Weekly News Issue 11

Christmastime in Germany

Click here to see photos of the visit

Mock exams completed and the end of term in sight, eight GCSE German students and two accompanying teachers boarded their touring coach at 9.15 pm on Tuesday, 15^th December, destination Rhineland in Germany and the famous Christmas markets. A long journey culminated in a fairy-tale drive along the River Rhine with its enchanting illuminated castles perched high above the river, beautiful steepled churches bathed in soft light and houses, villages and towns bejewelled with myriad simple white diamond lights - and Christmas trees everywhere! Oh Tannenbaum!

The welcome in the small family-run hotel was warm and friendly - plenty of room in the inn - and the supper, simple but hearty enough. An early night followed. Sleep in heavenly peace.

On the second day of Christmastime in Germany the group, after a plentiful continental breakfast, re-traced their tracks down the Rhine valley and crossed over the river to travel up the Mosel valley to explore the picture-book town of Cochem. Senses bombarded with the sights, sounds and smells of the festive season, the group stepped into the first Christmas market. Spices from the Glühwein, vanilla, sugar and oranges from the cakes and pastries, and savoury smells from the bratwurst, sizzling on the griddle pans. Oh, du fröhliche!

Two fun-filled hours later, new experiences related excitedly, on to Koblenz to stand at the awe-inspiring Deutsches Eck where Father Rhine meets the Mosel river. What a place, what a statue! Into the old town to savour the delights of another Christmas market - a little town within a town, formed by neat little wooden chalets and stalls with gifts and decorations of every conceivable sort - carved wood, glass, gold, frankincense and myrrh.

After the evening meal, a brisk stroll along the Rhine promenade in the cold, crisp evening air and then games in the hotel, before retiring. Sleep in heavenly peace!

On the third day of Christmastime in Germany, not a French hen in sight, but a dozen deutsche ducks bobbed around the ferry as the ten crossed the Rhine to St. Goar to visit Stefan's all-year Christmas shop. Discounts galore - more presents bought. Back across the river and onto the train to Rüdesheim to the twelve-nations Christmas market. Joyful all ye nations rise!

The best was saved till last. Stalls from around the world offered their wares, and the town was vibrant with Christmas spirit. The highlight of the visit followed - a cable-car ride over the dormant vineyards to the towering Niederwald Denkmal statue. Breathtakingly colossal with panoramic views over the Rhine valley. A German carol sung in the cold, crisp clear air as the snow began to fall. Wrapped up in soft woollen blankets, the cable-car descent through the falling snow was magical.

More shopping in the increasing hustle and bustle of the market before catching the return train to St. Goarshausen. Snow falling heavily now. Dreaming of a White Christmas. Snowball fights en route to the hotel and a mini-snowman to keep watch over the hotel by night. It was cold, he was frosty.

The final meal and not a mince-pie in sight. An awards ceremony to round off the evening - everyone a winner!

The snow made the journey home tricky with delays at Calais, waiting for a ferry. Not critical though and arrived home 5 hours late to be greeted by thick snow in Whitehaven. Off home to warm beds. God rest ye merry.

Und das war das! Christmas time in Germany - a magical experience.