"il Poggio" our Christmas 2010 Timeshare resort

il Poggio Entrance

Tuscany, Italy was everything I thought it would be and more. We stayed at il Poggio, a resort owned by farmers who maintain organic orchards, raise organic fed animals, and serve them all in their Tuscan restaurant in the Main House. They also have a vineyard and skilled equestrian center. The hill where the farm stands offers peerless views over the Crete Senesi. 

Entrance & Main House

Thanks to the generous Monta Amiata, beneficial spring waters bubble to relax you at the local spas like those in San Casciano dei Bagni, Chianciano, Bagni San Filippo, Montepulciano or Bagno Vignoni. About 20 km from the Il Poggio farm you'll find the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserves, full of paths suited for every age in a vast area where flora and fauna flourish protected.

View from Main House

The kitchen in the authentic Tuscan restaurant of this estate is enhanced by the organic farm that cultivates the Poggio in his vine Sangiovese and breeds in its vast green spaces. From the Cinta Senese , the Pici and handmade pasta, the ' DOP oil organic virginuntil wine Rosso del Poggio and Poggio Corno , these food and wine can be enjoyed in the Main House restaurant or can be purchased at Dispensa Mafalda , even on line.

A Taste of Tuscany

We lived in apartment #13 during our stay and it was towards the back of the apartment area near the most amazing restaurant I've ever been to! They served handmade Pici  pasta, boar, rabbit, spinach filled chicken, and so much more. Everything was fresh and grown locally, we even had a bottle of local wine from Montepulciano called Vino Nobile.

Restaurant behind the Resort

House Wine

Now for the apartment photos

Apartment 13 "Parfait"

Court yard view from interior

Entrance to apartments, view from main house

Living Room w/pull out couch

And Fireplace!

Dining Room

Kitchen w/ tiny fridge

Bed Room

Bath Room

His & Hers potties :)

Shower

Liebe,
Mandy

Three Countries in one day...road trip to Italia Dec 2010

EuroTrip 2010 begins in Germany!

This was our first Christmas in Germany and Matt and I wanted to take a vacation to some place warmer than Germany but close enough to drive our car. It's not that we dislike using the train or taking a plane, it's just that we are big road trippers and wanted to experience a real "Euro Trip." 

Austria

Since Matt wasn't able to take off work for an entire week surrounding Christmas, we decided to take a vacation earlier in December. I searched our timeshare site, RCI, and found a beautiful resort called "il Poggio" located on the hill of a medieval town called Celle sul Rigo in Tuscany, Italy.

Keys to our apartment at il Poggio

 

We left Germany around 10:30 am and it was cold, wet, and dreary. We set out on what we thought would be an eight hour drive...twelve hours later we arrived at our beautiful resort.

Rhein river

Crossing over the Rhein

Austria

We started on the Autobahn in Germany and drove into Austria where we had to stop and purchase a sticker for our vehicle. The sticker cost us 7.50 euros and was good for 10 days of unlimited travel throughout Austria. "Austria requires all vehicles using the autobahn to display an “Autobahn Vignette” highway tax sticker on the inside of the vehicle’s windshield. The sticker may be purchased at border crossings, gas stations in Austria, and small “Tabak” shops located in Austrian towns. Fines for failing to display a valid autobahn vignette on the windshield of your car are usually around $150." ( Travel.state.gov)

Passenger side photo shoot!

Alps

We didn't even realize we had entered Switzerland until we noticed the Swiss license plates on all the cars and a clearer view of the amazing Alps. I guess I expected there would be "Welcome" signs each time we crossed over into a different country like we have in the states each time we enter a new state.

Alps in Switzerland

Once in Switzerland we should have purchased another sticker for the autobahn which cost us 40 euro. Some how we drove right through with no problem on our way to Italy but we were stopped at what I guess was the border on the way back home and had to purchase the sticker. 

Switzerland

"Travel on expressways (indicated by green signs with a white expressway symbol) requires purchase of a sticker (“vignette”), which must be affixed to the car’s windshield. Vignettes can be purchased at most border crossings points, gas stations and at Swiss post offices. Drivers using the highway system without a vignette are subject to hefty fines levied on the spot. Public transportation in Switzerland and Liechtenstein is excellent." (travel.state.gov)

It was such a long road through Switzerland to Italy but the view was well worth the trip. On the way home we found a shorter route which got us home in nine hours but we missed a lot of the Alps so I'm so glad we did it once, that's enough!

Almost there

Liebe,
Mandy

Oops she did it again. Britney's back!

 Britney Spears

Britney Spears' new hit single "hold it against me" released today and it ROCKS! I can't get enough of it. If you're a Britney fan too, I think you'll agree...Britney is back! Did she ever really leave?

"If I said I want your body now, would you hold it against me? Cuz you feel like paradise and I need a vacation tonight."

Britney Spears: ‘Hold It Against Me’ Lyrics!

Hey, over there, please forgive me

If I’m coming on too strong

Here to stare, but you’re winning

And they play my favorite song

So come near, little closer

Wanna whisper in your ear

Make it clear, little question

Wanna know just how you feel

(Chorus )

If I said my heart was beating loud

If we could escape the crowd somehow

If I said I want your body now

Would you hold it against me?

Cuz you feel like paradise

And I need a vacation tonight

So if I said I want your body now

Would you hold it against me?

Hey, you might think, that I’m crazy

But you know I’m just your type

I might be, little hazy

But you just cannot deny

There’s a spark in between us

When we’re dancing on the floor

I want more, wanna see it

So I’m asking you tonight

Chorus

Download available on iTunes

Liebe,
Mandy

Weihnachtsmarkts 2010

Christmas Markets in Germany

Me, Shannon, Shari, and Alison

The day after Thanksgiving I went to my very first Weihnachtsmarkt in Esslingen. It was my first “girls trip” with Alison Hadzic, Shannon Torrescollazo, and Shari Weiss. Three super fun ladies I've recently befriended here in Germany. We arrived around 3:00p.m. and got right to shopping, taking pictures, tasting the delicious sweets and drinking Glühwein.

Glühwein Recipe

The beauty of glühwein is that you can tailor it to your own tastes. I like mine to be rich in spices, however if that is not your cup of tea, then reduce the amount of spices you add. Just use this recipe as a base and then go in the direction that best suites your tastes. Some people even add rum, or berries, which soak up the alcohol quite nicely. In a more glögg-esque version (The Swedish version of glühwein/mulled wine), having this with gingerbread is quite yummy. I have also tried some consisting of amaretto with white wine (such as a German Riesling and even Schwartz/black Riesling) instead, and that was also delicious

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine. Use an inexpensive, full bodied, fruity wine. You definitely do not want to use an expensive bottle and try to avoid one with oak aging. I think a Gallo Ruby Cabernet would be ideal. Or a red Zinfandel or Syrah /Shiraz.
• Caster sugar (amount proportional to quality of red wine, the worse the wine the more sugar you need, add it to taste, but start with about 2 cups)
• 2 Cinnamon sticks (break the sticks into pieces 1-2 inches each) 
• 16 Whole cloves
• 1 Orange
• 1 Tbs Whole allspice
• 2 cups of orange juice

If you wish to get your friends and yourself tipsy even more quickly, or just to add a little extra kick, add brandy, sweet sherry or port to the mix.

Preparation:

• Pour the red wine into a large pot and put it on the stove on a very low heat – you must not let the wine boil or the world could end… and that is not something you want to risk...
• Cut the oranges into slices and then put about 4 cloves into each slice, then put them in with the wine.
• Break the cinnamon sticks in half or thirds and put them in with the wine as well as the whole allspice.
• Add in the sherry or port (optional) as well as 2 cups of orange juice.
• Add in 2 cups of sugar and stir.
• Stir on and off for about 30 mins to give the spices time to infuse with the wine and for the magic to occur, then taste it, and add more sugar as needed (possibly up to 4 or 5 cups more if the wine is really bad).
• Let it cook/infuse for about 30 mins more (again, not letting it boil).
• Drink and be happy :)

Esslingen

With over 180 stalls, the Esslingen Christmas Market is one of the largest in the region. What makes this market unique is the Medieval section. Towards the back of the Christmas Market there is a Renaissance Faire taking place. Once inside you will find traders in period costumes selling their wares and glühwein served in stone cups. We saw a felt dyer, a blacksmith, and an old glass blower showing off their crafts. 

This year guests had the opportunity to take part in the "participatory workshops" at the silversmith, Lederer, broom-maker, engraver, or even try out the scissors grinder. 

Nuremberg 

The next market we visited was Nuremberg; a two hour drive via car on the autobahn. Once Matt and I finally found a parking garage we bundled ourselves up and hit the streets for some warm drinks and a toilet.

Every year, Germany's most famous Christmas Market opens its stalls for visitors from all over the world, right in the middle of the city, on Nuremberg Main Market Square. At 5:30 pm on the Friday before the first Advent Sunday, the Christmas Angel opens her market, reciting the solemn prologue from the gallery of the church of Our Lady. And as every year, by Christmas Eve, more than two million visitors from all over the world will have sampled the delights of the Christmas Market.

About 180 wooden stalls, festooned with red-and-white cloth, have given the Christmas Market its name of "Little Town from Wood and Cloth". 200 stall holders present their traditional wares: Nuremberg spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, bakery goods and sweets, typical Christmas articles examined as Christmas tree angels, cribs, Christmas tree ornaments and candles, toys as well as arts and crafts products. Favorite souvenirs include "Nuremberg Plum People", little figures made from prunes. And of course, by way of refreshments, there are always rolls with Nuremberg roast sausages and mugs of mulled wine.

Shari eating a crepe

The staff of the Market Department keep a watchful eye on the stalls and the goods on offer. So plastic fir garlands are a definite no-no, just as much as non-stop taped Christmas muzak or carousels. The market's stall holders therefore compete for the most beautiful and tasteful stall design. And reap their rewards: since 1981, the City has presented an annual award of gold, silver and bronze "Plum People" for the most beautiful stalls.

Nuremberg Christmas Market with its traditional image has been a model for other Christmas Markets. The "Little Town from Wood and Cloth" has been much in demand as a picturesque backdrop for TV productions.

Stuttgart

Matt and I agreed, the best Weihnachtsmarkt in Germany was right here in Stuttgart, one of the most famous in all of Germany. The festively illuminated city dominated by the medieval Old Palace, the towers of the abbey church and the magnificent baroque buildings of the New Palace, is the magnificent backdrop of the Stuttgart Christmas market.

In 30 days, about 3.5 million people visited the Stuttgart Christmas Market. There was a wide range of 274 stalls selling things like handmade ornaments, socks, toys, jewelry, kitchen essentials, and art.

Throughout the market one can find Christmas lights, sparkling jewelry, the smell of cinnamon and vanilla,  Bratwurst and mulled wine. There is also Christmas music playing aloud for all to enjoy. 

The booths in Stuttgart have wooden roofs which are beautifully decorated to include images of Santa with a flowing beard, angel figurines, and beautiful winter landscapes. With more than 300 years of tradition and the attractive range of Christmas goods it's no wonder why this is one of the most magnificent Christmas markets in Europe.

The Stuttgart Christmas market has been a historic success since1692. It was first mentioned for being the "decorated shack town" between the castle, Schiller Monument, and the marketplace which was turned into a popular meeting place for visitors from all over Europe. All kinds of Christmas magic, Christmas decorations, wooden toys, nativity figures, snacks and delicacies can be found at the Stuttgart Christmas market, which has maintained its character of a historic market over these 300 years. 

Liebe,

Mandy

"St. Nicholas Tag"

The Original Santa Claus

Children (of all ages) love surprises and love Christmas. One tradition that is fun to celebrate with children young and old is St. Nicholas Day. St. Nicholas was the forerunner of Santa Claus and, like Santa Claus, secretly delivers gifts to good children as they sleep at night. Instead of Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas delivers his gifts on the night of December 5th which is the eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas or St. Nicholas Day which is December 6th. Also, instead of a sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer, he travels on a horse.

Matt's St. Nicholas Boots

My younger sister, brother, and I, grew up celebrating this tradition and I wanted to keep it going even though we don't have children (although I swear sometimes my husband is actually my five-year-old). Matt was surprised with candied almonds, a rooster ornament, alpaca socks, a Glühwein mug, and a handmade wooden spoon...that last one may have been more for me ;P. A few days later we received a package from St. Nicholas that he left for us at my parents' house in North Carolina, we each received Hot Headz, just in time for the harsh winter months in Germany.

How to participate with your children:

On the evening of December 5th, place one of their shoes or slippers outside of their bedroom. You can also leave a carrot or apple in the shoe for St. Nick's horse (and maybe a cookie or two for St. Nick himself). After they are asleep, place a few pieces of candy, a simple little toy or trinket (something small like you get with a McDonald's Happy Meal), a gift certificate to their favorite fast food establishment, or similar little gift. This is not a big gift giving event. Keep it simple with the idea of simply adding a little extra cheer to the holiday season or breaking the daily routine in anticipation of Christmas. You don't want anything too elaborate because, more than likely December 6th will be a school day so you don't want to delay them with elaborate gifts or celebrating (although my Mom always did :).

It was the Dutch who brought the celebration of St. Nicholas Day to America. During the early days of the settlement of North America, the Dutch founded the colony of New Amsterdam at the mouth of the Hudson River where New York City stands today. In fact, New York City began as the Dutch city of New Amsterdam.

The Dutch name for St. Nicholas was Sinterklaas which morphed into Santa Claus. While in some countries St. Nicholas brings presents on Christmas Eve, in other countries, including Holland, he brings presents on the eve of his feast day. It was the 1822 poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement Clark Moore (also known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas"), that established the time of St. Nicholas' annual visit as being Christmas Eve in America. Moore is also responsible for changing St. Nicholas' mode of transportation from a horse to a sleigh drawn by eight tiny reindeer. It wasn't too many years after the publication of "A Visit from St. Nicholas" that St. Nicholas evolved into the Santa Claus that we all know and love today.

Liebe,

Mandy