Friday, December 28, 2018

Visiting Hamburg

Hamburg is approximately 2 hours north of Berlin by train.  It is Germany's second largest city and largest port and sits on the Elbe River and two of its tributaries, the Alster River and the Bille River. The skyline is a mix of new and old - stylish and industrial.  There is the super modern brand new symphony hall (that looks like a giant wave on the river, and the stunning city hall, and then the real working port, with shipping docks, ships, container cranes and an extraordinary assortment of modern and neoclassical structures.  We spent two days walking the city streets, marveling at the architecture, stumbling upon Christmas markets (still open for a few more days!) stepping into endless rows of shops, and eating at cozy restaurants.  Although it was grey and misty, our spirits were high as we explored this fascinating city in Germany's north.  
































Press play on the video below for a short view of us on the streets and waters of Hamburg.  Soundtrack provided by Eddy (Corelli's La Folia)


Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Christmas in Berlin


Over the past several weeks, we have been enjoying everything that Germany has to offer during the Christmas season.  The German festive season starts in early December with Advent celebrations.  From this time until Christmas Eve, many cities and towns hold Christmas markets where all sorts of Christmas goodies are sold. In Berlin, markets are held in the city's many plazas and squares and each has its own decorated tree. Stalls sell traditional German delicacies such as gluhwein (hot mulled wine), hot and sticky sweet roasted walnuts, lebkuchen hearts (gingerbread hearts) and other Christmas sweets as well as typical Christmas decorations.  The following photos highlight our Christmas Market experiences.  Towards the end are photos of our decorated house and us at Berlin's largest cathedral on Christmas Eve. 
























 
 







 Press play on the video below to hear the massive organ of Berlin's giant cathedral.