Freimarkt 2012

After we had done Freimarket last year, to be honest, we weren't all that sure we were going to head there again. It was fun to check out, but really? The same thing every year? Well when the Freimarkt came back in October (yes, it has taken me a while to get to these photos..) we ate our words. When the rides started getting set up and the sounds and smells traveled through the air to our humble abode the boys were pretty anxious to get down there. So we headed down in the early evening one day to the big set up at the main train station. We were barely a few stalls in when the boys had already eyed up the sweets (sweets that you can only get from Freimarkt). At least they weren't trying to hide their intentions for heading down. 

Milayla was just enthralled with all the sights and sounds. She loves seeing new things and was twisting herself every possible direction to see what awaited her.

I do love seeing the contrast of the well-lit rides and food stalls against the backdrop of the older buildings around here. It's a fun mix.

Atticus was pretty excited to hop on to the car-merry-go-round. 

And Milayla ultimately took a little nap as we rounded out the evening and headed home.

Then, we went for round two of Freimarkt the following week and headed to a smaller setup downtown. It was the perfect size for an early evening outing with the kids. The antique style carousel and ferris wheel looked so pretty lit up in front of the town hall. I wish I was able to get a better photo, but the iPhone just couldn't cut it.

We enjoyed going on the carousel together and all squishing in to this tiny little tea cup on the second level. It was cozy.

Milayla, as usual, was cool as a cucumber and assessed the world around her unassumingly. I really wish I could hear her thoughts some days.

Then we had fun checking out the artisan stalls and...*big surprise*...the food stalls. Though, the handmade pretzels from Freimarkt are certainly not something to be missed.

In the end, we're glad we went. The weather held up and we were able to enjoy some time out as a family to check out some Bremen Culture. It was fun :).

Freimarkt

As promised, here are some photos from our afternoon at Freimarkt.

When we arrived home from the Freimarktumzug it should have been nap time, but the kids were just too excited to sleep. So we bundled them up and off we went.

Freimarkt was close enough to our apartment that we were able to walk there, which was great. 
(That also meant that we got to watch the fireworks from the warmth of our living room.)

Atticus was immediately interested in the large Ferris Wheel.

There was no shortage of sugary food, meat and bread...

We steered clear of the 1/2 metre wurst and Hawaiian Pizza Kebap, but did indulge in a little ice cream and pretzels. 

Milayla didn't know what to make of all the sights and sounds - so she became the target of a cheesy photo opportunity. She looks pretty happy about it too ;). Really though, she was all smiles (or sleeping) for the whole outing.

That's a Lebkuckenherzen (gingerbread heart). A staple at German fairs.  They will have different things written on them, depending on the particular celebration. 

Can't say the same for Atticus though (about being all smiles or sleeping). The lack of sleep kicked in part way through our trip and we got some pretty high notes from him. Taking pictures probably didn't help matters, but we are just trying to capture the full essence of the day ;). 

We even managed to fit in a ride before we headed home. It was Atticus' choosing, and the boys enjoyed it so much they went on it twice. 

A few days later, a couple of Jason's coworkers (the same ones that rescued Laura and Milayla during the move. We're pretty fortunate to have them around) gifted us with a Bremen specialty that is popular during Freimarkt - Bremer Kluten - a peppermint fondant dipped in dark chocolate. Definitely the best treat of Freimarkt.

Freimarkt was a fun afternoon outing to check out. Not sure if we'll head down next year, but you never know...

Freimarktumzug (Free Market Parade)

Freimarkt is here!

Freimarkt is essentially the 2-week German version of Stampede Midway, except that it is quite a bit older; it's been around since 1035 (the oldest in northern Germany).

We've been told that Freimarkt is really it's own season here (thanks, Dennis). We are still making up our mind on Freimarkt itself but, as a season, at least it hasn't been too cold or too rainy.

The Freimarktumzug (parade) was held last weekend so we invited some friends, bundled up the kids and headed down. And it was looooooooooong.

With 148 entries, we only lasted until about number 90 (which had already been an hour and a half). Even the kids were tired of catching candy by that point; probably partly because their bags were getting full and so were the back up stashes - the parents' pockets.

Not the most flattering photo of us all - but we are all accounted for (Milayla is warm and cozy in the wrap....the white spot...)

There weren't a lot of floats in the parade but rather large, decorated, flatbed trucks, blasting music and full of people in various costumes tossing candy (that stuff kind of hurts when you get smacked in the head). There were also plenty of marching bands - they were really, quite good. Some entries were better than others though we were all rather partial to the marching bands. Atticus did get pretty excited about the entry that gave him a sausage though. Yes, there was an entry handing out Wurst. We do live in Germany after all...

Despite the parade being on the long side, we had gorgeous weather and great company so we certainly cannot complain. We were really glad to have had the Lorenz family join us for the outing.

Taking a photo looking into the sun may not have been the best idea....but at least we are all there, squinty-eyed and all!

In the afternoon we ventured with the kids to check out Freimarkt, but more on that later (with pictures!)