Places we have been.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Christmas Day in Heidelberg

We drove to Heidelberg for the Christmas Day Mass. When we came out from the parking area, we were greeted by the Christmas Market. I thought it was over. We headed straight first to the Roman Catholic Cathedral and subsequently, went around the old town of Heidelberg and finally dropped by the Christmas Market.

Heidelberg is relatively small with a large Pedestrian only Zone (Fussgänger Zone) in cobble stones. A big number of residents here are non-Germans giving this place a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The English posters/ads around the town serves as a proof to it. It is said that approximately 1 in 5 of the population are students.

Most of the visitors spend time around the old town which is the center for shopping. There are also a number of restaurants, bar and bistro around. That day being a holiday, the shops are closed except for the souvenir shops, restaurants and coffee shops.
(Click on the photos for a large view)


Going to the cathedral.


The Jesuit Church

The Altar


The Manger




Around the old town

Souvenir shop
Festive window decors
at the town square

Haus zum Ritter (Knight's house),the oldest private house (1592) in Heidelberg, now a hotel. Built in the renaissance style

The Old Bridge Gate
at the Old Bridge

By the Neckar River





The Heidelberg Christmas Market, above is the Heidelberg Palace




People enjoying the winter drinks


Potato Pancakes, one of the German Delicacies



kind of steamed mixed vegetables....






Though it was 4 degree Celsius, but certainly it felt a lot colder than that. In as much as we wanted to hang-around longer but the freezing cold was too much to bear. Definitely, a must visit place.

Posted by: Jernie
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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Mannheimer Weihnachtsmarkt (Mannheim Christmas Market)

Weihnachtsmarkt is a traditional street market associated with the Christmas celebration. I had been there once with my school friends and it was really a great experience. For me, the highlight is the Glühwein (winter wine). It is a warm alcoholic drink traditional made available during the Advent through the Christmas time.

Yesterday was the last day for the Weihnachtsmarkt at the Wasserturm in Mannheim City. It usually opens to the public from 11am until 11pm. We drove there around 8pm and parked right below the Wasserturm. Coming from Canada, we expected the night to be really cold so we wrapped-up warm enough. However, it turned out not to be that cold.

The place was well-lit with the lavish festive lights. It was quite crowded but manageable. The market showcased a wide variety of products and quite a number of fast food and winter drinks stalls.

Here are the scenes I captured.







The Glühwein Stall
Enjoying our sip of Glühwein



People chatting while having their Glühwein






Miniatures of German traditional houses


Desing candles
For more information about Europe's Traditional Christmas Market, visit this website

Posted by: Jernie
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Friday, December 19, 2008

Happy Holidays!

We will be off to Germany for the Christmas Holidays. Have a wonderful celebration to everyone.


Posted by: Jernie
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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

This morning's view from the balcony...

It was snowing all night long!



















Posted by: Jernie
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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Niagara by Night


We spent our weekend in Niagara on the Lake. We got there in the afternoon and were treated right away with the German traditional 'Kaffee und Kuchen' (coffee and cake). Her home radiates the Christmas spirit inside and out. I was so delighted to see the 'Plätzchen' (Christmas cookies) packed in Christmas wrappers.

At around 3pm, we drove to the theatre to watch the movie 'The Band's Visit'. I wasn't expecting much from it because I haven't even heard about it before. But in contrary, it turned out to be a wonderful with subtle humour and a very charming movie. It depicts two very different cultures: Arabs and Israelis; that shows they are both ordinary people with ordinary hopes, lives and disappointments. It's worth watching. From the theatre we headed home for dinner.

Later in the evening, we decided to drive to Niagara Falls which is just about 20 minutes drive. On our way, I was pre-occupied watching the Christmas lights and decorations illuminating the streets and the neighbourhoods. It was truly overwhelming.

It wasn't quite easy to find a parking space close to the falls. Hence, we ended up walking a distance. Though it was just 0 degrees Celsius, it felt much colder due to the wind. I was concerned that I wasn't wrapped-up warm enough to stand the cold. It was great wandering around the place, the Christmas lights and decorations bring so much life to the place. Not long enough, I started to feel my toes getting numb. It was freezing cold! Nevertheless, it didn't cease my desire to stroll by the falls, enjoy the gushing sound of the water and enjoy the beautiful sight of the falls. In between, I had to take refuge in one of the shops there to warm me up because I could feel my feet frozen and the pain in my hands.


























On our way back to the car, nothing could be better than to fetch ourselves a cup of Tim Horton's coffee. While enjoying our sip, the Ferriswheel in front of us seemed so inviting however, Aunt Rosie can't so I opted to just let it pass.

We then later on hit the road back to the Niagara on the Lake. It was around 10:30pm when we got home. That long walk combined with the freezing temperature took us to bed early and gave us a very sound sleep. After our brunch the next day, we headed back to Mississauga making a two-hour stop at the Fairview Mall in St. Catharines.

Posted by: Jernie
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