Christmas in Hannah's family remains a big deal, with fevered phone calls between siblings, much excitement/vein-popping stress over present buying, and a lot of cooking. She was understandably upset to miss last year's Christmas market and, having heard all year from work colleagues how wonderful it is, was determined to go this time. With entry prices starting at $7, and rising to $40 for a VIP ticket, it must be something amazing, right?
Well, no. It's an outdoor shopping mall. Where was Santa, that I may sit on his knee? Where were elves handing me tankards of mulled wine and gigantic mince pies? They were there, but I had to pay extra to see those. It also turned out to be a German Christmas market. As if holding the World Cup (again) and having the only functioning economy in Europe wasn't enough, Germany also owns Canadian Christmas, when everyone knows it was invented (like football) in England.
After deciding that $25 was too much to pay for my favourite marzipan I sniffed out the place serving the hot wine. It was $6 in a "souvenir mug"...and you had to give the mug back. "Ist dass die Größe des Bechers ich für meine Glühwein?" I asked the server. "Weil ich finde dass mehr als ein wenig enttäuschend und ich überlege mir ob Sie mit Ihrem Vorgesetzten anrufen und sich beschweren." That told him.
Peter and Hannah had a lovely time, taking many rides on the carousel, and perhaps indicating that I haven't yet achieved the correct attitude for the festive season. Like my idol, Mr Scrooge, I muttered a dark "humbug" and took another bite of kartoffelpuffer.
It looks so happy and cheery from the outside.
The closest we'll get to Pete sitting on Santa's lap.
'Tis the season to be merry and joyful.
"Made in Germany with love," said the signs. Where are all the English Christmas markets, with people complaining about the weather and serving overbrewed tea in polystyrene cups? That's what the public wants.
Decorations. They cost extra.
People having fun. Whatever.
