Holiday Lights

Winter 2011 - Berlin

One of the main streets in Berlin, the Unter den Linden, (which ends with the Brandenburg Gate,) is completely lined with trees, that were covered in these lights. I love the way these lights bring out the shape of the trees in a more geometric manner than Christmas lights normally do, yet still look winter-y.

Charlottenburg

Winter 2011 - Berlin

These photos are from of the Charlottenburg Palace in Germany and it's surrounding Christmas markets. The family of one of my closest friends from high school are from Berlin, and when we told them that we were going to be there in December, they told us not to miss this market. Though it's a little bit of a trek, (probably a 20 min U - Bahn ride and another 15 min walk,) the trip was definitely worth it. 

This market is huge, with a wonderful range of food stalls and other great items. I am not sure if the palace is usually lit up so beautifully, but I can guess that there's usually not a snowflake present! 

The Sights of Berlin

Winter 2011 - Berlin

Of course while in Berlin we tramped all around to see the sights. The Brandenburg Gate, of course, and then this bridge. I actually took the first photo on the way to the Pergamum Museum, and the second one on the way out! Great difference in light.

 If you've ever looked at my blog before, you can probably tell that I really love taking photos of the locks on bridges, and really just locks in general. So obviously I had to stop. I actually love the locks on this bridge specifically, as there's something really poetic about them being on the arms of the bridge angel.

Berlin at Christmas

Winter 2011 - Berlin

Every year my family and I go to Christmas markets in Germany.

 There is nothing better than eating a German wurst while drinking Gluhwein (mulled wine) in the chilly days leading up to Christmas. Being in a city as diverse and unique as Berlin only made it better. 

One of the things I absolutely love about Christmas markets, though, are the way they light up in the evening. The glow of twinkle lights somehow does manage to warm your heart, even on the coldest of nights.

Munich - Christmas Markets

Winter 2010 - Munich

Around the Christmas Markets

 These are just a few of the many lovely things one can buy at Christmas Markets.
Of course, all too soon, It was time to go home.. 

Munich - Around Town

Some sights from around Munich: 

I love this guy

Munich - Traveling

Munich - Winter 2010 

On our way there

Our first night exploring:

My mother and a giant smoker.
Under the giant smoker was a food stand :)

Munster

As I previously mentioned, we went to Munster over Christmas break.

Our main purpouse in going was to visit the Christmas Markets Germany is famous for :)
The main purpose of these markets (to me) is to eat wonderful German Christmas foods.
So you'll notice in a lot of these photos, people are holding something that they're in the process of eating. Yum!




Munster is also known for it's beautiful gabled houses



And it's Cathedral


And I loved it's Christmas Decorations :)

Winter Time

Now that I've posted all those summer photographs, it's time for some winter ones. These are all from last year.

The day after Thanksgiving in NYC


The 'Winterland' in Maastricht


Crepes!!!


The Christmas Market in Aachen


And finally the frozen Canals in Holland :)


I'm off to Munster today to go to more Christmas Markets with my parents. If we can get out...there is about 8cm or 4in of snow on the ground where we are. Luckily all we have to do is get to the train station. Wish us luck!!