Dortmund and Gluhwine

Saturday morning bright and early Mum and I got on the train to Dortmund for a look at the Christmas Market and in an attempt to buy me a dress for the ball that evening. (There was a Lost in the Mail moment with the other one that was due to arrive.)
I don't know what the temperature was (COLD) but once we were on the train, we soon forgot the chill - the speed was unbelievable.
The scenery is unremarkable, very flat and not helped by the cold of the winter sky. But Dortmund was busy when we got there, and after a little wandering around, we found the Christmas market.
The tree in Dortmund is said to be one of the biggest of the christmas markets in Germany, and it was enormous! There was a range of food available to warm up with, but Mum and I could not resist the Chinese noodles, washed down with a mug of Gluhwine (make that a cappucino for Mum). Once you have drained the dregs of your cup, you have to get handy with the tissues, because included in the 3 Euro fee for gluhwine with a shot of rum in it, is the cup. At least, the other people we saw at the drinks stand were drying their mugs and slipping them in their bags, so we guessed it was OK to follow suit!
There is a wide variety of things at the Christmas market. From the ubiquitous Chinese-made toys and other rubbish, to beautiful handicrafts - hand spun glass angels, carved wooden items, wreaths and door decorations for the festivities are all there to be had.
But number one priority was a dress for the ball. Heading into a big department store, we eventually found the sale department, and came across a lovely frock on the cut price racks. Perfect.
To celebrate our successful purchase, we had another wander around the market, and stopped for a carved ham sandwich, the hams were boiling and roasting at the back of the stall, and at the front you got a small roll with 4 tonnes of warm ham, some german mustard and kraut if that floats your boat (yes for mum, oh no for me!) Absolutely delicious and just what the doctor ordered on such a cold day.
As we left Dortmund it did seem a pity to be leaving so soon. The crowds were definitely increasing in number as the day went on, and there was quite a party atmosphere by the time we left. Perhaps this was due the choir's rousing - if unsmiling- rendition of 'Feliz Navidad'. Well done girls, you were great! But next time, try to smile too!