Real Madrid

Who goes to Madrid for Christmas?...We do! Actually looking back, it was bad timing. Everything was closed. But leave it to us to enjoy ourselves. Madrid's architecture is amazing, not in the overused American* since of the word, but in the true essence of the word. The food we had wasn't that great, but since many establishments were closed I don't think we can fairly judge the gastro scene. We ran into a protest, for fair housing- I think, which is always a good sign. Use your right to protest people!
I wanted to march with them, but Chris wasn't having it. He's such a Debbie Downer sometimes ;)
We managed to keep our tradition of seeing the Nutcracker too. The hotel hooked us up with information about a Community College rendition of the ballet. The male lead of the show clearly stuffed his "cup", it was hilarious and my eyes followed that huge thing everywhere. Even funnier is someone must have complained because "it" wasn't there in the second half on the show. Even more funnier, Chris does this great impression of the dancer..okay so sometimes my husband is super fun Please ask Chris to do this impression if you see him. 

Beautiful Madrid...aha! you thought I was going to post a pic of the "Nutcracker" didn't you

*As an ex-pat (I'm not sure if we actually fall into that category, but I like referring to myself as one) I'm starting to notice  ways of the USA and Americans that aren't so flattering. But do not get me wrong, I love my country flaws and all.

Christmas Markets!

How did I not know about these delightful little markets before? German Christmas markets are one of my favorite things about Germany. This weekend we took the train to Hamburg. Did you know? Residents of Hamburgs are called Hamburgers.

Not the best photo of the market, but you get the idea.We had Gluvine and I tried to kill Chris (yet again) by having him taste my yummy soup filled with mushrooms. I thought it was some type of meat, it was so meaty, Chris is allergic to the fungi. I'm learning on German menus mushrooms are not list simply by Champignon (mushroom) but by the mushroom type. Confusing!

Christmas Market in the background and my GQ man in the foreground

Look at my lil' purple book bag! oh will I ever grow up?

Another nice one. In front of a gorgeous Hamburg building (I really should pay more attention, the building is a museum or something).

Did you know? Before the Beatles were famous they played hours and hours at Hamburg music festivals and therefore perfected their craft.  See: 10,000 hours theory