Europe Christmas Market Memories

What a beautiful memory. It was almost exactly a year ago when we went to Europe on the Collette Vacations Mozart Musical Tour, flying into Munich, then traveling by bus to Salisburg, Vienna, and Prague. We visited the Christmas markets of each city as well as other attractions.

The picture above is of my wife looking at the wares of one of the vendors at the Salisburg Christmas market.

I know these are pictures of a trip taken a year ago, but at this time of year the recollections of our experiences remind us of a trip that was almost enchanted and fairytale like. It was indeed a dream experience.

Outside the castle in the Prague, The Czech Republic. As you can see, even the Segway didn't distract the guard from his task.

In the main square of the Old Town in Prague. The Segway performed admirably over uneven terrain such as old cobblestone streets. I could not have walked on some of those surfaces at all. How 'bout that hat? On the tour I was used as a guidepost because I stood out so prominently. Everyone could see me. With the Segway I was also able to go on the city walking tours in each of the three cities we stayed in. Our tour director, Karina, directed me around a couple of places with steps. She was awesome. I got her to ride the Segway once. She could really use on on the tours. Great fun!

Even though the areas we visited were not as handicapped accessible as places in America, the Segway made it very easy for me to get around.

I have to offer my thanks to Collette Vacations for the way they handled the Segway. We traveled by bus to several of our destinations and our bus driver, Peter, loaded the Segway in the baggage compartment and always promptly unloaded it for me when we reached our stopping place.

Ho, Ho, Ho! Running into what I'm sure is the original Kris Kringle in the Salzburg Christmas market was a real treat.

Gluwein was a real treat on a cold day or night. Gluwein is a very popular drink at the Christmas markets. Gluwein stands were very common in each of the cities. Served hot, it is a spiced wine drink that tastes much like our hot spiced apple cider. I'm sure the flavor was enhanced by the cold. The drink warms twice; first when you hold the cup in your hands and second, when you drink it. Gute Gluwein!