Monday, November 28, 2011

SHAPE Chrismas Markets

Since SHAPE is the headquarters of NATO, we have a possible 28 different Christmas markets to go to, should the element from each country host one. I have missed the British market, since it was on Thanksgiving evening and we were eating with friends. I have missed the Canadian market because we were in Garmisch. I know there's another one I've missed as well.
However, this weekend, I was able to attend the German market and the Norwegian market. The Norwegian element at SHAPE isn't huge, but the group put on a great little Taste of Norway. They had various Christmas gnomes for sale, as well as homemade ornaments and jewelry. They also had some beautiful knitted sweaters and other winter gear. My favorite thing about the Norwegian market was the reindeer! They had good sized samples of different fish, elk and reindeer. I tried some sausage on homemade dark bread with real butter. It was so yummy. They didn't have the sausage for sale independently, or I would have bought some to share with the family.
The German market was conveniently located across the street from the Norwegian market. They decorated the school cafeteria, it speedy fashion, to look like a German market at night. It was really amazing. Many of the booths were little wooden store fronts, others were tents. There were lights all over to shine on the products, and oh the products. For a little market in a cafeteria, the selection was quite good. We came home with some homemade jam and a handmade paper star lantern for our son's room. We ate bratwurst and I had a wonderful cup of gluhwein with a spiced rum kicker....at noon. Gotta love the Germans. Advent wreaths seemed to be the big draw, after the gluhwein.
This upcoming weekend, we will be going to Italian market!

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