It's Thursday

It says so on Rhett's bib (in German of course).

We're also living in a bit of a snow globe at the moment...

we're staying warm and comfy inside despite having runny noses.

Regardless of the chill, it's still one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Ornament from Papa and Grandma White.

#4 Frankfurt Christmas Market

On Sunday, after dropping Chuck off at the Frankfurt airport, we hopped on over to the Christmas Market in downtown. I've read that it is one of the oldest Christmas Markets at 600 years old! It was quite large and offered tons of unique stands. The festival was held in the historical district of Frankfurt so the background for the market was gorgeous and the food, of course, DELISH! Frankfurt really is a beautiful city and I would definitely return to this Christmas market again next year... if only to try the pommes frittes with 100 different sauces. I was too full by the time we reached that stand to try them but they looked wonderful. Next year!

Santa Sausages anyone?

Potato soup with wursts and toasted pizza bread.

Delicious, wonderful Schokokuss
(finally learned the name).

Elevator self portraits.

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For more information about Frankfurt's Christmas market, go here.

I was hoping to do some serious Christmas Marketing this weekend but I somehow managed to come down with a sad case of strep throat. I'm hopeful that with some extra rest and serious doses of antibiotics I'll be good as new very soon.

#3 Stuttgart Christmas Market

Whoo, it's been a busy weekend. Chad's dad, Chuck, has been working in Italy for the last week and was able to organize a one night layover in Germany. We took advantage of his (brief) visit by taking him to the Christmas market in Stuttgart Saturday night. It was freezing and pretty crowded but we still had a good evening.

Stuttgart's Christmas market is quite large and spread out. I actually saw more things I liked this year versus last year but I may have been too overwhelmed last year or had too much gluhwein. I'm not sure. Anyways, it really was a beautiful night in Stuttgart.

For more info about Stuttgart's Christmas market... go here.

The only thing better than a Christmas market-

is the international Chocolate Festival in Tubingen, Germany.

Tubingen is about 25 minutes south of us and I've been there once for an ill fated flea market that was never found.

However, after this visit... I'm in love with this city.

I wish I could go to the university, ride my vintage bicycle and drink hot coffee with my girlfriends in one of the many cafes.

Seriously.

It's that charming.

Any town that hosts a Chocolate Festival, has a 'French Quarter' AND a castle is a winner in my book.

I'm already anxiously looking forward to next Friday when Jill and I plan on visiting their Christmas market.

But until then I will just reminisce in the gloriousness of ChocolART.

Above is the Rathaus (City Hall), or the oldest building in the Marktplatz dating back to 1435. Beautiful.

My handsome husband in his new gloves and beanie. I told him we weren't leaving early if he was cold so our first stop was to buy warmer gear.

'Nougat & Marzipan fresh from block'

Chocolate painting anyone?

I imagine myself sitting in this cafe one day eating their zucchini cream soup. Love it.

I picked out a few chocolate truffles... coconut, white and red wine, mocha, chili and lebkuchen.

Ice fireworks...

The ChocolART festival also featured chocolate demonstrations, samples, massages (yes, it's true), work shops for children, and any kind of chocolate confection your heart desires.

Definitely a must go again next year.

See you Friday, Tubingen, my new favorite city.

For more info go here.