Well, like so many things in life, it’s not about what you did or saw but the people that you met along the way.

Our awesome 10 day cruise was a joy and a delight. We were pampered and over-fed, entertained, surprised, and educated.

The crew from the captain on down ran a tight ship but made sure to learn our names and something about us; starting with the waiter who knew we didn’t like coffee and brought us tea each morning, to the cabin steward who tidied around us when we were ill, to the teen choir that came on board to serenade us , and the the zany crew who found time after a long day to put on their own talent show.

My photo album from this trip will show many friends for a time, who experienced it all along with us. but for now, here’s the crew of the ‘River Harmony’.

The nights are crispy-clear, the lights twinkle, the smell of pine, the scent of spices …add to that the tastes of bratwurst, gingerbread, mulled wine, rich chocolate, things to buy, ornaments, carvings,glittery things. This is the essence of European Christmas markets; THE place to meet, eat, gather, shop, meander, and anticipate.

Each village, town, and city have their own version and the bigger the city the more markets they have. These can be sponsored by civic groups like Kiwanis, or a church guild, or have themes such as “Angel market or “Gnome market.”

But just like that first Christmas cookie that makes your mouth water and doesn’t disappoint, the 6th to 8th cookie is not enjoyed with the same gusto.

Some of the markets seem like a carbon copy of the last one and some are just imports, some have made no effort to be unique and magical. But it’s what I came for and it has been fun…but just like after too many cookies, it’s time for a diet.