Walking on Water

There are many reasons that I love this cityOne of the greatest being that no matter the weather or time of year, people find something flock to and celebrate.    During the holidays there were the Christmas Markets strewn about the city.   Hot Glühwein and Cacao, bratwurst, and brezel to warm the body, hundreds of people out late talking and walking arm in arm, and lots of great stalls selling local honey, mead, candles and crafts. They were such a great escape for the month and a half they were open, really helping make winter enjoyable in all its dreariness.    Oh yum...til next year.  Both R and I pondered what was going to happen after the Christmas Markets closed.  What would people we do with themselves ourselves?!?! Well, we needn't worry because just after returning home from our break the Aasee froze.  Awesome.




I have certainly gone ice skating on man made rinks before, but never on a frozen lake (!).  My first time stepping out on the ice was with Justin while he was visiting.  Both of us more jumpy than we needed to be.  Stepping cautiously out and giving each other nervous side glances every so often.  Not wanting to think of what would happen if one of us suddenly fell in.  I only doggy paddle...in the best of circumstances.  But the ice was thick and not budging.  That day it was still newly frozen so you could see through the thickness of it to the water which was rather amazing.



Last weekend R and I spent an hour or two with hundreds of other Münsteraners ON the lake.  While others strolled, played hockey, skated or pulled their children on wooden sleds, we tossed a frisbee.  It was a good time and just warm enough for it to be enjoyable.  Mostly I loved looking around and seeing so many people around.  It is so nice to see people, a lot of people, allowing themselves moments of enjoyment.  People seem to really get out and get together more often here.  All it took was a frozen lake to get the party started.  Oh yeah.