No wreaths here = swags!

We didn’t need a live tree or wreaths on the door where we used to live in Germany because we were working full time and usually on the road at the end of December. We always had a wreath with candles for the table, that that was enough.

When we got to Stuttgart last year on December 19^th, we didn’t bother getting a tree, and I couldn’t find any wreaths for our doors. This year I thought about getting a tree but decided that greenery in the house would suffice instead of a tree. I searched high and low for wreaths, seeing plenty of table-top wreaths with candles, when FINALLY today there were wreaths!!! But wait, they were tiny- the size of my hand. Um, why? 

Everywhere sells greenery, so I scrounged up some creative courage and made swags! The boughs to make 4 large swags cost about the same as 3 teeny tiny wreaths, and I’m pleased with the fragrant results.

HRH, aka my assistant, served in a supervisory role while I set out the branches and US wreath holders. I got one bundle of pine boughs, a bundle of what looks like spruce, and two small bundles of mixed greens. Each swag had a little bit of this and that, and were topped by US red bows that survived the transatlantic move!

The house smells nice and looks festive.

Bregenz, Austria with boat on Lake Constance to Lindau

Whew, this day trip could easily be a relaxing overnight, or even weekend! Because our elderly cat is sick, I signed up for a bunch of day trips from Stuttgart instead of a typical overnight(s) vacation. This one sounded great on paper, but I’d highly recommend that you stay overnight if you can.

We took a bus from Stuttgart to Bregenz, Austria in just over 2.5 hours. A cable car up the hill has spectacular reviews and a walking path along the large enclosures for wild animals such as mountain goats, boar, and massive deer. During the summer there is a restaurant open, but even amidst the snow, plenty of people were walking up the hill and along the paths. City folks, please note that light gloves and earmuffs do not cut it in the snowy cold!

There are two markets in Bregenz along with all the usual stores, cafes, and restaurants. The upper market included local crafters with clever and beautiful items for sale, plus Santa was driving a two-horse carriage around the old town. Roasted chestnuts were yummy! The architecture was stunning. This is worth the short but steep incline on foot.

The main market closer to the lake had all the typical stalls, along with smoked-on-the-spot salmon sandwiches. The stand with the cute mugs didn’t have cocoa, and the cocoa stand had only paper cups (what???), but the mug stand was happy to let me put a deposit on an empty mug and walk it over to the neighboring cocoa stand. Not the best cocoa in Europe, but way better than American cocoa.

There are a number of boat ferries/tours on the Bodensee, known also as Lake Constance. The short ride from Bregenz to Lindau was decked out during December with several tables of intricately designed nativity scenes and a short model train display. After our return, another ship was sailing with a fondue dinner experience! Yes, please!

When we arrived in Lindau, the harbor front market was already packed to the gills with people. This particular packaged tour offered us 15 minutes at this market before the last ship returned to Bregenz. I will never understand why anyone thought this was a good idea (the detailed schedule was not publicized ahead of time). After walking 7 minutes through the crowds into the market, it was time to turn around, unlike the folks who missed the boat and had to figure out the train back to the bus. I wish I had known about the train option, because after the boat, we had another hour in Bregenz before the bus left. I’d have rather spent that hour in Lindau and on the short train ride.

However, during the hour between the boat ride and the bus home, I discovered a terrific tapas restaurant with good food! I look forward to returning to the “Bodensee” area!

Karlsruhe, Germany

It sure helps to know someone who is familiar with a city you’ve never been to! I lucked out again, after a fun trip to Tübingen this fall, to go to Karlsruhe with someone who was a student there. Most tourists head straight for the castle, which we did, too. There are parking garages available, as well as a nice tram system, if you want to park a bit further out (we went for the garage, so don't have any tram tips). 

The castle has a permanent display with the usual suspects (forgive me), of lovely furniture, artwork, candlesticks, and so forth. The entrance to the tower with spectacular views at the top is through the museum, which is worth the ticket price. Another wing of the permanent display includes a history of the local area, including the claim that bicycles were invented here! 

There is often a special exhibit, which we saw on its last day. If they are all as good as this one was, then I highly recommend the special topic, if it is of any interest to you. There is a combination ticket for the tower, permanent and special displays. The rest of the city includes more museums, which we saved for next time, along with plenty of shopping and dining. 

Karlsruhe is definitely worth a day trip from Stuttgart (just under an hour), and if you catch a theater/concert- or really like museums & shopping, then it’s worth an overnight and a return trip. There are several vegetarian eating spots that we did not sample, along with diverse restaurants and cafes.