Christmas markets around the globe...

Hello all! Chad and I just got back from a whirlwind trip to NYC and are hoping to not feel the effects of jet lag too badly, since we were only there for 4 nights! I went to have lessons with my voice teacher, and was lucky enough that Chad felt like joining me. We haven't gotten too much time together in NYC since we lived there, so it was great to visit some of our old haunts. We didn't get to see too many friends since it was such a short trip and we didn't want to wear ourselves out (well, especially me, since I am in the middle of shows!) so if you're reading this and you're in New York and we didn't contact you: we're sorry!! But my voice lessons were great and we had no travel problems so all in all it was a great trip! We also got to stay at Chad's aunt and uncle's place again, which is always wonderful.

We found a little piece of Germany in New Jersey! I'm sure Chad was tempted to buy this, since we haven't even had Stollen in Germany yet this season!

Apparently German things are really "in" right now in New Jersey. The little blue flags are for Munich's Hofbräuhaus beer. 

It's always fun looking at all the decorations up for Christmas in NYC. This is the lobby of the Shops at Columbus Circle, and if you look through the windows, you can see an outdoor Christmas market set up!

Standing outside in New Jersey with a view of lower Manhattan behind us. The big skyscraper is One World Trade Center. 

To help us stay awake today, we met with our friends Barb and Michael at the Weihnachtsmarkt. Today instead of drinking Glühwein, we had some Feuerzangenbowle, which we've talked about in previous years. We even have our own set to make it at home! 

Before I end this blog post, I should mention some rather exciting news. In April of 2013 I was part of a project that culminated in the first full recording of Milhaud's L'Orestie d'Eschyle and that recording was just nominated for a Grammy! The awards ceremony is on my birthday, so maybe I'll get a really good present this year! 

Well, one week from today, Chad's parents will be joining us in Germany for Christmas, so we look forward to sharing all the fun we have with them! Have a great week!