The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Given the unseasonably warm weather we have been having in the UK, what a better way to start off the holiday but with a trip to the Christmas markets in Munich. Imagine our surprise to be greated with the Parade of Lions ( Löwenparade).

Hundreds of lions were scattered across Munich. Some elegantly decorated

The Sofitel Lion

some in pairs

and sometimes, wildly tarted up.

All were gorgeous though, and all decorated so uniquely.

We walked, a lot, everywhere.

Much of tha action was at the Marienplatz, which used to be an old market square. The site is dominated by the new town hall (Neues Rathaus) and for the run-up to Christmas, the site of the large Christmas market.

Neues Rathaus

The market opened from 2pm until 9pm every weeknight and until 11pm during the weekend.

It was a bit strange to see thousands of people hanging about sipping gluhwein, nibbling on glazed fruits and the pungent bratwurst at 8:30pm and at 9pm on the dot, the shutters would be pulled down and the people would had dispersed.

Aside from the standard 'buy and eat' kind of food that all marklets seem to have,

Gluhwein

there was a whole bunch of markets, selling crafty stuff, like wooden and straw Christmas ornaments, socks, ribbons, and all bits and pieces for making up either your own nativity scene or angels for your tree.

There were some pretty fabulous things on displace, like this superb Gingerbread house.

In fact, the Lebkuchen stands were magnets for small children. They spent their pocket money on the Lebkuchen (usually heart shape and worn around their necks until it's eaten)

The atmosphere was pretty Christmas-sy. The carollers were out in full force at the Haufbahnhof.

The shopping centres were decked to the nines.

as were the restaurants.

Sometimes, things got lost in translation. This sleek shop would probably not be so pleased with the English definition.

Munich is so pretty.

Pretty building

and definitely a great place to visit, if you're fond of sausages and beer.

All that walking meant we needed rest and food. So, we managed a visit to the Hofbräuhaus.

Brew house

The beer came in liter mugs and rumour has it that the servers carried 8 of these at a time.

Brew house

See, they sell a lot of beer here.

Brew house

The umpa band created a lively atmosphere. They were wearing the most gorgeous socks. I would had asked them to let me get a closer photo, only I was with the hubbler and he would be appalled.

Umpa

Anyway, now that I've mentioned that 5 lettered word, it reminds me, I've got some socks that need working on now.

I wish you all a happy Christmas!

Posted by atu at December 24, 2006 06:35 PM | TrackBack