Tag Archives: Nomadic Christmas

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.

10671313_10205206146610595_5283658822253264635_n Continue reading Little Saints in Avignon →

All of Our Travels, France

Avignon Christmas Scenes

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Avignon is a beautiful city any day of the year, but who can resist any city decorated for the holidays. Beautiful.Avignon_xmas_2 Continue reading Avignon Christmas Scenes →

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, France, Hungary

A Nomadic Christmas

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For the last 9 months of travel, we’ve carried all of our belongings on our backs. Every piece of clothing, important document, and electronic device that we need is stuffed into one of our backpacks. The limited space and the cumulative weight forces us to prioritize and simplify. We make choices based on how much each item weighs, how much space it will take up, how much we *really* need it, and if it has more than one use.

As we’ve travelled through Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, England, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, and now France, there have been countless items that we would have loved to purchase as a souvenir, but it’s simply not an option. Our backpacks are already stuffed to the gills. We sold our home back in the US, so we can’t ship it there. In the end, whatever it is, we don’t need it and it’s no great loss. We’ve learned that possessions aren’t what bring happiness. Continue reading A Nomadic Christmas →