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Germany’s Christmas markets found
worldwide, rooted in local tradition
Sue K
While they began in Germany, the Christkindl market
has become a phenomenon that has spread across the world to even
Pattaya, where a charity market was hosted earlier this month at the
Marriott Resort & Spa.
 The
author poses in front of a Christmas tree in Bonn.
Also called “Weihnachtsmarkt,” in German, the market’s name
translates literally to “Christ child street market associated with the
celebration of Christmas during advent.” Their history dates to the late
Middle Ages in the German-speaking part of Europe. The Dresden Christmas
market, first held in 1434, is one of the oldest.
Generally held in the town square, the market sells food and drink from
open-air stalls with other seasonal and traditional items and is usually
accompanied by a lot of music. Stollen, the oldest-known German
Christmas treat, is often baked for the bazaar, as well as seasonal
cookies.
Another familiar sight is the Christmas “pyramid,” an early forerunner
to the Christmas tree. It has its roots in the Ore Mountains of Germany
and is a decoration not limited to the yuletide season. There is also a
local custom among mountain folk to dance around a pyramid decked with
garland and flowers on the summer solstice.
 With
so much delivery and not enough time - Santa is hanging by a thread.
During advent, the four weeks before Christmas, German village streets
and homes are dressed up with lights and the market becomes the
centerpiece of the town’s activities.
The Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt is one of the more-famous
markets and takes place annually in Hauptmarkt Square in the old section
of Nuremberg.
About two million people visit the market every year making it one of
the biggest and most famous in the world. Of course some traditions have
given way to modern touches, such as Christkind giving interviews
to reporters on opening night.
North of Nuremberg in the world heritage city of Bamberg the local
Christmas market is smaller, but with a unique charm of its own stemming
from its “Route of the Nativity” linking 35 churches, museums and public
buildings.
A Santa sleigh was stocked full of presents at this year’s market. The
reindeer were mysteriously absent, but old St. Nick was nearby passing
time on a swing.
Traveling on northwest to Bonn, there are several markets within walking
distance of each other.
Traditional miniature houses for sale.
From Münsterplatz, Bottlerplatz Windeckstrasse, Friedensplatz and
Vivatsgasse, you can find everything from ingredients for special
recipes to various arts and craft items.
In Cologne, about 20 kilometers north, there are seven Christmas
markets. The four largest are at the Cologne Cathedral, Alter Markt,
Neumarkt and Rudolfplatz. In total, they attract about two million
visitors each year.
The Cologne Cathedral market is perhaps the most impressive, thanks to
having the church as a backdrop. It also sports the largest Christmas
tree in the Rhineland with 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions
beneath it.
The Alter Markt takes place in front of the narrow-gabled houses of the
Old Town Hall. Its half-timbered stalls create an idyllic atmosphere,
especially for children who’ll find lots to do.
Further down the Rhine you’ll find the Medieval Market next to the
Chocolate Museum. The theme of the ancient days here definitely keeps
you entertained and educated.
Finally, the Christmas Market on the Rudolfplatz takes you to the world
of fairytales, set against the historic backdrop of the mediaeval
Hahnentorburg.
Dusit Thani Pattaya appoints its new executive chef
Dusit Thani Pattaya General Manager Chatchawal Supachayanont
recently announced the appointment of Adrian O’herlihy as the
new executive chef of the five-star, 462-room property of Dusit
International in the resort city.
 Chef
Adrian O’herlihy, the newly-appointed executive chef at Dusit
Thani Pattaya.
Chef Adrian, an Irish national, brings with him more than 25
years of extensive background in the culinary profession
including a multi-property operational experience both in the UK
and the US, Germany, his native Ireland as well as in Asia and
the Middle East.
In his new capacity, Chef Adrian will be responsible for the
resort’s overall culinary management and kitchen operations.
Prior to joining Dusit Thani Pattaya, he worked with the same
position at a resort in Hua Hin.
He received his professional training at the renowned Dublin
College of Catering in Ireland. Soon after, his quest for places
to introduce his innovative concept began taking him to various
hotels in New York and earned him 13 years of experience.
Over the span of his career, he has received commendations from
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and HSH Prince Bhisadej. With his
passion to learn more and prove his excellent capability, he has
competed in a series of food exhibitions and received a total of
eight awards that have since landed him on the list of popular
and respected judges in international food competitions.
With his new appointment, Chef Adrian hopes to establish himself
with Dusit Thani Pattaya as the person at the helm in providing
the finest epicurean experience at the hotel’s three
restaurants: The Cascade serving authentic Thai and global
cuisine, The Peak Chinese Restaurant offering the best dim sum
in town as well as authentic Chinese dishes and The Bay Italian
Restaurant dishing up the most excellent Italian creations.
Skål Asia holds its first ever Green Conference in Bangkok
Skål Asia board members plant a tree after resolving
that at least
one tree will be planted whenever a board meeting is held.
Andrew Wood
The Skål Asia mid-term board meeting was held in late November at the
Chaophya Park Hotel, Bangkok. A variety of topics were discussed including the
upcoming Skål Asian Area Congress in Cebu May 27-30, 2010.
This was the first ever mid-term board meeting which has followed closely
acceptable green conference benchmarks. These new green conference guidelines
were unanimously agreed upon and all future Skål Asia board meetings will be
held under similar themes.
As an example, all presentation materials were emailed in advance to all
participants, and no paperwork was distributed, thereby saving time, money and
resources. All meeting rooms were powered down when not in use and room temps
set at 25°C. All unused food items and unused drinking water were either donated
or recycled. Local produce was used as much as possible and home made amenities
and gifts were distributed, including home made potpourri from rose petals used
by the hotel for decorating wedding banquets.
The board also decided to make it a rule that at least one tree will be planted
whenever a board meeting is held. A tree planting ceremony was therefore held in
the grounds of the Chaophya Park Hotel’s gardens to honor this resolution.
“Tourism and the environment are closely related. It is natural that Skål as a
grouping of tourism professionals, should lead the protection and nurturing of
the environment,” said Gerry Perez, President of Skål Asia which represents over
2,600 Skål members in the region.
Commenting on these green initiatives, host Andrew Wood, general manager of the
Chaophya Park Hotel in Bangkok, said, “No-one can close their eyes and turn away
from their responsibilities to protect the world we all share, for the sake of
our children’s children and all future generations.”
He added, “The task may seem huge, but it all comes down to one thing: stop
greenhouse gas build up by reducing the amount of CO2 in the air. Whatever small
step you, your company, your club or association can make, no matter how small,
multiplied many times over will make a large impact.”
“When should we start? Please all of us, start now,” he concluded.
Director Byong-Hee Woo of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Bangkok Office
gave a warm welcoming reception on the first day of the board meeting. The
latest promotional video on Korean tourism was presented to all the board
members and their guest’s including PATA CEO Greg Duffell. Korea is strongly
tipped to host Skål International’s flagship event, the Skål World Congress in
Seoul in 2012.
Amari appoints Yasuhiro Yoneyama as corporate director of sales Japan
Amari, the hotel and resort group celebrating the colors and rhythms of modern
Asia, recently announced the appointment of Yasuhiro Yoneyama as corporate
director of sales Japan.
 Yasuhiro
Yoneyama, Amari’s new corporate director of sales Japan.
Yoneyama brings to this role extensive expertise in sales and marketing gained
through working in numerous leading hotels throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Yoneyama graduated with BA in English and American Literature in Japan.
He began his hospitality career in Tokyo working for both the ANA and Hyatt
groups before moving to Beijing, China to join Shangri-La. Yoneyama moved to
Thailand in 2006 to join Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
In his new role at Amari, he is responsible for corporate and wholesale
including banqueting, weddings and other sales related issues for the Japanese
market.
Sheraton Pattaya Resort
welcomes new general manager
Wayne Buckingham, Sheraton’s regional vice president for Thailand, Vietnam,
Cambodia, and Singapore, has announced the appointment of Michael Delargy as
general manager at Sheraton Pattaya Resort.
 Michael
Delargy, new general manager at Sheraton Pattaya Resort.
Born in Ireland, Delargy brings over 10 years’ experience within Starwood Hotels
& Resorts worldwide to his new role at Sheraton Pattaya Resort.
Recognized as one of the premier luxury resorts in Pattaya, Sheraton Pattaya
Resort occupies a privileged location on Pratamnak Hill which forms a
beautifully landscaped cliff headland enjoying dramatic views across the Gulf of
Siam.
Each of the resort’s 156 rooms includes a spacious balcony with ocean, garden or
pool view. Deluxe pavilions and ocean-front villas with private pool are among
the varied accommodation options while decor tastefully combines traditional
Thai and modern Western elements.
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