Beiträge

Sankt Nikolaus is coming… put your shoes out!

So have you been naughty or nice? On the eve of December 5th, all across Germany, excited children put their shoes outside so Sankt Nikolaus can fill them with wonderful gifts and treats. It is traditionally the shoes are filled with items like oranges, various nuts, chocolate coins and possibly cookies like cinnamon spiced Speculaas.

On December 5th in Schliersee, Old Sankt Nik likes to do things a bit different and with a bit of an alpine flair. In Schliersee, he might fill your trusty old hiking boots with local Almkäse or mountain cheese produced high on the mountain by one of our local farmers from our happy cows. Or he might tuck in a beautifully hand carved wooden Edelweiss from one of our many talented wood carvers.

I awoke bright and early on this crisp and sunny December morning to find my much loved and much tested hiking boots filled with local hiking magazines, some maps, fresh fruit to tuck in my pocket for when I headed out on my daily wander. And as an added bonus brand new trekking poles to provide stability and motivation throughout the year. Last but not least a beautifully printed Schliersee lens wipe which Old Nikolaus must have purchased at our local tourist office.  Just perfect for wiping off the bitter water spray which always coats my lenses while photographing the icy Neuhaus waterfall.

This year I must have been very good because I did not receive a visit from Krampus, who is Nikolaus’ evil looking helper. He must have just passed me by. Phew! Better luck next year Krampus.

 

Laura Boston-Thek

American artist, photographer and professional wanderer who, after 20 years of roaming, put down roots in a 100 year old Bavarian farmhouse and fell in love with the Alpine village and its residents (both 2-legged and 4-legged).