Hamburger

So today I spent the day in Hamburg. It’s a small town, one that I wasn’t too sure about at first, as my hotel, which is clean and basic, is sandwiched between two sex shops. So, initially I didn’t think there was a lot to offer. Not to mention that the shops around me sell hookahs and sequined slippers; but, I’m 300 meters from the train station, which will come in handy with my bag of rocks tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. As I began my tour through Hamburg, right after crossing over to “the other side of the tracks,” I was extremely pleased with the city. It’s the largest (or was, I threw that page away already) port city in Germany. There are rivers everywhere, which aren’t clogged with run down house boats or tours, like Amsterdam. They have done a great job combining waterways with plenty of outdoor space, which makes the city very unique. In the main center square, Rathaus Market, you can step right down next to the water, feed some swans, ducks, or flying rats (aka pigeons), and it’s lovely. The shopping is great (more shoes) and again, there are a ton of outdoor cafes. The only unfortunate thing, they have not outlawed smoking in restaurants. I feel like everybody smokes here. My nose burns from all the smoke I’ve been breathing in, yuck! New York has spoiled me. A bar, o.k., but a restaurant, not so keen on. Anyways. I’m on a train all day tomorrow, headed to Stockholm for Easter weekend. In addition, I will be celebrating my sisters 24th birthday with her, which will be fun, since I don’t think I’ve been around for it since she was 13. No better time than the present! Other than that, I’m headed to Crete next week and I am looking forward to warmer weather—and more importantly, wearing flip flops. My feet hate me…too much walking on cobblestones in confined shoes! Happy Easter!

And I can’t forget…Happy birthday to Berto (April 5th) and Courtney and Ray (April 6th)

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