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Skellig Michael, Puffins and Mortality. Alternatively titled "How I Spent My Mini-Breakdown"

Skellig Michael, Puffins and Mortality.

IRELAND | Saturday, 26 April 2014 | Views [144] | Scholarship Entry

I recently got my extended permission to remain in Ireland, so I was allowed to take a little mini trip to Europe. J and I decided on Germany because I had read amazing things about the Christmas markets. And they did not disappoint. I love Munich. The Christmas markets were just down right magical. The entire city was like Christmas on steroids, and I know the idea of the Bahamas might sound better to some this time of year, but I really felt like we couldn't have picked a more appropriate wintertime getaway.

There are so many markets throughout the city. The stalls sell everything from food, hot drinks, christmas trees, votives, incense, Christmas ornaments, gingerbread, holiday foods, jewlerly....it goes on and on. There is one market that only sells things relating to mangers...tiny little carved beds, lambs, and three wise men.

Gluhwein, hot chocolate, eierlikoer, William punch...every where you look you see people huddled together drinking from steaming Christmas themed mugs. They are drinking one of the many warm holiday drinks available. J had a apple cider with chucks of real apples, while I tried the German version of an egg nog like drink called Eierlikoer (literally egg liqueur). They come in festive glasses, which you pay a deposit on and then can return for cash. Or you can keep them as souvenirs. One person said she keeps them and serves gluhwein at her Christmas parties.

The Marienplatz (Mary's Square) is the main square of the city, and has been since 1158. Here is located the New City Hall, which was used since 1874. It has a Glockenspiel, which J informs me translates to bell play, every day at 11am, 12am and 5pm. They also have carolers on the balcony everyday at 5:30.

Before we left for the airport, we finally headed to the Hofbrauhaus which was....eh. But it was a fun way to kill time before our flight. Besides, it had pretzels. As far as beer halls go I really preferred the Augustiner Restaurant which I personally think has better beer. One great thing I did see at the Augustiner, was that every time the men next to us ordered beer the waiter made a "X" on his coaster. What a honest way to keep a tally! They also drop hot fresh pretzels in a big basket on the table. When the man asked how many we had to settle our bill, I was a little surprised, believing it was like bar pretzels in America. I replied to J, "Thank god I didn't eat as many of those as I wanted to. That would have been embarrassing."

Tags: 2014 Travel Writing Scholarship - Euro Roadtrip

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