Germany

I found myself in Germany last week for an amazing and surreal 48 hours. I hitched a ride with a new friend who is a seasoned flight attendant with Delta. She flies weekly to a variety of European countries. With Philip's blessing (and a bit of a push), I hit the airways with her to Stutgart, Germany. It was such a privilege to experience another country and another way of life.

Stutgart is well known for its Christmas market. It's an open air market filled with craftsmen of all trades. Our hotel was walking distance from the center of town. There were so many beautiful things to admire- Christmas ornaments- hand blown and painted, wood working, silversmith, smokers, candies, breads...

The following day we took a train to Esslingen. This city had its own Christmas market but it was held in the midst of a medieval aged village. 

This was a walled village surrounded by vineyards and beautiful homes.  We ate lots of yummy food and drank several cappuccinos in effort to keep warm.  It was a wonderful time!