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FUNNY THAT YOU SHOULD MENTION THE KRAMPUS !!! A number of movies have been made about him, from darkly humourous ( I'm sure that the Grinch is some variation or relative of his ) to several that are more in line with vampires, werewolves & psycho killers.

If I were a cryptid - hunter, I think that I'd be preparing some traps for the strange being about now.....

We have Christmas markets in the States, too, mostly around farmer's markets, etc.

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Yes, the markets have spread far and wide even though Lincoln's is no more

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There's 1 Christmas WAREHOUSE in Michigan smack dab against the Canadian border that's open 24 - 7. They play Christmas music ALL DAY. Earworm time.

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I enjoy Christmas but that sounds like hell....

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OH, hell, I like Christmas music & Yuletide movies, but even I need to take a break after a bit. I even understand that the 1st DIE HARD movie is considered a Christmas movie by a lot of people. OY. 🤦‍♂️ RUN !!!

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Loved this! Found you on Nordic Lens! Cheers 🍻

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Thanks Deborah

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lol, I enjoyed your meandering - I didn't know Christmas markets were associated with Germany - but my first visit was to one in Frankfurt on a cold December evening. I enjoyed it very much.

Lincoln brings back great memories of my travels by car, B&B stays, driving inclined streets, and walking narrow lanes.

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What an adventure!

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😊

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Very enjoyable tale, Harry. Thanks for sharing!

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Thanks Jenn

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My word, what an adventure. My lad used to try and lure me to 'enjoy' the Christmas market in Lincoln. It always sounded like a "thing I'd be most unlikely to relish" so I never tried it. I'm really rather glad! I do remember German Christmas Markets and parades from my days as a 'scaly brat' (military dependent child) and can still smell gingerbread if I close my eyes and imagine them.

Krampus ... I feel the prompt for a tale of wild debauchery but we'll see what emerges!

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Yes, an adventure indeed and I'll be intrigued to see what might emerge from a Krampus tale ...👹

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Mm, it was a Krampus strictly not for the kids!

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😳😉

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Nice piece thank you and suitably Christmassy but also down to earth! 😂 It is a shame that the markets are getting so overcrowded, it shows I suppose our desire for a bit of Christmas Spirit! 🎄🎄

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Indeed, I enjoyed my visit to the market in Durham. It was as much a large craft market as Christmas market and a small fee was charged so it kept the numbers to more manageable levels. Sitting in the shadow of the cathedral made for a quite a setting too.

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Well that sums up the British Christmas perfectly!

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Dec 13, 2023Liked by Harry Watson

A wonderful piece, Harry. It took me back to my student days in Heidelberg, where the Christmas Market in the main plaza in the university (right off the main pedestrian zone) was magical.

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Thanks Ben and yes, done the right way those markets can be enchanting - not sure Lincoln were doing it the right way!!

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Dec 13, 2023Liked by Harry Watson

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, Harry. Most certainly a memorable day of journeying and discovery/adventure and yet also, obstacles upon obstacles. I found myself smiling at moments and just kind of right there with you on those various trains at one moment or another, and waiting for the next leg and/or navigating the masses. Love that you had your Willy Wonka first class pass for the day’s journey, very smart planning, and yet it also makes me wonder a bit, and perhaps even stress at the thought of what that day would have been like without that saving grace of sorts. 🚞🎄

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Thank you Veronica - I've had one or two interesting journeys in my time - I shared a few in the past on Substack that you might have caught - 'The Leyton Orient Express', 'Long Day's Journey into Night' and 'Don't know when I'll be back again' for instance.

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Dec 13, 2023Liked by Harry Watson

Thank you for mentioning these pieces, Harry; I really enjoy reading about train adventures/journeys and I will explore them soon.

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