Christmas Markets

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church under the lights.

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  Lights, trees, stars, glühwein, spiced nuts, gingerbread, meter-long hot dogs, cookies, hot chocolate, toys, nativity scenes...what's not to like?!? It's December in Europe, and the Christmas Markets are opening!

  From my experiences, the best I've seen are in Berlin. When the Christmas Markets are open, something extra-special happens with the atmosphere in the city. The weather was cold, yet the streets were filled, and the people were smiling. Tourists and Berliners alike were out in droves celebrating the holiday spirit. And just the sheer number and size of the markets throughout the city was unbelievable.

Braunschweig Christmas Market.

  Now I'm sure there are other great Christmas Markets in Europe that rival the ones in Berlin. I just haven't been there yet!! Let me know if you've been to a good one.

  The Christmas Markets provide you with a place where you can get out and enjoy the festivities, treat yourself to a special holiday drink or goody, or find a unique Christmas present for your friends and family. I know I've
found a lot of presents to bring home to loved
ones at the Markets!

Berlin.

  Organizers were setting up the Christmas Market here in Dunkerque on Wednesday. And I've noticed decorative lights being put up throughout the city the past few weeks. The holiday lights always adds a little more brightness to the city, in both senses. It brightens up the dark, dreary, winter nights, and I think it puts everyone in a happier, more-festive mood! So with the opening of the Market, I'll have something too look forward to next week.

One of the many Berlin Christmas Markets.

  Are there Christmas Markets like this in the States? I'm sure there are, but I definitely haven't been to any! I don't think there's one in Portland, if there is, I have definitely missed out.

  What are some of your favorite Christmas/Holiday traditions to enjoy throughout December? I'd love to hear about them!

  I have a lot of pictures to share this time around, and not much is explanation needed! Enjoy...hope it puts you in the holiday spirit! :)

  ~ Sabrina

Berlin with Cicci & Steph.

Making glühwein.

Enjoying some glühwein & hot chocolate in Berlin.

Berlin.

Berlin again.

Braunschweig, Germany.

Yes, pure sugar!

The Holidays are Here!

Berlin w/Cicci & Steph!

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  December first. I can hear everyone saying it: "where has all the time gone?" Indeed, this year has flown by at record pace. And now the holidays are upon us.

  For many of us, the holiday season is undoubtedly our favorite time of year. I know it is for me. Yeah, the holidays can be stressful too, but the positives, by far, outweigh the negatives.

  Before I get into what I really want to write about, today is the start of the fourth month I have been blogging! While some days are harder than others to decide on a topic to write on, I've had a great time putting my thoughts to 'paper', and will definitely continue my blogging journey. I still have a lot of things I want to write about, so as long as the 'idea well' hasn't dried up, Sabrina's Crossing will keep going strong! :)

Unter den Linden in Berlin.

  Thanks to everyone who has been a loyal reader, and even more thanks to those of you who have provided me with some feedback. It's always nice to hear that someone enjoyed your writing, or that it made a positive impact on someone else's day. And I'd still love to hear some input on how I can make my blog a better read. Thanks again!

  Now, back to the holiday season! Without a doubt, December is every Euro-hooper's favorite time of the year (outside of playoff time). A countdown, of how many days til you're back home, has most-likely begun (well, maybe it started a while ago, but it's at a more manageable number once December hits!).

  My countdown is at 17 today! It's not as if we aren't enjoying our time in whichever European city we happen to be in, but after three-plus months away, we miss our family and friends! And there's just nothing quite like being home during the holiday season, is there?!? 

Sofie & I last Christmas.

Stella & I a few years back.

  I have been fortunate enough to never have had to spend Christmas away from my family. I have friends that haven't been so lucky, and have spent their Christmas mornings in their quiet apartments in Europe. From a personal stand point, I know that would be very difficult, and I am very thankful that I have gotten home each and every year.

Sadie & I last Christmas.

  Depending on your league's schedule, you could get five days at home (like I did last year in Sweden) or you could get a couple of weeks (like I will this year!). Obviously, when you have so far to travel, the more time you are able to spend at home, the better. But a couple days are always better than none!

  The weeks leading up to Christmas break is always fun too. No matter where I have played, I have always tried to do buy as many presents abroad as I can. I think it's a little more special to bring my family and friends something from whichever region I happen to be in that year. Whether it's a silk tie or wine from Italy, Baltic Amber from Poland, jams and candy from Sweden, BMWs from Germany (ok, maybe not a BMW)...I always try to find special presents to bring back to the US with me.

Kaiser Wilhelm Church & Christmas Market in Berlin.

  I'm not quite sure what I'll bring back from Dunkerque this Christmas, but my friend V suggested I get a few berets for my nieces! ;) I have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks, but it's definitely fun 'work', and I am looking forward to it!

  For tomorrow, I'm going to write about another special holiday scene you often see in European cities: Christmas Markets! These are quite a sight to see, and I have loved going to them whenever I've had the chance!

  Make sure you come back for another visit tomorrow, and see what the Christmas Markets are all about!

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Nkosi's Haven: Bringing a Little Light

Vanessa on a previous visit to Nkosi's Haven.

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  ***Note*** I have made several updates in the last few days to have the most accurate information available. Updates can be found below in bold text! Thanks SO much. ~ Sabrina

  Recently, though the wonders of the internet, and more-specifically, Twitter, I have come into contact with a pretty awesome group of chicks. Through countless exchanges of under 140-character banter, we have somehow gotten to know one another, and genuinely care about what is happening in each others lives. Even though many of us have not yet met, I would consider them very good friends of mine.

  Somewhere along the line, the conversations turned productive, and the team looked get into charity work. In February of 2012, a large group of them, joined/led by actress Vanessa Marcil, are going to South Africa to volunteer at Nkosi's Haven. Nkosi's is a shelter for mothers and their children infected with HIV/AIDS, and resulting AIDS orphans.

  The shelter, opened in 1999 by Gail Johnson, was founded with the idea of caring for the mother AND her child. Gail named it after the son she adopted, Nkosi, an AIDS orphan himself. Neither Nkosi nor Gail wanted another mother and child to be separated due to an HIV/AIDS diagnosis. They also wanted people infected with HIV/AIDS to be cared for without discrimination or prejudice. This is the premise under which Nkosi's Haven operates. Please watch the short video below about Gail and Nkosi Johnson, and Nkosi's Haven:

  ***One thing our team wants is every child, mother, and caretaker to have a new pair of pajamas upon their visit this Spring. It's something so small, yet so meaningful. Vanessa, herself, is working to get as many pairs of organic feety pajamas made. 

  She and her team are making it 'easy' to help get each of these kids a new pair of pajamas: buy one pair for a loved one in your family, and a second pair is donated to an AIDS orphan at Nkosi's. Our goal is to have 10,000 pairs of pajamas ordered. The cost of the pajamas will be $29.99. So for that amount, you will get one pair for a child close to your heart, while a second pair goes to a child at Nkosi's!

  To get on the wait list for pajamas, email: Itsokaytobe@babygagoo.com and you'll receive a follow up email about how to participate (or you can contact me as well, and I'll pass along your interest). This is a great option, and something I hope you all will consider! Sizes go up to youth size 10. 

  As of yesterday, December 8th, we had just over 6,000 orders received. So we still have lots of work to do for these kids! As we continue to work on logistics, email to get on the wait list, and hold on to your money for the time being! Please pass along this information to your friends and family if you think they might be interested!***
 

One of the kiddos at Nkosi's - photo by Vanessa.

  Obviously, their visit to Nkosi's lies smack dab in the middle of my basketball season here in France, so I will be unable to visit Nkosi's with the rest of the team. But I want to contribute in some way. And that's where I need your help! I need fundraising/supply collecting ideas, and I need to spread the word! Sure, I can write a check, and call it a day. But there are more ways to help than just opening up your pocketbook. There are supplies, clothes, shoes, etc...that need to be collected.

  If you are interested in helping, or have clothes/shoes/supplies that you are willing to donate, please let me know! OR, if you have a great IDEA for raising awareness, and spreading the word, feel free to share it with me. I'm terrible with coming up with ideas like that, so I hope to hear some suggestions from you all! Cash donations can be made directly, here: Donate to Nkosi's Haven

  If you are not comfortable donating to the children of Nkosi's, and feel a donation to a cause a little closer to home is more appropriate, I have great respect for that. In that case, Vanessa and team are also working with Sojourn Services for Battered Women and Children. Since 1977, Sojourn has provided battered women and their children a safe place to regroup, rebuild, and reestablish their lives. Cash donations can be made for Sojourn at: Donate to Sojourn

  OR, if neither of these options interest you there is ALWAYS a local organization in your community that could use a donation! It doesn't matter where things are donated, just that people in need are being helped!

Again, from a previous visit.

  No amount is too small, and no item is too trivial. It all adds up, and it all counts. All clothing items, shoes, slippers, art supplies, first aid supplies, vitamins, tooth paste, bed linens, toys, you name it, and we're collecting it! As we continue to work on logistics, if you are interesting in contributing, again, please contact me via Facebook, Twitter, or email!

  For me, it is extremely difficult to fathom the struggles that the mothers and children of Nkosi's and Sojourn go through daily. I can say I am lucky/blessed to have been born where I was born, and been given the opportunities at life that I have been given. We are so far removed from many of these things: HIV/AIDS, poverty, abuse, etc...but the reality is that these things are an everyday occurrence for a great deal of people around the world.

  Along with a great group of new friends, I'm hoping that this small effort, in turn, goes a long way and brings a little more light into these kids' lives.

LINKS:

Latest Update on The Nkosi/Gagoo Pajama Project

Nkosi's Haven

Sojourn Services for Battered Women and Children

gagoovmg@gmail.com  - Email for information about pajamas!!!

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The Days When the Shot Isn't Falling

CU vs. UNC - 2003 NCAA Tournament.

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  One thing I have always prided myself on as a basketball player is the ability to be a multi-dimensional player. Being one-dimensional just won't cut it. There are too many facets of the game to ONLY be good, or productive, at one of them. The players I respect and admire the most have ALWAYS been the players that can impact a game in more than one way.

  We all know that the part of the game that gets the most shine, the most publicity, is the ability to put the ball in the bucket. That's a no-brainer. Everyone wants their name in the headlines as the top scorer. But the reality is, what happens when that shot's not falling? No matter how much you practice, and how good a shooter you are, you WILL have those days! So when that game comes, do you find a way to contribute in other areas, or do you become an ineffective player?
  

2009 - Germany.

  For me, that game happened on Saturday versus Limoges. I got open shot after open shot, and didn't knock down nearly enough of them. Sure, it's frustrating! But you can get frustrated with yourself and quit playing, or you can dig down and play even harder. Grab rebounds, get some steals, create open shots for your teammates. The game doesn't end on the offensive side of the ball!

2009 - Germany.

  I think that is the process of maturing as a basketball player as well. You can't pout when you miss shots. I know I still become furious with myself for missing shots. But the difference between me now, and 5-10 years ago, is now I don't let it affect the rest of my game. I work even harder to positively impact the game in other ways.

  Actually, I think it's kind of fun. How you can literally dominate the game without necessarily scoring. No, I don't think it's fun when you can't hit the broadside of a barn. But what I mean, is it's fun to find other ways to be a dominant force.

2008 - Sweden.

  Think about your favorite player. What do they do on the court that draws your admiration? We all know Michael Jordan was an incredible scorer. But he also wasn't afraid to mix it up defensively, hit the boards, or find an open teammate for an easy bucket.

2007 - Poland.

  On the women's side, the same can be said for Tamika Catchings. She's been a player I have admired since I was in high school. She plays incredibly hard, and absolutely fills the stat sheet. That's something I've always tried to emulate.

  You can't be a one-dimensional player and make it very far in this game.

   My team had a great win versus Limoges on Saturday. Winning by 20-plus points, for our second blow-out win in a row at home. Even when I missed more shots than I thought I should, I managed to walk off the court happy with the way I played. Yeah, I felt I could have played better (but I always feel that way), and shot the ball better. But because I dug down I found other ways to contribute, I still was proud of the way I played.

  That's one of the things I love about basketball: there are so many ways to affect a game, or even one specific play. There is not one thing that makes you a player. It's the combination of all the things you can do, that makes you standout. There's always a way to make an impact on the court, you just have to find it.

Thanksgiving in Europe

Thanksgiving w/the Wildcats in Germany. What a feast! 2009.

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  Spending Thanksgiving in Europe is always a strange thing. It's really the only major holiday I spend overseas that is not celebrated by my European 'hosts'.

  You wake up Thursday morning, knowing it's a very special day at home, where friends and family put their lives on pause, only to go on with your normal day-to-day routine in Europe.

  I've never had a feeling of missing out, or sadness on Thanksgiving. But when you're not around family and friends, you realize exactly what makes the holidays important.

  Thanksgiving is just like any other day, when you're not able to spend it with your loved ones. It's probably the day I think about home the most: what my family's doing, where they are, when they're getting ready to sit down for that special meal. There's nothing like Thanksgiving dinner with your family: the atmosphere, the company, the togetherness, and of course the food.

  The one thing you can try to duplicate is the food. I try to 'celebrate' Thanksgiving in Europe with a special meal whenever I can. Some years I have succeeded more than others.

Checking the turkey - tough work in the kitchen!

Scrambled Eggs for Dinner 
  My first Thanksgiving in Europe nine years ago surely wasn't one to phone home about. I remember having scrambled eggs as my Thanksgiving dinner in Como. Pathetic, I know. I've since stepped up my Turkey Day cooking game.

  I don't necessarily celebrate the food aspect of Thanksgiving every year. It depends on the people around me too. If there are other Americans I know nearby, or if there's a group that's excited about celebrating the American holiday with me, I'm happy to cook and have a wonderful meal with them. You can't exactly cook a turkey dinner for yourself (or I guess you can, but that's not something I would look forward to).

  To me, Thanksgiving is just as much about the people you are with as it is about the the food you are enjoying. 

Find Other Americans!

2 Germans, a Swede, and an American enjoying T'giving together!

  In years past, I've gone to an American-owned restaurant in Milano for some turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. I've gone to an American's home with other teammates for a Thanksgiving dinner in Poland. There have been years when I don't do anything in particular too. Sometimes my schedule doesn't allow it, and sometimes there's no one else in town that share my excitement for stuffing themselves with tasty food.

My First Real Turkey Day Abroad
  The first time I cooked a full-fledged Thanksgiving dinner was when I was in Germany in 2009. We had a large group of Americans in Wolfenbüttel, so we wanted to do something special. My roommate, Steph, and I decided we would cook for everyone, our German teammates included. All in all, we had at least 13 people.

We had so much food, there was no where to actually EAT! - 2009

  Once our morning practice was over, we went home and spent the rest of the day in the kitchen. I had to use our other teammate, Jeza's oven because our stove wasn't big enough to handle all the food. It was stressful, and a ton of work, but it was also a great time. I loved how everyone enjoyed the food we worked so hard on, and it was one of my most-memorable Thanksgivings ever.

2012 Edition
  This year, I celebrated Thanksgiving with my friends V and Bruno here in Dunkerque. V and I went to college together at Colorado. She hadn't enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner since moving back home to France nine years ago. And Bruno had his first Thanksgiving ever. So I was excited to cook for them, and enjoy their company.

  Our dinner Wednesday night (couldn't fit it in on Thursday because I had practice!) consisted of turkey, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and dressing. Not a huge Thanksgiving spread, but it did the trick!

Thanksgiving 2011 with V & Bruno in France.

  I've decided it's not Thanksgiving unless it's a little stressful. At some point during the day, I always have a little panic attack that we won't have any food to eat.

  In Europe, it's always difficult to find all of the ingredients you need at the store. Another issue is getting everything cooked in time using a kitchen/oven that is a little undersized (by American standards, anyway). But everything has always turned out great, I've just had to get a little creative at times!

Connect With Family
  Thanksgiving night this year was relatively the same for me as it would have been if I were home in Oregon. Thanks to the internet, that is. I got to talk to and see my family (some of them anyway) via Skype. And of course I watched a little football. That's the beauty of the internet: it's ability to make the world much smaller than it actually is.

Great company to go along with great food!

  Whether I celebrate with a turkey dinner or not, Thanksgiving is always the perfect time to really think about the things you are grateful for! The good health of family and friends is always at the top of my list. And also how lucky I am to have each of them (you!) in my life. And of course, I am so thankful to be able to continue to play basketball for a living, and have all the wonderful experiences I'm blessed with everyday.

  I try not to take any of it for granted.

  I hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving! Now let the madness of the Holiday season begin!

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An Afternoon in Bruges

V and I on the boat tour!

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  Two Sundays ago, my friend V and I ventured 70 kilometers east to the Belgian city of Bruges. I thought I had previously been there years earlier, but was mistaken.

  This was going to be my first visit to one of the 'Venices of the North', as it is commonly referred to, and I was excited.

  For me, it's always great to get out and have a change of scenery. It's easy to get stuck in the day-to-day routine of: practice, practice, practice, practice, game; that you forget to enjoy where you are, and see the different sights and cities that are nearby. So going to Bruges was an opportunity to do just that!

  We left a beautiful, sunny day in Dunkerque, so we were hopeful that we would also have nice weather in Bruges. But as we approached the city, a heavy layer of fog hung over us. It was going to be a cold, dreary day! But we weren't about to let that hold us back. We would just need a few more stops for some hot chocolate and coffee, that's all!

City Center.

  Usually this is all I do when I go to a new city for the first time: walk, eat, walk some more, then eat some more. And this trip was really no different.

  By the time we got to Bruges, found a place to park, and walked to the city center, it was time for some lunch! We kept our eyes peeled for a cute little 'tea room'. Someplace we could have a nice, inexpensive lunch, along with some coffee.

  After winding through much of the city, we finally found our spot -- Mamma & Co! I had an awesome focaccia, and a quiche with spinach, ham, and cheese. I had to save a little room for dessert because as you might know, Belgian chocolate is some of the best in the world.

'The Venice of the North'

   The Bruges city center still has much of it's medieval architecture in tact, along with the city wall that surrounds the historical center.

  As of 2000, the city center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I've said it many times before, but my favorite thing to do it just walk through places like this. I'm not necessarily a museum-goer, so I like to enjoy city on foot, and take in the vibe from the people and the buildings.

  We did decide to do one touristy thing while we were in Bruges, we went on a boat tour! With all those canals, how could we not! The great thing about the boat tour was that is was a way to see a lot of the city, and also get a little bit of information about its history (if we listened close enough to our guide). I took a short video along the way, and was careful not to drop my phone in the water (though that was a tough task, given how cold my hands got)! Enjoy:

  One thing you immediately notice about Bruges is the number of chocolateries you find in the city. They're more common than Starbucks in Seattle. Walking past the shops with their open doors, you just had to close your eyes and smell.

  The aroma coming from each chocolate shop was incredible. I wish there was a way to record the scent so you all could experience it. I tried two different truffles (one mocha and one coconut flavored), and they were both amazing. They melted in your mouth. Definitely the best tasting chocolate I've ever had.

You should smell the chocolatey goodness!

The most-amazing truffles ever!

   Another thing Bruges (and Belgium) is known for is their beer. Sadly (for you beer drinkers of the world), I don't enjoy the taste of beer. So you can't rely on me to be your Belgian beer critic (chocolates, yes; coffee, yes; candy, yes, beer, no!).

The wall of beer.

  One last bit of information about Bruges, is that the Friet Museum is located there as well. That's right, the french fry museum! You see, french fries did not originate in France, but in Belgium! So to get the whole story about how fries came to be, you can check out the Friet Museum in Bruges.

Grote Markt.

  The day in Bruges was a great one. Wonderful food, coffee, chocolate, sights, and company. It was a much-needed break for me from my day-to-day routine in Dunkerque. And what an awesome way for me to re-charge the batteries. I can say I'm pretty lucky to have that as an option!

  Hopefully that trip to Bruges was not my last. I definitely hope to go back in the Spring when the weather is clear. There were some things we simply couldn't see because of the fog. Only next time, we'll tour the city via Segway, or
horse and carriage.

  Anyone else been to Bruges? Tell me about your visit!
 

More pictures from Bruges...

Streets of Bruges.

Typical architecture of the north -- with the stair-step roof -- along with the year built.

Mmmm cupcakes.

Foccacia from Mamma & Co.

City Center with Belfort behind.