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Where are you, Christmas?
By Judy Garrison | Photography by Seeing Southern
travel in search of Christmas. Not the ribbons or
bows, but of spirit and joy. In fact, no matter what
Iseason of the year I pack my bags, I travel for the
same reason. I’m in search of what fills this void that
inevitably materializes as routine and responsibilities
consume my daily agenda.
Could it be that inspiration from gods, horses and
giants could illuminate the course for discovering this
joy? Could a handmaiden from Norse mythology – Al-
runa – carry me from indifferent to festive in the span
of a week’s time?
In Amsterdam, as I boarded the Viking Longship
Alruna, named for Odin’s fierce handmaiden, my ur-
gency rose, for much like each year at this time, I
needed rejuvenation. I was sure I could recover it on
the waters of the Rhine or in the European Christmas
markets with glittering lights and festive treats. Un-
derneath my feet guiding me toward the vessel, an
iconic red carpet, reserved for celebrities and the like,
was now extended to me. In hindsight, I should have
read the signs more clearly.
For three days, I had been immersed in Amster-
dam’s culture as well as the craft of dodging bicycles,
trams and other wheeled entities. As part of my pre-
cruise extension of my eight-day Rhine Getaway, I laid
my head at the Mövenpick Hotel, floated along the il-
luminated canals with Those Dam Boat Guys, as well
as soaked up history at the Anne Frank House and
raised a glass at the Heineken Experience. Choosing
toaddthreedaysontothebeginningofmyrivercruise
experience erased the stress of work I attempted to
leave behind in the States. I was rested, and my mind
was in the game. I was ready for Alruna to unveil
Christmas.
In my cabin, I walked immediately to my balcony,
o
f
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opened the sliding door, and breathed in the frosty air.
h
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F
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e
s
along the canals in
Amsterdam
174 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2020