Hamburg – a surprise package (13/9/2024)

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof

After a day’s rest in Frankfurt it was time to travel again. 

We had booked an Uber to take us to the station as the trams were not running that day and the new two days.  The driver arrived really early – before we were ready but he was happy to wait.  Once we got into the car he took off in the wrong direction and had to turn around. At the same time I realised I didn’t have my phone and needed to return to the apartment to retrieve it. Fortunately our host was in residence so we turned around, nearly taking out a couple of cyclists and being tooted at by other motorists.  It was almost comedic.  I raced up to the apartment and was handed my phone by our host.  Meanwhile, the driver had turned the car around but as he took off he managed to hit a piece of raised metal making an awful crunching sound and causing damage to the panel under the doors.  He muttered something in German that neither of us understood but the intent was clear. Understandably he was not happy, and it was not a good to the day for him. 

When we got to the train station, we found that our train had been substituted and there was a huge rush of people to another platform.  In all the haste, Bev and I lost each other fortunately to be reunited just before it was time to depart. With the change of trains we lost our reserved seats.  Fortunately, a man offered his seat so that the two of us could sit together.  It was another example of the kindness of strangers. 

It was a fascinating trip through the German countryside.  It is currently very lush and we went through a landscape of rolling hills often covered with forest, and wisps of mist through the valleys.  It was rather pretty.  The broadleaf trees are so different to ours.  I was surprised that much of the country was covered in trees, or at least along our route. 

The train we went on was an Intercity Express (ICE) and it was fast but not as fast as the TGV or the Shinkansen.  It was however very comfortable.

One of our experiences so far of German railways is that escalators often don’t work.  Not very convenient when you have a big bag.  Lifts are a rarity although the Hamburg Metro had them. 

We arrived in Hamburg on time and eventually found our way to the correct train to take us to our accommodation.  The signage was not very helpful and not speaking German didn’t help. 

We asked the receptionist at the hotel the best way to get to the harbour.  He told us to take the metro (U-bahn) as that is the quickest and easiest way to get around. Our ride confirmed that.

We knew the stop that we needed to go to but we managed to take the long way there.  It was however lovely going through the inner suburbs of Hamburg (pop. 1.9m) made up of medium density housing, mostly apartments , set in a very pleasant green environment. 

Apparently, the waterfront of Hamburg has become their top tourist destination.  I had read about the Elbesinfonia (a concert hall completed in 2017) that sits on a pier jutting into the Elbe.  It a rather striking building that interestingly from the outside belies its internal dimensions,  mostly because it is a very tall building. 

The Elbesinfonia
We obtained an entry pass and then climbed onto the escalator that was spectacular, curving up to an area at the top of  the building.  The views over the Elbe and toward the city were very good.  There were lots of visitors there and  we had a number of people approach us offering to take a photo.

It was such a nice place to just sit and contemplate we decided to have a drink to celebrate our arrival in Europe (again). 

The curving escalator - the camera doesn't do it justice

The sun was starting to make its descent over the horizon and it was time to find some food.

We trudged out way toward the Rathaus (Town Hall). It was  interesting walking as there were canals that made their way into the housing areas.  A few turns and many steps later we came across  some restaurants. After checking several places we settled on a little German style café that was warm and intimate.  The food was Ok and relatively expensive compared to what we paid when we were last in Europe but it was a pleasant evening. 

It was quite dark when we left to go back to our hotel but before we headed back, we saw the Rathaus all lit up.  It was quite a memorable sight. 

Canal into the heart of the city

 

We liked Hamburg and I think I would have liked to stay there for another night to do a bit more exploring.  Nonetheless the taste we had was very satisfying. 

 


On the waterfront

Persian carpet in stone

Another view of the Elebesinfonia

Rathaus at night

Two lovers who could not help themselves

Apartment complexes done well

Looking south east along the Elbe



Local Historic Police Station



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