Germany

After Belfast I headed to the Dublin airport to fly to Germany for the Christmas markets I had heard so much about. The plan was to end up in Cologne and meet Morgan and Taylor there. Here's a post with many photos and few words, enjoy. 

I made it safely to Germany and took a few trains to meet up with my friend Laura who I met in Ballycotton! I flew in to Zurich Switzerland first and this was the view from the airplane. I mean come on! I popped in my ear buds and listened to worship music while tears welled up in my eyes looking at the beauty of His creation. 

Laura graciously invited me into her life. Her boyfriend, sister, and I all went to a Christmas market in a small town located near her village. We drove home in the crisp evening and played cards in their furnace heated kitchen. I have never been more obsessed with a home in my life. I love homes that make you feel so warm and cozy. I love layouts that are twisting and turning with a surprise around every corner. Enjoy these photos I snapped of their insane home. Oh by the way their house is 200 years old.

Yes that's a trap door cellar in their kitchen 

That evening her mom taught me a new way to knit a sock. Guys I'm not kidding I was in heaven and never wanted to leave. I woke up to a cheese, coffee and croissant breakfast. 

I think my brothers and dad need to up their firewood cutting game. 

The next day Laura and I drove to the Lake of Constance that had another beautiful Christmas market. I tried lots of new things that were of course just so delicious. I was blown away by the craftsmanship that were the trinkets for sale. It seems that the Germans love crafting and wood carving. Laura was a beautiful host and I loved being able to see Germany life. I'm so glad I had 10 seconds of courage to chat with her in Ballycotton.

The next day was spent on 7 different trains making my way north toward Cologne. The country side was beautiful winding mountains with castles dotted on top. Being here made thinking about WWII in such a different light and so much more real. Train travel is great, but becomes tricky without knowing the language. Made a few mistakes but ultimately made it to the Airbnb. 

Little Morgan arrived later that night bringing the fun with her. Taylor's flight was delayed until the next night, so Morgan and I visited the markets around town getting a good layout of the land. Guys I continually was looking around for Hallmark to be filming at these markets. They were magical and so  christmasy but in the classiest cutest way. 

This market was gnome themed. Try to spot them throughout the photos. 

Each market has their own cups. If you buy a drink and return the cup you get money back, or you can keep it for a souvenir. 

At the gnome market people were playing some sort of curling-bowling game while their children ice skated to the left. Sometimes I wonder if this type of market would be successful in the US. However, I do think we are less willing to be outside in the cold. But maybe at a ski lodge or something. 

Can anyone spot Belsnickel in the back? Have you been impish or admirable? Mom it's from the Office. 

Taylor arrived the next day and we were more than delighted for the ray of sunshine. 

"Bella do you want your photo here?" "sure" "wow she never says yes!......oh"

I was happy to be home and honestly exhausted from being gone for over a week. Traveling is great but home, no matter how long I've called it home, is always pulling me back. Taking care of yourself, watching your bank account dwindle, and always being on edge can take its tole. The memories are worth it but only if there are humans there to share them with. Anyway coming home, i was ready to be back at my home in Kansas.

yups that's it...