26 December 2012

Schloss Charlottenburg and Potsdamer Platz christmas markets

With Christmas coming to an end, so are some of the Christmas markets (but not all just yet).

Two of the ones we were wanting to see were closing today.  With a quick check of the weather, apparently no rain all day, we were off.

The first one we went to was Charlottenburg Palace markets. This was a nicely set out market under the backdrop of the Palace. Today (maybe everyday) it was very busy in most sections. This made it feel like a happening place but was a bit frustrating dodging all the people there were doddering along or those that decide to stop without warning in the middle of the walkway. A typical hazard at any crowded spot.







This market was a combination of the usual little wooden huts and then some bigger temporary but all undercover shops. There were also some much bigger than usual food stands selling the usual sausages, gluhwein and such.

Something we hadn't seen before was a mobile ATM on one of those three wheeler comedic cars. Having seen the stability of the one in Mr Bean you can only wonder how the guy would drive this thing around corners.



Another 'wing' of the markets was pretty much reserved for children's rides. This area wasn't so busy and gave a nice point of difference from the other markets we had been to.




We visited one of the big food stands which had a long line for its goods. As we were in line it started to rain lightly. So much for the fine weather forecast. For our snack Nordine had a bratwurst in a bun (2.50 Euros) and I had a pork steak in a bun (3.50 Euros). Both magnificent as always.



We did a little bit more of a lap of the markets and then left for a bit of a stroll by continue to walk away from the markets and away from the S-Bahn where we had come from. We soon came across a U-Bahn and a quick check of our system map showed we could make our way to the other market we wanted to check out.

A couple of train station changes later we were at Potsdamer Platz. Here they had a big snow toboggan ride, and then markets circling the buildings.




The stalls that were selling handicrafts were starting to look a bit bare as they were trying to get rid of their stock before the markets finished up.

At one of these stalls they were selling Räuchermann (German smoking men) which is a traditional Christmas decoration. We had been keen on one of these and today they were 50% off (apparently). We picked up our little smoking craftsman for 5 Euros, plus 1 Euro for the incense cones. Pretty happy and with that we left the markets behind us.



At home we set up our little craftsman and let him stink out the house with his lovely Christmas'y Sandalwood scent.


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