Lindt on sale

We have been visiting recently Christmas markets but we did not buy anything. But now it is time for Christmas sales. But we will not buy there shoes or clothes. Oh, no, I will take you to a much more interesting place.

I guess most of you have heard of the Lindt chocolates. They are widely believed to be one of the best chocolates in Switzerland or maybe even in the world.

Lindt operates a big factory in Kilchberg, near Zurich.

Just think, these are the rails on which wagons full of chocolate leave their home and run to the entire world.

 The Kilchberg factory opens each year a special shop with Christmas chocolate.

Now that the New Year is passed all these goodies are on sale.

You can find here some standard Lindt products, both  those you can find in any supermarket ...

... and some higher end delicacies.

But the Christmas tree decorations are prompting for some special assortment as well.

Here you can see the rock Santas.

I just love this place. Why don't we play a little game of hide and seek. The golden chocolate bears see to be good company.

So are the angels and the small Santas.

Do you know the "Where is Wally" series? Let's play the "Where is Rick?" version. Those chocolate balls have always been my favourites.

So let's complete our shopping and go enjoy the balls until the chocolate starts running in our veins.

Allianz Arena

Last week we have enjoyed the Christmas period in Munich. Today I will take you to a very special place in Munich, a temple of the German-wide religion that is the dream of fans all over the world. (Ladies and) Gentlemen - welcome to Allianz Arena!

Allianz Arena is one of the most famous and most modern football stadiums in the world. I was built in 2005 in order to become the battlefield of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Today it is the witness of the matches of the German national team and of two local teams from Bavaria. The first one is called TSV 1860. The second one is a bit more famous. Alright, it is the most famous German club ever. High five to the wonderful team of Bayern Munich!

Let us get inside and discover this fantastic place.

The Arena is really huge and can accommodate almost seventy thousand viewers.

The seats are in three sections.

I am sure that you have notices the strange structures on the pitch. These are sunbeds for the grass which would otherwise not get enough sunlight to grow.

The seats are foldable but quite comfortable.

Those of you who prefer to have a bit more privacy can pay extra for seats in a separate sector.

It is located behind the press box. Yes, the press seats here. Looks quite modest in my view.

In front of the press seat the sponsors.

Their seats are also foldable but they are covered with leather. Pretty comfortable I must admit.

Those who cannot seat on the VIP seats can always see a closer view on the huge screens attached to the roof.

Let's go inside and discover what makes the red team so amazing. Well, they have a little gym ...

... they can get some massage ...

... and a shower that is far from being spectacular. No ladies, no sweaty men under the shower this time.

Look, here come the lockers. On top of which comes the picture of the player, a bit like in the kindergarden. I wonder if the players would otherwise have troubles to find their locker.

You may remember that the press box on the stadium was quite modest. Well, the press area inside is much more interesting. And apparently they serve free food and drinks during the matches.

This is where the press conferences after the matches are being held.

The coaches sit over there.

They said we are not allowed to sit on these chairs. Honestly - I am not sure if I would like to. They must be filled with so many dramatic emotions.

Would you like to go up to the pitch? Let me ask the guide. Yes! We can go there. Even more, we are allowed to use the same tunnel that the players use.

Can you feel this thrill? I almost hear the Champions League anthem.

And here we are. On the right, the seats where Bayern coaches and team is sitting during the match.

And in front of us the sunbeds.

I never thought that I could actually run on the same grass that Lewandowski and Ribery.

That was a great experience, I hope that you have enjoyed it as well. Those of you who are mega fans of Bayern can drop into their mega fan store.

The others can go with me outside to enjoy the facade that has in the meantime turned red to celebrate yet another victory of the German Masters.

Munich

After my last post I got a few e-mails telling me that a real Christmas village or baby Jesus market can only be seen in Germany. This is not entirely true, they are present all over the German-speaking Europe. But I took this argument as an excuse to organise a quick trip (and our first one!) to the beautiful German city of Munich.

The Christmas market proved to be as crowded as the ones that I have shown you in Zurich.

It is located on the square that is bordered by the New Town Hall. 

It is called "new" but actually it is not that new since it was built 150 years ago, in the neo-gothic style.

The Old Town Hall is just a few steps further, on the East side of the Marienplatz. It is undoubtedly old, since it has been built over 600 years ago.

Let's turn back again in the direction of the New Town Hall.

You surely noticed two towers in the back, with green domes. They belong to the Munich cathedral, called Frauenkirsche (which could be read as the "women church" but obviously men are allowed too, Frau refers here to Virgin Mary).

Inside you will immediately notice its gothic style.

In the back comes the organ.

In front of the altar hangs a huge cross, suspended to the high ceiling.

Currently the right tower is being refurbished but in general it is looking the same as its left twin.

Here we can see the Old Town of Munich in miniature.

I must say that I like these proportions much more.

Let's move now in the direction of Max-Joseph Platz.

It is surrounded by very important buildings. Actually, I am not even sure by which to start. After all - kings first. This long building is called simply the Residence. It used to be the residence of the Bavarian kings. It may look modest outside but it is absolutely amazing inside and I hope to be visit it one day.

Just next to it comes the Bavarian National Theater.

And opposite to the Residence you can see the Toerring-Jettenbach palace.

And what comes on the fourth side of the square? You are a bit curious, aren't you? Well, this one is packed with residential buildings. And luxury brands.

I am sure that the male part of the readers noticed that we did not see today one of the most important landmarks of the city. Do not worry. It simply deserves a separate post. So put on your football boots and see you next week.