Christmas Markets II - Baltimore

The holiday season is quickly approaching.  One of the ways to get into the spirit of the season is to go to a Christmas Market.  There is nothing like the sights, sounds and smells of a market to evoke thoughts of a Dickens' or old world Christmas.  Originally a European tradition, begun in the 1400s in Germany, more and more markets are being held in cities around the globe.

Over the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to read about some Christmas Markets in North America, and in other countries - this time The Christmas Village in Baltimore.

The Baltimore Christmas Village, styled after a typical German Christmas Market, is a new holiday tradition, only in its second year.  It is located down on the west side of the Inner Harbor - a part of the city that is always bustling, and already has many attractions.
http://www.baltimore-christmas.com

On the Preview Weekend (November 17-18) and Opening Weekend (November 24-25), and weekdays entry is free to the outdoor displays and to the festival tent.   Admission to the festival tent on December 6-7 is $1 on Dollar-or-less Days.  For the remaining
weekends admission is $5 for adults (19 years and up).

The Market is open: (Sun.-Thurs.)11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
                                 (Fri. and Sat.) 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
                                 (Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve) 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy a bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled wine or other traditional European-style food, drinks and sweets at one of the many booths.  Shop for for gifts, ornaments, jewelry and unique artisan items at other booths.


The festival tent provides more shopping, a food court, Bavarian beer garden and an event space.

Thousands of lights, the big Holiday Tree and traditional German-style wooden huts help to create a festive environment.




A number of special days are planned for the Christmas Village.  They include:

 November 17-18        Preview Weekend

 November 24-25        Grand Opening
                                       -The Christmas Village opens. Christkind of Nuremburg, a Christmas angel who   
                                             brings the Christmas gifts to children in Germany and other countries visits.  The 
                                             Christmas tree is lit.

     December 1-2        German-American Weekend
                                        -Highlighting German America heritage with German style entertainment

The  Baltimore Christmas Village is easily accessible by public transportation.

Baltimore is within a day's drive of many cities in the eastern United States and Canada.  Direct daily flights are available to Baltimore, and to Washington's two airports that are within an hour.  There are many hotels and restaurants in the Inner Harbor area.  The Market is open from November 27 to December 24, 2014.  It is closed Mondays.

Christmas Markets I - Toronto

The holiday season is quickly approaching.  One of the ways to get into the spirit of the season is to go to a Christmas Market.  There is nothing like the sights, sounds and smells of a market to evoke thoughts of a Dickens' or old world Christmas.  Originally a European tradition, begun in the 1400s in Germany, more and more markets are being held in cities around the globe.

Over the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to read about some markets in North America, beginning with The Toronto Christmas Market, and in other countries.

The Toronto Christmas Market has become an annual holiday event.  It is held in the Distillery District close to the centre of the city with easy public transit access.  The Distillery District itself is an historical area with cobblestone streets and the old buildings add to the seasonal charm.  Fodor has listed it as one of the 10 best Christmas Markets in the world. http://torontochristmasmarket.com

Entry is free; however, you have the chance to make a charitable donation.  It is a suitable event for children as well.  As you wander through the area you will see Santa, elves and reindeer so it is a suitable event for children and adults.

Crowds are inevitable at such events, but you will find them less during the week, and on weekend afternoons.  Weekend evenings tend to be most crowded.

The Market is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.(Sat.); 10:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Sun.); 12 noon to 9:00 p.m. (Tues. to Thurs.); 12 noon to 10:00 p.m. (Fri.) and at any time of the day you will experience some of the cheer of the season.  The lighting at night adds to that special festive charm.

There are many stands selling merchandise, as well as the shops of artisans in the District for shopping.  Prices tend to be high, but you might find THAT gift item you have been looking for.

The Distillery District is near Lake Ontario.  Blustery winds can blow in off the lake.  Be sure to dress warmly when you go.  California heaters and bonfires around the location also help to keep you warm.  Try the warm mulled wine as you stroll or sit by the fire.  Sit in the Beer Garden and enjoy a pint.  There is hot chocolate and other beverages available.

Try some of the food available at some of the stands, or head into one of the established restaurants in the district.

There is lots of entertainment at the Market.  There are carollers and sing-alongs.  Musical groups representing some of Toronto's culturally diverse communities take to the stage on the weekend.  Check the schedule for details.

Be sure not to miss seeing the Christmas tree.  Perhaps ride the ferris wheel and get a bird's eye view of the area, especially when it is lit at night.


Tip:  If at all possible take the public transit to The Toronto Christmas Market.  Street parking is limited, and parking lots are expensive, in some cases charging $20.  Why blow the budget before you even get there?

The Toronto Christmas Market is within a day's drive of many cities in Canada and the eastern United States.  Toronto is connected to many cities by direct daily flights.  There are many hotels and restaurants nearby that appeal to a variety of budgets.  The Market is open from November 15 to December 23, 2018 (closed Mondays - Santa and his elves need to rest, and work on other Christmas projects.).

The Christmas Market charges an admission of $6 on weekends, beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.  It is free the rest of the week. Children under 2 are free.

Where in the World? #35 - February 1, 2017

Where in the world is this?

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Check back February 8 for the answer.

  

Where in the world was the last photo?

Plaza Mayor
Madrid, Spain

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Where in the World? #34 - July 24, 2015

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Stanley Park
Vancouver, BC

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Where in the World? Week 33 - July 3, 2015

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Check back next Friday (July 10) for the answer.

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Le Marche Bonsecours
Montreal, Quebec


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Thoughts and Tips #48 - July 3, 2015

In this issue:

-Opinion: the secret to finding yourself through travel? Stop trying - Lonely Planet
-7 Killer Reasons to Slow Down when you Travel - Contented Traveller
-Exploring the Mayan Ruins in Tulum, Mexico - The Travelling Historian
-Luxury river cruise through Myanmar, and it's the only way to see the country - Business Insider
-Shereen Travels Cheap: 7 Ways to Save on Your Accommodations

Opinion: the secret to finding yourself through travel? Stop trying - Lonely Planet

Image by Erin Paul Donovan / age fotostock / Getty Images

Have you ever searched for a word, a phrase, a name - it's lurking right on the tip of your tongue, but no matter how hard you try, it just won't come to you? In fact, the harder you try to coax it out, the further it seems to recede into shadow. And then hours, maybe even days later, it leaps into your head.
Read more...

7 Killer Reasons to Slow Down when you Travel - Contented Traveller

The temptation to see every possible thing when you travel is prevalent. It is because you have traveled a long way to get to the destination and because your vacation time is limited. That is understandable, but...and, of course there is a but coming... what have you embraced and taken away as memories of the country?
Read more...










Exploring the Mayan Ruins in Tulum, Mexico - The Travelling Historian

For the first time, I ventured to a place not called Europe and instead made my way to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. This was my first tropical vacation and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the Mayan ruins in Tulum with a group of great friends. In fact, my only requirement for this tropical vacation was a chance at exploring the Mayan ruins in Tulum or Chichen Itza. Tequila and tropical drinks flowed liberally and we survived the heat by lounging by the pool and beach, take a trip to Tulum, and of course, enjoying a Cerveza or five. It was a glorious vacation and one that I will make again in the future.
Read more...

Luxury river cruise through Myanmar, and it's the only way to see the country - Business Insider

Since gaining its independence from the British Empire in 1948, Burma - now known as Myanmar - has been largely sealed off from the outside world, first by a repressive government, then by international economic sanctions.
Read more...







Shereen Travels Cheap: 7 Ways to Save on Your Accommodations

There are plenty of things to consider when finding a place to stow your belongings and close your eyes at night. Price may be the biggest factor for you, but that doesn't mean the less you pay the worse your stay. There are plenty of budget and moderate hotels that offer wonderful service and surroundings if you know where and how to look. It's important to weigh all your options when deciding on where to sleep. Does it have a restaurant?...
Read more...

Where in the World? Week 32 - June 30, 2015

Where in the world is this?

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Check back next Friday (July 3) for the answer.

Where in the world was last week's photo?

The Alamo Mission in San Antonio
300 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX
78205


Click here for more information.

My TO - June 30, 2015

The Rogers Centre
1 Blue Jays Way
Toronto, ON
M5V 1J1

The Rogers Centre is a multi-purpose centre in the central core of Toronto.
It is the home of the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball, and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

While it is mainly a sports venue, it also is used for other events such as concerts, conventions, and trade shows.





One of its most noteworthy features is its motorized retractable roof. This allows baseball to be played outdoors when the weather permits.

There is also a hotel built within the stadium with many rooms featuring views of the playing field.





Click here for more information.

Traveling tends to...

Thoughts and Tips #47 - June 20, 2015

In this issue:

Should holidaymakers to Greece be worried about a Grexit?
A literary stroll through Paris - Lonely Planet

It's Time To Get Away: 9 Signs Your Wanderlust Is Calling

13 Things Every Tourist Should Do In Toronto
Top 10 Island Cities - National Geographic Travel
Don't Throw Momma From the Boat: How I Survived a Danube River Cruise
World's Most Bizarre Food Etiquette Rules
McDonald's restaurant has a golden facade and spiral staircase


Should holidaymakers to Greece be worried about a Grexit?

Will it happen?

The dramatic game of brinkmanship over Greece's debts, reforms, and bail out funds has been dragging for months. But the rhetoric has intensified to a disconcerting extent over the last few days, and it does finally look as though we are nearing an endgame. What the result will be remains to be seen....
Read more...


A literary stroll through Paris - Lonely Planet

Image by Cultura Travel/UBACH/DELA/Photostock Getty

Paris is loaded with literary sights and stories. Over the centuries numerous brilliant writers, French and foreign, have used the City of Light as their setting. In the 1920s the city sparkled as a centre of avant-garde; and post WWII, the literati hung out in St-Germain des Pres. Take a day or two to transport yourself back in time with this stroll through Paris' literary history.
Read more...



It's Time To Get Away: 9 Signs Your Wanderlust Is Calling

Life can get pretty damn monotonous. On the road to figuring out who we are, we find ourselves becoming victims of routine. Our lives become about habits and schedules and we stop seeing the world in front of us. We live for the days, weeks and months ahead. We let the stress of our jobs, homes and...
Read more...


13 Things Every Tourist Should Do In Toronto

Cafe Diplimatico / © Alexia Wulff

Toronto, a thriving and magical city that resides on the shore of Lake Ontario, is a top destination in North America that brings in traveler from all over the world. This melting-pot booms with shops, nightlife and a restaurant scene that will satisfy any food lover's appetite. With an endless list of possibilities, here are 13 options that no visitor should miss.
Read more...




Top 10 Island Cities - National Geographic Travel

Photo Matthew Williams-Ellis, Getty Images

This list was first published in the National Geographic book The World's Best Cities.

Trogir, Croatia
Take an afternoon stroll with gelato in hand through the medieval maze of streets. Blessed with stunning nature and an easygoing pace of life, this immaculately preserved Adriatic fort may be just the perfect microcosm of Croatia.
Read more...


Don't Throw Momma From the Boat: How I Survive

Photo credit: Kathy Compagno

I am watching the season finale of "Downton Abbey" when my Mom calls to say that she wants to go on a Danube river cruise. Of course she does. It's Pavlovian, the Viking Cruises ad runs before each episode and the bells ring for the servants to attend to the aristocrats of the manor. "Ding, ding," Lady Mary calls for Anna and viewers hypnotically buy cruise tickets. After five seasons the image of the elegant ship sailing past the majestic...
Read more...


World's Most Bizarre Food Etiquette Rules

Illustration: Edwin Fotheringham

You have good manners, right? After all, you (usually) keep your elbows off the table and say "Please pass the salt," right? But when you head abroad, things get a little more complicated. Case in point: Rest your chopsticks the wrong way, and you might remind a Japanese friend of their grandfather's funeral...
Read more...

McDonald's restaurant has a golden facade and spiral staircase

This McDonald's restaurant featuring a perforated golden facade and a grand spiral staircase was designed by Dutch firm Mei Architects to replace "the ugliest building in Rotterdam" (+slideshow).

Located on Coolsingel, one of the city's most popular shopping streets, the two-storey structure was conceived by Rotterdam-based...

Read more...

Where in the world? Week 31 - June 19, 2015

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Check back next Friday (June 26) for the answer.

Where in the world was last week's photo?

National Gallery of Canada
380 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1N 9N4

Click here for more information.

Where in the World? - Week 30 - June 12, 2015

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Check back next Friday (June 19) for the answer.

Where in the world was last week's photo?

Democrary Monument
Bangkok, 
Thailand

Don't tell me how educated....

Where in the World? - Week 29 - June 5, 2015

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Check back next Friday (June 12) for the answer.

Where in the world was last week's photo?

Old North Church
193 Salem Street
Boston, MA
02113

My TO - June 4, 2015

Florence Moosengale
Intergracare
396 Moore Avenue,
Toronto, ON

Florence Moosengale is one of the moose left over from the 'Moose in the City' exhibition in 2000.  Dressed for various seasons and special occasions, she greets passersby in midtown Toronto.

Travel teaches...

My TO - May 30, 2015

Maple Leaf Gardens
60 Carlton Street
Toronto, ON
M5B 1L1



Originally built as the home Toronto's hockey team The Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leaf Gardens has also been the home to many other sports teams. As well it has been the location of many concerts and other events.




The Gardens has long been considered one of the main sites of the hockey world. It was the dream of many Canadian youth to one day play hockey there.

Today, Maple Leaf Gardens houses Loblaws, a Canadian retailer and Ryerson University's athletic centre known as the Mattamy Athletic Centre.




A reminder of the past glory days of hockey is the mural of the Maple Leaf logo hanging on the east wall inside Loblaws. It is made of seats from the blue section at the Maple Leaf Gardens.

Where in the World? - Week 28 - May 29, 2015

Where in the World? Week 28 - May 29, 2015

Where in the world is this?

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Check back next Friday (June 5) for the answer, and another photo.

Where in the world was last week's photo?

Bethesda Fountain

Central Park,

New York, New York

My TO - May 24, 2015

The Distillery District
55 Mill Street
Toronto. ON





The Distillery District is a popular area just east of the downtown core of Toronto. It is home of a number of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops in what was the site of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery.

The forty heritage buildings are fine examples of Victorian industrial architecture.






Click here for more information.

"Travel is sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone...