Sunday, December 29, 2024

MUSINGS AND AMUSEMENTS TO WELCOME 2025

Recently, my husband and I took a river cruise on the Rhine to visit the Christmas Markets. Some of my girlfriends asked if I actually meant to go on a Christmas Market cruise. The answer is a definitive YES. The markets and cities were magical, and this was a bucket list trip for me after watching so many (Hallmark) Christmas movies over the years and drooling over the exquisite markets. They did not disappoint! So, I have a few observations and musings regarding the cruise, the cities, the people, and most important, the local food at the markets. Here goes: MUSINGS 1) Cobblestone is incredibly tough to walk on when it's dry; forget how hard it is to negotiate when wet on rainy days! (it rained many days). 2) One should always bring a flashlight when traveling. Germany, France, and Switzerland get dark very early and with few street lights, it helps to carry a light, in addition to your phone flashlight. 3) Grafitti is EVERYWHERE. Especially in Cologne and Heidelberg, but throughout all of Germany, It is considered an art form and not painted over, as in our country. Often, (in my opinion) it detracts from the natural beauty of the buildings and parks, but generally, it is admired and welcomed. 4) It's great to have a pension! I had the opportunity to meet retired people with pensions who were cruising with us. There were teachers, principals, professors, administrators of colleges, judges, former CIA, federal government employees, etc. and these people were living the life! They had generous pensions, social security benefits, and all the time in the world to travel. 5) Much of the gift offerings at the markets are similar-if you've seen one, you've seen them all. Veer off and explore the cities-Cologne, Heidelberg, Amsterdam, Rudesheim, and Lucerne are beyond beautiful. So much to see, and do, and buy. 6) Man, do Germans love their Wurst! It is a staple in German Cuisine. It is eaten in the morning, afternoon and evening! There is bratwurst, knackwurst, leberwurst, currywurst, kohlwurst, etc. I could go on forever-there are 1500 varieties. They also love their beer and mulled wine to accompany the wurst. Every Christmas Market serves Wurst, beers, and mulled wines. 7) Every market we went to we indulged in the local food-all of it was delicious. My favorites: a)German Christmas Market Mushrooms(Champignons)in garlic sauce: ooh la la-deliciousness. b)Kartoffelpuffer-I love to say the word! It is an enormous potato latke fried from scratch and served with either applesauce or a garlic sourcream. This seems to be the most popular offering at the markets-the lines are long and for good reason. It doesn't disappoint. YUM. c)Flamkuchen-German skinni(est) flatbread pizza with onion, bacon, and cheese. The crispiest cracker-like crust can be done a zillion ways-if you don't want meat, order it with vegetables and cheese. Wonderful with a glass of crisp cold German wine. So incredibly fabulous. d)Fondue-They serve their fondue with potatoes and bread for the dipping. Just paste 20 lbs. to my hips. I literally wished I had a spoon to eat the fondue directly from the pot. Nothing beat sitting outside by the river with fur blankets looking at the twinkling lights of Lucerne and enjoying this local dish. You're on vacation. Live a little. Eat their wonderful cheeses, amazing chocolates, and fabulous wines. It's so worth it! AMUSEMENTS 1) The Split-two part wedding special. Dec 29. It should be coming to Hulu. The first three seasons are on Hulu now. A family of female divorce lawyers. Very Good. 2) The Agency-An undercover CIA is forced to abandon his secret life and return to London where the love of his life reappears. Michael Fassbender and Richard Gere-so easy on the eyes. But, I don't know WTF is happening. Hard to follow. HBO 3) Shrinking-All star cast with Jason Segel and Harrison Ford about a group of shrinks and their lives. Funny, touching, fabulous.... Apple TV. 4) Bad Sisters-A dark comedy about sisters being investigated for the death of their brother-in-law. Bingeworthy and enjoyable. Apple TV 5) Yellowstone-Season 5 just finished. Such a great series. You can't take your eyes off Beth and Rip. Who needs Costner? Rumor is there will be a spin off with Beth and Rip. Love this show. Paramount+. 6) Virgin River-Season 6 just ended. It's a sappy, soap opera type show, which I admit, I have indulged in every season. Mindless and sweet. Easy viewing. Netflix. 7) The Sticky-Jamie Lee Curtis and Margo Martin star in this series about a syrup farmer. Holds no interest for me. Prime. 8) No Good Deed-Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow. Three families competed to buy the same home, which they believe will solve their problems. I have to be honest-I couldn't stand listening to Lisa Kudrow. I had to turn it off. Netflix. 9) The Bad Monkey-Vince Vaughn stars as a former Police Dept. member turned health inspector trying to solve a case involving a human arm. Not for me, but people like it. Apple TV. 10)Dexter-Original Sin-An all star cast with Christian Slater, Patrick Dempsey, and Sara Michelle Geller. I haven't started this but remember liking the original Dexter. This isn't calling to me. Showtime. 11)Disclaimer-starring Cate Blanchette and Kevin Kline. Psychological thriller which I really liked. Very controversial-many hated it. See for yourself. Tidbit: Leila George, who plays the young Blanchette is absolutely stunning. Once married to Sean Pean; daughter of Greta Scacchi and Vincent D'Onofrio. I give it a thumbs up-worthwhile watch. MOVIES(additional AMUSEMENTS) 1) A COMPLETE UNKNOWN-Run, don't walk. Timothy Chalamet is incredible as Dylan and Monica Barbaro is fabulous as Joan Baez. Ed Norton and Elle Fanning are also exceptional. These are academy worthy performances and it is a beautifully crafted film. Do not miss this. In Theaters. 2) BabyGirl-Maybe crawl and possibly go, but with trepidation. Nicole gives a stellar performance, but be forewarned. This has tons of dominant/submissive sex throughout and at times, is extremely difficult to watch. I also didn't find her co-star Harris Dickinson that appealing which made it even a bit more challenging for me. Anyway, she will be nominated for an academy award for this performance. My advice: watch it at home-not in the theater! 3) The Brutalist-Coming very soon to theaters. Starring Adrien Brody. Escaping postwar Europe, Architect Lazlo Toth is commissioned to create a building by a wealthy client who recognizes his talent. Running time is 215 minutes with an intermission. Supposedly, a phenomenal masterpiece. Can't wait to see it. Pee before it begins! And bring snacks!! 4) The Last Showgirl-starring Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis. Directed by Gia Coppola. After a successful 30 year run, a showgirl needs to plan her future when the show closes. Anderson is receiving critical praise for her performance. Looks like it will be great! Coming soon. MOVIES(additional Amusements to watch at home) 1) Goodrich-AppleTV. Michael Keaton is wonderful in this touching movie. I loved it. So worthwhile. 2) My Old Ass-Prime. An 18th birthday mushroom trip brings a girl face to face with her 39 year old self. I liked it! Worth a look. 3) Fly Me To The Moon-Prime. All star cast: Scarlett Johanssson, Channing Tatum, Colin Jost, Woody Harrelson. Romance between a marketing executive and a NASA official. I watched it on the plane! It was cute. I recommend it. 4) Little Fish-Starring Cate Blanchette. It got good reviews but full disclosure: I fell asleep. It was sad and depressing and slow. Doubtful I'll give it another try. Amazon Prime. 5) The Fabulous Four-Ensemble cast: Midler, Sarandon, Spacek, Mullally. Friends travel to Key West to be bridesmaids to Midler. Absolutely horrible, but you might find it charming! Amazon Prime. 6) Maria-Suppposedly, an exceptional performance by Angelina Jolie portraying Maria Callas. Again, it didn't hold my attention and I fell asleep. Might try again but I'm not a huge fan of Jolie. See for yourself and decide. netflix. LOCAL RESTAURANTS I WANT TO TRY: Napoli-Montclair. Amerigo-Berkley Heights. Osteria Lk-Maplewood. ALL ARE BYO. BAUBLES FOR MY AMUSEMENT The jewelry line I'm coveting these days is Reza. Pretty and pric.ey. Bangles and Collars are exceptional worldofreza.com As the year of 2024 comes to an end, I am so thankful for my wonderful family, my amazing friends, and everyone in my life that helps me get through each minute, day, week and month-you all know who you are. I take nothing for granted at this point in my life. Every day is a true gift! That being said, it is a time for reflection, renewal, and growth. We must continue to be curious, to learn, and to grow. That's what will keep our bodies and minds young. Sometimes it's scary to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. But, we must feel the fear-and do it anyway! That's the definition of GROWTH. May we all continue to flourish, grow, and learn in the year 2025. Wishing you a year filled with HOPE, HAPPINESS, HEALTH AND PEACE. PEACE OUT-ONE B