The day was cold and my feathers bristle as we stepped out of the cozy apartment in our scarfs. But I was excited as I knew this means a new adventure. 

Eager to know where we are going I was not wiser the moment we arrived at the bus stations. Out final destination still a mystery. 

Boarding the bus it was quite full and all the humans seem to have the same destination. After about an hour of traveling, we finally arrived. 

As I waddled out of the bus I was greeted by an illuminated city and with one glimpse I knew where are – Vienna, Austria. And we are at a place where humans gather in masses to exchange the colorful papers they call money to get food, hot beverages, and many other things mostly connected to Christmas. 

The Christmas Market was packed with humans walking around without a specific destination in mind at a slow pace reminding me of emperor penguins with their slow walk from side to side. Not sure where to look first, everything was beautiful, especially the lights on the trees and stands illuminating the city.

The smells mingled, making the air sweet, and making me want to dive my beak into some of the food and beverages being offered around me.

We stepped into the mass of humans to proceed at a slow pace to the first stand offering hot beverages and exchanged money for a hot drink called Glühwein. Because by every minute, the mass seemed to get bigger and bigger we found shelter between two stands to enjoy the refreshment we just bought. Trying it first I burned my tongue a little with my eagerness to have a sip. The drink was warm and sweet, perfect for the cold weather outside.

Observing the happening around me I noticed after humans drank the same liquor I am drinking now, it affected them differently. Many started talking more, became friendlier, wanted to interact with others. On the other hand, some were affected differently becoming more aggressive.

After we finished our drinks we walked around for a little more and enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere. I was also really glad my owners took me to no other city, but Vienna. It was in 1298 when the first Christmas market in the world was held here and spread into the rest of the world from this particular city.

In 1298 the first Christmas market in the world was held in Vienna.

Christmas markets are fun and I hope to visit more of them in the future in different cities. I heard each of them has different magic around it. 

What is your favorite Christmas Market?