More News from Berlin
We did indeed end up at a German/Austrian restaurant for dinner on night number one. Katie and I were thrilled with our cheese spaetzle and everyone else was happy with their schnitzel and gulash. Jetlag led to an early night.
Granny and Grandpa were back at my apartment by 8:30am (Thursday) for breakfast and then it was off for a small bus tour (narrated by yours truly.) We hopped off at the Brandenberg Gate and then strolled along Friedrichstrasse, where my dad and grandpa each picked out a Bentley at the car dealership☺ Next it was off to the Christmas Market at the Gendarmenmarkt. Supposedly this Christmas market is the most picturesque and traditional one in Berlin. As we perused the stands filled with handmade wood carvings, ceramics and other treasures, the smell of wurst, spiced wine and chestnuts (roasting on an open fire…really) wafted through the air.
Thanksgiving dinner found us at the Marriott hotel on Potsdamer Platz. We arrived to a completely empty restaurant and five waitresses ready to serve us dinner. Though dinner did somehow have a Berlin flare, we were all impressed with how American the meal was overall—turkey, yams with marshmallows, cranberry relish, real mashed potatoes, dressing, green beans and pumpkin pie. After dinner, I showed everyone the futuristic-looking Sony Center, which, for the next month, has also been turned into a Christmas market.
This morning’s wonderful surprise was waking up to snow-covered streets and giant flakes falling from the sky! What could be better for Christmas shopping! We started the day at Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe,) a giant department store located in Western Berlin. I pointed my mom, Granny and Katie to the Christmas decorations and paper napkin department (yes, there’s really a whole paper napkin department!) My Dad and Grandpa headed for the fancy pens. We all enjoyed walking around the food floor (are you sensing a trend to this trip!?) Grandpa Lee said he thinks the meat department has had over 50 kinds of wurst.
Christmas market #3 at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church was our afternoon destination. Though not quite as picturesque as yesterday’s market, the 15-20 foot tall Christmas candle holder with a spinning top was quite a sight!
The snow is still falling! Tonight we are off to a German-Alsatian restaurant and then back to the apartment for a game of cards!
We are all having a blast! I think everyone should stay another week!
posted by Erin @ 11:28 AM
2 Comments:
Erin & All:
Happy Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend!
Great pictures. Looks like;sounds like, you all are having a great time. Wish we were there too.
Also, delighted to see Mother Nature has shared some snow with you.
We had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving day - dad doesn't talk so much anymore and Aunt Barb has a cold and literally lost her voice. I got to ask and answer my own questions. Best part, I got seconds on Turkey, I could not hear anyone object.
Aunt Barb is feeling much better today - already been to the early morning sales, back home to entertain the electrician so we now have power back in our utility room; she then decorated the house on the inside and has just now left for more shopping and a hair appointment.
Tonight we are going to dinner at the new Irish pub in down town Rochester - part of the old Mitzelfelds.
Corey has found a British car museum near Nashville where for $5 you can ride in old MG's and such - he plans to spend this afternoon there with Spike and Niki's grandfather Chuck.
Stephanie has found that it is super fun having a new puppy on the road. At least that is what she told us....
Keep up the great work on the Blog and on sending us pictures.
Uncle Larry
Erin,
It sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving with your family. Your description of the Christmas markets is really beautiful - please drink some gluhwein for me too!
Jennie
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