Christmas in Germany

As many of you know, the Peace Corps takes language learning very seriously as it helps you integrate into your community. My community is primarily Albanian speaking so I have been learning Albanian for the past year and some change. My Albanian tutor has become someone I am very close with. Unfortunately for me but yay for her, she moved to Germany with her new husband so our lessons have been online. While my mom was visiting, she had the best idea for me so celebrate Christmas in Germany with her! And so I booked my Wizz Air flight right then and there.

I flew into Dortmund on the morning of the 23rd and we hit the ground running! Of course the majority of this trip was shopping! I went to Primark for the first time and let me tell you, I am a BIG fan and wouldn't be mad if they came to the US. That night, we went to the Christmas market and had German mulled wine called Glühwein. It was perfect for the cold night! I even got to keep my mug as a souvenir that I use year round (currently have tea in it). After the Glühwein, I tried the local beer because you can't go to Germany without having a local beer. lol The whole market was so magical. The lights were beautiful and everyone was having such a good time.

The next day we went to Düsseldorf and Cologne for Christmas market #3 and 4. We ate and drank some more. I even did a little Christmas shopping for people. After the Christmas markets, we did sightseeing like the Cologne Cathedral. And WOW. I was speechless when we got there. It was stunning and I loved the history surrounding it. After that we grabbed a coffee and walked the bridge and saw all the locks. Every time I go to Germany, I forget how amazing it is and fall in love with the country all over again. Out of all the European countries I've been to (I think I'm over 20 now), Germany is in the top 3 for sure.

Christmas Day was just what I needed. Spending the day in PJs, cooking and baking and watching movies. Being with my tutor and her husband was like being with family. We had gifts and treats throughout the day. I even shared my love of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" with them. Like all holidays, it was over too fast and then I was back home in Macedonia. Christmas 2023 will definitely be something I remember forever! :)