Why do I love living in the Lorraine region? Take today, for example. I was working on my final essay for the grueling French Literature class I'm taking, and Hélène walked in and said, "You look like you need a break... So, wanna go to Germany?" An hour later, we were there.We arrived in the town of Saarbrücken, which is a very ordinary German town near the French border. It's not exactly a tourist paradise, but Hélène and Nicolas wanted me to experience the Christmas markets (Christkindlmarkt in German), which are often less expensive than the French variety. We had an absolute blast strolling through the wooden chalets of Christmas decorations while sipping hot glüwein and nibbling on pretzels, sausages, and chocolate covered bananas! The city was beautifully lit for Christmas, and the cold was a distant memory as we huddled for warmth around our hot drinks, laughing and singing along to familiar holiday melodies.
I have a true family here. It's hard to believe that we've only known one another for a few months, because it seems like we've been laughing like this together for years.
Hi Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI have wonderfully fond memories of Christmas markets in Heidelberg and Mainz. I couldn't help but compare the happy, singing throngs filled with comaderie with the anxious harried folks that populate Amereican malls at this time of year. I had to conclude that with regards to celebrating the Savior's birth, the German's have the better idea!!
Love,
Dad