We decided to take a trip into Cologne last night to visit their Christmas markets, and it was simply lovely. I think of all the ones I have visited this year, this one was my favorite.  Not just because it was in our city, but mostly because it was Gnome-Themed! It was raining on and off, but people were still out and about; the Germans really go all out for these things, from the lighting, to the stalls, to the food, the results are quite impressive. I think if goes without saying that we ate our little hearts out! Zach was tired of me pointing out every little gnome I saw by the end of the night; there were gnomes riding animals, gnomes holding up bratwurst, there was even a gnome sitting on a toilet, holding a sign to the bathrooms. The best!

Oh Christmas Tree

We found a Christmas tree this weekend, and had a jolly ol' time. As usual, the scenery and surroundings were lovely, the food delicious and the Glüwein in top form...oh, and there was a petting zoo and a castle, so it was pretty much perfect.

Thinking of Home

Random

Christmas balls Christmas balls Christmas balls....

Someday I will stand on a balcony like this, and sing sweet Opera to the world.... or maybe not...

Christmas balls, Christmas balls...

Best view in town

Where I sit and write this

Almost killed myself cooking with this guy laying between my feet, so every now and again I must risk soggy pasta, and do this.

Oh, just another amazing building that happened to tickle my fancy

Looking good

yes please

nom nom nom nom

What? There's more?

And more? Yes people, we spend 90% of our time here eating.

Had the guts to actually bring flame to these puppies, have been afraid of wayward dog tails.

Picture Update

Nuetella, brats, hot chocolate, gluwein, roasted chestnuts, oh my! Sometimes I think this blog should be a running commentary about how we are eating our way across Germany. The food here (as my grandmother would have said )"is to DIE for".

The Christmas markets ain't that bad either. The holidays are in full swing here, and we are enjoying the ride. Very different from things at home, and do I dare say it.... better? It is less commercial and more tradition mixed with beautiful greenery and candles, yup, that sums it up.

Z ended up taking Monday off, just to pretend that we had a Thanksgiving weekend. We spent the day driving down the Rhein. Good times.