Frohes Fest

Be happy.

We're back from Edinburgh in time to enjoy Christmas at home. Have a warm, merry, blessed holiday season!

Trier Weihnachtsmarkt 2011

We visited the Trier Christmas Market last Saturday, on a chilly but clear afternoon. It seemed that everyone else in far-western Germany had the same idea. Here are The Husband's photographic impressions of the market--taken when he could stop long enough not to fear being immediately crushed or elbowed in the spleen.

I realize that these photos don't really give you a clear idea of the sheer volume of people crammed into the Trier Marktplatz. But trust me, they were there--especially around the glühwein huts. Move along, people--move along! 

Ah, but it's all so beautiful. Christmas markets are absolutely one of the best things about living in Germany.

More from Nancyfrance

As promised, here are more photos from our day-trip to Nancy a few weeks ago. Coming soon: Christmas market pics!

Gypset Style

I've been meaning to blog about this book for ages. I bought the book last year, but somehow I just discovered the blog. Here's what author Julia Chaplin has to say about Gypset Style:

My general approach to life and my writing is to have hi-low grand adventures. During my travels I came up with the word Gypset: (gypsy + jet-set) to describe a new type of travel, and cultural foraging at home, that redefines the optimal adventure as something with the global references and chic speed of the jet-set mixed with the alternative, anti-commercialism and nomadic wile of a gypsy.

Cool, yes? Though I may not have the financial profile (not necessary, supposedly, but...) or street-cred (Devendra Banhart! Jade Jagger!) of the true Gypsetter, I certainly appreciate the mindset and aesthetic. And I certainly don't think I'd mind hanging out for a bit with Damien Hirst and Maia Norman on their Thames-River houseboat.

Note: the book is more about a way of life than a certain "look," so don't expect lots of house photos (I would have liked more). But since it's text-heavy, if you're curious about the Gypset lifestyle, you're likely to learn a lot.