Grefrath’s Romantic (Romantishe) Christmas market is at the Lower Rhine open-air museum.

(27 Nov. – 29 Nov. , 04 Dec. – 06 Dec. 2009)
Open: Fri 2pm – 9pm, Sat and Sun 11am – 8pm

Stadionstraße 161
D-47929 Grefrath

First impressions before going through the admission gate were admittedly not that favourable, what you can see before going in is a few scattered stalls, this is both because of the way the stalls are spread out in clusters around the whole of the museum circuit and a lot of stalls just being out of sight from the gate. We arrived at sunset, so the major flux of people was only just arriving. The museum had made efforts to create a romatic atmosphere, using old torches and braziers scattered around the circuit, as well as lighting and I guess the atmosphere would be much nicer when there were more people and darker. Early on though the effect was somewhat lost.

The stalls were a mix of ancient and modern crafts, Christmas foods and drink, waffles, hot baguettes, coffee, mulled wine and ‘mulled beer’?? (which might have been nice, but as I was driving I did not try).  There was also no apparent ‘tacky’ products, but that’s just a personal opinion. I’m sure there are others who are fussier in their description. Stalls were in clusters set around  the museum circuit, some in the historic museum buildings where it was likely to get quite tight if there are a lot people, the remainder are under covered stalls along the path. It was very nice to see some historic crafts represented with tin figurines (you could watch them being cast), a blacksmith and also a master bowyer and fletcher (maker of historic longbows and arrows) (with a have a go archery range).

Our overall impression was nice and pleasant, there was not the bustle (when we were there) surrounding large Christmas markets, but we left a little disappointed, both from the general atmosphere and selection of stalls. If you happen to be local or within 30 mins drive to this Christmas Market then it is worth a visit. However, we felt the 1.5 hour drive to get there had not been worth it. Maybe our expectations were too high (we’re used to the Christmas markets at Munster and Dortmund), but at least parking was free. It’s quite possible that this is a relatively new adventure, and it has potential to become something quite special, but needs some work.

Admission (2009): Adults: 4Euro, Children: 1 Euro
Parking: Free (use the nearby Icerink – lit path from carpark leads to the museum)
Location:
Stadionstraße 161
D-47929 Grefrath
Germany

So politicians’ expense claims have got up the public nose, but to follow on with a comment made on Radio 4 this morning, if nothing else it has provoked the public into discussing and voicing their opinion much more that appears to have happened in the past. In the past maybe most of us felt we could not do anything to change opinion. No matter which way we voted the same thing happened… the bigger changes went unnoticed and each party’s manifesto was always ‘win some, loose some’. That is most of us care about several issues not just one, but when it came to voting found that one party might have the answer to one issue we wanted, but were slack, bad or just totally unwanted on the other issues. Win some, loose some. It’s not that we don’t care, just that its a brain ache to work out in the long run which is the better overall policy to go for. Here’s quick thought though, if we’re really interested in political reform why not shake up the voting system to focus on issues, not parties? Ie you choose which party you think would be best at managing say education, employment, defence, etc… That is when you go to the polls you no longer vote for a single party, you are given some key areas such as education, and choose the party you think will be best in that. The party with overall control is the one voted as being the best at managing most of the key issues. This way of voting would also no longer leave it so that parties can claim voters choose them for spurious reasons, but can see what really matters to the public and those aspects which they were not so good at.

okay I’ll admit it.. I have a passion for photography. There’s something about capturing a frozen moment in time so that is represents the people, place and atmosphere or to present a different viewpoint to something. Sometimes I’m successful, othertimes I’m not. For those interested some of my own work can be found on Flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/kitlogan/).

So why anticipation? The answer lies in the expected announcement soon of a replacement camera for Canon’s 5D.

For many this is perhaps totally irrelevant, I mean a new camera? What’s the big deal? Well the answer lies in image quality as well as greater potential for shots. I have been using a Canon 300D DSLR since January 2005 switching from a Canon EOS 500 which took film. Since then the reduced cost of taking photos (I don’t exactly have money to burn) meant I have taken many more photos than I would have normally and given me experience of trying to take photos in a lot more situations. For instance over a 2 week holiday while I will now take around 1000 photos, using my old film camera I would have limited myself to perhaps 120 or so (3 or 4 film canisters). I wouldn’t have been able to afford the processing cost of more. This also meant I was more selective about the photos I took, IE made sure it was good light or only took one or two shots for portraits, animals etc where you really need to take at least a number of shots, because people’s faces change so much, even subtle hints in smile that make all the difference between an okay shot and a great shot. However, I digress… Taking so many shots in so many conditions I have consequently become much more aware of the shorcomings of my trusty 300D. Functionality wise this is start up speed (waiting 4-5 seconds for the camera to warm up even from standby meand I often miss a really good shot oppertunity. The only solution to that has been to keep the camera permanently on, or warming it up in advance of an anticipated action shot). There’s a host of technical advancements that more recent cameras by Canon have addressed, with the 450D (Digital Rebel XSi in the US), 40D and 1000D being the most recent offerings. The 450D being the most recent evolution of my 300D.

More more importanly I’ve been made aware of the difference in image quality a camera makes. Now image quality is down to several things and its not just the density of pixels. Lens quality is of paramount importance and so is the camera itself as I found out when I had the opportunity to test my 300D against a friends 5D. There was a definite difference in the sharpness which I found was due both to the camera and the lens. Since then I have also tested the 40D as a possible replacement, but found that the image quality I was getting from that was not much better than my 300D. So a 5D with its Full Frame sensor with some decent L series lenses (and/or perhaps the 70-300 DO IS USM lens – Does anybody have any experience with this lens?) is currently my replacement camera of choice. It’s also an investment should I consider being a little more professional than I am now. Except the 5D as it stands lacks a number of features, some of which are almost essential.

Unusually for Canon there has for a long while been no updates to the 5D, while other cameras being produced by them had features that should be no-brainer updates to incorporate into any replacement for the 5D. Such as the Digic III processor instead of its Digic II, vibrating sensor guard, etc. However, as started to research into the 5D camera and lenses a while back, the rumours about a replacement started to dribble in. It’s not quite a frenzy, but there’s an air of anticipation that something will be mentioned soon, in advance of the Photokina trade fair.

A good place to keep abreast of the latest rumours about the 5D replacement is a dedicated page to the rumours at Northern Light.

How often is you hear a saying and never really appreciate it until you experience it? I must admit until recently I’ve not really thought of myself as being particularly good at my job… methodical and conscientious perhaps, but not especially good, not bad that is. This despite line management having said on a number of occassions that I was good and that if did it they knew it would be done well. Well on that occasion I couldn’t exactly do a bad job… anything I did would be better.

Is it perhaps something inherent in some of us that we don’t want to take credit for our own skills and abilities? I mean its hard even now to write this and perhaps admit to myself I’m actually good at something. Okay perhaps deep down I know I am good at some things… but when do we start believing in ourselves? Maybe its the number of times somebody says it? or perhaps the number of different people who say it, or is it when they do something for you that shows they appreciate your worth that you simply cannot ignore and put down to them being just polite? My own moment of personal epiphany came when I fully realised that a number of people I have worked with in the past were doing their level best to find the money and another position for me to keep me on as my contract comes close to an end. No promises, but that doesn’t actually matter… what matters is I have a feeling of self-worth.

Day 8

Confederation Boulevard and Gatineau (Hull)

This was the only day Tini had to look around Ottawa (never be envious of when people go to international meetings or conferences, all too often they never have a chance to even see what the place is like), and our last day as were travelling back that night. We started the day by introducing Tini to Cora’s (I told you I liked the place) before exploring some of the Rideau Centre and then walking a 5Km circular route, first via Sparks Street and then following “Confederation Boulevard“, a ceremonial route linking key attractions on both sides of the Ottawa River, in Ottawa and Gatineau, Quebec).

Walking down Sparks Street was purely for Tini to have her opportunity to look at the Canadian craft shops and to show her a few of the things I had noted. We continued as far Bay Street, before joining the Confederation Boulevard route where Bay Street and Wellington Street join. If it had been a wet day this may not have been a pleasant walk (in fact we’d probably have not done it), but it was good if not cold weather offering good views up and down Ottawa River as we crossed it via Portage Bridge and Victoria Island where there are the remains of Thomas “Carbide” Wilson’s Carbide Mill. There were also good views of the Canadian Parliament Buildings and the National Gallery of Canada.

Gatineau in Quebec is on the other side of the river and used to be called Hull, in fact its been recent enough that the buses still state Hull as their destination. The uniquely designed Museum of Civilisation is on the Rue Laurier, and certainly something we felt deserves a closer look as we browsed around inside and the boutique, but on this occasion we felt we did not have the time to do justice to it and the $10 entrance fee.

With our flight due that evening we gave plenty of time to get to the airport and wait. As it turned out a mechanical failure meant the flight was delayed by 4 hours after an aircraft from Toronto was flown in. Considering the speed of service at the ByWard Tavern, the only place to eat with its own dedicated seating in the departure lounge, you’d need those extra 4 hours. Not a place to go to if you have anything less an hour to wait for the flight and even that might be pushing it!

Incidentally for those of you who have been told of the tax rebate on non consumable goods over $50, this has now been stopped (as of 1 April, 2007) so don’t bother sorting out your receipts.

Day 7

Ottawa, Downtown, Cora’s

Tini was again off early to the conference, which gave me the opportunity start the day off testing the waters of the hotels indoor pool. nice and large, and for the men accessed by an old steep wrought iron spiral staircase. Which to my mind is a little unfair as the women miss out on having to navigate this to and from their changing rooms, but then the hotel was built between 1908 and 1912 and enlarged in 1920 so maybe steep spiralling stairs would not have been so suitable for what women had to wear if they went swimming in those days.

If there’s one restaurant that stands out to me its Cora’s. This place specialises in breakfast and lunch’s (but does not do dinner) and I can see why its a favourite with those in Ottawa. If you want a good and/or healthy breakfast/lunch this is the place. Almost all portions come with handfuls of presented fresh fruit and a popular dish I noted was dinner plate sized crepes filled with fresh fruit and a type of custard or chocolate-hazlenut sauce.

Most of the shops selling Canadian souvenirs and Native Canadian craft I found to be in the pedestrianised Sparks Street. This leads past the Currency Museum itself housed in an architecturally interesting building. I must admit the rest of the day was spent following my nose and looking at the architecture of the buildings around this district and what shops took my interest.

In the evening we investigated Zak’s Diner an American style diner that’s open 24 hours. Good food and well cooked.

Day 6

Ottawa, Canadian Parliament

Seem to be very lucky with the weather. Instead of the forecasted snow, its been more or less brilliant sunshine apart from a brief snow flurry or two earlier in the morning. Tini had to leave very early for the conference, leaving me to explore Ottawa by myself. I suppose I could have picked up a guide book, but then sometimes its just nice to wander and meet people.

Okay I’m English or rather a Londoner and I’m not used to thick snow or at least the type Ottawa gets so walking through the thickly covered grounds of Majors Hill Park was a novelty. What paths there were compacted ice and you weren’t aware of the actual depth until you strayed off the path to sink up to your knees. The park has some great views looking over the Rideau Canal and the Canadian Parliament buildings and library on Parliament Hill, to the south west, over the Ottawa River to Gatineau to the west and the glass tower of the National Art Gallery to the north. Walking through the park I was greeted by copper coloured Siberian Husky called Sascha almost pulling its owner, Lara, to meet me. I think Lara was as bemused as me as Sascha does not normally go up to people.

From the park you also get good views of the National Gallery of Canada with is glass tower and next door to it the silver spired Notre-Dame cathedral. Outside the National Gallery is the large strange spider like Maman (1999), by Louise Bourgeois which is worth seeing. Walking further North into the Byward area, you find a mix of old and modern buildings. While the Byward market itself has a collection of shops mainly selling different types of food, from freshly baked strawberry bagels, through to a shop selling produce from each of the different provinces of Canada. There’s a number of good restaurants in the Byward area as well.

The afternoon was spent looking around the Parliament Hill and the Canadian Parliament building. This is definitely worth a visit even if you are not Canadian. Entry and the tour is free, but expect airport style security. If you go during the holidays you may also have a chance to see the House of Commons and Senate which are off bounds to tours when in session. Both are incidentally modelled on the British government House of Commons and House of Lords including colour scheme. Refreshingly you can take pictures where you like, except for the circular library which is very photogenic and also modelled on the British Library. If you get the chance take the lift to the observation room at the top of Peace Tower which fronts the building and in addition to housing a carillon of bells affords fantastic views over Ottawa and Gatineau and the Ottawa River including the Ottawa Falls.

In addition to the restaurants around ByWard there’s a few to be recommended around the city and I ventured out to see what was on offer at Al’s steakhouse, Elgin Street. The menu offers a good range of steak and rib grills, and a selection of seafood options, in addition to a good selection of wines and cocktails. Being hungry I opted for the seafood platter which arrived with a medley of lobster, breaded shrimp, coconut scallops and orange roughy on a bed of rice. The fish was excellent, but to my mind the lobster was over done and I was unable to taste anything coconutty about the scallops, but that could be due to the spicy heat of the Bloody Ceasar cocktail which I had to start. The wine, a Vineland VQA Riesling more than made up for it.

Day 5

Travel to Ottawa.

Skipping breakfast at the hotel it was a case of checking out and making our way to the train station to have breakfast there. Tini a Cinnabon (not surprising) and me a smoothie (surprising). Sweet pastries and all fine and good, but I’m kinda missing my fresh vegetables at the moment. Even though most evening meals have been served with a crisp starting salad and breakfast in the morning has always had a small side of mixed fresh fruit.

Not sure what I was expecting, but waiting for the train is done on the concourse before being led up to the platform where the train was waiting. In our case the VIA Canada 42 to Ottawa was only a single deck, but we passed a number of double deck carriages. Our train comprised of 2 trains ours and one to Montreal, which later in the journey uncoupled and took a different track. The journey should have taken about 4.5 hours, I guess we were unlucky as it became 5.5 hours for various reasons, namely congestion on the line and then waiting for the 45 Ottawa to Toronto train to pass as the track was single line for a distance. Good job we were not trying to catch a flight! Maple syrup biscuits helped to alleviate the journey as well as catching up with this blog.

It was a very snowy scenic journey by train and Ottawa is no exception with 20 or so inches lying around and piled to the side of the road.

There’s something incongruous about travelling to the upmarket Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel (http://profiles.hospitalityonline.com/207409/) from the station by bus, but we did. Mind you, it’s not the sort of place we would normally stay at, but its been organised by the organisers of conference that Tini has been invited to speak at here in Ottawa. Lets just say the place is ‘grand’ and very swish. From outside it looks very much like a larger version of the Disney castle and this only hints at the grandeur inside. Promises to be an interesting stay.

Day 4

Eaton Shopping Centre

Well wanted to go shopping sometime! So Monday was spent shopping and looking around the Eaton Centre. The centre is very much the mall and centre of the shopping district with three floors of shops. Mostly big chains, but if you’ve never been to Canada or America, probably just as interesting and different as smaller independent shops.

Later in the afternoon we took advantage of the hotel being just across the road to the conservatory and explored this warm green oasis set in old Victorian glasshouses and free to the public. It’s not perhaps quite upto the Kew Garden or RHS standards, but very close. There are some wonderful plants and it is a place those who live in Toronto take full advantage of as wandering around you pass everything from individuals taking their tortoise for a walk, to reading a book or newspaper on one of in the many benches or even using the space as a ready made backdrop for a designer photoshot for a school project.

The Peartree restaurant wasn’t in the guidebook, but should be. it’s outlasted the Town Grill which we found to have closed permanently and Number Eleven didn’t seem to be in business, at least that night. Asking the locals they recommended the Peartree as it always has a steady stream of customers. The menu is simple, but offering a very mouth watering selection. I’d opted for steak feeling this was the last opportunity this holiday to have a decent steak while on this continent and bitterly disappointed by the previous offering (See Arrival / Day 1). I wasn’t disappointed. The steak was done to perfection as were the crisp cooked fresh vegetables and balsamic mushrooms. The dessert menu offered by the waitress was equally tempting and the meringue with toasted almonds and blueberrys was crumbly and chewy. Sorry does it sound like I like my food?

Day 3

Old Toronto

It’s worth mentioning that not only was it a Sunday but it was Easter Sunday, so there was an understandable lack of activity and a number of places were not open. Again a lot of hiking this time covering around 10Km.

Starting at Union station we headed south to the harbour, in the hope we could follow the lake shore, but found the only way eastwards was along Queens Quay East, while industrial and marine buildings occupied the space by the lake shore. Not particularly interesting, so we headed north to St Lawrence Market. That was closed, but nearby there’s the Goodridge Building, also known as the flatiron building, so called because its narrow angular shape looks is very much like an old fire heated flatirons. It’s also probably a classic photographers shot as by itself its photogenic, but its backdropped by the CN Tower and the towers of the IBO building. In the halls opposite to the St Lawrence Market a regular Sunday antiques market was in full swing. Not quite to Tini’s taste, but provided me with the opportunity to look around and get a flavour of what was available.

Further east we looked around the Distillery Historic District. These are the preserved remains of the Goodridge & distillery building complex, and now home to a number of designer shops. The prices we found however were rather off putting even for mass produced designer items and some ‘really’ interesting potential chocolates, remained unpurchased.

A little dissappointed we continued our walk, this time back towards the city centre via Adelaide Street passing by the 19 Century buildings of the old post office and Upper Bank of Canada. If you are photographer, the buildings of the financial district will as they did me offer lots of photographic opportunities. An enterprising child on a skateboard doing stunts offered to let me take a photo when asked for dollar, hence the couple of shots called “For a Loonie”, which is a Canadian dollar.

At the Dominion Centre we stopped to look at some modern Inuit art, before taking advantage of the underground walkways to weave our way north towards the Eton Centre coming out near the controversial City Hall that’s the Osgoode Centre and sampling Canadian versions of hotdog and chips, while watching the ice skating. What’s the difference with Canadian versions of hotdogs? Canadian chips tend to be homestyle with the potatoe skins while most stalls offered chunky German, Polish Mild or Spicy Italian sausages, not the rather pathetic frankfurter style usually offered in the UK. If you want you can have your chips with poutie, gravy and chunks of curd cheese. Be aware these tend to make a meal in themselves and not necessarily a snack and the reason why we did not go out to eat that night.

Which reminds me although there are MacDonalds and Subway sandwich places around, the major chain here is Tim Horton’s and as well a variety of good alternative fast food places.