When people think of India what do they think of? Poverty? Mayhem? Bad smells? Constant noise? Delhi belly? Me too! Well that’s all I’ve got on that one. Thanks for reading.
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My feelings when seeing the Adlon Kempinski Hotel Berlin for the first time were a mix of extreme joy, relief, pain, and suffering. I had never been so glad to see a hotel in my life. I know, I know… pretty strong emotions just for a hotel but please carry on reading, this will all become clear.
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Date: 4th December 2011
Destination: A pub in London
Attendees: Me and my friend Jamie

“Oh, you’ve just been to a German Christmas market? I don’t know what all the fuss is about, isn’t it just mulled wine and stalls selling pointless gifts?”

Jamie always had a way with words.

“Well, yes, but it’s not just about mulled wine and pointless gifts”

“So, go on then, what else does it offer? Convince me it’s anything but that and the next round’s on me”

“Well…let me explain”

Date: 2nd December 2011
Destination: Frankfurt Christmas market, Germany.
Attendees: Me and thousands of festive market-goers.

Frankfurt is a business city but during a few weeks in November and December the city centre is given a make-over that Gok Wan would be proud of. Christmas markets take over. Attracting over 3 million visitors each year, the markets are split up into several sections throughout the city and are home to over 200 stalls. You cannot help but get carried away by the festive atmosphere.

There are of course stalls selling traditional mulled wine (Gluhwein) and homemade crafts. A Christmas market wouldn’t be the same without them. There is however, much more to see and do. There are live bands playing Christmas classics, a beautifully lit Christmas tree towering over the Römerberg market square, a steam train which travels along the picturesque River Main and a visit from Santa Claus himself (I think it was a German man in a Santa suit but I guess I’ll never know).

A speciality in Frankfurt is Applewine, a hot cider which is perfect in the cold weather and you can’t walk two steps without seeing somebody eating a “Bethmännchen”, Frankfurt’s popular marzipan treat. It is well worth visiting the unique 300 year-old half-timbered “honey house” at St Paul’s Square and climbing the steps of St Nicholas Church for the best views over the Christmas markets. All in all, it is the perfect place to spend a few days.

Frankfurt is home to undoubtedly the best Christmas market I’ve been to. I wouldn’t think twice about going back and I’ll be recommending it to all.

Date: 4th December 2011
Destination: A pub in London
Attendees: Me and my friend Jamie

“Oh, so maybe there is more to German Christmas markets”

“There sure is. Looks like it’s your round. Pint of Becks please”

I always did have a way with words.

After whizzing across London on the Heathrow Express we arrived at terminal 5. After a light ‘refreshment’ we went to check in for the 7 hour flight across the pond to Boston.
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