FOCUS - DECEMBER 2017 63 Frankfurt am Main is the European hub for Lufthansa Airlines and also a major transfer point for Air Canada. For that reason, I have been to this central German city numerous times. Recently however, I decided to do a two-day lay- over and explore what I had previously only seen at the airport. Most international travellers simply refer to the city as Frankfurt; however, to locals, it is Frankfurt am Main. The reason for the additional text is there is another city, named Frankfurt am Oder. The smaller city is located on the Oder River, whereas the Frankfurt we always think of is located on the 550km long Main River, a tributary off the Rhine. (If you’re confused just remember you are going to the ‘Main’ city). Frankfurt is one of Europe’s oldest cities and has a population of 750,000, making it the fifth largest city in Germany. If you include the surrounding area the population climbs to 2.3 million. The city prides itself on being a global hub for commerce, culture, education, tourism and transportation. Although I expected a more ‘rustic’ German city, with small, white houses, men dressed in lederhosen and women carrying fruit in baskets, singing every- where, I was not at all disappointed. The main business section is like many other cities, albeit quite modern. The tall glass buildings lined along the River Main, are a sign of the prosperity Ger- many has enjoyed since World War II. The old town square is still my fa- vourite place to visit in the entire city. It takes you back to that ‘Bavarian’ feel complete with wooden balconies, intricate facades and many quaint and unique shops. The actual name of the square is Romerberg, which translated means Roman Mountain. This area has been the seat of Frankfurt’s administra- tion since the 1400’s. The square has been the location of many coronations, public events and of course, one of Germany’s most spec- tacular Christmas markets. Germany, particularly Frankfurt, is in my opinion, the place to travel during the Christmas season. Walking around, all bundled up while you munch on a bratwurst, drink some mulled wine and stuff yourself with marzipan treats, will make this an unforgettable experience. After strolling around the 200 plus ornately decorated stalls of the market and eating those frankfurters, you can enjoy a cruise on the River Main while you partake of some typical Frankfurt biscuits. For just over $100 per person you can enjoy the Frankfurt Christmas package, which includes an overnight stay (with breakfast) at one of many ho- tels, a Frankfurt Card so you can travel anywhere for free, a Christmas market voucher booklet, a cruise on the river, and a free skating session on Frank- furt’s largest skating rink. Frankfurt has some old-fashioned meals, usually reserved for the Christ- mas season. Products like “Beth- männchen”, a delicate almond and BY JONATHAN VAN BILSEN The old town square in Frankfurt, preparing to set up the Christmas market. “I HAD A FRANKFURTER IN FRANKFURT” Stadt FrankFurt am main ...................... Please turn to page 64