Baden-Baden, Germany

When the Advent season opens, Christmas markets also crop up in nearly every German town, large or small. The town squares are lit up and buzzing with activity during this time. Townspeople gather together, listen to brass band music, and enjoy the hearty traditional fare of the region. Vendors peddle baked goods, including gingerbread hearts, sugar-roasted almonds, crepes, cookies, stollen, cotton candy and other sweets. Christmas tree decorations, seasonal items, and handcrafted articles are also sold.

Christmas markets date back to at least the 14th century and were one of the many markets held throughout the year. It was here that people bought everything they needed for the Christmas celebration: baking moulds, decorations, candles, and toys for the children. In fact, until well into the 20th century, the Weihnachstmärkte were the only place for people to buy such seasonal items.

Markets differ from place to place; each has its own regional imprint. The market at Aachen, for instance, is known for its gingerbread men. The regions around the mountain range are famous for their handmade wooden crafts. Augsburg has a life-sized Advent calendar and opens the holiday season with its famous "Angel Play." At the Frankfurt Christmas Market, visitors will find almond cookies. This year we went to Baden-Baden because it was open until the 27 of December.

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Do you really know how to do that?

This winter in Europe the trend for clothing and other accessories is knitting , it is all over in display at the most popular stores in Germany. This was something we use to see when we were in our teens, the only difference then is, that it was produced by our mothers and grandmothers, today they are made most likely somewhere in a factory in Asia . In a walk downtown Frankfurt, Germany the other day my wife said, "I would like to stop to buy some knitting needles and some wool, I would like to knit a scarf" , with a surprised expression I said, "do you know how to do that?" She replied in a mild tone, "my mom did, and my grandmother as well, and they taught me when I was young" , to which I then somewhat unconvinced I said, "OK... why not!" For next couple of days I saw her knitting at a fast pace and things began quickly to take shape and form, first a base for some plates, next a couple of flowers, then a trendy scarf ju

It is not the change of season but our capacity to see beauty in the change!

Römerberg, Frankfurt - March 9, 2013 Just a few days ago the scenario of spring we found at downtown Frankfurt was marvelous, the sun was shining and blue skies were clearly on the background. We of course enjoyed the first sings of spring and savored the occasion. Just a few days latter the skies turned grey and a significant snow storm caused complete chaos in traffic and quickly the winter reins again and spring is gone, but there is beauty and life in the white landscapes as well! Kurk Park, Bad Homburg - March 12, 2013 Isn't life like this many times, when we think is spring all the sudden it turns winter again. Often is not the change of season but our capacity to see beauty in the change that makes the difference!

All things have become new!

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