Our First Christmas Tree in Geneva

I don't think we saw a tree larger than 3 or 4 feet in town. We planned on bringing our tree on the tram, but when a local friend heard this she offered to drive us and bring it back to our apartment. She said she didn't want to read about the "American couple" in the newspaper! We put the tree on a box so it would appear larger and got use out of the new ornaments we bought in Germany. Hopefully you can see Old Kris, which is a favorite on both sides of the family. The tree turned out to be okay, but we basically bought it dead. This was no Frasier fur cut from the forest or Alps! When we walk by the tree, the air from us walking by makes the needles fall off. It's awethome! We heard the trees were not great this year for whatever reason. There were a ton with giant spaces between branches (you could only see the trunk). We have slowly been putting presents underneath and we are looking forward to Madeline, Mom and Dad's visit! It will be great to see familiar faces. Hope you all have a wonderful, safe and happy holiday.
love, Dena & Brian

Berlin, Germany - Brandenburg Gate

Ich bin ein Berliner. Well, we contemplated whether we should go to Berlin because we traveled the weekend before, but it was well worth it. When we originally bought the Budapest and Berlin tickets, we didn’t know we were going to get an incredible invitation to Garmisch for Thanksgiving. When we found out it would cost more to change the flight, the decision was made! Germany was great and the people are friendly. Believe it or not, they spoke better English in Berlin than Geneva!!! We stayed in a really cool hotel versus an apartment like we’ve rented for other trips and it was nice. It was on the East side of Berlin (Alexanderplatz) and the location was great. We had TONS of Christmas markets nearby that had great things to buy, candy stands, crepes, bratwurst, beer, hot wine (we don’t like it at all – ssssick), fried dough…needless to say, we did not go hungry! We ate dinner at the market then headed over to a café to hear a jazz group play. The weather was pretty cold and rainy on Saturday morning, but thankfully cleared up in the afternoon. We did more shopping and a little less sightseeing in Berlin which was a nice change of pace. All of the Christmas trees, music and food put you in the holiday spirit….shopping. We both got new coats! We went to a Thai food place for dinner (I know, let me explain) because they original place I picked out was impossible to find. By the time we circled the block for the 5th time cursing, we found it and there were no tables available. We were so tired and hungry that we picked the closest place. It was decent, but the atmosphere was entertaining. They were playing American club music. So funny how American music is played in Europe. I’d say 90% of it is American. Never would have guessed. I find it hilarious how every time we get into a cab (when we travel), the cab driver always changes the radio station to American music!!! Are we that obvious??? Sunday was low key. Went for brunch and visited a few museums. I think Berlin would also be great when it is warmer out, but I’m glad we got to experience the Christmas spirit in the city.
Not sure if anyone noticed, but Brian is growing a beard. We’ve been taking pictures as it progresses. It is amazing how you entertain yourself when you don’t have a TV! HA! Ummm, we will be getting one soon! Last trip of this year. Our next post will be of the chalet we are renting for the ski season. My goal is to only cry 3 times...per day....j/k!
Love always, Dena & Brian