Instead of too many words, I send you an invitation to join my stroll through the new "Harbour City" in Hamburg.There are still many old buildings from the times of the Free Port, but also new modern architecture now adds to the silhouette.
Some very old cellar restaurants have signs, saying, this was first run by Benno of Bremen, who owned large areas here in 1470.
These dogs are not as old, but I liked their haughty look.
See what I mean - old and new.And now is the time of the Weihnachtsmärkte, with caroussels and music and Lebkuchen and Marzipan. And happy children.
Hey guys, what are YOU doing here again?Haha, on the Reeperbahn in St.Pauli they have what are called Koberer, men who try to escort you into their establishments... (telling you this is the nicest strip bar of all), for the sailors who seek distraction. But no thanks, we don`t feel like coming in now.
In the afternoon we are expected for tea and biscuits and a candle at a friend`s house. This is an Adventskranz, have you got that too?It is part of German Christmas decoration, it smells so good of fir in the house.
But we are still walking on and look at the old trading stores, where the flat ships used to land and unload their goods, coffee sacks and carpets and pepper and spices.
These canals, called Fleete, give an easy access to the stores. Now they are mostly offices, but some are beautiful museums and keep history alive. The trading is still done, only with container ships and on bigger scales nowadays.I love these old brick houses and their green copper roofs, though.
You can book a boat tour through the harbour and will get told of former days.
Hamburg has been a trading place ever since it was founded around the year 800.
Still up to these days, young people who grow up here, love to travel. My cousin`s father left for Argentina in 1910. My brother and his best friend emigrated to South Africa. Me, I spent a year in Pennsylvania when I was 16. It`s in our blood to want to see the world.
I do hope that our connections to the British Isles will not be disrupted by the latest turbulences. Trading and talking together is what connects people.Have a happy Adventstime, you all!
Love from
Angela
12 Kommentare:
This is so interesting, Geli. I loved walking with a German but English speaking "guide"!! You explain in a very easy way for me to understand, oh, how I love history! Thank you for sharing your precious moments with us.
Happy Holidays !
I love these photos of your city. I grew up in a port city, too. And most of my life as an adult has been spent in different ones around the U.S. I wonder if that influences our desire to see the world. Hamburg is lovely. Maybe one day. We have Advent Wreaths here, too. Happy Christmas!
Hamburg looks quite beautiful and tough. Worth a visit, that's for sure. Thanks for being my tour operator! Love.
Wie sacht man doch: Hamburch iss dat Toor zur Welt, oaber in Brehm hebt wie den Schloetel." 3 cheers for Benno! ;)
Lovely images - the haughty dogs are my favourite!
i have never been to hamburg and i always love the fact that i can take a tour through your eyes. what a lovely place, and so nicely decorated for christmas. and those canals are huge!
i agree ~ trading and talking together is what connects people. we need more of that in our world ~ we can wish for it in 2012!
I love that photo of the old building that looks more fairy castle to me than industrial heritage. It is lovely as the old ports disappear that the buildings are renovated so we can still get a glimpse of what used to be.Liverpool and London have done good things with their old docks. Oh and this is one Brit who always puts friendship way above politics!
So much wonderful history. Over here in my city they care not for historical or award winning architecture. And thanks for visiting me.
Dear Mina, I would love to be your tour guide! And you can teach me Portuguese! Right near the harbour there is a Portuguese living quarter with lovely cafés. You could order our food!
Carol, what port city? Yes, I`m sure all the Hamburg people have an itchy foot. How can such a trading, world open atmosphere NOT influence you?
A Pastor from Hamburg invented the advent`s wreath, did you know? Johann Hinrich Wiechern.
Martijn, yes, go see the world. Take a boat and start travelling. You have the opportunity now.
Heiko, it is so hilarious that you from Italy write to me in Low German dialect! Three cheers back!
Kitty, how funny, I just learned that you are also Shiny`s friend! What a very small world. Yes, those dogs really caught my eye, too!
Amanda, what I like about Bloggers everywhere is, that they DO connect. They sit down to write about their world, and they comment, and answer, and take up friendships with like-minded people on different continents (like you and me). Isn`t that just GREAT?
Mandy Fire Byrd, you certainly are ONE! Let those politicians argue and try to misunderstand each other, we keep up our chatting together! I`m thinking of you on Christmas!
Ellen, I visited you because of Reya! You always write so nice comments, so I thought, WHO is Ellen? Am delighted to meet you. Thanks for coming back.
hi geli! i'm late but running to catch up, wait for me!
i'll write you an email in the morning, since we just got home from the mountains and i'm so sleepy.
love this tour of hamburg, someday, you know, i will see it for myself!
Hamburg is such a wonderful city, I wish I could spend some time there. If I do, will you show me round?
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