Saturday, December 17, 2011

Out of the Jurisdiction: Christmas Markets

So, why would anyone voluntarily take a Rhine River Cruise in December?  The grapes have been harvested.  The skies are gray.  The days are cold.


Because of the Christmas markets, of course! 



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25 comments:

  1. cieldequimperDecember 17, 2011 at 5:36 AM

    Yup, that's how they should be. The one in Stuttgart that I visited this year is the best I've seen yet.

    Re. your comment on VDP: other than in the East of France, the French have NO clue how to do a Christmas market. They are mushrooming everywhere but compared with Alsace and Germany and other Eastern/Scandinavian countries, they are literally pathetic...

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  2. MalyssDecember 17, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    I'd like to add something to Ciel'S comment: I agree with her. With an exception: here, in Monaco, we have a WONDERFUL xmas market! Every year , there 's a new idea of decoration. This year, the theme is "old english village".
    Funny to see "santons" in your first pic, that's typically from south! (How do you say "santons" in englis?)

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  3. DianneDecember 17, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    I love those gorgeous Christmas houses - just delightful!

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  4. VPDecember 17, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    These are Chrsitmas markets! Ciel is right, even here the very good ones are in Northern Italy, mostly in the German-speaking South-Tyrol.

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  5. brattcatDecember 17, 2011 at 6:33 AM

    ah, this brings a smile.

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  6. KateDecember 17, 2011 at 6:34 AM

    What delightful scenes! Rhine wine isn't bad, either!

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  7. Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.comDecember 17, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Perfect. We love the Christmas market browsing among homemade crafts and food, the gluwein, and the decorations. We have little mugs and cups that we use that held the gluwein fron different Christmas markets.

    We have enjoyed the Chriskindle markets in Nuremburg, Salszburg, Vienna, Budapest, Munich, Rothenburg, and Strasburg. We plan to do Christmas in Berlin and Prague one year.

    Tonight some friends are coming over for dinner. Several years ago we were supposed to go the luminarias with them at the Desert Botanical Garden but it rained, so we went to their house for dinner instead. We had just booked a trip to Vienna for Christmas about a week beforehand. They mentioned at dinner "Guess where we are going for Christmas?" The answer was Vienna. We said "We are too!" We had Christmas with them in Vienna.

    The sad memory associated with trips to Europe for the holidays is that my father passed away while we were in the air over the Atlantic on our way to Christmas in Salzburg with Julie and my son. It presented such conflicts regarding what to do, etc. Sorry to share that situation. Thanks for the therapy.

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  8. LowellDecember 17, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Love it! You're very lucky. The handiwork is fascinating and delightful.

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  9. Luis GomezDecember 17, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Lovely images Jack. Love these markets.

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  10. Cezar and LéiaDecember 17, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Yes, I'd guess that at any time of the year there would be always a good reason to take the cruise, even more now that you share with us these nice images!
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  11. Leif HagenDecember 17, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Very cool to see those Christmas markets! I dream of taking my family there some year to see them for ourselves!

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  12. Regina KDecember 17, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    I wondering if you met up with Ciel but see above that you were at different German Markets. Oh my could I spend money here.

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  13. PerthDailyPhotoDecember 17, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Happy times Jack, did you find lots of Chrismassy things to bring home with you? The markets do look like they would cheer up a miserable day!
    btw Jack you have set me a challenge, I will, before the Summer is over post a picture of me surfing !!

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  14. SharonDecember 17, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    I love these Christmas Markets and I must say the ones they do here in the states are just not the same. You got some beautiful shots. Now I'm wondering what little treasure you purchased here.

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  15. Sylvia KDecember 17, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    I do love those colorful, delightful Christmas markets and the ones in Germany can't be beat! What wonderful holiday captures for the day, Jack! I have to admit, I do envy your Rhine River Cruise!! Have a beautiful weekend!

    Sylvia

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  16. sheila lynchDecember 17, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    These are beautiful pictures, Americans do artificial trees and plastic ornaments, yahoo:)

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  17. RedPatDecember 17, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    These look lovely especially the little houses. There is a big Christmas market here in Toronto now but I have been too busy to go!

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  18. jooDecember 17, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    I would, Jack! Christmas Markets are the reason good enough:)

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  19. CildemerDecember 17, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    Wonderful shots! Love the second one!
    And love visiting Christmas markets too;o)
    Thanks for sharing, Jack;o)

    ***
    Hope you are having a fabulous weekend****

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  20. KayDecember 17, 2011 at 3:13 PM

    Well, that certainly beats mall crawling, doesn't it? Looks like great fun and overweight suitcases coming home.

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  21. EditaDecember 17, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    what a talented people!!
    and the second picture...what a lovely place!!! love it:)

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  22. RandyDecember 18, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    I love a good Christmas market. These houses are great!

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  23. Oakland Daily PhotoDecember 18, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    Lucky you. I'd love to do this one day. My problem is I hate being cold.

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  24. NathalieDecember 18, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    That top photo with the "santons" felt so much like home I thought you were visiting Provence!!! :)

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  25. AnonymousJanuary 2, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    We have a 'Victorian' country Christmas at the Western WA Fair grounds... lovely shot of your!

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