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BERLIN BITES: Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

December 28, 2013

Many Weihnachtsmarkt or Christmas Markets are closed after December 26 but there are some Christmas Markets that are still open like Gendarmenmarkt, which we went to last night. I went there before Christmas but my one regret was not having the raclette cheese because we were too stuffed to eat any more. So we just had to go back and try other goodies. I love going as a group because we buy one specialty per store to share and we get to taste more seasonal treats! Get ready for some foodporn!

gendarmenmarkt christmas market

Christmas markets can be really crowded on evenings before Christmas. So a tip for those who don’t like crowded places is to come for late lunch (but you don’t get to enjoy the amazing lights) or come after Christmas day. Gendarmenmarkt is especially lovely in between gorgeous architectural landmarks which are also lit up.

gendarmenmarkt christmas market-002gendarmenmarkt christmas market-020

Glühwein and Glög

Glühwein is mulled or warm wine usually made by heating up wine (never to boiling point or the alcohol will cook off) that has orange slices, cloves, etc. This warm wine really makes you feel all warm so it’s perfect for these cold winter days! There are different variations of Gluhwein from other parts of Europe, like Glögg (Scandinavian) or Glögli (Finnish). I tried their Glögg at the Gendarmenmarkt. It had Vanilla Vodka and came with a spoon to scoop the nuts and golden raisins inside.  For Gluhwein, there is also the option of adding a shot of Vanilla Vodka for an extra Euro. gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt.44gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt.12-1

*GOOD TO KNOW: Glühwein is served in mugs which have a Pfand  or deposit. So don’t be startled if, when it is time to pay, the amount sounds really expensive because it includes the Pfand, say around 3 € or so. You will see different shapes, sizes and designs of mugs all over Berlin and the great thing about it is if you want to take them home, you are free to forfeit the Pfand and you are the proud owner of a Christmas themed mug. How cool is that? I knowsomeone who likes to collect them.

gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt.05

Kartoffelpuffer

Fried grated potato puffs (puffier than hash browns). Make sure to get it with Apfelmuss. Try it and tell me what you think? This is a new favourite of mine and I think the one in Gendarmenmarkt was better because it was crispier than the one in Schloss Charlottenburg. Just ask around the different stalls and they will point you to the direction of these lovelies!

gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt.05-001

Raclette

Raclette is heaven for any cheese lover. We got it on toast with some secret spices. It is also available with ham and with potatoes instead of on top of bread)

gendarmenmarkt christmas market-003Cheese Raclette.04

Half-wheels of cheese are placed under “irons” that melt the cheese. The cheese is then scraped on to bread or whatever you choose to have your raclette with.raclette.16raclette.26raclette.05

For cheese lovers there is a stall full of wheels of cheese and other specialties made with cheese.

 

Original Thüringer Rostbratwurst & Nackensteak

The Rostbratwurst is a porky piece of wurst that is served on delicious bread, that’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. TD loves the Nackensteak which is also served sandwich style. These are all cooked on a grill so the taste is delicious and smokey.gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt.58

gendarmenmarkt christmas market-009 gendarmenmarkt christmas market-004

Wurst and Kraut

My favourite wurst in Gendarmenmarkt came from this stall. Delicious smaller wursts served with sauerkraut, 2 different kinds of mustard, horseradish and brown bread. Have a little of everything with each bite and it’s just a flavour  explosion in your mouth.

gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt.33 gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt.35-1

Rahmbrot

White sauce on bread with ham and other toppings, similar to Flammkuchen but the dough is different and quite lovely. It is baked in a traditional oven like below.

gendarmenmarkt christmas market-005gendarmenmarkt christmas market-008 gendarmenmarkt christmas market-006

Lángos

This is another new treat that we discovered thanks to our German friend Alex. It’s a Hungarian Fried Bread which is rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with salt. For garlic lovers like us, it’s simple yet amazingly delicious!

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas.02

Nutella Crepes

These crepes are oozing with everyones favourite hazelnut spread and eaten with your hands. Take lots of napkins to white you face haha!

gendarmenmarkt christmas market-012 gendarmenmarkt christmas market-014 gendarmenmarkt christmas market-013 gendarmenmarkt christmas market-015

Turrone or Nougat

Turrone or Nougat is a tradition for TD’s mother who is Spanish. So we were delighted we are able to continue the tradition with some Italian turrones from the Christmas markets. I especially loved the soft version with almonds. They have so many different kinds and I also like the coffee nougat and the chocolate covered nougat with hazelnuts.

gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt.22 gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt-001 gendarmenmarkt christmas market-017

Gebrannte Nüsse

From the same turrone stall, we also loved the caramelised roasted nuts. We usually buy the roasted almonds, but we bought different kinds to take home last night. The caramel coated roasted hazelnuts are even better than the almonds! If you are not sure which you prefer yet they sell a mixed bag and you can try all the different kinds before buying a small or big bag.

gendarmenmarkt weihnachtsmarkt.40

Entertainment

Last night there was some fun entertainment with a band singing rock songs and the crowd dancing and singing along.

gendarmenmarkt christmas market-011

Indoor Dining Options

Personally I think indoor dining in a Christmas Market misses the point, but if you are cold then it’s a great way to take a warm break. Grab a Glühwein inside and in no time you will be warm enough to go back out and enjoy the festivities.Gendarmenmarkt Christmas.52 Gendarmenmarkt Christmas.11

CLICK HERE if you would like to know what other Christmas Markets are still open for 2013. And if you go make sure to dress up really warm and have both hands free to carry your food and Glühwein! Happy New Years and I hope you are enjoying the holidays!

gendarmenmarkt christmas market-018

Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market

  • November 25 to December 31, 2013
  • opening from 11 am to 10 pm
  • Admission 1€ for the stage program, free entrance mon-fri 11-14h
  • Dogs are not allowed (except for guide dogs)
  • Find us on FACEBOOK
  • Load here our program flyer for 2013.

1 Comment · berlin food & drink, berlin to do

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  1. BERLIN TO DO: Schloss Charlottenburg Christmas Market says:
    December 30, 2013 at 12:46 PM

    […] and they all have their slight variations in terms of ingredients. I tried  Glögg at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market and it came with a spoon to scoop the nuts and golden raisins inside and there was some Vanilla […]

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Welcome

Hello! I’m Ayessa, trailing spouse to a diplomat, mama to DiploBaby and DiploDog and founder of Declutter MNL. I love talking about how to achieve a minimaluxe lifestyle one step at a time.

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GOOD TO KNOW GUIDE

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @UNDIPLOMATICWIFE

I love Halloween because it’s super fun for @dip I love Halloween because it’s super fun for @diplobaby. I love how his eyes light up. Before I was a parent, there was no reason to decorate.

Glad there is now a @gifi.ch near us with affordable HALLOWEEN DECOR & COSTUMES. 🧛‍♂️ 

I hope you enjoy seeing what they have in this short video! 👻 

It’s not lost on me how much plastic is used during Halloween, from the polyester costumes to the decor elements. 

ECO TIPS:

🎃 I usually slowly built up my Halloween decor. I buy 2-4 pieces each year

🎃 I take good care of them & store properly so I can reuse for years to come. It’s never singe use!

🎃 I also don’t throw away as much as possible. If there is damage, I repair.

🎃 If i dont use something anymore, I pass them on to others by selling it for a fraction of the price on Marketplace.

🎃 If it doesn’t sell, I pass them on the Pay it Forward Nyon group or place them in the donation pile in our dechetterie where others can take them.

🎃 if it’s not repairable, I take it apart so that the materials can be recycled.

🍭 As for TREATS, I hate the PLASTIC wrapped candy 🍬 so we usually give PAPER wrapped mini chocolate bars.

⛑️ HEALTH TIP:

If a piece of decor or costume SMELLS STRONGLY OF PLASTIC, DO NOT BUY IT! That’s toxic VOCs leaching into the air. It’s not good for you!

What about you? How do you try to have a sustainable Healthy-ish Halloween?🤪

I usually go in the same costume every year. Change is overrated lol. What about you? Do you know what your wearing this year?

#UDWinGeneva #udwholidays #udwhalloween
HOW NEAR IS @geneveaeroport? We are very lucky th HOW NEAR IS @geneveaeroport?

We are very lucky that the Geneva Airport is very near because it is located 4 km northwest of the city centre. It takes us less than 15mins by car & is easier to get to than airports outside the city.

BUT also means that many of the Geneva residents suffer from AIRCRAFT NOISE POLLUTION. 

In some parts of Geneva, like Vernier, Meyrin, Bellevue, Versoix, etc will have the airplane pass on top of you or very near you. This is something to consider when you are MOVING TO GENEVA & looking for a home.

When we were in @bioparcgeneve recently, it felt like airplane after airplane was going overhead every few mins. The poor animals were screaming each time.

A  report by the European Environment Agency(EEA) in 2017 said that 12% or 73,500 Geneva residents have their hearing disturbed by aircraft noise. Probably the figures have risen with the natural increase population & travel?

“The EEA describes noise as a pervasive pollutant that directly affects the health and well-being of humans and wildlife. Populations exposed to high noise levels can exhibit stress reactions, sleep-stage changes, and clinical symptoms like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. All of these can contribute to premature mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) reckons that humans exposed to noise levels above 40 decibels at night experience adverse health effects.

Across Europe it is estimated that noise contributed to at least 900,000 additional cases of hypertension in 2011.” - @le_news_ch 

DID YOU KNOW that owners of homes affected by the noise can request for soundproofing to be paid for by GVA? 

Check if your home meets the conditions for FREE SOUNDPROOFING c/o Genève Aéroport here:

https://www.gva.ch/en/Site/Geneve-Aeroport/Questions-Reponses-FAQ/Bruit#

SAVE or SHARE this now with someone you know who might be moving to Geneva or is already suffering from aircraft #noisepollution. 

#UDWinGeneva #UDWgenevagoodtoknow #expatingeneva #diplofamily #expatlife #genevaswitzerland #expatingeneva #filipinoingeneva #pinoyingeneva #movingtogeneva #movingtoswitzerland #movingtogeneva #genevaexpats #switzerlandexpatlife #geneva #genevaswitzerland
MERCADONA HAUL Whenever we go to Spain, we love t MERCADONA HAUL

Whenever we go to Spain, we love to go to @mercadona. It might be small but has a good affordable selection. It’s my thrifty Spanish MIL’s favorite.

We were so lucky that we had a @mercadona right beside our hotel Marina Badalona. Very convenient.
Our favorite things to bring home are:

☕️ frozen porras (bigger than churros)

🐑 baby lamb chops (the only lamb I eat coz it’s not malangsa & all you need to do is fry till crispy in olive oil with S&P) it’s called Chuletas Cabrito but TD calls it lechal 

🐽 chicharon or crispy pork rinds

🥔 Homemade potato chips. The best potato chips for me are from Spain. I don’t know how it’s so much yummier! The olive oil???

🎣 canned Sardines & tuna for me and Yaya B

TIPS:

🧊 For frozen items, we usually ask the hotel before we buy if they can put it in their freezer until we fly.

✍️ I usually bring different sizes ZIPLOCK BAGS, MASKING TAPE & MARKER when we travel so we can put everything in, label with our name and room number.

📸 then I take a photo so we can just show it to the staff and they can easily find it in their freezer.

✈️ When it’s time to pack, I placed our beach towels around the frozen packages coz I know they will SWEAT & I don’t want our other things to get wet 💦 

What  grocery do you usually like to shop for when in Spain? Where do you buy them?

#udwinbarcelona #udwinbadalona #udwtraveldiaries #udwtraveltips #udwtraveltip #diplofamily #filipinotravelblogger #pinayblogger #diplowife #diplomatswife #filipinoabroad #tdwtraveldiaries #takekidseverywhere #travelblogger #travelvlogger #travelvloggerph #filipinoblogger #filipinablogger #filipinavlogger #filipinoineurope #welltraveledkids #expatwoman #pinayblogger #familytravelblog
FREE GEAR RENTAL @boxup.app + OUTDOOR GYM at ISW C FREE GEAR RENTAL @boxup.app + OUTDOOR GYM at ISW Calisthenics Park 

📍Chem. des Tuileries 140, 1293 Bellevue

After the lovely BIOPARC we headed across to this chill park with ample PARKING that had so many things for kids & anyone who wants to move & work out:

⚽️ The kids wanted to kick around a football so we borrowed a ball from @boxup.app (they also have pumps, 🏓, 🏐, 🏀, etc) just download the app & turn on your Bluetooth & follow instructions! Return after 3hrs.

👟 Outdoor gym - this was a huge hit with the kids

⚽️ football - this too!

🏀 basketball court

🏓 Ping-pong 

🏐 Beach volleyball court

🤸🏻 Monkey bars

🛝 small playground

Thanks for the wonderful afternoon guys @lidia_otilia_botezatu! 
How lucky are we to have these beautiful, clean open spaces. And the free rental gear is AMAZING! so convenient.

This is in Geneva, about 15mins drive from where we live.

SAVE THIS on your list of PARKS to visit!

⚠️ WARNING

it’s in the airplane path so there will be loud noise from that. It’s not as close as the bioparc but bring earplugs/earphones if you are sensitive.

#udwingeneva #genevaswitzerland #genevaforkids #diplobaby #diplofamily #filipinotravelblogger #pinayblogger #diplowife #diplomatswife #filipinoabroad #tdwtraveldiaries #takekidseverywhere #travelblogger #travelvlogger #travelvloggerph #filipinoblogger #filipinablogger #filipinavlogger #filipinoineurope #welltraveledkids #expatwoman #pinayblogger #familytravelblog
BIOPARC GENÈVE Yesterday was a holiday in Switze BIOPARC GENÈVE

Yesterday was a holiday in Switzerland (except for Geneva). It was raining & miserable so I wanted to take @diplobaby out for a few hours. Thankfully midafternoon it stopped raining.

We met with our friends @lidia_otilia_botezatu in @bioparcgeneve and had a lovely time in this volunteer run zoo.

TIPS💡

🆓 It’s free for families on your FIRST visit!

🦢 you walk inside animal enclosures so wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty/stepping on poop. We wore boots & happy we did

🅿️ there’s parking inside on wood chips, if it’s full there’s another pavement parking (free up to 4hrs) across the roundabout 

🦔 Do not feed or touch the animals no matter how cute they are

🗺️ There are 2 routes (purple & blue) and 1-1.5hrs #diplshould be enough 

❎ Park closes at 4pm

SAVE THIS NOW if your looking for a fun & not too you can do in well und2hrs. It’s nice that you can go inside unlike most zoos so it’s quite unique.

⚠️ WARNING

it’s in the airplane path so there will be loud noise from that. @diplobaby who is super noise sensitive did not mind as much as I thought he would because he was so entertained by the animals.

#udwingeneva #genevaswitzerland #genevaforkids #diplobaby #diplofamily #filipinotravelblogger #pinayblogger #diplowife #diplomatswife #filipinoabroad #tdwtraveldiaries #takekidseverywhere #travelblogger #travelvlogger #travelvloggerph #filipinoblogger #filipinablogger #filipinavlogger #filipinoineurope #welltraveledkids #expatwoman #pinayblogger #familytravelblog
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