Germany Artists

Friday, April 20th, 2007 at 10:06 am

German Christmas Markets

We arrived in Munich and our guide makes it clear this is Bavaria. Bavarians favor autonomy from Germany and even have their own language. I've been many times but looking through sober eyes, I feel more vibrant, clean and sophisticated. We spent 2 days with Nancy, an excellent guide which has already emailed me to stay in touch.

I have a mini-group of only 26 so this is like a vacation for me. This is a first Once abroad for some and I love learning from them as they realize things with childlike enthusiasm that I did not.

This is high-tech land of engineering. We passed by a Mercedes dealership on 9 floors, with new cars stacked to the shape of an Advent tree. We also see the BMW factory. I wish I could work here at 7 weeks of vacation per year, 340 different work programs to choose from, a gym, spa and its many other benefits. We stop for hot apple strudel and visit the famous sites.

Here is the 100th Christmas tree with 2500 candles. Welcome dinner at Haufbrauhous is a delight with yodeling, horns Alp and sausages all-Wurst. The group toasts their natural beer mugs made only of barley, water and hops.

It is time the people enchanting tale. This is a magical time to visit. No country celebrates Christmas with more passion than Germany. As we head to the Alps, the morning sky looks like a bruise pale. Soon, a snowstorm envelops our coach, but we have an experienced driver named Eno who we fell in love with travel end in 7 days.

We arrived at Neuschwanstein and ride by horse and carriage to the famous castle. (This is the style of Disney after its own.) I have seen more castles than I can count on everyone, but the strength of this medieval knight is spectacular Gothic needles. Built in 1869, which seems spanking new with decorated rooms intact. The 388 interior steps are well worth the climb. There is hardly anyone here whereas summer can draw 5,000 tourists each day that. In winter, this fairytale castle becomes a dream surreal. That's why I like to travel off-season.

Pity poor Mad King Ludwig II who designed the world's largest, most extravagant, expensive and luxurious chateau for himself. It is a sad story of the 6th king who lived here only 4 months old. The people loved him as much as the German Tourist Board today. His family however, did not. It sought to declare Ludwig insane and hired a team of psychiatrists to prove such. Although he was prone to depression and insomnia, no doctor could find alienated.

After the final rule, his body was found in the lake and the family stated it was suicide. But the body his psychiatrist was also found that most agree it was a murder, especially because he was refused an autopsy. It was later determined that Ludwig was gay, so the "fairytale king" was really a fairy.

We stopped in charming Oberammergau, famous for its Passion Plays every 10 years. The wooden houses painted with fairytales: Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, etc. He then traveled to Nuremberg with an astute guide who brought the city to life before our eyes of the 15th century until its destruction in World War II.

Some went to the Toy Museum or Torture Museum while I studied largest Christmas world market.

With giant lit trees, double sprees, horses with bells, over 400 food stalls and crafts, this is as festive as it gets! I graze my way through the white chocolate banana, bread fruit, grapes, glass, lights pretzels, pink marzipan pigs, licorice angles and all kinds of sugar-coated nuts, toasted. Gingerbread shaped are omnipresent and the aroma of sweet fragrances of wine Glüh hot air.

I am on a sugar high and the head of the craft. Shopping is a blood sport here through narrow lanes but MasterCard is my armor and I find with all my toy treasures. There are giant nutcrackers representing every occupation, unique mangers and 29 trillion ornaments. At dusk, illumination begins. I pause for a dinner of 6 sausages, cheese from Bavaria and a pyramid of sauerkraut to last me until 2012.

In which toured Rodenthal / Goebel Hummel Factory. Boredom I expected but was fascinated to learn each piece is precious. From 1871 until today, 700 artists create these tiny figurines useful. They are paid per piece and if make a mistake, must be broken.

The highest paid artists are the delicate face painters. I met a woman who has spent 12 years just painting eyebrows, another on lips and a man who has worked 10 years blushing cheeks! The tension of the eye must be like threading sewing needles and lifelong learning takes 3 years to pass at this level. Initially our guide assumed we were a collectors club when in reality they can barely afford a baby Jesus.

Later, in East Germany we visited Lauenstein Confiserie, a chocolate / praline factory that was so busy with the season, we barely saw. I tried the chocolate fountain near Cocoa orgasm and confirm again that America can not produce this product as purely or satisfying as Europe.

The best of all cities Rothenberg, population 2300 where our Hotel Prince was located within the walls of the Old City. Our guided walk here instantly awakened all my 5 senses and made me want to stay for several days. We tend to go up over the year, each with our flashy decorations. Among the half-timbered houses here on the cobbled streets, is quieter and softer. One is taken back to medieval times with the hand handmade ornaments and evergreen trees pewter candlelight.

Then our guide Claudia invites us all at home. I will buy a "snowball" for which this city is known. Are stacked like colored balls at the windows. For over 300 years, these candies were frugally made from scraps of fresh pie dough. Dipped in chocolate, strawberry or cinnamon butter, melt in your mouth. When the sun shines, I remove my coat to a soft degress 50. How I wished it would snow.

We finish our tour in the city of The Student Prince of Heidelberg with entrance to the famous castle and its 55,000 gallon wooden wine barrel. That night, I think a great trip, my last for 2005. I write this journal so my wonderful little group remember everything. With pride, always remember, in time, patient, no complaints, generous tipper, courteous and friendly premises with each other. Travelers Perfect I would like to clone.
After hugging Eno goodbye, we left with bags of groceries for many who now thinks he needs a trailer in tow of his coach.

This December will be glad to be transported back in time. I definitely got in touch with my inner elf. What a gift! Merry Christmas to all and wishing him in the new year!

About the Author

Former Miss Wisconsin Suzy Davis has traveled the world for nearly 30 years,
initially as a flight attendant and now with her company

http://www.AdventuresForSingles.com

What European country has the best Rap Hip Hop artists?

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