Tue, 29 May 2012
| Index | Last | Var.(%) |
|---|---|---|
| BEL 20 | 2117.66 | -0.08 |
| DAX | 6323.19 | -0.26 |
| IBEX 30 | 6401.2 | -2.17 |
| CAC 40 | 3042.97 | -0.16 |
| FTSE 100 | 5356.34 | 0.09 |
| AEX | 292.76 | 0.00 |
| DJIA | 12454.83 | -0.60 |
| Nasdaq | 2837.53 | -0.07 |
| FTSE MIB | 13057.26 | -0.74 |
| TSX Composite | 11566.15 | -0.09 |
| ASX | 4129.5 | 0.23 |
| Hang seng | 18818.2 | 0.09 |
| Straits Times | 2789.69 | 0.09 |
| ISEQ 20 | 501.76 | 0.16 |
Text size
Our new blogger Michelle Willis, co-writer of “The Adventures of Swiss Family Willis”, explores two Christmas markets in Switzerland.Our new blogger Michelle Willis, co-writer of “The Adventures of Swiss Family Willis”, explores two Christmas markets in Switzerland. After living in New Zealand, Michelle and her family are enjoying a true white Christmas.
Schloss Biberstein Weihnachtsmarkt
In Biberstein, a wee town not far from Aarau, there is a castle which cares for people with disabilities. They get to live and work in this beautiful castle! Every year they hold a Christmas market that is well known for its amazingly creative works and atmosphere.
We went and had a look yesterday. It was really cool (and really cold too!). The creativity of the decorations around the place was what really blew me away. You can see by some of the photos how to turn a plastic bottle (well, 100 of them anyway!) into a work of light and art.
The boys loved the boat making stand and the wee ‘river’ to run the boats down. And we had to try out the lebkuchen decorating as well. Different coloured icings and sprinkles, including gummy bears, not many of which made it onto the lebkuchen!
They sold handmade everything: candles, wooden toys, Christmas decorations, jams, biscuits, pottery. Just incredible. I really am addicted to these Christmas markets. They are everywhere now. Every city, town, village has one going on, some last a couple of days and other are on all month. I know all you guys in New Zealand are boasting about hot days at the beach, and it is hard not to be a wee bit jealous. But we are having brilliantly cold and snowy days. A real Christmas season, the way it should be. Watch this space for more Christmas magic, um, I mean markets…
Bremgarten Weihnachtsmarkt
The next Christmas market that was on my list was Bremgarten. Actually, I wanted to go to Bremgarten once anyway and show Daniel that gorgeous little town. It is so beautiful and only a half-hour drive from Aarau. The cobbled streets and traditional houses from the 1200s along with a beautiful church make for an incredible setting, especially for a Christmas market. It is on the river Reuss and has a cute old wooden bridge too.
We went to the markets in the pouring rain and freezing cold and were surprised to see that the weather didn’t put people off; it was busy! It did clear though, in time for Samichlaus and the camel riding. We ate lots of Öpfelchüechli (apple fritters) and drank lots of Gluhwein (mulled wine). If I search deep within and am really truthful I would have to admit that my motive for going to these markets is all about my stomach, Öpfelchüechli and Glühwein. And the atmosphere and the beautiful villages and scenery of course.
The boys enjoyed them too, with all the carousels and chocolate-covered bananas, magenbrot (spice bread) and lollipops!
Text and photos: Michelle Willis
A guide to telephone, internet and television along with utility services water, electricity and gas in the Netherlands.
Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2012.
Expatica offers a whistle-stop tour of life in the modern Netherlands.
The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Google+
0
