From Europe to Africa in America - A Sisters' Expedition

[nodnol]

Magdalina and Katharina,

First of all, I am loving all the updates! Please keep them coming!

Second, I logged into my computer and the MSN homepage had "Holiday Classic: German Apple Strudel" staring right at me. It looks delicious, but I couldn't help but think to come over here and make sure that it really is a Holiday Classic in Germany . . . you know, after that whole German pickle thing!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

Thank you! I think, right now it is my turn to comment on some updates Magdalene has already written, but I have a day of to do all my grocery shopping for christmas and cleaning the flat, so we'll see...

To your question: While Apple Strudel is really a very typical dish for Southern Germany (as well as Austria and Bohemia), there is no connection to Christmas. At least I've never heard of that. Typically for Christmas would bake something with nuts or Almonds, like the Stollen. But then of course, the best Apple Strudel is made of cooking apples, so it is a kind of winter recipe.

 

[nodnol]

Thank you so much, it was a very unexpected surprise and brought a huge smile to my face! Henry is all about those gummies too. I'm attempting to save some of it for Christmas day...but I am finding trouble resist it all. Sooooo yummy. I took pics and plan to put them on my TR today or tomorrow!

You are very welcome! I'm glad you like the sweets. I have still saved one of the coconut Mickes heads

 

[marvali]

Katharina, good to see you posting on here! Since I am about to leave on my trip I guess I will either have to check in while I'm away, or wait until I return to see that dirndl picture (yes, I know it seems like everyone has forgotten so I felt it my duty to ). Maybe when I visit the German Pavilion at Epcot I will get to see a dirndl in person until you get around to posting your picture. Hmmm, I wonder if I will get to post a dirndl picture before you do???

Seriously though, before I leave I already said this to Magdalene, but I just wanted to say Frohe Weihnachten to you, Remy and your families! I hope the holiday season is warm and joyous!

 

[nodnol]

Katharina, good to see you posting on here! Since I am about to leave on my trip I guess I will either have to check in while I'm away, or wait until I return to see that dirndl picture (yes, I know it seems like everyone has forgotten so I felt it my duty to ). Maybe when I visit the German Pavilion at Epcot I will get to see a dirndl in person until you get around to posting your picture. Hmmm, I wonder if I will get to post a dirndl picture before you do???

Seriously though, before I leave I already said this to Magdalene, but I just wanted to say Frohe Weihnachten to you, Remy and your families! I hope the holiday season is warm and joyous!

You might not believe it, but I have a plan for the Dirndl picture If everything goes according to plan, I will be first!

Frohe Weihnachten to you too!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I'd like to wish you both a very Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful holiday! I hope it's filled with family, fun and relaxation! I'm finally able to relax now that the presents are all wrapped and my baking is done! Whew!

Looking forward to your updates too!

 

[englishrose47]

Katharina, good to see you posting on here! Since I am about to leave on my trip I guess I will either have to check in while I'm away, or wait until I return to see that dirndl picture (yes, I know it seems like everyone has forgotten so I felt it my duty to ). Maybe when I visit the German Pavilion at Epcot I will get to see a dirndl in person until you get around to posting your picture. Hmmm, I wonder if I will get to post a dirndl picture before you do???

Seriously though, before I leave I already said this to Magdalene, but I just wanted to say Frohe Weihnachten to you, Remy and your families! I hope the holiday season is warm and joyous!

And I see you are stirring the POT with a wooden spoon Will you be modeling the drindl !!If so I think that will top Piglet!!!

 

[TyRy]

I am all caught up again (phew!) I think I'd go with the Hotel New York. If it's not much more expensive, and the rooms are in good shape, I'd stay there. I know we never plan to spend much time in the rooms, but just in case you have to due to weather or something, you might be happier in a nicer room. I also think less chaos in the morning with breakfast may be a good thing.

 

[MRYPPNS]

 

[All7OfUs]

Hey Wendy! Your package looked just like mine, except mine barely made it in one piece!! Seriously, it was held together by a rubberband put on by the USPS! But the insides looked almost identical, with the exception of lebkuchen traded out for the straw ornament. I'd LOVE to post pix of the sisters' generosity to our family as well, but with a broken camera and only a Mac to work on- it's a double strike out.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

 

[Flossbolna]

Dear readers,

Katharina and I want to wish all of you:

Fröhliche Weihnachten - Merry Christmas!​

Thank you for all your Christmas greetings you posted here! I will reply individually during the next few days, but wanted to use my time today to leave you a very special seasonal update: The Christkindlesmarkt pictures!

Nuremberg, my home town, as been a center for trade already in the medieval times since it was at the crossroads of old trading routes. A special market came into existence in the 17th century where all kind of Christmas related merchandise was being sold. This market is still held every year during advent. It attracts lots of visitors from all over the world and is a very German tradition. Similar markets are in nearly all German towns and cities, but the Nuremberg one is one of the most beautiful ones.

So these pictures are from a Saturday morning three weeks ago. It was a rather grey day, but I loved it that there was snow, but unfortunately not fresh snow.

Of course since they are expecting quite a lot of visitors, there was some police around to provide security (Wendy, this pic is specially for your DH!):

I will start with some general views of the city and the market:

The things you can buy here are mainly: Christmas sweets (gingerbread, cookies and similar things), christmas decorations, toys and other presents and then there are booths that sell mulled wine and sausages.

One speciality are "Zwetschgenmannla" which means little men made from dried plums. They used to be Christmas presents for kids: a doll which later could be eaten. Here are some pictures of those:

Continued in next post!

 

[Flossbolna]

Let's continue to look at all the different sweets being offered:

And then a picture of a sausage stand:

 

[Flossbolna]

And then all the Christmas ornaments (they even sold pickles, even though Germans don't know about them...)

I hope you enjoyed this tour and it got you into the Christmas spirit! Once again, wonderful holidays to all of you and your families!

 

[jenjolt]

Merry Christmas!!

What great pictures!! Now I want to come visit LOL!!! YUUMMMYYY those goodies look so good!

 

[tiggrbaby]

What wonderful pics! I love the beauty of the city and the details you took the time to share. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us!

Merry Christmas and New Year Blessings!

 

[jedijill]

What do you call the wooden toy that spins when you light the candles? I brought my mother one back when I was stationed in Germany but I don't remember what it is called!

Thanks!

Merry Christmas!

Jill in CO

 

[John's Mom]

Magdalene and Katharina,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thanks for sharing the Christkindlesmarket pictures. All the food looks so delicious.

Kathy

 

[englishrose47]

Merry Christmas to You and Katarina !!!

Loved the Market pix !!Reminded me of the Open Market in my home town !!It was year round though and you could buy just about anything there !!I spent many a Wednesday and Saturday wandering around the Stalls !!

 

[Poolrat]

Magdalene and Katharina,
Wishing you and your family a

Fröhliche Weihnachten - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.​

Thanks for all the pictures of Christkindlesmarkt. It is so interesting to see how other parts of the world prepare and celebrate the holidays.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I wanted to stop by and wish you guys a very Merry Christmas and now I'm officially homesick again Thanks for the lovely pictures - you did the most perfect job capturing how awesome the market is! What I would give for a true Nuernberg brat wurst right now!

Merry Christmas!
Heather

 

[All7OfUs]

THAT was a VERY cool tour!! THANKS for taking the time and effort to gather the photos and post them! You know what was really, really neato?? The fact that I recognized so many of the places in your pictures and that I"ve actually BEEN to many of them! I recognize the Beautiful Fountain in them, and is that St. Sebalds? or St. Lorenz in that 2nd one? I'm thinking the latter since that is closer to the walking streets.

Merry Christmas, Ladies!! and thanks again!!