Writing the article on ‘Lessons from a Nomadic Childhood’ makes me think back on all the places I have lived in. Brazil, Colombia, Australia, UK… all different, all wonderful. But today my mind and my heart take me to Strasbourg (France). I am feeling a little blue… blue for you, Strasbourg.

As Christmas is getting nearer and nearer and the city Christmas Markets are due to open soon, the entire city must be buzzing!

The old city centre (UNESCO World Heritage) is being decorated with lights, window displays take us to magical places, shops are adorned with stars, hearts, Santas and candy… and the star of it all, is the magnificent Christmas tree in place Kleber!

Every year a new Christmas tree is brought from the Vosges mountains nearby, and each year the decorations seem to make it more extraordinary. That’s exactly it, it’s EXTRA-ordinary! Nothing about Christmas in Strasbourg is ordinary!

The Christmas Markets are traditionally held there for hundreds of years and approximately 2 million people visit each year! And my… the city puts on a FABULOUS show!

Not only does one feel like walking though a fairytale, with Strasbourg’s cobblestone streets and colourful houses made up for the occasion, but the extra-ordinary experience is intensified by the smell of vin chaud (mulled wine), choucroute (sauerkraut), pain d’epices (gingerbread) and so many other typical and regional delicacies and products.

As I sit in my kitchen in Bucharest… I think with melancholy at the times when I used to see the Christmas tree right from my window! I spent a few years in that apartment and that is exactly the reason why I rented it… I remember the concerts, the Christmas carols, the groups of people coming to photograph the tree… the excited children!

And that’s how I feel! Like a kid, waiting for Santa. 🙂

I am patiently waiting to see this year’s Christmas tree in Strasbourg, only that this year I will be seeing it from a distance and probably on social media.

Oh, Strasbourg… I am so blue for you this time of year!