May 2008

Hamburg Hafen (Hamburg Harbour) - 1st May 2008

'Me-time' includes days at the park, beach, harbour or fair; on a ferry on the Elbe; rollerblading on the Rollschuhbahn or simply taking a stroll down the infamous Reeperbahn. In contrast to the weather that we Hamburgers had to endure during March, where temperatures plummeted to -7°c, April and May's weather has been superb. Temperatures are ideal and the sun frequently wears his hat. The harbour (with its fascinating container terminals) actually looks rather pleasant; the public parks and gardens are blooming; the beaches are becoming populated and the Fischmarkt now opens at 5am!

The Planetarium building in Hamburg's Stadtpark - 27th April 2008

Summer Has Returned

Hopefully, without jinxing it for everyone and causing a repeat of last year's washout summer, I can announce that the summer begins here. Spending weekends how I like, not worrying about university work, relaxing on the beach or in the park with a BBQ is how I intend to spend the remaining four months in Hamburg. Without a holiday booked this year, I'm going to make the most of the opportunities I have here.

A free fountain, light and music concert in Planten und Blomen gardens - 1st May 2008

One of the good things about living in a city is the diverse cultural events on offer. The above pictured fountain, light and music "concert", which takes place every evening in Hamburg's city-centre park - Planten und Blomen - was, although completely free, a delight. The beautiful coordination of the fountain mist as it was illuminated in the most wonderful variety of colours was a perfect ending to what had been a fantastic may bank holiday. The timing and precision of such shows I admire; they add that extra element to the music that is often, otherwise, unobtainable.

Hamburg's Fischmarkt

So... after living here for a couple of months, I finally made it to the famous Fischmarkt which begins at 5am in the morning. At this hour on a Sunday, nobody is awake, unless they have been on an all-night jolly down the Reeperbahn. I was no exception. A fish buttie was just what was needed at 5:30am last Sunday morning, after a little too much Weizenbier. Nevertheless, I must say I was disappointed at the variety of products on offer; it was not just fish! (How dare they?!) Despite my salmon fish buttie being very delicious indeed, I wasn't prepared to buy jeans, nor a pet chicken!

Hamburg's famous Fischmarkt - 27th April 2008

Nonetheless, it is well worth a visit, especially in the wee-hours. It's rather beautiful by the sea and there are some bargains to be had. Pity about the lack of fish...

Hamburg's Beaches

The beach at Neumühlen, Hamburg - 1st May 2008

Germany is not exactly famous as a holiday destination, unless of course it is the bachelor's final fling of freedom on his stag night, or a drunken weekend in München's Hofbrauhaus. Nevertheless, Hamburg has a nice array of beaches along the river Elbe, which runs straight into the heart of the city. A couple of days have been spent whiling away the hours with a couple of lime beers and (one of these days) a nice BBQ in the sun and on the sand of these wonderful hideaways. Here I was thinking that Hamburg was going to be all office-work and article writing(!)

Without sounding too much like I'm a journalist for the Hamburg tourist board, I genuinely have fell in love with the city. The efficiency of the transport, the culture of music, theatre, opera, interesting scenery around me and indisputably lovely places to sit and have lunch are amazing - I think I'm going to enjoy every last minute in Hamburg. I may as well have a holiday this year, as next year will be the tough one - the final year of my degree!

Quote: "Typos are very important to all written form. It gives the reader something to look for so they aren't distracted by the total lack of content in your writing." - Randy K. Milholland

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