A Beautiful Day at the Bamberg Christmas Market

I awoke at 9a.m. to the hustle and bustle of the household.  Eva was off to the Backerei to get fresh brotchen.  Yes, a backerei that is open on Sunday!  Marianne was trying to get her computer to work and Matt was helping to put together an Advent breakfast.  We celebrated the first Sunday of Advent by lighting the first of four candles on the Advent wreath that is on the dinner table.  We all enjoyed fresh brotchen, Schinken (ham), emmentaler cheese, a soft-boiled egg, 1/2 grapefruit, homemade jams, stollen and coffee.  I love breakfasts in Germany--what else would you want to eat?

After our meal, we took off (literally) in Eva's Audi A3 to Bamberg.  It's a lovely, sunny day.  On our way to the city, we stopped at a small town on the outskirts where Eva's in-laws had lived.  At a small, Catholic church cemetery, Eva placed and lit an Advent candle along with an Advent wreath on their grave.  Very touching.

Marianne and I in Front of Kloster Michaelsberg

We then made our way towards stadmitte Bamberg.  Our first stop was at St. Martin's Church which is within the walls of a once thriving Monastery.  If you crawl under St. Otto's tomb, you are supposed to be ridden of any pains.  Hope it comes true.  The church and grounds were lovely.

Stadtmitte Bamberg

Eva lived in Bamberg and is a perfect tour guide for the city.  We walked through many streets of the pedestrian-only area and came upon their Christmas market.  In one area by a small church, there were stalls selling all handmade items.  A blacksmith was demonstrating his work and St. Nicholas was making his way around to the children, young and a bit older.

Santa Salami

Further into the city we came upon a large market with many stalls.  Marianne and I bought some spices and herbs at one stall--hope we can bring them home through customs.  I once again enjoy a mug of gluhwein served in a souvenir cup for Bamberg. This gluhwein was better than at Nurnberg--got a bit tipsy from it. There's no wonder why the Germans are hanging onto the counters in front of the gluhwein booths!

Bamberg Market

This market did not have as many Christmas decorations available to buy.  I did buy a ceramic replica of the Michelstadt Rathaus which lights up with a candle. I also bought several Santa Salamis, however, the beagle in the Dallas customs area sniffed these out and I had to release them.  I should have wrapped them better. 

This market was more of a gift purchasing market.  However, it was just as much fun to wander through. 

Dom Cafe

On our way back to the car, we stopped at Cafe Dom and enjoyed kuchen and a latte.  We shared a table with a woman who, as Marianne found out, had been on a tour with a very good friend of hers.  She was a lovely lady who spoke perfect English.

(from left) New Friend, Denise, Marianne and Eva

It got dark quickly and we flew home (140 km/hour) in time to prepare an Advent dinner.  We had a salad, turkey, red peppers w/onions, fresh bread and, of course, red wine.  Okay, Sean, no smart remarks on mom drinking so much wine.  After dinner, Eva's friend, Renate and her daughter came to visit.  The daughter, Inca, plans on traveling to California next summer.  Marianne and I helped her think about where to visit and how to get around.

In the morning, we are on our way back into the city of Nurnberg to do some banking.  Marianne also needs to buy some boots.  Then we're off to Salzburg.  We plan on stopping at Regensburg on the way to see their market.  We have a full day planned.  Guten Nacht!




A special "Thank You" to our hostess, Eva, and her son, Matt, who have been so wonderful and gracious.  We will miss them.