Hamburg

Had a slow start today, got up and had breakfast at Nesse before heading to Hamburg.  Of course we took the scenic route which took 4 hours to cover 130 kilometres and we are convinced Germany is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Drove through tunnels of green trees, trees losing their autumn leaves, trees of forests,  through paddocks of crops, deer in fields and those typical German villages with neat houses in picturesque streets.  Perfect drive.  Arrived in Hamburg about lunch time and drove into the city and walked down to the harbour.  Some big black clouds around and frosty cold but no rain to spoil the show.  I got the scarf out and Pam wore her gloves tonight.  Ended up on the Reeperbahn which is the red light district of Hamburg, had tea and a couple of drinks then walked the length of the Reeperbahn.   Slow night being a Monday but very colourful all the same. 

Luke got the map out when we were ready to walk back into the city, took a short cut down a darken street.  There were strange noises coming from strange windows and strange people coming from strange doors.  The lights were non-existent and broken glass crunched under foot.  Darkened doorways hid quietly speaking men who looked and looked as we walked past.  Eyes down and keep walking was the rule, just lets get out of here.  Finally got back to a lightened street – even if the lights were red.  Luke knew better after that and stuck to the main thoroughfares and we made it home without further frights.  Had a quiet drink while sorting out a few photos and got to bed about 10.30.  Ready for a trip back to Munster tomorrow.

Now that it's cold Pam has stopped wearing her sandals - she has a bad case of 'sandal tan'. We have photos!!!!

Carolin and Luke outside her Nesse house.

The Nesse house where Carolins family live.

Typical country drive.

All set for the cold - scarf and all.

Binnenalster in Hamburg, a lake off the rivers system and controlled by locks so the tide doesn't affect it.

Looking towrds the city.

Swans on the canal.

Little like Venice in places - just bigger tides.

Pam looking into the sun.

Canal - snow clouds above I think.

Neat, tidy and so beautiful.

Town Hall with fountain out the front.

Luke and Carolin at the Town Hall.

Views of the Reeperbahn - red light district.

The Italian fashion for this year - sandal tan......