Travels with Jane: Train Travel Across Europe

I am in Europe for the Christmas holidays. I stopped in Belgium to visit friends in Leuven and then I traveled by train to Garmisch-Partenkirchen where I will spend Christmas. I thought you would enjoy seeing some of the cities I visited on my trip between Leuven. Belgium and Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

This is the Grand Place, the central square of Brussels, Belgium the de facto capitol of Europe. It is surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the city's Town Hall. It is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Aachen developed from a Roman settlement and spa. The Cathedral of Aix-la-Chapelle (in the picture) is claimed as one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe and was constructed by order of the Emperor Charlemagne who was buried there after his death in 814. For 595 years, from 936 to 1531, the Palatine Chapel, in the heart of the cathedral, was the church of coronation for thirty-one German kings and twelve queens.

Charlemagne or Charles the Great became the Holy Roman Emperor 800. He has been called the "Father of Europe" as he united most of Western Europe for the first time since the classical era of the Roman Empire. This bust is located in the Treasury Museum at the Cathedral.

During a layover in Cologne, I walked out of the train station and the Cathedral or Dom was literally towering over me. I could not get the entire building in the picture frame. Construction of Cathedral began in 1248 and it is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe was declared a World Heritage Site in 1996.

This is Marianplatz the central square in Munich, first referenced in documents in 1158. The city was founded by the monks of the Benedictine order, who ran a monastery nearby. The new City Hall or Rathaus is in the center and the twin towers of the Frauenkirche or the Cathedral of Our Dear Lady are to the left.

My final destination was Garmisch-Partenkirchen where I rent a flat in Partenkirchen for the week of Christmas. The city originated as the Roman town of Partanum on the trade route from Venice to Augsburg and is first mentioned in the year A.D. 15. This picture shows Ludwigsstrasse, the main street which follows the original Roman road.

Travels with Jane: Return to Leuven

Well, it was not exactly the Return of the Jedi but when I arrived in Leuven before Christmas I found lots of lights at 3 different Advent/Christmas markets.

In European countries with a Christian focus, December marks the beginning of the Advent season which starts four weeks before Christmas. This markets are such a festive way to celebrate the holiday season and it is clear that families and friends enjoy this time to gather and socializing. The many places with food and drink seems to outweigh the booths with Christmas ornaments, candles and hats and mittens.

In Belgium and Germany, gluhwein (hot spiced wine) and beer seem to be the preferred drink. The food ranges from bratwurst to crepes with various fillings to frites to other local specialties. One of my German favorites - just kidding - is lard on rye bread. I ordered this item once not knowing the German word for lard and thought it was a cheese spread. One bite and I knew I was wrong!

In Leuven, the square in front of city hall is decorated with a very large nativity scene, including real sheep. They also bring in dirt, sod and small trees to create a more intimate landscaped setting.

The second market is located in the square in front of the university library with a winter ice theme which includes an outdoor skating rink, an ice slide, ferris wheel and large Christmas tree with ornaments that serve as an amusement ride for small children. And of course, between these attractions are lots of food and drink.

The third location is in the city park with a winding trail of small huts filled with food, drink and gift items. This Christmas market has a stage with an evening entertainment schedule. And on Saturday's and Sunday’s, there can be as many as four different groups performing throughout the day and evening. At night all these places are magical with lights and happy crowds wandering around the paths.

In Belgium and Germany, the last day of the markets is December 23. In Northern Italy and Croatia, they run until Epiphany, January 6. So during December, if you want to meet family or friends for a drink or a quick meal, these Advent/Christmas markets are the place to go!

The University library is to the left of the ferris wheel.

In the picture on the right is the City Hall and to the left the ferris wheel with the University library in the back.

A selfie from the top of the ferris wheel with the library in the background, a picture of the ice skating rink and the Christmas market below and the library and ferris wheel.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not note the 10 year anniversary of the bike I bought in September 2007 when I started my graduate work in Leuven. A friend stores the bike for me and every year when I return, I put air in the tires and off I go. My 7 speed bike is now a one speed but it still gets me around during my visits.

Travels with Jane: Bulgaria

In December, I made a brief visit to Sofia, Bulgaria to visit a University classmate. What a fascinating country as you will see.

Rila Monastery

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The Monastery of St. Ivan of Rila was founded in the 10th century by the hermit Ivan of Rila (876 - 946 AD). It is the the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria housing around 60 monks.

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Rakia is the national drink in Bulgaria and is a fruit brandy with about 40% alcohol. It is traditionally taken before the meal from a small glass with an ice cube and is thought to aid digestion. The oldest evidence of Rakia is from the 14th century in Bulgaria which claims to be the originator of the product that is now consumed throughout the Balkans.

Plovdiv

The Roman Theatre.

The entrance to the Coliseum.

Plovdiv is located in central Bulgaria and is said to be one of the oldest cities in the world. There is evidence of habitation since the 6th millennium BCE. The city became a part of the Roman Empire in 46 AD and served as a capital of the province with the most important military road in the Balkans, passing through the city. The ancient ruins show a vibrant, growing city with numerous public buildings, shrines, baths, theatres, a stadium and the only developed ancient water supply system in Bulgaria.

The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, which serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of Bulgaria. It seats 10,000 people and it is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world.