Esslingen

On our last day in Germany, we visited (1st) Esslingen and (2nd) Ludwigsburg via the S-Bahn.
Nestled amongst ancient vineyards and in the century old town-center, we found a refreshing surprise in Esslingen.

Ancient stone walls define these hillside vineyards.

13th Century City Church of Saint Dionysius

The Rathaus with its astronomical clock and a 74 bell Glockenspiel that chimes every hour.

Medieval half-wooden house architecture 

One of the most picturesque cities with well preserved medieval houses.

It was nothing like most other Weihnachtmarkets. The whole village center was transformed into a medieval town with the vendors and participants all dressed as in medieval times.

Most of the stalls were not your usual, (although very nice) commercial stalls, but look more rustic and better fit my imagine of the middle ages.

Gluehwein stand

Wandering around the market, we found it very inspiring how they used the occasion to educate kids and adults alike about the trades and crafts developed and essential in times past.

This was, of course, a goldmine for Patricia.

Then there were the games people used to play, some of which are still played today.

9 pin bowling

Storm the Castle with catapults 

Board games

Chess in the middle of the street

Also very important is the food and, did I mention, the Gluehwein.

Cooking another batch of Gluehwein

Getting the pastries ready for eating

After strengthening our selves, we wandered on, amused by a juggler and street entertainers.

Having enjoyed the market in Esslingen very much (more pictures), we now headed again by the
S-Bahn to Ludwigsburg to visit our last Weihnachtsmarkt for the season.  The market in Ludwigsburg is very different form where we had just visited. The highlight here was the dazzling lights. The market is concentrated in the center of town in front of the beautiful Protestant City Church.

 

We wandered down the side-streets for a bit just taking in the town while it was still daylight and then went back to see the lights.

The moon was just peeking out as the market lights came on.

It was a city of angels in lights.

One of the best novelty stalls sold all sorts of tools made out of chocolate!

And on our way back to the S-Bahn, a little girl was playing Christmas songs.

This is it for me (us) for now; enough Weihnachtmarkets. Patricia and I enjoyed all of them very much, and we will have lots of very fond memories of the people we met and the places we saw. It was a great trip.

Have a Very Happy and Prosperous 2014