Postcards from England
Mar 21st 2013, 10:16 am
#211
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Re: Postcards from England
A History of the Christmas Market
A Christmas market, also known as Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, and Weihnachtsmarkt, is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in Germany and Alsace but are now being held in many other countries.
The history of Christmas markets goes back to the Late Middle Ages in the German speaking part of Europe. The Dresden Christmas market, first held in 1434, is one of the oldest Christmas markets. It attracts between 1.5 and 2 million visitors a year and has over 60 stalls.The Bautzen Christmas market was even older, first being mentioned in records in 1384.The Vienna "December market" was a kind of forerunner of the Christmas market and dates back to 1294.
In many towns in Germany and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the Christmas market or "Weihnachtsmarkt". In southern Germany and Austria it is sometimes called a "Christkind(e)l(s)markt" (German language, literally meaning "Christ child market"). Generally held in the town square and adjacent pedestrian zones, the market sells food, drink, and seasonal items from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing. On opening nights (and in some towns more often) onlookers welcome the "Christkind", or boy Jesus, acted out by a local child.
Christmas Markets around the World
Famous Christmas markets are held in the cities of Erfurt, Nuremberg, Dresden, Stuttgart and Augsburg making them popular tourist attractions.The Nuremberg and Dresden markets draw about two million people each year; the Stuttgart market attracts more than three million visitors.
Strasbourg, France has been holding a Christmas market, "Christkindelsmärik," around its cathedral since 1570, when it was part of the Holy Roman Empire of German Nation.
Christmas markets are traditional in Alsace and most of the towns have their local Christmas market.
In 1982 Lincoln, England established an annual Christmas market in early December, and this remains the most extensive such market by area in the United Kingdom, with a claimed total of over 300 stalls attracting more than 100,000 visitors over its four days. Large Christmas markets are also held in England in Leeds and Birmingham, with visiting traders from Frankfurt. The Birmingham Christmas Market was the largest in the UK in 2009 attracting over 2.8 million visitors over four weeks.
To warm you up on these cold winter nights, here...
The recipe of the German Gluhwein
A 750ml bottle of inexpensive dry red wine
2/3 cup of raw cane sugar or white sugar, or non-artificial sweetener of your choice
Juice and peel of one small lemon
2 cardamon pods
4 cloves
2 bay leaves
2 cinnamon sticks
Put everything in a heavy bottomed pan. Stir to melt the sugar. Heat the mixture over low heat, and leave for about an hour - it should never boil, just sort of seethe.
Serve in small mugs (straining out the peel and spices), with optional shot of brandy, kirsch or other liqueur.
More to come soon
...
A Christmas market, also known as Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Christkindlmarket, and Weihnachtsmarkt, is a street market associated with the celebration of Christmas during the four weeks of Advent. These markets originated in Germany and Alsace but are now being held in many other countries.
The history of Christmas markets goes back to the Late Middle Ages in the German speaking part of Europe. The Dresden Christmas market, first held in 1434, is one of the oldest Christmas markets. It attracts between 1.5 and 2 million visitors a year and has over 60 stalls.The Bautzen Christmas market was even older, first being mentioned in records in 1384.The Vienna "December market" was a kind of forerunner of the Christmas market and dates back to 1294.
In many towns in Germany and Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the Christmas market or "Weihnachtsmarkt". In southern Germany and Austria it is sometimes called a "Christkind(e)l(s)markt" (German language, literally meaning "Christ child market"). Generally held in the town square and adjacent pedestrian zones, the market sells food, drink, and seasonal items from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing. On opening nights (and in some towns more often) onlookers welcome the "Christkind", or boy Jesus, acted out by a local child.
Christmas Markets around the World
Famous Christmas markets are held in the cities of Erfurt, Nuremberg, Dresden, Stuttgart and Augsburg making them popular tourist attractions.The Nuremberg and Dresden markets draw about two million people each year; the Stuttgart market attracts more than three million visitors.
Strasbourg, France has been holding a Christmas market, "Christkindelsmärik," around its cathedral since 1570, when it was part of the Holy Roman Empire of German Nation.
Christmas markets are traditional in Alsace and most of the towns have their local Christmas market.
In 1982 Lincoln, England established an annual Christmas market in early December, and this remains the most extensive such market by area in the United Kingdom, with a claimed total of over 300 stalls attracting more than 100,000 visitors over its four days. Large Christmas markets are also held in England in Leeds and Birmingham, with visiting traders from Frankfurt. The Birmingham Christmas Market was the largest in the UK in 2009 attracting over 2.8 million visitors over four weeks.
To warm you up on these cold winter nights, here...
The recipe of the German Gluhwein
A 750ml bottle of inexpensive dry red wine
2/3 cup of raw cane sugar or white sugar, or non-artificial sweetener of your choice
Juice and peel of one small lemon
2 cardamon pods
4 cloves
2 bay leaves
2 cinnamon sticks
Put everything in a heavy bottomed pan. Stir to melt the sugar. Heat the mixture over low heat, and leave for about an hour - it should never boil, just sort of seethe.
Serve in small mugs (straining out the peel and spices), with optional shot of brandy, kirsch or other liqueur.
More to come soon
...Karim
Mar 21st 2013, 10:36 am
#212
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Re: Postcards from England
In the following pictures, I will try to take you along with me through the many charms, colors and smiles of the Birmingham Christmas Market...
More to come soon...
More to come soon
...Karim
Last edited by victorian67; Mar 21st 2013 at 11:37 am.
Mar 21st 2013, 10:41 am
#213
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Re: Postcards from England
More to come soon
...Karim
Mar 21st 2013, 10:51 am
#214
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Re: Postcards from England
More to come soon
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Mar 21st 2013, 10:56 am
#215
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Re: Postcards from England
More to come soon
...Karim
Mar 21st 2013, 10:59 am
#216
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Re: Postcards from England
Thank you for following this escapade to the Birmingham German Christmas Market and stay tuned for the next postcard soon
...Karim
Mar 21st 2013, 12:04 pm
#217
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Re: Postcards from England
I will have so much fun with these open-air market in the UK I can't wait to experience them. Thanks so much for sharing your travels, Karim 
I can't wait to experience them. Thanks so much for sharing your travels, Karim
Mar 21st 2013, 2:57 pm
#218
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Re: Postcards from England
Excellent! Brings back memories of both Germany and Birmingham.
Mar 22nd 2013, 10:41 am
#219
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Re: Postcards from England
Welcome to the beautiful North Yorkshire Country !
The first of my escapades of the Spring took me to the stunningly beautiful North Yorkshire Country.
From the spectacular scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park covered in heather moorland to the picturesque charm of the fishing harbour of Whitby where I walked in the footsteps of Captain Cook along the cobbled streets and up the 199 steps to the hilltop St Mary's church surrounded by ancient graveyard and the impressive ruins of Whitby abbey to stepping back in time aboard the steam trains of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, this truly was an unforgetable journey experience
Map of North Yorkshire
More to come soon...
The first of my escapades of the Spring took me to the stunningly beautiful North Yorkshire Country.
From the spectacular scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park covered in heather moorland to the picturesque charm of the fishing harbour of Whitby where I walked in the footsteps of Captain Cook along the cobbled streets and up the 199 steps to the hilltop St Mary's church surrounded by ancient graveyard and the impressive ruins of Whitby abbey to stepping back in time aboard the steam trains of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, this truly was an unforgetable journey experience
Map of North Yorkshire
More to come soon
...Karim
Mar 22nd 2013, 10:45 am
#220
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Re: Postcards from England
Whitby
The historic town of Whitby, currently a fishing port and popular tourist destination, has had a diverse and influential past. Situated on the North East coast of England, in the district of North Yorkshire, Whitby snugly straddles the mouth of the river Esk facing out into the inimitable North sea. Whitby's unique beauty, rich history features an eclectic mix of picturesque fisherman's cottages, storied Georgian town houses, cobbled streets, nooks and snickets.
In its youth Whitby played a central role in the creation and power structure of the early Church in the Middle Ages and has since grown and been shaped by advances in mining, shipping and commerce. Its unique rugged beauty where the cliffs meet the North sea and the quaint atmosphere found along the cobbled and eclectic streets.
In the reign of Elizabeth I, Whitby was a small fishing port. In 1540 it consisted of around twenty to thirty houses and had a population of about 200. In that year, Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, including Whitby Abbey.
In 1615, two new industries thus arrived in the port of Whitby—the transport of alum and that of the coal used in its production.
Whitby grew in size and wealth, extending its activities to include shipbuilding, using local oak timber as raw material. Taxes on imports entering via the port raised the finance to improve and extend the town's twin piers, improving the harbour and permitting further increases in trade. In 1753 the first whaling ship set sail to Greenland initiating a new phase in the town's development, and by 1795 Whitby had become a major centre for the whaling industry.
In 1839 George Hudson built the railway connecting Whitby to Pickering and York which played a part in the development of Whitby as a tourism destination
Captain James Cook, one of the Whitby's most famous résidents
Captain James Cook was born, 1728-1779, in Marton, Cleveland about 30 miles from the town of Whitby. An adventurer and navigator in the Royal Navy, Cook is best known as an explorer and most notably for reaching the south-eastern coast of the Australian continent on 19 April 1770 where his expedition became the first recorded Europeans to have encountered the Australian Eastern coastline.
Cook enthusiasm for life on the ocean and his determination to go to sea, took him to Whitby where he was introduced to the Walker family; Quaker ship owners engaged in the coal trade between the North-East and London. The Walker's ships traded between London and the North and it was on this route that Cook began his sailing career on board the Freelove carrying coal to London in 1747. He stayed with the Walker's company, having positions on various ships and voyages until after 8 years, in 1755, he was offered command of his own ship.
More to soon...
The historic town of Whitby, currently a fishing port and popular tourist destination, has had a diverse and influential past. Situated on the North East coast of England, in the district of North Yorkshire, Whitby snugly straddles the mouth of the river Esk facing out into the inimitable North sea. Whitby's unique beauty, rich history features an eclectic mix of picturesque fisherman's cottages, storied Georgian town houses, cobbled streets, nooks and snickets.
In its youth Whitby played a central role in the creation and power structure of the early Church in the Middle Ages and has since grown and been shaped by advances in mining, shipping and commerce. Its unique rugged beauty where the cliffs meet the North sea and the quaint atmosphere found along the cobbled and eclectic streets.
In the reign of Elizabeth I, Whitby was a small fishing port. In 1540 it consisted of around twenty to thirty houses and had a population of about 200. In that year, Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, including Whitby Abbey.
In 1615, two new industries thus arrived in the port of Whitby—the transport of alum and that of the coal used in its production.
Whitby grew in size and wealth, extending its activities to include shipbuilding, using local oak timber as raw material. Taxes on imports entering via the port raised the finance to improve and extend the town's twin piers, improving the harbour and permitting further increases in trade. In 1753 the first whaling ship set sail to Greenland initiating a new phase in the town's development, and by 1795 Whitby had become a major centre for the whaling industry.
In 1839 George Hudson built the railway connecting Whitby to Pickering and York which played a part in the development of Whitby as a tourism destination
Captain James Cook, one of the Whitby's most famous résidents
Captain James Cook was born, 1728-1779, in Marton, Cleveland about 30 miles from the town of Whitby. An adventurer and navigator in the Royal Navy, Cook is best known as an explorer and most notably for reaching the south-eastern coast of the Australian continent on 19 April 1770 where his expedition became the first recorded Europeans to have encountered the Australian Eastern coastline.
Cook enthusiasm for life on the ocean and his determination to go to sea, took him to Whitby where he was introduced to the Walker family; Quaker ship owners engaged in the coal trade between the North-East and London. The Walker's ships traded between London and the North and it was on this route that Cook began his sailing career on board the Freelove carrying coal to London in 1747. He stayed with the Walker's company, having positions on various ships and voyages until after 8 years, in 1755, he was offered command of his own ship.
More to soon
...Karim
Mar 22nd 2013, 10:53 am
#221
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Re: Postcards from England
Whitby's Abbey
Whitby Abbey was founded by St Hilda in the year 657. The ruines, which overlook the fantastically picturesque Whitby harbour.
The imposing ruins belong to the church of the Benedictine abbey refounded on its site by the Normans. Begun in about 1220 in the Early English style of Gothic, the pinnacled east end and north transept still stand high, richly carved with characteristic 'dog's tooth' embellishment. Time, war and nature have left their marks. Parts of the church collapsed during storms, its west front was hit by German naval shelling in 1914, and centuries of wind and rain have added their own etched and pitted decoration.
These supremely romantic ruins enjoy panoramic views over the town and coastline, and literary renown as the backdrop to Bram Stoker's Dracula, the Victorian novel which has made Whitby the 'Goth' capital of Britain. The ruins share the headland with the Cholmley family mansion, begun after Henry VIII's suppression of the abbey.
St Mary's Church
Located right next to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, St. Mary's Church, the parish church of the North Yorkshire fishing town of Whitby, combines a fortress-like exterior fit for the stormy North Sea weather.
North Yorkshire Moors National Park
The North Yorkshire Moors National Park is an area of spectacular beauty which covers 544 square miles. The heather moorland which covers the ground has given the area its name of "moors". Driving through the national park is truly an experience like no other.
More to come soon...
Whitby Abbey was founded by St Hilda in the year 657. The ruines, which overlook the fantastically picturesque Whitby harbour.
The imposing ruins belong to the church of the Benedictine abbey refounded on its site by the Normans. Begun in about 1220 in the Early English style of Gothic, the pinnacled east end and north transept still stand high, richly carved with characteristic 'dog's tooth' embellishment. Time, war and nature have left their marks. Parts of the church collapsed during storms, its west front was hit by German naval shelling in 1914, and centuries of wind and rain have added their own etched and pitted decoration.
These supremely romantic ruins enjoy panoramic views over the town and coastline, and literary renown as the backdrop to Bram Stoker's Dracula, the Victorian novel which has made Whitby the 'Goth' capital of Britain. The ruins share the headland with the Cholmley family mansion, begun after Henry VIII's suppression of the abbey.
St Mary's Church
Located right next to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, St. Mary's Church, the parish church of the North Yorkshire fishing town of Whitby, combines a fortress-like exterior fit for the stormy North Sea weather.
North Yorkshire Moors National Park
The North Yorkshire Moors National Park is an area of spectacular beauty which covers 544 square miles. The heather moorland which covers the ground has given the area its name of "moors". Driving through the national park is truly an experience like no other.
More to come soon
...Karim
Mar 22nd 2013, 10:59 am
#222
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Re: Postcards from England
North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway provides some 18 miles of preserved steam railway running through the spectacular scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors
Goathland Village featured in the popular UK TV show "Heartbeat"
Goathland is also a station on the magical North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
"Heartbeat" is a very popular TV show in the UK which runs from 1992 to this day. It is set in the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park in the picturesque village of Goathland. The action is set back in the sixties
More to come soon...
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway provides some 18 miles of preserved steam railway running through the spectacular scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors
Goathland Village featured in the popular UK TV show "Heartbeat"
Goathland is also a station on the magical North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
"Heartbeat" is a very popular TV show in the UK which runs from 1992 to this day. It is set in the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park in the picturesque village of Goathland. The action is set back in the sixties
More to come soon
...Karim
Mar 22nd 2013, 11:11 am
#223
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Re: Postcards from England
Welcome aboard on this exciting journey around the many wonders of the North Yorkshire County ...
More to come soon...
...More to come soon
...Karim
Mar 22nd 2013, 11:17 am
#224
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Re: Postcards from England
More to come soon
...Karim
Mar 22nd 2013, 11:27 am
#225
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Re: Postcards from England
More to come soon
...Karim