HAMBURG 10th MAY 2014

I found myself in Hamburg during the weekend of the 10th and 11th May 2014. Unbeknown to me it was the 825th anniversary of the Port. There was an amazing spectacle on the river. All kinds of ships and yachts. From cruise ships to tall ships all dressed up with flags and regalia. Along the riverside were stalls selling beer and pretzels. There were bands dotted around playing various genres of music. I stopped to listen to the "Seemanns Choir" a jolly group all dressed in white trousers, blue and white stripey shirts and red neckerchiefs. At 10.30pm there was a fantastic firework show with lights and music near to the cruise ship AIDA.

I found being a tourist a bit tricky in Hamburg. I have basic German.. very basic. I realise that the Germans are super efficient and organised. However, at the train stations it is only possible to purchase tickets from machines. I did not see any staff at the underground all weekend apart from the stations near to the river to direct the crowds. There are no barriers which is quite good as it does stop the queues. There are underground maps but sometimes one just needs to ask someone the way and to feel reassured. If I hadn't been with a friend I would still be going round in circles on the Underground.

I used a bike to cycle to the city centre. Quite a few cities have this facility and it is a great idea. I was informed that it is not possible to hire the bikes as a Tourist! One has to register as a resident so they can only be used by residents. I would have thought that was a shame for we tourists who get fed up with walking sometimes.I was glad my friend was a resident!  Having the bike meant we could whizz into Hamburg centre. Well......I didn't exactly whizz more like pant behind my friend who was a good 15 metres in front of me...

I felt there was a veil of silence over the city...everywhere seemed so quiet. The opposite to London when there is the constant sound of carhorns.

We went to see the Lion King. We took the boat across the river. We decided to wait until last minute to purchase a ticket. I did laugh to myself quietly as the Brit and the Spaniard watched the whole show....in German! Anyway as my Spanish friend said "let's go for the spectacle."

I enjoyed having a free hour alone on Monday morning to rush around the supermarket and fill my small suitcase with salami and chocolates. I nearly passed out when the airline said that my handbag had to go in the suitcase which was already bulging.! I really don't know how I did it and it was another moment when I wish I could afford to travel First Class. Please bring back the Stewardesses with the white gloves serving chilled glasses of champagne.

Proust!