Thursday, December 25, 2014

How to Find Unusual Holidays and Christmas Vacations Around the World: Dresden, Germany

Sometimes you have to go to faraway places and experience for yourself.   Dresden, Germany is a very special place!

Dresden in December - Germany by DW
Happy Holidays! Frohe Weihnachten! Merry Christmas!  Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noël! Καλά Χριστούγεννα! Buon Natale! (and to each individual celebration! What is yours?)

I am grateful to have the chance to dive into some local communities and learn how others experience everyday things.  Don't forget to smile when you go ... thank you. 


Remember, "You really never leave a place you love; Part of it you take with you, leaving a part of you behind. I love vacations, I love coming home too!"  ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Unusual Christmas Festivities and Spirit in the Streets of Hamelin, Germany

I am sharing a special treat today from another traveler and author, Carrie Buchert, who shares her favorites off the beaten path discovering Christmas Festivities in the streets of this small town community, Hamelin, Germany, full of holiday spirit. 

Experience the Christmas Festivities and Spirit in the Streets of Germany 
By Carrie Buchert, Author 

The German Christmas markets are world renowned because of their dedication to authentic traditions and celebration. Commercialization has taken hold of the rest of the world but it seems that only in the traditional German Christmas markets can you step back in time and experience what Christmas used to be.

Hamelin is a small German town that’s nestled in the heart of the Weser Mountains. Its beauty and charm originally inspired the Brothers Grimm to write the tale of the Pied Piper and today that medieval spark remains with over 70 wooden huts clustered in the market around the Wedding House. This is the Old Quarter where restored timber houses and cobbled streets seem untouched by modern invention.


Image by Deutsche Märchenstraße e.V.  Germany National Tourist Board
This Christmas market experience is much smaller than those in Munich, Dresden, or Nuremberg because the town itself is more compact and serene. This means that visitors can have a more authentic experience and receive a little more attention than in the areas that entice more tourists. There’s only one Christmas market in Hamelin, compared to the 60 markets in Berlin, but this translates to less competition for pricing and more camaraderie between shops.

Hamelin stands out as hosting one of the most kid friendly Christmas markets across Germany, partly because of its size and location in a smaller, friendlier town. A live Nativity scene with real animals sits near a Christmas pyramid, though modest in size, and visitors are welcome to walk up to pet livestock and interact with the scene.




Image by: Dirk Topel Kommunikation GmbH, owned by
Deutsche Zentrale für Tourismus e.V

 Visitors should be sure to save room for dinner as they explore the market because there are snacks, desserts, and mouth-watering delicacies around every corner. One Hamelin vendor is famous for the open-pit roasted chestnuts and you simply cannot wander the market without a glass of mulled wine.


________________________________

Thank you Carrie Buchert, for sharing your secrets of this special German community!  I have fun learning about how everyday is a holiday at Carrie's blog, www.carriebuchert.wordpress.com.   

And be sure to find the new home for Carrie's musings about holidays at  Always a Holiday
  
Are you ready for the crisp aroma of Glühwein while exploring these German tastes and festivities? 

What is your favorite German Christmas Market? Tell us in your comments!

Let's go on vacation! The Fun Tour Guru

Thank you to the German National Tourist Board for permission to use these fun images from their excellent photographers for the German Christmas Markets.


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

My Day at the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum and Hangar One, Mountain View CA

In the middle of our region - between the 49ers Levi’s Stadium, Google Headquarters and the Computer History Museum is another Silicon Valley landmark we pass by every day on Highway 101 that is currently going through transition. 



From my Silicon Valley archives ... 2001 to 2003 DWest

Yesterday I asked the question about this familiar landmark we pass by daily and I received this fun answer from the actual "landmark".   Perhaps buildings do talk!




Hangar One at Moffett Field.   

It is bare right now as it is receiving a new face. This is one of our treasured symbols that combine the Bay Area and World War II.  Yes, I went on this base several years ago and I have even been inside Hangar One for fun exhibits during the Blue Angels fly over on various Fourth of July holidays.  What was the purpose of this landmark? Why here? 


Saving Hangar One in Mountain View CA Courtesy of DWest

To find the answers to these questions, a fun place to visit now is the
Moffett Field Historical Society Museum


The Museum at Moffett Field by DWest
 
Driving on the Base, I was greeted by an attendant who asked me for my identification and reason for coming.  I said I was visiting the History Museum; the attendant gave me easy directions to drive on base a short distance away, and I found the Museum right next to Hangar One. 

My pictures are good to show you, let me tell that it is the stories from these Volunteers that really make this era come alive because they share from their own personal accounts.  And, they unveil and welcome new stories from visitors all of the time.  Many visitors who have experiences on this base from many years ago. 


Of course I was absolutely fascinated by the large display dedicated to women who served the Navy, especially the WAVES!

There is a $8 donation, and it is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm. (hours and days may change) and I would definitely call in advance to schedule a docent tour from these volunteers. Each volunteer's story is unusual and personal .  The Moffett Field Historical Society Museum website has quite a bit of information to absorb as you do your research.   


Some highlights to see follows


Listening to our Docent Courtesy of DWest


iPhone Picture DWest



iPhone Picture DWest

iPhone Picture
One day, things to do in Silicon Valley ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Busy, busy active planning vacations this year.  It is fun to go together, Lighthouse Travel & Tours


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Santa Clara CA: INSIDE Levi's Stadium at 49ers Fan Fest

News in Silicon Valley

I am excited about the opening of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. If you have been following me, you know I wrote this story with several pictures of the stadium building in progress.  

I am inside!  Wowza!




I was one of the lucky winners to go to the Fan Fest on Friday evening, August 15, along with about 10,000 people to get a sneak preview and watch the 49ers practice during training camp. 

'Santa Clara Day'

Thank you to Levi’s Stadium, 49ers, and Santa Clara! I am sure the actual game experience is fantastic, to be a part of the Training Camp practice up close and see the players and coaches in their new digs is exceptional too.

It has been a fun adventure to watch the creation of this attraction which is less than 10 miles from where I reside this past couple of years.  
 
Will this be the FIN of my story or is it the beginning? 


It is a  fabulous experience inside the stadium (as promised) and very spacious (if you remember walking around Candlestick).  It is interesting to read what other fans are saying throughout this first football weekend when playing the Broncos.  

My tip for fans:  Yes, remember we are in the Southbay.  It is much warmer here than it is in San Francisco. Be sure to wear sun screen protection, sunglasses, hats, and bring/buy water.  



 It is all about the food experience today!




 

 Coach Harbaugh, time out for an autograph for a contest winner!


 Of course Intel is inside!  What do you expect from Silicon Valley?


  49ers accept the ALS ice water bucket challenge:

 


Practice: 



Do you recognize Gore?
Name the players?  I'll start with Kap.

You may get a better view of these pictures from my Flickr album. Pictures are candid, in the moment, AS A FAN! 

Yep, our Levi's Stadium is a big deal in Santa Clara! ~ The Fun Tour Guru 




Tag the players you recognize in your comments!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

A Vacation to German Christmas Markets or Deutsch Christkindlmarkts

I miss the holiday traditions I grew up with.  It is fun to create my own new traditions. One reason I love to travel is to explore the many diverse holiday festivities and cultures around the world that you will not find at home.   

Last year I planned ahead and saved for my vacation where I may experience something I don't have in California, a white winter and the German Christmas Markets.  This next story is from another traveler of the Christmas spirit found on the streets of German town of Munich.  Do you see why?
My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf
My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf
My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf
My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf
My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf
My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf
My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf


My memories sometimes get lazy about the truly magical experience of the Christmas holidays because of my daily living now in Northern California.  I am glad I grew up with the snow of the mid-west and I loved going to see our Country Club Plaza Holiday Lights in Kansas City.  I miss this.  Where is the best place to get the historical influence and tradition?  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/p/blog-page_30.html#sthash.t6JorSeR.dpuf
Deutsch Christkindlmarkts - German Christmas Markets By Barbara Carey

As I strolled through the brightly lit and beautifully decorated street Christmas Markets of Munich, the smell of the freshly baked spicy gingerbread cookies Lebkuchen wafted through the air. I could smell the crisp aroma of Glühwein (hot mulled wine) and who could resist a sinful sip of it on a chilly November evening. The delicious looking, hot Bratwurst sausages were a delight for both the local people and the tourists. The scent of cinnamon permeated the air, increasing my anticipation of the joyous festival. 



Munich: Christmas market outside the New Town Hall Photographer: Cowin, Andrew

Throughout the streets, there were choirs and brass-bands belting out tunes of traditional Christmas songs, brightening the atmosphere. It was on these streets that everyone forgot their troubles and woes and became wholly new people. Everyone was joyous in the spirit of this beautiful festival. People formed new relationships and had a jolly time interacting with people they’d never met before; with people from various corners of the world on these very streets. 


Munich: gingerbread stand at the Christmas market Photographer Messerschmidt, Joachim
 Christmas markets have been a German tradition for over 700 years. Each and every town of Germany had a different type of Christmas Market. The food and beverages served differed from place to place. The local tradesmen would sell handmade ornaments, wood carvings, marionettes, candles and lambskin shoes that would decorate your home and make you feel the merriness of this exuberant festival. Carved nutcrackers (Nussknacker), Zwetschgenmännle (figures made of decorated dried plums), cuckoo clocks, straw ornaments and blown glass ornaments were some other handicrafts that were seen throughout the market.

Nuremberg/Pegnitz: Christmas tree decorations, nutcrackers, incense burners and candle arches at the Christmas market on Hauptmarkt square Photographer Kiedrowski, Rainer

Children especially seemed to enjoy these markets. Seeing them playing on the festively decorated Christmas carousels radiated happiness and instantly made me smile. You could see kids enjoying the sizzling sausages in the chilly weather. They would pick out pretty ornaments to decorate their Christmas trees with. They seemed to enjoy life in these markets like there was no tomorrow. 


Nuremberg/Pegnitz: people in front of a craft stall at the Christmas market on Hauptmarkt square                Photographer Kiedrowski, Rainer
Adults could be seen sitting in a warm, cozy, open pub, enjoying glasses of wine and mugs of beer next to a lit fireplace. Tradesmen were trying to sell their goods with their wives. They were calling out prices and interacting with us customers in a very affectionate manner. 

And don’t forget their ‘Frohe Weihnachten’ (Merry Christmas in German) greeting after every customer makes a purchase from them. I think we’ve established that there is no better way to celebrate this festive season than in the gorgeously lit up street Christkindlmarkts in Deutschland (Germany).

“From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another,


The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.”- Emily Matthews


 _______________________________________


Thank you to Barbara Carey, a voracious reader who can devour thousands of pages of text in single session, and published Author, who enjoys travel, for sharing this unusual experience of the Christmas Spirit on the streets of Germany.

 ***
Are you ready for the crisp aroma of Glühwein while exploring these German tastes and festivities?  Contact us to help you plan your own.

Let's go! ~ The Fun Tour Guru
 
Thank you to the German National Tourist Board for permission to use these fun images from their excellent photographers for the German Christmas Markets.