Study Abroad Fall 2013: Christmas Market Palooza!!!

This past week was Thanksgiving!!! We had a huge potluck with about 20 people all bringing something for everyone to enjoy. We were able to live stream the parade and everything. It was a really nice dinner. We were even cheesy enough to play a charades like game after we had finished all of the amazing food and desserts. There was hardly a scrap of food leftover.
Friday we headed up to Dresden in Germany for their Christmas markets. While I was there, I had to opportunity to visit three of the different markets. But first we took a nice guided tour of some major points in the city, first by bus when we saw a Guinness World Record holding milk bar and some lovely Elbe castles. Then we took a walking tour of center city and saw the massive Zwinger Palace and a lovely mural of the history of the city. Then it was time for the markets!!! The first Rachel, Lindsey, and I walked into was a Medieval Market with men dressed up and acting in character. It was lovely. We stopped there for some hot chocolate and Rachel asked the man behind the counter. He very honestly replied, "Because I have to taste them all I don't like any of them." So we had to make decisions on our own. I then bought a cut up and friend apple which tasted delicious and Rachel and Lindsey bought these pizza like things that ad cheese and assorted toppings. Then we walked over to another more classic market that was a long stretch on the other side of the river. In the center of the long walkway was the most beautiful tree, lit up all blue and it had dripping lights. After we walked past it all and took pictures we then found one more amazing market. It was more like a fair. There was a ferris wheel and a bridge to climb and get a whole view of the area. Of course panoramic pictures had to be taken!!! Then we were off to home and some homework.
Saturday was an essay writing day. I needed the time to relax and write my papers before Danielle comes this Wednesday and then we go to Amsterdam this weekend!!! But I digress. After doing some work I met up with Lindsey and Rachel and we went to the Prague Christmas tree lightening! Old Town Square was more crowded than I have ever seen it in my entire stay here. It was literally impossible to move about once we found a nice spot in view of the tree. All the lights on the monuments were turned off right before the tree was lit and then one small strand lit up after we finished counting down. Lindsey, Rachel, and I were all underwhelmed. Then suddenly, the whole tree was lit, every last branch. Classical music starting playing and the tree lights did a show for us. The whole crowd oohed and aahed. Such a sight it was to see. Afterwards we made our way through the crowds and had a lovely Czech dinner of fried cheese in a restaurant nearby before heading over to Wenceslas Square. That market also had a really nice tree as well as a pretty nativity scene. Then we walked over to Namesti Republiky and saw another smaller market where Rachel tried grill cheese (not what we have in America) and I had some Hungarian fruit cake. Then we parted for the evening, very full, not just of food, but of Christmas joy. There was still more to come!!!
Sunday Rachel and I met up in the afternoon and headed out to Plzen, where they brew Pilsner beer. They were also having a tree lighting and we had to see that one as well! So we headed over to the train station and got our tickets and off we went. We spent the afternoon wandering around the town and studying for our final on architecture styles this upcoming week. Then we stopped over in the market and watched a choir of children sing carols while we sipped on some hot wine. Afterwards we got some dinner at a small restaurant that had pictures of New York City inside of it before heading over to see the lighting of the tree. We counted down just as we had the day before, but this time the tree did not light up right away! There must have been a delay because after about a minute and a couple jokes it lit up and it was lovely!!! After we stood about for a little bit, we headed back home on the tram.
Monday was a lovely day of interning with the students. I learned the Mrs. Carolyn's husband owns a bakery that is really popular among the American students. I was so surprised! Tuesday night Dani came over and we continued to work on some final edits and essays so we can be done with our work. As a break we went to the local chain vegan restaurant in town called Loving Hut. There was an all you can eat for 70 krowns special. We were so excited!!!

Zwinger Palace, Dresden