More markets! I was trying to come up with an angle for the Mittelaltermarkt report, but I can’t think of anything particularly clever to say about it. It’s kind of like a Renaissance fair, but with more hot wine and fewer giant turkey drumsticks. And around the same number of costumed people who are really, really into it.
The highlight of this market is the feuerzangenbowle, which is served in hand-thrown goblets with a special lip to hold a ceremonial flaming sugar cube. There’s some yummy food to be found, too, including the freshly smoked salmon with horseradish sauce.
This market can get crazy crowded in the evenings and on weekends; I find it most pleasant on a weekday afternoon, when one has a bit more elbow room.
I bet the town of Rothenburg is beautifully decorated for Christmas! Any chance of making it up there for their markets? Only 2 shopping days to go!
I’m sure it’s too cute for words, but alas, I won’t be making it to Rothenburg this season. We did a big xmas market tour two years ago, so this year we opted to stay close to home (venturing only as far as Regensburg). Perhaps next year…
Was there a Bubonic Plague simulation?
I’m reading “World without End” at the moment. It’s the follow-up to “The Pillars of the Earth” and I’m in the Plague portion of the book. The greatest disaster to befall the planet – nearly half the population of Europe gone.
It isn’t cheerful Holiday reading – but it’s engrossing.
Happy 2009!
Luckily I didn’t see any buboes, but I’ll keep a closer eye out next time…
Happy 2009 to you, too!