WeisserTee, I find that what you you say about the diversity workshops to be a big issue in the workplace. My husband works at a company owned by the French and the Germans, I am a teacher at the local school, and it infuriates the Germans to no end when Americans are not direct when discussing problems with projects or with students. Very different from American work culture.

We are in Aschaffenburg for a visit and the Christmas Market. We just had a Glühwein. I went to return the cups for my deposit. Two young ladies were ahead of me to order. Two German speaking youths wiggled by them with used cups, I thought to return for deposit. Wrong. They wanted refills. They had aced the 2 young women. The damsels turned away in disgust. Every nationality has its jerks. I just try not to be one.

Regards, Gary

Yodababe or anyone - I'm leaving for Munich on Thursday night (Dec 5th) with my DH for a 3 day weekend to visit a few Christmas markets with the plan to visit Munich and Nuremberg markets. Based on the above, I wonder if we should try to go to Nuremberg on Friday vs Saturday or do you expect the crowds to be the same either day?

This is our first visit to Christmas markets in Germany and we are excited but are also prepared for crowds and cold (and we promise to behave)!

Also, any tips on special Christmas crafts or items to look for would be great as I'm hoping to find some good stocking stuffers!

Crowds will be the same probably. But most definitely worse on Saturday.

Buy whatever looks good. I am a fan of the wooden ornaments.

If you are in Munich, you might consider a visit to Regensburg and its market at the Thurn and Taxis Palace, at the edge of town, near the train station. Not as large as Nürnberg's but in a very nice setting. Provide the princess with some much needed income;). Gary

Munich has like eight different markets around the city. I am of the opinion that the Mittelalter one in Munich is the best of the bunch.

Thanks for the inputs Sparkchaser and Gary_Mc!

I visited Nuremberg and Munich markets right before the opening and it was crowded then so can only imagine what the actual market was like. They really pack the booths into the squares in Munich. I loved the warm wine and the sausages and we behaved well. We all aren't pains in the butt. As much as I would have loved to have been there when they were all open I got my taste and that was enough.