A crisp winter day is giving me a warm, fuzzy feeling as I walk around Bruges. This pretty medieval city takes on fairytale airs as the temperatures drop. The intoxicating scent of fresh waffles and chocolates linger in the Bruges Christmas market. The streets are dressed like gingerbread houses with festive twinkle lights reflecting everywhere. Bruges really is a magical Christmastime destination.
One day in Bruges and I am off to Ghent to meet Kaaren. Then back to Bruges tomorrow for a few days. Bruges, Brugge or Brugs.
Shuttle from hotel to train station. Arrived at train station no problem, purchase a round trip ticket to Ghent. Get to my platform, EASY.I love taking trains in Europe. Having been a Philly and NYC commuter for many years, I love to get back on trains. So, my first notice that the train will be 14 minutes late.14 minutes turned into a change of platform and trains. Still pretty easy. I have a first class ticket so I opted for the upper level. And my car was not filled. 40 minutes to Ghent.
Checkpoint Charlie.Occupying a prominent space between Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz, this Holocaust Memorial has almost 3,000 gray oblong pillars, arranged at varying heights, that form a labyrinth intended to reference the disorientation felt by Europe’s hunted Jewish population.One of the best-known landmarks of Germany. Throughout its existence, the Brandenburg Gate was often a site for major historical events and is today considered not only as a symbol of the tumultuous histories of Germany and Europe, but also of European unity and peace.Built in 1791. The back of Brandenburg Gate, it was my better picture.The Berlin Wall Art. One side represents the free expression of the open society of West Berlin, while on the other was the blank walls of the repressed society that was East Berlin. The art was stunning. Behind me is the river dividing East and West Berlin.I think this is a great example of art. It is a solitary figure shouting for peace towards mighty establishments as the world goes past without paying much attention. We walked from the Brandenburg Gate towards the direction of the Victory Column, and we saw this (rather) unusual statue in the middle of the road. Created by Gerhard Marcks in 1966. They said the inscription is a quote from Italian poet, Francesco Petrarch, “I wander through the world and cry ‘Peace, peace, peace.”Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.Berlin stands with Ukraine.
Kaufhaus des Westens, KaDeWe, department store.
KaDeWe is a huge and impressive department store. Whether you actually intend to shop or casually stroll around, it is seven floors of heaven.You have to be let in. They don’t approve just anyone. ; )Here we are on the seventh floor, and this is the champagne bar and out-of-this-world food options floor. A Moet and Chandon bar, Veuve Clicquot bar, macaroons to die for and really anything else you wanted.
Christmas Markets in Berlin. They are huge, we went to two or three. Their seasonal go to drink is glo-vin or Glühwein (glow wine–really a mulled wine) to keep you warm. ; ) Their specialty foods seem to be, at least by the sheer number of the vendors selling these foods,
chocolate covered fruit skewers
wurst and currywurst (the currywurst was very good)
11:15AM, disembarkation details gathering. I’m going and definitely not gonna forget my access card tomorrow. 12/noon, lunch. 1:30PM, Wittenberg walking tour. 6PM, captain’s cocktail (farewell) party. Busy day. ; )
Palace grounds of the then duke, built around 1340. It later became the official church of the University of Wittenberg and provided a pulpit for Martin Luther to preach Protestantism. It was here that Luther nailed his 95 Theses. The original door was destroyed by fire in 1760.Martin Luther museum.Indulgence box. The medieval indulgence was a writ offered by the Catholic Church, for money, guaranteeing the remission of sin, and its abuse was the spark that inspired Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. Luther claimed the sale of indulgences was unbiblical, challenging the authority of the Church and its claim as God’s earthly representative. There you have it–Catholic’s idea of payment for guaranteeing the remission of sin sparked the reformation.Town Church of St. Mary. Renowned to have celebrated one of the first masses in German rather than in the traditional Latin. Mother Church of the Reformation.Wittenberg getting ready for Christmas.Wittenberg getting ready for the Christmas market.Hi from Wittenberg. I miss you all! See you soon.Having fun.
Dream to Travel from NCM 