The swarm is quite aware of „heathen“ elements being blended with Christian elements in the Saint Nicholas customs and the appearance of unleashed Krampus or the Cringe. He is back in town. Again pushing around the kind people and scaring and punishing naughty kids. After some stormy days.
The Krampuslauf or Perchtenlauf is normally a male domain. But we discovered some shady figures in Innsbruck who seemed to be trying to sneak into the event.
He brought along a range of weapons which were not approved by the Riffle Associations. It’s horrific. Krampus appears frequently in contemporary culture. I have to have a word with Sheila if she is the one Krampus is singing about.
Rupprecht learned under this year’s central Christmas tree in Munich, that it comes from nice “Antdorf” (“Duck Village”, which we of course had visited before). So, he had to dance merrily round this Christmas tree for a while before the Holiday season is over. It was mentioned on TV, that it is bigger and nicer than the one of the last year.
Snow came just in time to reward us with a White Christmas just one day before Christmas Eve. So, we again thought we should share some of our resent photos.
To Sheila’s delight, our favorite candy and coffee shop in Bad Reichenhall now offers “Schwarzwälder Kirsch” Chocolate Balls (Mozartkugel Style, with chocolate, not much Almond Paste but Cherry powder instead to add cherry taste). But Sheila was disappointed that it did not contain Kirsch Schnapps. Maybe, to be better able to be sold in the USA or other countries who disapprove of alcohol. But of course, a “Schwarzwälder Kirsch” cake would not be a Schwarzwälder Kirsch without Schwarzwälder Kirsch. But it is OK for the Mozart Kugel.
The shop was recently redecorated and last time we were here we begged that the cozy winged old chairs must stay. And our wish had come true, the chairs are still there. Only the cover style was adapted and looks more royal now.
In Innsbruck, Austria, the Swarm was too able to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. The houses featured old fairy tales with a Wolf in the Wall in the street and a nice tree in front of the Golden Roof. Built by emperor Maximilan I. He could not afford to use true gold because he was almost always bankrupt and spent a lot of money on wars. So, the roof is made of copper. His second wife, who he married because of her huge Sforza dowry, died from excessive loss of weight. She is depicted on the Bay with the famous roof.
Of course we grabbed a lot of tasty grub, like the Royals.
A happy Holiday Season and may your days be bright. And your roofs, forests and pastures be white.
Credit: Maps Icons ColIlection, https://mapicons.mapsmarker.com/
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