6AM flight from Tbilisi to Munich. Four hour flight. Three hour time difference. All that was easy. Then I arrive in Munich . . . so much for German efficiency. ; )

All backed up clearing customs—about 1/2 hour to clear. Not sure why. Then our luggage was delayed arriving on the turnstile. Again, not sure why. Both airports were very busy though. Busier than I have ever seen.

Munich Christmas Market. Day one. Marienplatz.🎄🤶🏻

One of the great pleasures of a visit to the Christkindlmarkt, really any Christmas Market, is the opportunity to enjoy its particular culinary delights. There’s mulled wine, glühwein, to give us that inner glow as well as freshly roasted almonds and chestnuts to keep body and soul together. Other traditional features of the Christkindlmarkt include tempting grilled sausages and Advent sweetmeats such as spicy pfeffernüsse biscuits and magenbrot cake. I also love all the handmade gifts and treasures and all the lights! The magical glow of twinkle lights.

The original Munich Christmas market, dates back to the 14th century and has been held on Marienplatz since 1972. My hotel is three blocks away. The market is huge! There have to be close to 200 stalls selling goods and food.

The Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall tower shows two events from Munich’s city history:

First, the wedding of Duke Wilhelm V and Renate of Lorraine, celebrated in February 1568. In honor of the bride and groom, a jousting tournament took place on Marienplatz. The Bavarian knight triumphed over his opponent from Lorraine.

The lower floor shows the Schäffler dance. After a severe plague epidemic, the barrel makers are said to have been the first to venture out into the streets again, dancing to amuse the plague-stricken residents.

Tomorrow more marketing.