Blakely Holidays are never relaxing or restful. While I was thousands of kilometers away from my loving family, this year was no different. In three weeks, I visited London; Calais; Lille; Belgium (drove through); Luxembourg (drove through); Cologne; Frankfurt; Rome; Naples; Pompeii; Milan; and finally, Paris.
If you lost count (because I think I did!), that's 6 countries. In 3 weeks. I averaged 2 countries per week.
Looking at that makes me realize how lucky I am to be able to travel so freely.
Even more than adding to my list of 'Countries Visited', I was able to spend Christmas with a wonderful friend and her beautiful family.
The Hadamczik family welcomed me with open arms for their Christmas.
During my week with them, I experienced some (new to me) family traditions, met some new friends, and even did some sightseeing!
I feel like I should have an entire section of this blog dedicated to my travel mishaps. There are many. From missed flights to wrong trains- something always seems to happen and put a hurdle in my way. This trip was no different. My bus left from Lille, but the trains were on strike. Basically, I had to pack my back in 15mins because the train I was going to take was cancelled and I had to catch an earlier one. The only one that was possible.
But I refused to let my trip start on a sour note- I was going to Germany!
After a seven-hour bus ride, I got on the wrong train. Luckily, the 'ticket-checker' gave me directions to get where I needed to be, and he didn't even fine me!
Sonja, Susi's awesome sister, met me at the train station. She was so sweet, just like all of Susi's family- so kind and welcoming.
Christmas in Germany is different than in Canada. At home, we celebrate on December 25th. In Germany, the first Christmas Day is December 24th, the "Holy Night". In the evening, you have dinner, exchange gifts, and go to mass.
For us, December 24th was a relaxed day. We spent part of the morning wrapping gifts while listening to Christmas music and we even had a skype date. We made heisse schkolade (hot chocolate) and watched a movie before dinner.
For Christmas dinner, we had a three course meal! We started with salmon cakes as well as traditional German black bread with cream cheese and ciboulette. The main dish was wurst (we had a variety to choose from) with some delicious sauce, potatoes, and potato salad. Finally, our dessert was a yogurt-cream dish with a raspberry sauce. Let's just say: YUM.
The gift exchange was also much different. Everyone got a gift for each other, with MarieLuise and Reinhardt giving 2 or 3 to the girls. It was simple and thoughtful. There wasn't an abundance of 'stuff'- it was lovely. They even included me! So sweet.
Finally, it was time for mass! A real German mass- obviously I was stoked! We sang beautiful hymns (hallelujah for the hymn books!) and we even sang "Silent Night" and "Oh Come all Ye Faithful" (my favourite!!) in German. I was just so happy. As I left the service, the Priest shook my hand and wished me a "Frohe Weihnachten." You don't wish anyone a "Frohe Weihnachten." before the service- only after!
On Christmas Day I was able to skype home. It was nice to see everyone. It was almost like I was there. Just without the lack of sleep and much less snow.
The Second Christmas Day (December 25th) means a day of extended family for the Hadamcziks. We were joined by Oma Fine (Susi's grandmother), Aunt Helga, Uncle Helmut, Cousin Eva and Volker. We started with tea and cakes followed by a beautiful long dinner and chatting. They mostly spoke German, but it was so cool. I don't speak the language (although I have been learning a bit!) but I was able to follow along a little bit.
It's nice to be lost in translation sometimes!
On the third day of Christmas, my dear friend gave to me: a trip to a German city!
We did a day trip to Bruhl. We explored a castle,Schloss Augustusburg, which was remarkable. We strolled through the gardens and chatted while enjoying the grounds.
After the Palace, we went to one of Susi's favourite cafes, Duett, for a sandwich and some gossip before meeting up with Fritz, her boyfriend! A great way to spend Boxing Day!
We finished the day off by heading for dinner with the family and Oma Fine. A traditional dinner of schnitzel with great company. I even had my first kolsch- the traditional beer of Koln (Cologne).
After dinner, Susi, Fritz, Sonja, and I headed back to the house for dessert, an eis-elch! Thank you, MarieLuise!
Naturally, we pretended to shoot the moose.
I ended the three days of German Christmas with a skype home into the Power family Boxing Day gathering! Seeing everyone was fabulous!
My German Christmas was lovely. Being away from home, I couldn't have chosen a better family to be with. The Hadamcziks were welcoming and beyond hospitable. They really made me feel like part of the family!
Thank you for everything Hadamcziks! Frohe Weihnachten!
