This weekend Nick & I decided to stay in Hamburg and do some exploring. Nick had taken a free walking tour in Berlin and really enjoyed it so we decided to do the same in Hamburg. I'm so glad we took the opportunity! We started close to the Rathaus (government building & first picture below) where we learned about the history of Hamburg and how it got its name, why there are so many geese around, and why there are so many churches. We went on to 3 of the 5 major churches, to the place where the great fire of 1842 started [and destroyed most of the city], and to the new "hip" part of town that has caused a lot of controversy. I can definitely say I've learned a lot about Hamburg in just a few short days. It is crazy to think that over 80% of the city was destroyed in the bombings during WWII. [if you're curious about the geese: the city passed some law where no one could mess with the geese or even insult them... they've been around for a millennium]. I've included a bunch of pictures below that I took around town on Saturday - I cannot wait to explore even more of the city!
where couples used to do their marriage vows so naturally nick & i took a picture :)
where the fire of 1842 started that destroyed much of Hamburg
One of the ex-pats here that Nick and I have gotten to know is moving away from Germany so he had a going away party on Saturday afternoon/evening. We played lasertag (hello 11-year old self) and Nick dominated (shockingly). We played England (there were four British lads & lasses we were with) vs. the world (3 Americans & an Irish). The World dominated three games in a row... safe to say we are still dominating. After we finished our intense games...we went to Jungfernstieg and had a nice cold drink while sitting at the lake. It's really beautiful, except for the 5 gentleman that kept trying to collect our bottles for money; therefore, completely ruining the moment. After all the day's activities {we walked 12 miles} my legs were pretty sore but we persevered and met back up with everyone later that night to celebrate Alex's last night. It was a lot of fun [picture of the whole group below!!]
Yesterday, Nick and I had a very chill day. We spent several hours skyping / face timing our families and wishing Happy Father's Days. It was great to be able to speak with both my family and his. Nick then took me to his favorite burrito place. It ain't no Tex-Mex from America, that's for sure, but while we are here it will just have to do! We spent the rest of the day planning our next two weekends - it is pretty insane how long it takes just to plan a 2.5 day trip!
Well that's that folks. Nick and I are headed to Cologne {Germany} this weekend then Krakow for July 4th weekend... because it totally makes sense to celebrate a US holiday in Poland [in other news about the US I'll leave you guys with this awesome napkin from a local diner called "Doris Diner" - and they have onion rings + you can actually eat your burger with your hands!!] Before the next few weekends though we are hosting one of our good pals Max for a few days. I'm about to head to the train station to pick him up now! Until next time.... xo
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