Hamburg, Germany!

I arrived on a Friday afternoon to great weather. I think I bring good weather with me. Every city has had great weather (only exception is 1 cold day in Vienna) while I was visiting with the bad weather either leaving just a few days before or returning once I had moved on. I met Susana, a native German friend who worked a summer in San Antonio a few years ago and who I’ve kept in touch with over the years, at a metro stop halfway between the airport and her apt. Its a good thing we met halfway because I realized later that I had misinterpreted her directions and woiuld have done the most roundabout route to get to her house.

After dinner, 1) we went for a walk through Bergedorf and visited her university. 2) On the way there I noticed these huge inflated plastic balls on the pond. Susana said people go inside them and walk on the water. I wasn’t quite in the mood but I really liked the idea of playing on the water like a bubble girl.

3) We passed a carnival/mini festival on a side street a few minutes after I had just finished asking why Europeans love marzipan. I only know it as an icing sheet used by bakers to make fancy cakes but I had heard it doesn’t taste that great which is why I was surprised to see marzipan crossaints, etc, etc. Susana bought some almonds coated marzipan so I could begin to understand why they like it. Verdict: its good and even better on warm almonds

4) Bergedorf has its own unique sense of style according to Susana. She pointed out these guys in highlighter clothes to me that for some reason are popular only in Bergedorf in bright yellow and in bright pink.

5) The following day we did some sightseeing.

Susana goes to university in Bergedorf but grew up in another city so she actually wanted to join me on my sightseeing adventures. We went to the Radhus first. Well, technically, we went to Vera Mode first because I was out of clean clothes and getting seriously tired of wearing the same outfits. Plus, we had plans to go out that night and I needed a more low key shirt to go with my bright red skirt. My one loose white shirt purchase has been a great addition. Anyways, we checked out the Radhus first because Bryce said it was one of his favorite buildings when he visited Hamburg.

6) Saint Nikolai Memorial

This was the 2nd place that Bryce recommended and a site suggested by tripadviser.com. An elevator ticket up the tower, the highest in Hamburg, also gives you admission to the museum in the former crypt of this former church. The tower, part of the apse, and the main side doors were the only remaining full parts of the church. This was one of my favorite sights. I couldn’t help but think of Iraq and the city landscape there now post-bombings. :/

7) A description

8) Susana up at the top. It was difficult to photograph both her and the buildings behind her. oh well, we tried

9) Susana and her friends host BBQs at each other’s places as their way of hanging out so I joined her for their Saturday BBQ. I had the most amazing steak and it was so good to give in to my craving of bratwursts that had begun forming as soon as I landed. I also tried grilled banana for the first time. I probably won’t use a good banana for grilling but maybe an overripe one. After cleaning up, the girls changed, the guys freshened up and we headed to the Reeperbahn which is just a long street of clubs and bars. (And the seemingly rando guy in background was the BBQ host)

10) My name in lights again!