Vacation: Hamburg style

This past week, we enjoyed a week off from classes for our fall break! In the weeks prior, I had listened to other students make extensive travels plans around Europe. Despite having considered a visit to Belgium, the idea living out of a suitcase sounded simply exhausting. (Am I an old woman or what?) Instead, I arranged a stay with the Fischers in Hamburg, Germnay for 5 days! Inka, the youngest Fischer, spent a year with my parents in 2005/2006. Her parents visited us at the end of her stay and assured me that if I were ever in Europe again, I would be welcome at their place. I was looking forwad to a change of pace, spending some time catching up with Inka, and seeing some folks who know a little bit about my life back home!

After a 6.5 hour train and enduring the shock of switching into an unknown language, the Fischers gave me a warm welcome to their beautiful home in small town neighboring Hamburg. I was thrilled to be in a family again, to have a dog again and to have internet again! Hurrah! The next few days were filled by visiting Hamburg (a panoramic view from a famous church steeple, the fishmarket, lunch on the water, windowshopping) and Berlin (the big sights and a delicous lunch), cruising around the village and relaxing at the house. Below are some sights of Hamburg and Berlin.








After a lazy Friday morning and tea and cake with Inka's parents by the fireside, we drove into Hamburg to hear an orchestra and piano concert in a stunning, white and gold concert hall. The pianist was marvelous and only 19 years old! Inka's older brother, Arne, came in town from his university to see the concert and spend a weekend at home. We all stayed up late talking around a bottle of wine and watching silly British comedians on YouTube. :)

Saturday included a visit to historic Lübeck. I loved all of the impressive, brick buildings, the endless churches and the cobblestone streets. We visited the town hall, a craft market in a former hospital, had tea and cake at a well-known marzipan shop, attended a vespers service and ate a delicious fish dinner in a several-century-old restaurant. This lovely day finished off with another bottle of wine, accompanied by good conversation and some Jack Johnson - just the way I like it. Below you see Lübeck's town hall as well as Arne and I.



Sunday morning was my last taste of a German breakfast. After lingering around the table for a while, Inka and I took advantage of the sunny (finally!) weather by going for a drive around the picture-perfect villages in the area. We also stopped by the harbor where they welcome large ships by broadcasting their national anthem for everyone to hear! Below is the harbor, Inka posing as a hot-rod babe after an excellent demonstration of parallel parking, me eating a cookie called "an American", fall colors, and a "no-pooping-in-the-sandbox" sign!






After a delicous Sunday lunch, the Fischers rushed Arne and me to the station. We arrived just in time to run (literally) to the train and be seated before pulling away from the platform! I am so thankful to have such kind and welcoming friends and I look forward to the next time we can see each other again. What a wonderful way to spend my vacation!