Tag Archives: Christmas Markets

All of Our Travels, Cambodia, Croatia, England, France, Hungary, Italy, Malaysia, Slovenia

2014 in Review – Part 2

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Our experiences in 2014 have been rewarding beyond our dreams. Taking the time to look back over all of our blog posts, Facebook posts, and photos has made it all seem even more unbelievable. It’s hard to believe all that we’ve done and the amazing places that we’ve visited. We are truly grateful to have spent the year exploring and learning together, living abroad, and making friends.

There was so much to cover in our year-end review, that we felt that our recollections needed to be broken up into two parts for easier reading. If you haven’t read Part 1, which covers January – June, then you can find it here. Otherwise, read on as we cover our adventures from July – December. Continue reading 2014 in Review – Part 2 →

All of Our Travels, France

Little Saints in Avignon

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The crèche Provençale, also known as the Provençal crib or the nativity, has been around since the French Revolution. At that time, churches were forcibly closed and sacked. Both masses and nativity scenes were banned. In response, devout Christians created their own crèche to keep the tradition alive in their homes. They crafted “santons”, or little saints, made of clay. These figurines not only included the Holy Family, shepherds and Three Kings, but also the ordinary peasants of Provence.

In Avignon, many churches showcase a crèche and the city sponsors its own crèche. Normally, it is displayed at the Hôtel de Ville (town hall), but this year it was held at L’église des Célestins. The elaborate display was a joy to see. We loved all of the detail and creativity that went into it. Although, it deserved better lighting.

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All of Our Travels, France

Avignon Christmas Market

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10857781_10205189141785485_6299627778228845960_nThe primary Christmas Market in Avignon is located at the Place de l’Horloge, the central square of Avignon, in front of the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) and the Opéra Grand Avignon. The market is full of tempting Provençal-style handicrafts and gourmet items. In this winter village you’ll find the famous Savon de Marseille (Marseille olive oil soap), dried lavender and sachets, chocolates, olive tapenade, Provençal textiles, nougat, cheeses, sausages, vin chaud (hot mulled wine), crêpes, ornaments, jewelry, and toys. This market includes a beautiful carousel that seems quite popular. It’s a lovely place to stroll any time of day, but the evening is particularly magical with it’s lovely decorations aglow.

All of Our Travels, Hungary

Ice Skating in Budapest

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We came to Budapest looking to embrace the chilly weather and indulge in holiday cheer. The Christmas Markets are the perfect place to begin, but another great winter activity that we enjoy is ice skating. There is very little that so perfectly exemplifies the season.

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All of Our Travels, Hungary

The Holidays in Budapest

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We lounged comfortably on the couch of our rented condo in Malaysia as we talked about how and where we wanted to spend the holidays. It was September and, after spending 6 months in the extreme heat and humidity of Southeast Asia, the idea of spending Fall and Winter in the northern hemisphere didn’t sound bad at all. Plus, it was difficult to imagine that it would feel “Christmasy” to us in a tropical climate. I suppose that comes from growing up in the NE and NW regions of the United States.

We wanted chilly weather that allowed us to bundle up. We wanted holiday cheer and decorations. We wanted carolers and Christmas Markets. And, heck, we wanted ice skating. We looked into our destination options and we didn’t lack for choices, but ultimately we wanted the biggest holiday bang-for-our-buck. Continue reading The Holidays in Budapest →