walking into a hallway, with evergreen branches everywhere you look, and the smell is just heavenly - the branches, the Glühwein, the candied nuts - I treasure the memory of that smell, it is the epitome of Christmas to me.

Have you ever been to Rothenburg?  What is your favorite experience there?

Thank you for reading of our adventures!  As always, please leave a comment, share your experiences, ask a question, whatever!!

Weihnachts Markt Coburg

Today was my fathers birthday, so we decided to adventure to a new town for the day.  We picked the city of Coburg, home of Prince Albert.  It is a BEAUTIFUL city - I would love to go back in the spring and explore some more - I bet it is simply amazing come summer!  As far as the Weihnachts Markt, however, it's not worth writing home about.... or maybe I am just that spoiled, living near so many AMAZING markets.  I thought the people were kind of pushy (especially the parents near the carousel), the Glühwein was good, the mugs cute - but we found the food to be lacking - there only a couple of stands with food, and none of the bratwürst mit semmel that we have come to expect.  My rating - pretty, but go for the city, not the market!

I mean, this place is absolutely beautiful, and it had all of the essentials needed for a market, it just was not particularly my taste.  The crowd here was a bit more aggressive than I am used to - it was easy to lose track of the kids, and no one really seemed to be paying attention to anything but themselves.  I thought the aisles for walking were pretty narrow, which meant that there were many bottle necks, as people would stand around and socialize with their friends, not even realizing that they were blocking the flow of traffic.

This time, we went earlier in the evening - so there were less drunk people, but there were in general just MORE people.  MORE people isn't always good, especially for me - it got to the point that I started getting uncomfortable, and a little bit anxious.  Thankfully my mom saw that happening, and "suggested" we go out the nearest exit, and start shooting the outside of the market.  YES.  THANK YOU.  SO MUCH BETTER.  I will say, though, that my drunken friends from the other night definitely made for a more entertaining night, and for a much lighter mood!

And well, it's me, so like I have said before I get distracted.  It may not be "SQUIRREL" - but usually with me it is along the lines of, "Oooooooohhhhhh, shineyyyyyyyyyy" and I stare at the pretties for quite a bit of time.  Here are a few of the pretty shineys that I found tonight!

 

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Weihnachts Markt Season is Here!!!

YES!  You are seeing that right!  This past weekend was the start of the Advent, which here in Germany means WIEHNACHTS MARKT (aka. Christmas Market) time!  The time of year when you meet your friends in the town squares, you have cups of hot Glühwein, and maybe eat a Bratwurst or two, and for our region, you can not forget the Lebküchen (a ginger bread like treat)

 You can't forget the Pyramides!  Most houses have small ones that are candle powered, so that you can watch the heat turn the blades, and see the many characters turn throughout the night.  However, most markets have life sized ones, that are just magical!!!

I mentioned the food before, right?  I mean, look at these stands!  Not only are they beautiful, but the scent of fresh Bratwürst, and other warm, meaty treats is amazing.  Should be noted that this is NOT the place for Vegans or Vegetarians to hang out!  This is meat country, baby!

 Despite all the revelry, this is Germany after all.  Shops still close early, nothing is open on a Saturday, and even the Markt, with all its festivities,  STILL is shut down by 9pm on Friday night!

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