Ah, vacation! A whole week of free time stretches out in front of you. This year, however, instead of chasing adventure on distant horizons, you’re setting your sights much closer to home.
Congratulations! You’ve survived your move to Europe! The vast ocean of cardboard and packing paper has finally ebbed and you’re ready to start exploring your new home. It’s an understatement to say there’s a lot to see and do.
The Alsace region of France springs vivid pictures when I think of it— brightly colored half-timbered houses lining narrow cobblestone alleys, a foodie’s paradise with Michelin-starred restaurants in quaint villages, and of course, award-winning wines.
In these strange new times in which all travel is virtual, we recently asked Stripes’ readers to treat us to photos from their favorite trips. And you rose to the call, gracing our Facebook page with enough pretty images to fuel our travel lust for another year.
I confess – I am a jewelry-a-holic. I am sure it’s hereditary. As a young child, I marveled over my grandmother’s dresser drawers filled with hundreds of glittery rhinestone brooches, necklaces, rings and beads of every color, shape and size.
The cold weather has been upon us and the last thing many want to do is leave their warm, cozy homes. However, there’s something quite marvelous about exploring a town that resembles a winter wonderland. Live near the KMC and Wiesbaden area in Germany?
Germany is known for cold, dreary winters, which are brightened considerably by the warmth and cheer of traditional village Weihnachtsmärkte and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Christmas market season is well underway. While you have probably visited some near you, take a chance on these eight markets sprinkled throughout Europe! Take a train, bus, or drive — either way, these markets will not disappoint with their own unique highlights and delicacies!
One of the best things about living in Europe is the wonderfully festive Christmas markets. One visit to a market will have you writing home wondering when the United States will “up” its Christmas market game!
There is much to enchant and intrigue in France’s Alsace region any time of the year. A reflection of its historical conquests and occupations, the region is a rich blend of Franco-German cultures and gastronomic and artisan pleasures.
Grab your passports and pack your bags for a weekend in the Alsace. Discover beautiful cities, quaint villages, preserved castles, renowned wine and delicious cuisine in this diverse region of eastern France.
Strasbourg
Although France’s beautiful Alsace region is perhaps more readily associated with winemaking than the production of beer, the two ancient trades have happily existed side by side for centuries. Nowadays, the Alsace area accounts for some 50 percent of France’s total beer production.
The picturesque region of Alsace, France lies to the west of the Rhine River on the German border. It is home to fairytale towns with colorful half-timbered houses, flower-laden boutique fronts, macaroons galore and vineyards as far as the eye can see.
Last year was our first holiday season in Germany. My mother-in-law told me in earnest about the amazing Christmas markets that seemed to magically pop up mid- to late-November. When we spent Thanksgiving in Berlin, we found markets at almost every U-Bahn stop, church and Platz.
