Konzert Haus, beleuchtet

Here's another look at one of the buildings taking part in this year's Festival of Lights. This is the beautiful Konzerthaus which stands in the middle of the Gendarmenmarkt. It's a beautiful building any time of the year, but especially so during this special spectacle! I hope you're enjoying the highlights.

July theme day: Look down

If you keep your eyes to the ground when walking through Bebelplatz near the Gendarmenmarkt, you won't be able to miss the Memorial to the Nazi Book Burning. The empty bookshelves represent the universities and libraries that were emptied of all "un-German" works and publicly burned in the square on May 10, 1933. 

I took this photo in the evening when the room is brightly lit and creates a stark contrast to the black night. The memorial was created by Israeli artist, Micha Ullman. It's a stark reminder of those terrible times. As people would later learn, the words of Herman Hesse rang true, "Where they burn books, they will ultimately also burn people." 

Another month has rolled around. Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian readers! Don't forget to take a look here for more interpretations on this month's theme.

PS: For the moment, I'm posting more often at Halcyon Travels. Stop by and take a look!

Last one

I vowed that yesterday would be my last holiday post, but I found one more from the Christmas market that I just had to share. I didn't like the way the buck is creepily staring, but the wooden hut, the lights and the welcoming sign all come together to make a nice ambiance here at Gendarmenmarkt. For more signs, visit Signs, Signs.

Two kings

The third king must be in another window! Happy Three Kings Day or Epiphany (whatever you like to call it). Only fourteen more days until I have Internet at home.

Christmas magic!

I didn't make it to as many Christmas Markets this year as I would have liked. I did however find the time to visit the one that takes place at Gendarmenmarkt. It is a large, commercial market, but the decorations (as you've seen) are beautiful! At least one visit during the season is a must. For more signs, head to Signs, Signs.

PS: Hope you have an easy slide into 2015!

Lit up

More from the Christmas Market on Gendarmentmarkt. I just love the way the two cathedrals are lit up for the season. There was a little peek at the other church in yesterday's post.

Another tree!

This giant tree graces the Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt. It's simply decorated, but so pretty - especially with the cathedral in the background.

Holiday reflections

I found these stars and snowflakes on the entrance to the modern Hotel Q on Gendarmenmarkt. I'm pretty sure this hotel would be out of my price range, but it looks like a nice place to stay. Head over to Weekend Reflections for more!

Something different

When my husband and I visited the Christmas Market last night, we decided to try something different. Instead of the traditional Glühwein, I tried a Jagtee and he had a Lumbamumba. Both were delicious! Today I'm back at the apartment finishing up the IKEA closet. It seems like there are so many details to work out before we can really move in. A little Jagtee would really hit the spot right about now, in fact!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope Santa brought you everything you wanted and that you are celebrating with those you love. My celebrations were somewhat scaled back this year due to the move, but I did manage to make it to one more Christmas Market this evening. I thought a photo of their life-size nativity scene would be appropriate for today. 

PS: Sorry for the sporadic posting and commenting. I've been building IKEA furniture through the holidays. (I thought those days were over for me already - but sometimes IKEA really is the best.)