2012 Winners!
1st Prize - Trip for 2 to Germany:
Chris Deck, Kitchener, Ontario
2nd prize - $2,000 Via Rail Pass:
Donna Northey Schranz, Waterloo, Ontario
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Letter from 2011 Winner!
"Thanks once again for making this all happen. It was truly the trip of a lifetime, and one which neither of us will ever forget. -- Chris Dubsky and Caitlin Hudson
Our trip to Europe this past summer was phenomenal – we spent almost three weeks travelling around southern Germany, France, and the Czech Republic, using our five day Rail Europe pass. The weather was beautiful and sunny for the entire trip, and we could not have asked for a better time to travel.
Our trip started in southern Germany, where we explored the country from east to west, being graciously hosted by my relatives for most of the time. All of the towns and villages that we explored along the way were so beautiful and picturesque, we often felt like we were in a dream.
Some of our favourite places that we visited during our travels in Germany included Liechtenstein Castle (a castle built into a cliff, overlooking a beautiful valley) [pictured], Maulbronn Monastery (an eleventh-century Cistercian monastery, and a UNESCO heritage site), Hohenzollern Castle (the beautiful castle of the kings of Prussia, which is one of the most beautiful castles we have ever seen), Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, and the city of Ulm and their famous Münster. The Münster boasts the world’s tallest church spire, which you can climb – and climb all 763 steps we did!
During our stays in Ulm and Munich, we stayed in Maritim hotels, which we found very comfortable and accommodating, and especially enjoyed the delicious breakfast buffet that was served every morning.
Following our stay in Germany, we used our Rail Pass to travel on to the beautiful city of Prague, in the Czech Republic. We loved exploring the Old Town, and climbing the hill to visit Prague Tower and the Strahov Monastery. The local cuisine was fantastic, and we even tried fried cheese (a Czech specialty) for dinner one night. The Charles Bridge offered not only a beautiful view of the Old Town, but also a taste of local artists and vendors selling their wares along the bridge.
We continued our trip with a visit to Paris, France, which quickly became one of our favourite destinations during this trip. While in the city, we visited Sainte-Chapelle, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and strolled along the many romantic boulevards and streets that give Paris its iconic romantic atmosphere. We also dedicated one day taking in the masterpieces of the Louvre and strolling the Champs d’Elysees, and spent another day exploring the Palace of Versailles, located about forty minutes outside the downtown core of Paris.
Our visit to Versailles was wonderful; we first toured the interior of the palace (spending a lot of time in the Hall of Mirrors), and then moved outside to explore the sprawling estate, and the Grand and Petit Trianon, the private homes of Madame de Pompadour and Queen Marie Antoinette, respectively. Our time at Versailles was ultimately highlighted with a proposal and an engagement ring presented in a secluded area of the palace gardens, and a resounding answer of ‘YES’ shouted throughout the grounds!
Our sincerest thanks to Wolfgang at Goliger’s Travel Plus for helping us arrange and plan our trip, the German National Tourist Office for helping us arrange our hotel stays, Rail Europe and Maritim Hotels, for making our travels throughout Europe possible and very comfortable, and finally to Monica and the Christkindl market, without whom none of this would have happened in the first place. This was truly the trip of a lifetime, and we will never forget our time in Germany, France, and Czech Republic. We look forward to returning to Europe for our honeymoon!" WINNER: Chris Dubsky, Newmarket, Ontario
2011 Winners!
Trip for 2 to Germany, 5 Day Rail Europe Pass, and overnight in a Maritim Hotel
Herb Dubsky, Newmarket, Ontario
2nd prize
J. Braun, Kitchener, Ontario
Walper Terrace Hotel Overnight
Dawn Ruehle, Kitchener, Ontario
Sobey's Gift Basket Winners
Petra Jansa
Judy Lichti, Orangeville ON
Arlene Vogel, Rockwood, ON
2010 Winners!
Trip for 2 to Germany, 5 Day Rail Europe Pass, and overnight in a Maritim Hotel
Margaret McDonald, Kitchener Ontario
Miele Vacuum Cleaner
John Kramer, Cambridge, Ontario
Walper Terrace Hotel Overnight
Rick Slavik, Kitchener, Ontario
2009 Winners!
Trip for 2 to Germany, 5 Day Rail Europe Pass, and 4 Day Stay in Berlin
Marita Brozowsky, Etobicoke ON
Miele Vacuum Cleaner
Stan McDonnell, Whitby ON
Walper Terrace Hotel Overnight
Dieter Schnarre, Scarborough ON
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2008 Winners!
Stan Kamzol writes:
"This trip was first class from the moment we left Toronto. The arrangements at the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten in Hamburg were world class. The staff made our visit to Hamburg and to this very special hotel a once in a life time event. Hamburg was an exception surprise. The city is nestled amongst canals and featured many interesting sites."
"We found the people so very receptive. While the weather in late February-early March was a bit on the cool and damp side it did little to dampen our spirits. We visited all of the key sites and had ample time to enjoy several local restaurants!
Accompanied by our Rail Pass we moved on to Berlin and Potsdam to sample some of the recent renaissance of Germany's capital. What a blend of history and contemporary architecture! We enjoyed the Kurfurstendamm, visited the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate and embraced the solitude and reflection of the Kaiser-Wilhem Gedachtniskirche. Potsdam, with its history provides an intriguing look at historic royalty. While the weather interrupted our plans for Sanssouci we hope one day to return.
After a couple of days we were off to Dresden which remains one of my favourite destinations. Not only is Saxony geographically beautiful it is teaming with history and the allure of the Elbe. My wife was overwhelmed by the recovery of the Aldstadt and the Baroque architecture of the buildings especially the Zwinger Palace. No visit to Dresden can be complete however without a visit to the Frauenkirche. Absolutely incredible. We are so very fortunate to have seen the patience and commitment to recover this building to its pre war splendour. Dresden is certainly a classic city worthy of visiting and of promotion.
Our sincerest thanks again. We look forward to Christkindl Market 2009 to meet again with our friends and all the organizers of the Market and in promoting Germany as a most fabulous of destinations."
WINNER: Trip for 2 to Hamburg, Germany including Lufthansa return airfare (Toronto/Hamburg/Toronto) and overnight at Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, 3-day Hamburg Cards, plus 5-day Rail Europe pass
Stan Kamzol, Cambridge ON
Top Photo (L to R): Astrid Braun, President, Christkindl Market. WINNER Stan Kamzol, Cambridge ON, Monica Reid, Chair Marketing & Development
Bottom Photo: Tony Bergmeier, Founder , making the draw onstage at the Official Closing Ceremonies on Sunday December 7th at 4:30pm.
Miele "Upright Vacuum S7280 Mistral"
Tiara Phelan, Kitchener ON
Miele "Freestanding Dishwasher G1150 SC ss"
Angela Scheid, New Hamburg ON
2007 Winners
Trip for 2 to Duesseldorf, Germany
with Lufthansa and a 5-day Rail Europe pass
Sheena Brubacher, Kitchener ON
"The trip was amazing and I'd love to go back and spend some more time there once I am finished school. Photo is my mother and I on one of the main streets in Dusseldorf. Look at the really pretty fountain that they have running down the middle of the main shopping street." says Sheena.
(See photo >> right)
Miele "Jupiter" Vacuum Cleaner
Juanita Kuhl, Hillsdale ON
Miele "Jupiter" Dishwasher
Stephanie Niechcial, Windsor ON
Walper Terrace Hotel
Nancy Agnew Kessler, Waterloo ON
2006 Winners
Trip for 2 to Stuttgart Germany with Lufthansa and a 5-day Rail Europe pass
Shelly Olejnik, Harrietsville ON
2 Miele "Jupiter" Vacuum Cleaners
Model S5980, valued at about $1,493
Hilda Scheidt, Kitchener ON
Andrea Gross, Oakville ON
2005 Winners
Trip for 2 to Germany with Lufthansa and a 5-day Rail Europe pass
Ruth-Ann Boos (photo right, checking in at Lufthansa) ON
2 Miele Red Velvet Vacuum Cleaners
Carl Gefger, Hamilton ON
Bertha Wilzel, St. Jacobs ON
2004 Winners
Miele Dishwasher
Brigitte Rebeh, Stoney Creek ON
Miele Vacuum Cleaner
Irene Balz, Midland ON