20 to 30 Dec, 2025 - Prague, Auerbach, Zwickau, Mödlareuth, Frankfurt - (Czech, Germany)
Is this the start of a trip, or is it a stop before we begin? The journey will cover five distinct spots, but it all spouted forth from the decision to have Christmas in Germany. Perhaps the conversation we had with Ann in Melbourne a year and a half ago was not meant to be serious, but once the seed was sown, the idea seemed tangible. Maybe we should all meet up in Germany at Adam's for Christmas? Fast forward (skipping numerous WhatsApp messages), and early this month, the Wangs came via Bomba. They progressed overland, and we flew to Prague, as we head to one amazingly memorable friends festive get-together.
But first, Prague. That's where Ryan Air deposited us. Erroneously, we thought we would find the Czech capital in a quiet, almost dormant state. Shortest day of the year, and winter cold beginning to grip Europe. Maybe it would be just us and the locals. Alas, it seems that Prague never goes quiet any more. Charles bridge packed to the ballistrades; phones on sticks to photograph the astronomical clock; countless signs in English and prices in Euros and groups following coloured flags; we were not the only tourists in the city.
From a window
Looking out a window from a Christmas Shop in Prague
Jo, and Charles Bridge
It was cold, but not bitterly so. Rugged up, we enjoyed a couple of lovely days in Prague. The crowds were unexpected. I guess it is "winter break", or "Christmas break". But we thought the city might be in an off-season low. It seems that no longer happens in this wonderful city. You can see the throngs on the bridge!
Europe. Christmas. Markets.
Prague put on a pretty amazing Christmas Market. Loved the square, and the amazing tree. And we ate and drank and festive fashion.
Train got us to Auerbach, where we were to plant ourselves for the next days. We were only some hours ahead of the Wang family, who came by car from their skiing stop in Austria.
Zwickau Christmas Market
But it's hard to beat the Germans when it comes to Christmas markets. They know how to do it, and particularly here in the east. The traditions The decorations. Even the west Germans don't do it this well.
Day 1 of the 2025 Christmas Gathering Spectacular
Hannah and Abbey with Jo, at the Zwickau Christmas market. All the way from Melbourne, to join us for a Christmas like no other. Well, not alone, Ann and Charlie (Mum and Dad) of course, and all hosted by very good mutual friends who are the centre of this gathering in this nook of Germany.
A Section of Wall, Mödlareuth
Mödlareuth was once colloquially known as Little Berlin. A small community, it was divided for over 40 years by the East-West German border. Initially a fence, but ultimately a wall, the little divided village was an oddity, more-so than even Berlin.
Even during the period that the border was active, it was a tourist attraction, as people from the West came to see the extent the East was going to in order to keep their citizens in.
Now, a small section of wall remains, some towers and other infrastructure alongside, to preserve the memory of a weird segment of German history.
The nearby museum is certainly an interesting visit, with Jo deeply engrossed in every story and photograph.
Meeow
Not sure if this friendly cat at Mödlareuth was of East or West German heritage, or perhaps his ancestors were one of the families that was divided by the frontier.
Now, this little ambassador bounces around accompanying rugged up visitors who brave the weather.
Here, he explains the role of the tower behind him, at a gate and checkpoint along the former border.
Christmas Morning
It may have been dark, and it may have been cold, but it was Christmas Day. Clear skies kept the temperature low, but equally kept the snow and rain away.
In front of the church, carols filled the air with a joyous atmosphere. The brass band played with enthusiasm and gusto with the magnificent decorated tree as their backdrop.
Let's join together and remember that Christ came to earth for us.
Home-Made Pasta for Lunch.
Not your traditional Christmas Fair, but the "Italians" were in charge of lunch.
Since we are, in reality, "psuedo" Italian, traditional Italian Christmas food was not fore-front of mind. We did what we knew we could do well.
Any gaps and lacking of traditional Christmas treats would be filled by other courses.
Buon Natale a Tutti
Pausing for a moment and a memory, as we scurry between kitchen and pasta prep room.
During a Lull
The day was not hectic. Abbey and Hannah went ice skating, and the rest of us pottered at times. A walk around town, a game, or just snacking, drinking, and laughing.
Charlie is a talented artist, and he whipped a couple of small watercolours out. He seemed truly in his happy place.
When we Came Together
Each day of our "gathering" saw food responsibility land on a different cohort. We, or more precisely, Jo, got Christmas day.
This did not involve her preparing and doing it all. Perhaps it was more of a designation of prime coordinator and responsibility. What was on the table came from all those present, and showed a representation from many parts of the world.
Here are most of us.
Myself and Jo need no introduction.
Annett and Adam, the absolute best hosts in the world. The former representing Germany, her town, her region, her country. The latter an ambassador for truth, community, understanding, and fun. Opening up the Kerkermeister accommodation for us all, and creating such a beautiful atmosphere of joy and celebration for the near-on-a-week get-together was a great blessing. More than 20 years has passed since we first crossed paths with Adam in Hanoi. Since that encounter, we have met on many occasions in a variety of countries on 4 different continents. This friendship with the two of them is one we especially love and cherish.
Ann and Charlie sit towards the front. Ann directs dumpling production, being one of the world's leading producers of high quality Chinese food. Charlie never lets the language barrier stop him from smiling, laughing, and participating in it all, augmenting his stories with pictures and charades and occasional Google translation help. They are Melburnians, and although our relationship with them was ignited by Adam, they are truly in our special friends circle.
Abbey and Hannah , their delightful daughters. So many laughs we had, especially when the games came out. My goodness, the plots these two seemingly sweet lasses are capable of, Due to the awesome time, I now feel we can say they are friends, elevated from being the children of friends!
To the right, Mariia and Matvii, mother and son, displaced by the conflict in Ukraine. Circumstances leave them far from home away from family and friends. Annett and Adam now form part of their new friendship circle.
Absent from the photo due to juggling multiple engagements: Grace and James, siblings. Grace is involved in the ministry with Annett and Adam, and James was visiting his sister. They dropped in and out during the meal, and whipped up a mean tiramisu.
Post Eating Slump
Frankfurt was our chosen departure city, so train across, three nights, more friends and food, and a package of bulky winter clothes to be posted to Italy.
Late Afternoon, Frankfurt
Scene over the Main river as we made our way from the train station to our hotel in Frankfurt.
Römerberg
In the historic heart of Frankfurt's Altstadt. The pre-Christmas chaos has settled, and the city feels calm.
But Christmas isn't Over
While the trees are still up, I feel like it's still Christmas.
Stereotypical German Food
Dinner with Dirk and Marlene, who agreed to join us for a meal that many may call cliched.
Don't care. We wanted schweinshaxe and schnitzel.
Dirk and Marlene represent another multi-decade friendship. Pauper backpackers in Greece, Dirk was in the same hostel as we had chosen in Thessaloniki. Soon after, he visited us in Melbourne. And again, a few years later, when he and Marlene honeymooned in Australia.
Now, we visit and re-visit them in Germany, both here and in their previous home in Mainz.
