Preparations are Underway...

Christmas is coming.  How do we know this, you ask?  Well, the sun came out for one day which just happened to be Saturday (Nov. 12) so we were able to ride the bikes downtown.  Take a look at the preparations. Each little street is jam packed with kiosks -- not open yet -- in preparation for the Christmas festivities which start tomorrow.  The workers are out hammering things together and taking deliveries.  There must be a hundred or so little kiosks, many advertising gluehwein or other treats.

Some nice little touches

We took this photo because the town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, is where Richard spent much time learning German in the 1970s.  After 3 months here, he can understand just about everything!  Impressive.

Aren't they cute?

But that's not all.  Check out the giant Santas.  Yes plural.  We saw 4 of them.  There are probably more.  Take a look at the lovely framing of the photos that were taken by R.  This is why I normally don't let him take the pictures!

There are always lots of shoppers downtown on Saturday.  But here's a question for you.  What's wrong with this (next) picture?   Keep reading for the answer.

Well, the median coat colour in Germany (especially at the university) is black, and the average coat colour is brownish-grey.  Occasionally you'll see a rebel in maroon or dark green.  What you don't see are bright colours.  Notice the yellow back-pack.  When Richard wears his bright blue running shoes and green 'John Moose' cap, well... the words 'sore thumb' come to mind.  Of course my bright blue jacket is added value.

So our little excursion was fun, and we managed to peak into the little local church too.


We leave you today with an optimistic sign from downtown Bochum.