Hamburg,
Germany
Saturday, October 18, 2008
We have spent the last few days in Hamburg with Susi who Ed worked with in Toulouse. She has let us stay at her apartment and we met her friendly flatmates Thierry and Torben. We chatted to them from time to time and it was great to see they had similar travel interests to us which gave us loads to talk about. While in Hamburg itself we went on a boat trip around the harbour and through the canals to see the old buildings, and industrial sectors for Hamburg. We also went up the 450 stairs to the top of St. Michels church tower to get a view across Hamburg. We were able to go down the few stairs to the crypt where people used to pay for their relatives to be buried. We also went out for a meal to meet Patrick (another friend from Toulouse) and his girlfriend. This restaurant was great, mainly serving Seafood but also a good vegetable dish for Ali for just 3 euros. Ed got Shark for 7 euros, bargain, especially as it was massive portions and great tasting too. Its called "La Sepia" and is located by Susi's flat. The following day we went to the customs museum and boat. Here we learned about the history of the customs organisation in Hamburg which is a bustling port (second biggest in Europe) so they have a few stories to tell and also great information on how to hide cigarettes and drugs, so if anyone wants some advice, you know where to come!!!!!! For the rest of the day we just walked around a bit and got some dinner then went back to Susi's to watch a film on the computer. The next day we did nothing but update the photos and catch up on some much needed rest. That night Susi cooked Pasta for us and we showed her some of our travel photos, but just a summary as I think we have 21000 pics now.
On Friday it was Ed's birthday so we decided to go for a walk and get some breakfast. We are now both addicted to the "Back-Factory's" Pain au Chocolat! That night Susi finished work a bit early and we went out for my birthday meal with Susi, Patrick and a load of Susi's friends. We went to a cheese fondue restaurant and got well and truely filled up before going off down the Reeperbahn. The Reeperbahn is Hamburg's version of the Patpong street in Bangkok, but with the added bonus of a men only street so I had to leave Ali to wander with Susi in the normal persons street while us privileged gents surveyed the sites! This street is a great invention and I plan on getting one for the middle of Chester when i get back, so look out everyone!!!
On the last day we took the ferry to the Hamburg beach for a coffee and a walk around the posh houses of Hamburg. This was a very relaxing end to our visit with Susi and her friends. Unfortunately we were not able to see Ullie (Susi's Boyfriend) except the first night but it was still great to meet him before he jetted off to Brazil. Maybe we can meet for a beer before he leaves Brazil as we are there in 2 weeks as well. Thank you everyone for a great time and for the effort you made on my Birthday, Ta ta...
