Christmas begins – Bern

Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas Market, began in Bern on Saturday 12/1.  Jon and I walked into Bern, taking side streets just to see something different.   We spent most of the day strolling through the Christmas Market in Romerplatz, the downtown stores, and the handcraft market by the cathedral.   Booths in the Romerplatz were sturdily built with wood platforms, walls and roofs, rather permanent looking though they’ll only be there 3 weeks.

Weihnachtsmarket tavern
Overlooking the Christmas Market from the second story of a temporary tavern. Of course we were sipping "Gluhwein".
Didgeridoo in Christmas booth
For Alpenhorn players who want something new
We found a beautiful edelweiss shirt for Jon and a couple small gifts for friends here, then headed home by a different route.
Craft market by the Cathedral
Craft market by the Cathedral
Jon wore his pedometer for our little trip and was happy to see over 17,000 total steps for the day, which amounts to 15km!

Now (Sunday) snow is falling softly but steadily.  Our world is white again.  This time many of the trees have finished dropping their leaves, so we’re looking out on a graceful tracery of branches, as we try to keep warm in this decidedly under-heated apartment.  Hot chocolate almond milk, anyone?