After a trip to the States in November for quality family and friend time, and still without a “home” (thank you generous cousins Paul and Susan for “housing the homeless”), ’twas a timely season to visit a few European Christmas markets. Brussels, Belgium had standby available seats, so that’s where I landed.
Place de la Bourse
Light show on
Sainte Catherine
Grand-Place
There are multiple Christmas markets in Brussels and each were astounding (as is the city). Light shows were over the top, and moved me from awe to squeals of delight. Hundreds of revelers mill about…holding food in one hand, drinking mulled wine (glühwein) in the other, and enthusiastically shopping at booths offering everything imaginable. I’m not a shopper, no room in my suitcase, but my peripheral vision glimpsed all sorts of crafts, apparel, chocolates, ornaments, and items without purpose or description. VIDEO IMG_4480
Rathausplatz
Friendly merchant Sylvia
Weinachtsmarkt
The town of Freiburg, Germany is quaint and its market reflects its village feel. It wasn’t about the lights and show…the festive mood made the market glisten. People gathered in circles, held their beverages, laughed together, and munched on bratwurst and spaetzle.
Barfüssergasse
It’s you!
Münsterplatz
Basel, Switzerland promoted two markets: Münsterplatz was rather subdued, so I moseyed to the Barfüsserasse, its winding streets bustled with joviality. Folks sang carols with the Salvation Army band. Lit contraptions with moving parts made for a carnival atmosphere. People waited merrily in line for raclette, fondue, the sweet and savory. Cheeses and pastries are European staples, yet people don’t appear overweight. How do they do it?!
This day, I am in Zermatt, Switzerland. It doesn’t need a Christmas market…every day is a holiday in this alpine village with a postcard view of the mighty Matterhorn. It is Mother Nature’s Poetry.
Christmas Eve
Matterhorn
Village scene
Remembering our Loves
Dawn’s
early mountain light
White Christmas
All right. With this “pictorial post”, we’re all caught up and writings will be in “real time.” Touch again in two weeks…from?
So much Gratitude.
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight…
Walking in a winter wonderland. – Bernard and Smith
Magical. As you always are.
Thank you…and for your support, Macker.
HE!D!- Christmas (for Me) Ignites quickly, burns fiercely and is extinguished by the 26th, leaving a warm afterglow. But I must Say…… You, in a moments time rekindled the excitement that I did not expect to be touched by until next year. Absolutely Magical. For That, I Thank You. Big Time -J
Thank you for the kind words. It warms my heart that sharing those Christmas market images kept your fire burning a little…
All the pics are beautiful. Can’t believe you are really there and privy to such wonders. Thanks for sharing😘
KAMI!!! So good to hear from you! Thank you for reading and commenting! I believe you had a White Christmas in Tahoe…?! I’m up-to-date on posts, next one due Wednesday. Hope to What’s App talk with you this weekend, sister. LOVE.
We had no snow for Christmas, so your pictures really capture the spirit of the season.
Thank you for taking the time to share/post these photos……
Peace and Love my friend.
Joanna, I literally squealed with delight catching snowflakes on my tongue, walking through flurries of snow in Zermatt on Christmas Eve day!
Twas the best walk of the year, I felt blessed. Surely you’ll get yours…in April! hohoho