Oh, Vienna! City of the most expensive eggs and fur everything. Nonetheless, down every street and alleyways are the most beautiful sculpted buildings.

Vienna's specialty "Sacher Torte"

cute Tabacco shop

Waiting for my next stop.

well Vienna, you have been a slice. I definitely enjoyed the slice of Torte.
Its time for the next adventure, Paris!

As for 2014, you have been a fantastic year to me. Not only that Germany stole my heart, it has also been a place I called home for the past nine months. Its going to be harder to say goodbye than I thought. I had the opportunity to experience a different culture entirely in a different language. Along with meeting many beautiful faces of whom will be long term friends wherever we are in the world. Thank you Skype! Looking back on this year, there is nothing I regret. I am glad I made that spontaneous decision during the cold winter days of Canada. There is nowhere else I would rather be at this moment. I have learned and grown a lot more here than I ever did during my university days. For 2015, I want nothing more than it to be just as amazing as this year with many adventures and experiences.

Always chasing the sun.

Always chasing the sun with him.

New year, beautiful view.

Fröhliche weihnachten vom Luna.

Christmas dinner.

Franz's loving family.

windy Christmas day (25th)

schloß pillnitz, Dresden

traditional goose dinner.

Nonetheless, I would have not spent Christmas abroad any other way.

Handbrot, when translated Hand bread.
Yes, the Germans are very literal with some of their naming.

Possibly the most delicious thing I ever ate in my entire life or at least on this European adventure.
Essentially handbrot is made fresh on the spot, even the baking of the bread.
Bread is baked to this delicate softness then topped off with cheese
& your choice of: mushrooms or ham.


then to top it off with a bit of sour cream and green onions.  

Pictures don't do its justice, you just have to fly over to Germany and try it for yourself.

 

Often times, I wish my stomach was bigger so I can eat more than one.



Christmas in Germany otherwise known as the explosion of Christmas markets. Originated in Germany where now, many European countries has there own twist of the classic Christmas markets. Even in many cities of Canada such as Toronto and Vancouver also hopped on the Christmas market bandwagon. Its a great excuse of getting out of pajamas and baring the cold weather for a hot beverage and delicious food, if you ask me.

As a fellow Dresdner, I am fortunate enough to live in the city claiming Deutschland's oldest Christmas market since 1434. Top tourist attraction during the month of December.

It is absolutely beautiful, the entire city centre lights up from the numerous huts selling glühwein, glühbier, delicious food that you can not walk from without wanting a bite along with other miscellaneous items.

As November switches over to December, it's as if Christmas exploded over the city of Dresden. & I absolutely love it! However being such a tourist attraction, it is better off to explore the striezelmarkt during the week if you ever want your hands on a delicious "handbrot" without the lengthy lineup. Or a "trdelnik". From a foodie's perspective, it is worth the line.

welcome to Dresdner striezelmarkt 2014.

otherwise known as glühwein season.

cute mugs of striezelmarkt.

glühbier, goodness.

classic Dresden specialty, stollen.

kräppelchen, Deutschland's version of tiny toms.

Dresden's Christmas pyramid.

dried goods.

handbrot!

trdelnik

What is it? It is dough rolled on a stick that is then grilled over wood burning fire and topped off with sugar and your choice of topping: cinnamon, vanilla, almonds, cocoa.

Tis' the season to be drink and be merry!