Weihnachtmarkt is here!!!

So, the Christmas season has arrived. We have been getting snow every few days but it never seems to last too long. The weather here is very similar to that of my hometown Duncan. Wet. Yes, I complain about the cold here too but in a way I am liking the change of scenery and weather from that of Edmonton.
Last weekend while we were in Bergen for youth again we got to go to our first Christmas market in Celle. It was quite the experience. There were people everywhere, the town was all decorated and there was Gluhwein to be had by all. (Gluhwein is a hot spiced wine served only at Christmas time). We tried some, but neither Dan nor I were big fans.) It had snowed the night before so when we got up it was white out which really put us in the Christmas spirit, well me at least. We spent the whole afternoon walking the streets of Celle stopping by all the booth to check out what they were selling. There was lots of yummy food for sale, sausages, sweets, drinks, cookies and cakes. We walked from one great smell to the next. There were also so many Advent calendars here filled with all sorts of things. It was pretty cool. It was all so nice and traditional looking, nothing too tacky until we hit what was like the midway at a traveling fair. I couldn't believe it. There where rides for kids, a big ferris wheel and even carnies. It seems that carnies everywhere have the same look. Take a look at the picture. This part seemed so out of place.
All in all we had a great time and are looking forward to our own smaller Weihnachtsmarkt in Fritzlar this weekend. The Bible school sets up their own booth and hands out free coffee, cookies and decorations. We tell about what is happening at the school, the programs we run for youth and kids. We also inform people about KHW (kinderhilfswerk) and what Christmas is really all about. Pictures to come! ( In the picture with Santa are two other students , Sarina and Judith and Judith's mom Barbel, which some of you in Edmonton should know. She is who we have been staying with in Bergen. She is like a mom to us here and treats us so well. She made us candied almonds and gave us advent calendars before we left the last time. Such a wonderful woman!)