"Of course the shops are all shut - it's the law."

[f4f3]

A very Merry Christmas from Emden, up at the northern tip of Germany. Emden is a lovely little town, very much by the harbour, with lots of twinkly Christmas lights and a festive Glockenspiel which pings out something festive every half hour (apparently the programme is still dictated by Archie, who stays upstairs from unblinkered  's gran, and endowed it to the city). I've been enjoying all the little differences here, like the way Christmas is celebrated on the Eve, not the day, and that all the shops are shut and all the pubs are open. I've also been enjoying stopping the traffic. When I met unblinkered's gran she was a bit disapointed that I wasn't wearing a kilt. I told her that Scots only wore them on special occasions. So when I turned up on the Eve in my informal get up (kilt, Shetland jumper, leather sporran and horn handled skeahn dhu) she was very pleased, but wondered where the full Prince Charlie outfit was. I told her that was only for very special occasions. So when I turned up in the full rig-out next morning, she was even more pleased. The reaction of the Emdeners was very amusing. We have a flat about 10 minutes stroll from her Gran's very swanky harbour-side pad, and I've walked it in the kilt a few times now. Reactions have ranged from a total refusal to acknowledge the existence of such an improbable sight to near bicycling fatalities.

We're chilling in a perfectly acceptable coffee-house now, preparatory to strolling around the harbour.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and that next year brings to you your heart's desire.

Comments

[made-of-paradox.livejournal.com]

That makes me smile. Rather broadly. :)

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

I'm very pleased to hear that :)

[meredyth-13.livejournal.com]

I think photos are in order!

Sounds like you're having a wonderful time.

Merry Christmas to you and unblinkered!

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

It's going well - though I'll be glad to get back to Glasgow: Emden is reminding me far too much of "28 Days Later" (although it IS totally charming, the streets are deserted).

[deililly.livejournal.com]

I bet you strutted in that kilt :P Excellent mental picture. :)

Do you have on the strut theme music?

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

Well we did teach U's Gran "Ye Cannea Throw Yer Granny Aff the Bus" on Christmas night...

[parthenia14.livejournal.com]

Quality.