Page 183 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL EATING IBERIA

in the early morning hours, I realized there were
places in the world where the Christmas spirit did
exist,preservedjustlikethesnowglobeonmyman-
tel back home.
From the distant snow covered peaks of the
Black Forest to the winding canals of Amsterdam to
the sleepy small villages along the Rhine, Christmas
wascelebratedasithadbeenforhundredsofyears.
Traditions became more than something that was
tossed aside but a way of living for all generations.
People in towns came together at the markets, just
as passengers aboard Alruna did for excursions,
meals and gatherings, rejoicing and celebrating a
season of joy. Strangers became friends and when
common experiences were shared, proved that we
were all more alike that different. Everyone was in
search of Christmas joy.

Clockwise: Dining at The
Red Ox Inn in Heidelberg.
The Audie Murphy Memorial.
And discovering the joy of
Christmas in Cologne the
German way

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