Dusseldorf, Germany. The plan here was to hit some Christmas Markets and (secretely) meet up with an old friend Aart from the Netherlands. He and I had been communicating for a while before and set this up.
Grandma and I arrived a day before he did, so we walked around the city, checked out the famous fashion street, Konigsallee and the Christmas Markets. This was both of our first time at a Christmas Market. We both walked away not being super impressed. I think you have to drink a lot of Gluhwhein (hot red wine) to enjoy shopping for made in China gadgets and fighting swarms of people. Just my opinion.
There were some really cool stalls with all homemade things and hand painted ceramics which were really interesting. I just wish it was all that type of stuff.
The entire city was decorated so beautifully! They really go all out in Germany!
Even though the Christmas Markets weren't exactly what we were expecting, our hotel was awesome. Does anyone else get excited when hotels have the super huge, massaging showerheads? Just me, okay. Well, this felt so good because Germany was much colder than Geneva. I stood in that warm shower for so long. Also, keep in mind this is the first shower I've had in three months where I didn't have to hold the shower hose while showering. It's the little things you miss.
The second night Aart and I had planned out to surprise visit us at a brewery. It worked out perfectly and gma was so surprised and happy to see him! He has been a family friend for many years. My parents spent time with him when they visited the Netherlands on their honeymoon. I was glad to have met him. He knows so much about Europe and can speak at least 5 different languages, which I am so jealous of!
Since it was December 5th and it was the eve of St. Nicholas he surprised us again and brought us treats! I've had this tradition since I was a kid. Gma and Gpa would put a bag of goodies outside our door and ring the doorbell and run. My sisters and I could never figure it out!
Aart brought us some traditional cinnamon flavored cookies and the first letter of each of our names in chocolate.
This is a picture from dinner the first night, at a different brewery. We were both tired from flying and found this place. The waiter harassed us for ordering water at the oldest brewery in Dusseldorf so we gave in and ordered beers. Should have known better.
Dusseldorf was a fun time and I'm glad that it worked out to meet up with a good friend!