My First Marché de Noël

Saturday evening, my host family took me to my first ever Christmas market and WOW. The lights, the music, the smells, I was very impressed! There were so many people as, well it was a Saturday night so it was more of a game not to get lost than looking at the huts. There's a few different parts of the market spread out into different crooks and crannies, but the main one would be hard to miss with the giant ferris wheel! Many different holiday rides were features such as one that was a Christmas tree with ornaments that spin around. I did end up going on the ferris wheel with my host brothers, and the view at the top with all the lights was pretty spectacular! I was also interviewed by a weird Luxembourgish man for a video about the market. I didn't say too much because quite honestly, I didn't understand what was happening and probably looked like I was being held hostage on the tape. When finding out that I was Canadian, he asked if I could speak Canadian on camera...I don't think it was a joke.

View from on the ferris wheel

Host brothers and I

We stopped by at a German sausage hut for dinner (which was VERY busy) and took them to go. I like the mustard they put on them but forgot to ask in the bustle of things. We also bought churros to share as we walked around and continued to look. We saw the skating rink which was very, very busy and I figured the ice probably wouldn't be quality anyway. Before leaving, I stopped at a Yankee candle set-up because of Christmas candles! I went to sniff what was supposed to be candy cane, but it wasn't the same... this is when I found out that they are only strawberry flavoured. That's right folks, the traditional Christmas minty flavour is non-existent here!!! My host parents bought me one to try and it was like one of those rainbow lollipops that due to its tacky texture, sticks to your teeth. A little disappointed.

Nativity scene

My first Marché de Noël was a success, though! Definitely, got me into the Christmas mood, even being so far away. I even went back with my other exchange friend, Ingrid, one afternoon. We got some awesome pretzels, mine being cinnamon sugar! I've been keeping my eye out to find more to go to before the December 25th arrives. It helps to make up for the lack of holiday feeling due to no snow. As for you guys, I hope you're all staying warm and bright!

All the love,

E

Note: my parents ended up sending me REAL candy canes...they just looked a little different than normal