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Christmas Market Evening

Schöner Tag!

I took this photo from our kitchen window a few days ago after we got a record 6 inches of snow. It has since melted out of the tree, and all that's left is where it was piled up when streets and walkways were cleared. The sun is out today, and when I go out later, I will need to wear my lighter jacket. 

Unfortunately, I left my phone behind when we went to the Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) last evening with members of our parish. I had others take photos, but they haven't sent them to me yet. It seems going to the Weinachtsmarkt in the evening is often done as a group outing. I heard a boss or manager will pay for the food and drinks for the staff. Of course, one can go as a family, or even alone, and the markets are open during the day as well. I plan on stopping by one today before going to help clean the chapel in preparation for the Nativity. 

I had my first Glühwein last night, also known as mulled wine. It was delicious, and unlike in the US, it was not served in a paper or plastic cup, but in a ceramic one. You have to pay a Pfand, or deposit on it, and if you give it back, you get your deposit, but if you want to keep it as a souvenir, you have paid for it already. That works well, as there's no trash generated, and you can enjoy a hot drink in a real mug. 

Food is also available, as is typical of any kind of fair, and gifts and Christmas decorations. There was even a booth at this particular market with live lambs in it to pet. To add to the atmosphere, there was a live brass quartet playing Christmas music. It was crowded, but fun. I think there are at least 3 or 4 other Weinachtsmarkts in Regensburg. 

Also this week I went to the local library and got myself a library card, now that we're registered as residents. This is where the US beats Germany (that and thrift stores). I was expecting a US-style library, but this one had more scholarly books, and everything in German. The upside is I can borrow through them from the University, and they do have more popular books, and some in English. I had them order me a Harry Potter book from the Uni in German, which I can go pick up today. The librarian told me she read the series to improve her English, and I told her that's what I was doing to improve my German! For my friends who might be scandalized that I'm reading Harry Potter, if they investigate for themselves, there's no way it teaches anyone witchcraft. It's a coming-of-age story about a British-style boarding school, and teaches self-sacrifice, courage, compassion, loyalty, and a lot of other virtues, while playing up the popular stereotypes of witches. 

I will post again in a few days with photos of the Christmas Market from last night and from today when I go. 

Bis später!

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Comments

  1. KirstenDecember 7, 2023 at 2:57 PM

    Have you considered Kindle for English books?

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 7, 2023 at 4:34 PM

    Sounds like you’re so happy Tabatha. You are a quick learner! Continue to share your adventures!❤️

    ReplyDelete

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