Karen's Trip to Frankfurt

Jay was home in the States for most of December working on The Classic Toy Shop, so I took the opportunity to book a weekend trip for myself to visit the Christmas Markets in Germany. Frankfurt won out based on the cost of the tickets. I figured that there could be no better time than now to experience Christmas in Europe. The market (located in the Römerberg area) was alive with activity—lots to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch! I spoiled myself by buying CDs from street musicians (latin harp + guitar combo) and picked up some nice trinkets for my friends and family (nutcrackers, beautiful glass Christmas ornaments, jewellery, and foodstuffs, etc.). I also ate myself silly with the sausages, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, marzipan, roasted nuts, and chocolate covered marshmallows… yummy! Here’s a picture of my lunch: Being a non-drinker, I could not avail myself of the mulled wine, which looked oh-so-cosy in the hands of my fellow shoppers in the cold weather. I amused myself instead with animated moose heads that sang Christmas Carols and the old-fashioned choo-choo train that pulled into the area and made the experience so quintessential.

I saw a few interesting things while meandering through the city. First of all, could you believe Woolworth’s still has stores?! Not far from Woolworths, I happened upon one of the nicer department stores in Frankfurt. Right in front was a man and his pony. For the price of spare change, you had your own petting zoo for a few moments. I thought it was a funny site—this thigh-high pony, and a department store. I also happened upon a poster advertising a local Western show entitled, “I Like America” And here is one of the more colourful buildings I strolled by—pretty flowers for a pretty pub! Frankfurt was also a beautiful city in its own way, with a mix of modern buildings, old-fashioned architecture, and a river lined with gnarly sycamore trees. One day of shopping was enough for me, so I crossed the Main River via the Eiserner Steg (iron footbridge) and spent my Sunday exploring the Frankfurt’s Museum Row (Museumsufer). I spent most of my time at the Städel Museum, where they had a special exhibit on gardens in art. I must say that Frankfurt was altogether a very pleasant trip, though I would have loved to share it with some company!