Christmas Markets On The Elbe: Meissen

 December 11

This morning we sailed a short time to arrive in Meissen known for their very expensive porcelain production.  Each piece, and they have molds for over 200,000 different ones, are hand made and hand painted.  We went through the workshop and saw a video and four individual craftsmen/women working.  Thought I'd get an ornament until I found one and it was over $300.....ok, no, I'll wait for the Christmas Market!  We took a short walking tour through the town square then climbed 100 steps (and down) to the cathedral and palace, with a scenic overlook of the town square.  Once we reached the bottom we had time to explore the Christmas Market where I got my mug & mulled wine as well as a trinket.  Missed Kim on the day's adventure as she was a little under the weather this morning :(

We've arrived in Meissen

The porcelain workshop

Examples of the creative pieces

The most expensive Christmas ornament I've seen

THE photo op of the iconic cathedral

It's the season on the quaint, typical European cobblestone streets

The glockenspiel in the town square - note the porcelain bells!

The town hall - note the windows....they've turned the building into an advent calendar!  (bottom right windows have been turned)

The stairs up.....and back down

The castle gate

Photographic proof that I climbed to the top for the panoramic city view

The palace (left) built in 1200's and the cathedral

Christmas Market

Typical Christmas stalls & merchandise

Another mug :)

The stalls are all decorated