German Christmas Market

The Frankfurt Christmas market has returned to Birmingham. Today, some of my colleagues and I went shopping in B'ham, and then we went up to browse round the market. It is better to wait until it gets dark, it gives it more of an atmosphere - and although some of the stalls sell quite tacky stuff - some of it is very pretty. The gluhwein went down well, as did the bratwurst, and it was a BIG surprise to say hello to the Archbishop of York and the Archbishop of Canterbury who were rushing through the market, closely followed by some policemen on pushbikes. Where they were coming from, or going to, I have no idea. Introduced Melissa to fresh pretzels - just got one to share, but should have bought a bag of them, as she really liked them, but by then, we were miles past the stall, and didn't want to go back.

Earlier shopping was also good - even though at one stage I sent a panic text to Patrick, as I needed him right then, to pass comment on a jacket I was trying on. In the end, after much dithering, I bought it, and it was even better at the till when paying, as not only was it a 10% off day, it had also been reduced, so I paid £24 instead £40! Melissa was trying to buy shoes. Ummm. I think I have problems buying size 4 - Mel takes a size 10. I kept taking big shoes off the shelves for her to look at, thinking they looked massive, only to find they were only a size 8 max!! We did find one pair eventually, but in the end she decided to think about them, and if she decides yes, she can get them ordered in at the Stafford branch of the shop. What a hassle, I will NEVER complain about my size 4s again. Nor will I complain about the lack of choice of clothes for my height [5'2"], shape and size. I was totally unaware of how little choice there is on the racks for a woman who is 6'2" in her socks - I know I would like to be taller, but on balance, I would rather be short than tall.