Friday, December 02, 2005

Düsseldorf Christmas Market

I think I am seeing a trend in these Christmas Markets…lots of Christmas decorations, loads of food, Christmas music (interestingly, it is always being performed by US singers) and a festive atmosphere all rolled into one. And Düsseldorf is no exception. I can report that I am still not sure we are totally "on board" with the gluwhein.

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Granted, the Düsseldorf Christmas Market is not the “show-stopper” holiday extravaganza we saw in Nuremberg, but it was also just a 10 minute tram ride away. So, with a clear winter night before us, the Budman and I headed down to Düsseldorf’s Altstadt and Ko areas for a look-see.

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We did consider for just a fleeting moment the possibility of putting on ice skates and joining in the fun on the Vodafone ice rink. Then, we heard a thud of gargantuan proportions that sounded to us as if the rink was probably cracked. Not only was the teenager’s rear end hurting from the cannonball style splat he had just taken on the ice rink, but his pride was smarting a bit as well. Sadly, he crashed and burned in front of a gaggle of teenage girls. To his credit, he jumped up immediately and was most likely saying in German (if we could have understood him), “I’m OK!” Bud and I looked at each other and said, “Nah, doubtful. And if we fall? We’re in traction for 3 months”.

The gingerbread cookie seemed like a safer option. And just as much fun. We did pass on the booth where Santa was selling fish, though.

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OK, so where is round 3 of German Christmas Markets taking us this weekend? Sadly, not to Trier as planned, as Buddy has an office meeting on Friday night and Saturday. Is it just me, but who plans end-of-year meetings on weekend and weekend nights during the holiday season? Am I the only one that thinks that is a tad bit screwy? Well, as there is practically a market in every town, I suspect we’ll be heading somewhere for a daytrip in the area over the weekend.

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