Moin moin,

Hamburg, my colorful pearl is a seafarer’s town in Germany’s north. It always had a tale to tell. The second biggest inland port in Europe continuously attracted people from across the globe. That’s part of Hamburg’s charm. The old town by the river Elbe was the center of attention back then.

Huge storage halls in the ‘Speicherstadt’ were filled with spices, coffee beans, and who knows what else.

These are still easily accessible by boat throughout countless canals and bridges.

Hamburg has more bridges than Venice.

Containers and cranes relocated the port to the southern edges of the river.

Two rivers and many parks opt for a day in the green within city boundaries.

Prost to that.

It’s where rich meets poor to watch FC. St. Pauli battle in the second Bundesliga. The Hamburger Derby against arch-rivals Hamburger SV is always a sell-out.

I haven’t met anyone who didn’t enjoy their stay here in Hamburg.

I always look forward to revisiting family and friends of old and new.

I grew up here and I had a fabulous upbringing. I wouldn’t want to change that for anything. My roots are here, only my leafs left and right with the wind.

Amen to that.

It’s been six years since my last visit, I was as excited as I was apprehensive. There’s a strange vibe in the air.

I can see and feel the uncertainty in the way people behave and look.

More and more homeless camps are on street, these are tough times. The few times I did venture to the city center were ‘interesting’. I spent more money on toilet fees and handed them out to people in need than I spent on a cuppa coffee and a ‘franzbrötchen’ (cinnamon croissant) for breakfast.

People are much more suspicious and afraid of by-passers, which is frustrating me. I just want to say ‘G’day, howzit going’? That’s all. That’s the Hamburg I remember. 

The Hamburger Dom is an oversized roller coaster area held three times a year. A favorite attraction in earlier years which often started a night out into town. I even worked on the Hamburger Dom once, quick Berliners and pretzels in return for quick cash. Not this time.

Ute asked me out for a stroll over the ‘Dom’, which was reminiscent.

But that was it as far as visiting the city center goes.

I preferred spending time with my friends, which was just great.

I can’t believe how lucky I am, to have so many good friends.

And it’s just like the good old days. Nothing wrong with still being silly.

Well, almost. We have all passed the 50+ mark, but we are never too old to be silly.

So, thank you to all that made an effort. I do appreciate that.

No doubt that we will meet up again sometime.

An even bigger thank you goes out to Kay and Maja, who I stayed with. A friendly atmosphere yielded good laughs and plenty of chats.

And a few beers of course. Alles gut.

I was invited to their house to come and go. I was gone a lot.

Brilliant weather had me up most mornings before sunrise, only to get to another stunning natural environment.

It is so quiet and peaceful here in the morning.

Fog crawled through paddocks on chilly autumn mornings.

Most people get ready for work as geese waited for the sun to come out.

And here it comes.

How lucky am I with the sun? It was almost 10 weeks of straight sunshine.

I didn’t need to cycle far to enjoy this genuine display. It’s often the small things that make a big difference.

Or vice versa on shadows.

My drone, Rick, had taken most of my time and attention. I am very happy with the outcome. Too much video and photo material to even start editing movies for my YouTube channel. Sunny and cloud-specked afternoons didn’t keep me home either.

Off I was again on my brother’s cycle. We covered a few kilometers.

My OM-D camera took some great shots too. I have been busy.

Hamburg’s surroundings have so much nature to offer. Get up and check it out.

But then again, it may get too busy.

This is my colorful pearl in Hamburg.