Munich Weinacht Markt

Saturday we spent in downtown Munich at their Christmas Market.  Super cool city with a healthy hip vibe, but still full of history and tradition.We walked and we walked and we walked.  I really think we stunted McKenna's growth with all the walking we did that day.  I was so proud of my girls, hardly a complaint.  Probably because every time they said, "Can we try some of that", I of course said, "You bettcha!"

Here we are in the Marienplatz which is the square in front of the Rot Haus in the picture above.

This is probably one of my favorite treasures of the year and it didn't even cost me a dime.  He is not there for show, he was there in traditional clothing, perusing the market just like us.  FABULOUS.  I forced Mark to ask if we could take his picture.  McKenna looks like she is in horror movie and forced to smile, probably because the dude had a cigarette in his hand.  McKenna said, "Mom, do you think he knows that is bad for him?"  Oh, ladybug . . .

If you look closely at this menu, you get an idea what all the fuss about German Christmas markets are all about.  Gluhwein.  It is an alcoholic hot mulled cider that smells divine.  The pfand is the deposit you pay for your mug, you get it back when you give back your mug.  On the far right you can see that you can order an alcohol free version, but I'm sure it doesn't take the nip off the cold air like the Gluhwein.  And of course they don't leave the kiddo's out, they can order Kinderpunsch, which is a hot juice drink.

The Munich Market is different in that one section of the market is dedicated only to selling nativity scenes.  You pick the stable and fill it with individual items, so it is built to your desire.  To be honest I was a little disappointed, it was so small and the prices were SO up and out of my orbit.  But still fun to look at.

We stopped for lunch at a traditional beer hall, which is about all you can find in Munich, the home of Octoberfest.  Here is Mark testing the goods.

For all you worrying about Mark's beverage, don't. It was alkoholfrier beer!  Besides look at Bailey, do you think she would let him do anything questionable?  Don't answer that.

This is how they brought the girls their brats.  The wursts were in the large bowl that looks like a soup tureen, swimming in hot water.  The pot with the spoon is their homemade mustard which was divine, there was a touch of honey in it.