Fairy House

 

Walked past this little fairy house today.

Looks like Peter borrowed the Fairy's dish soap. If only the Fairy would wash the dishes!

So Many Steeples

 City of Hamburg with many canals, bridges, and lots of steeples.

St. Catherine's Church is one of the five principal Lutheran churches of Hamburg, Germany. The base of its spire, dating from the 13th century, is the second oldest building preserved in the city.

St. James Church

Hamburg Rathaus

Church Boat for Sailors.

St. Nikolai Church

Before July 28, 1943, there was a complete church here where the statue now stands. The church tower of St. Nicholas provided an easy target for the aerial bombs during the extensive allied air raids on Hamburg. The roof collapsed but the spire and some walls stand yet today. It was the tallest building in the world from 1874 to 1876. Today it is the 5th highest church steeple in the world. This Gothic Revival church brings strong meaning to the term revival as it has been revived or rebuilt several times over the years. Originally it was a wooden structure when first built in the 12th century. It was the second church built in Hamburg and the chapel was dedicated to St. Nicholas, patron saint of sailors. The tower was erected in 1517 then burned down in 1589 then collapsed again in 1644. It was rebuilt the final time after burning down in the great fire of 1842. That was its last "revival" but the ruins remain today which should be a reminder of the devastation and suffering war brings to mankind.

This statue at the church ruins sums it all up.

If we think 2020 was a bad year, lose that thought.

Quick, There's Sunshine

Quick! Catch some rays before they disappear.  After several days of clouds and raindrops, rushing out to enjoy a walk in the forest sounds like a really great idea. Let's head over for a walk in the Raakmoor - just a block from Peter's home.  Also, it's an ideal homesick cure for missing the woods of Walleye World.

Hand-hewn benches wait for those wanting to rest and listen to nature. 

The Naturschutzgebiet Raakmoor or Raakmoor Nature Reserve.

The Raakmoor is the remainder of a raised bog or moor.  It was created from the headwaters of the river Alster's tributaries occurring after the last Ice Age. This is the smallest nature reserve in Hamburg with only 18 hectares. So whatever is a hectare? I "now" have learned that one hectare is equal to 2.4711 acres. The circular hiking route is about 6K.  We are saving that trail for a day with guaranteed sunshine.

As for sunshine, I must say currently there is even a lack of much daylight. It is now 4:25 PM, and the sun has set. Smart GAB is following the sunshine to Porto on Monday. Her sunshine allowance should be more generous than that of Hamburg.

Friday the 13th...

BTW: Black cats crossing your path are good luck in Germany.

Veteran's Day - Snow Day Celebration

 

Of Course, It's Mr. Kyle Sporting Shorts for a Veteran's Day Snowfall.

Teacher Betsy Jumps for Joy! No School Today.

Katherine Puts Down Her Books and Goes Sledding.

Could Oliver Be Digging for Snow Snakes?

So, Are We Engaged Now

 

It is official, we are officially engaged in the time of Covid-19.

Peter planned on a castle proposal but opted for a memorable car venue ala Covid-19. Practical Peter thought we were too old to wait until 2023 when travel may be allowed once again.  

Hamburg Harbor Diversion

Next Sunday I will take pictures of the harbor, not the masked marauders.  After our harbor walk, we move on up to the colorful outlying streets of St. Pauli.

The little man points the way. This time and only this time we follow his direction.

Some pop art along the way.

Erotic Art Museum closed on Sunday. Shy voyeurs are now in luck with the mask mandate.

Find the message?

How about finding the message here?

Face Of Election Day

 

The United States of America may be facing the most important election of a lifetime today.  

As most mornings with Peter on either continent, this is what I face. Always a different happy face!

I was looking forward to my now I'm back in Hamburg traditional currywurst stop at the Langenhorn Market sausage stand.  With Covid-19 restrictions and all restaurants and bars closed for the "Light Lockdown" - luckily the market stalls were all open. However, no eating is allowed within the open-air market but leave it to Peter finding the best table just around the corner from the market.

                   

                                                                 So many fresh veggies. 

You can get almost everything fresh - eggs, fruit, bakery goods, beautiful flowers, fish, and meats - including horse meat. Cheese and pickles too, maybe not so fresh but many to choose from.  The market is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays offering me an incentive to walk the 1-1/2 miles for a latte macchiato in a paper takeaway cup. Then head home with a paper cup in hand looking oh so American. Germans are yet to learn how to enjoy a cup of coffee on the go.

  Everyone here seems to follow the mask mandate.