Hamburg

Rathaus (Town Hall)

We visited Hamburg Germany on both ends of our summer trip to Norway. We enjoyed the people, the food, and the sights of the city. Hamburg was greatly destroyed during World War II, however some important landmarks remain which provide Hamburg with its unique character and tie to its rich history. We walked until we were completely spent. We went from the Speicherstadt (old warehouse district) to the Rathaus (town hall). We visited iconic churches and made it to the Fischmarkt (fish market) that is a Sunday morning event each week.

St Katharinen Kirche

One of the fantastic churches we visited was St Katharinen Kirche ( St Katherine's Church), with its dramatic stained glass windows. St Katharinen is one of the defining landmarks of the Hamburg skyline. The church was founded in the 13th century with its oldest remaining edifice dating back to 1250. The church is known for hosting outstanding musical talent including Jan Adam Reinken and a young Johann Sebastian Bach. The church was heavily damaged during the allied bombing of Hamburg in 1942 but was rebuilt at the end of the war.

Fischmarkt, the fish market is a Hamburg tradition

the top of the bell tower

St Michaels Kirche

St Michaelis Kirche (St Michaels Church) has a distinctive, 132 meter high tower and may be the most recognizable landmark of Hamburg. As usual Scott just couldn't resist the climb to the top of the bell tower and was treated to great views of the city.

The church, first built on this site in 1647,  has been destroyed and rebuilt three times, most recently during the allied bombings in 1944 and 1945. The composer Johannes Brahms was baptized and confirmed here. With 2500 seats this is the largest church in Hamburg. It is remarkable that 2425 people are interred in the church crypt including Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.

The interior of this church is simply beautiful with sweeping curves and wonderful detail. The church houses 5 organs the largest of which has 6674 pipes. The baroque style pulpit along with the 20 meter tall alter and baptismal font are sculpted out of marble.

St Michelis Kirche

We happened to be in Hamburg on the weekend of an international cycle race that transformed the city, a bonus for us. Hamburg is a modern city with dramatic ties to its rich and important history, welcoming and full of energy. We had a great time here!

Fjords and sites of Norway

Welcome to Norway!

We all have our lists and high on Scott's was to see the sights of Norway and the fjords. On our summer break we set off to Oslo to begin a week of exploring Norway. Norway is characterized by high peaks that fall quickly into deep waters. It is home to the Vikings and to trolls! In fact we found a troll waiting to greet us at every place we visited. They all seemed to be the friendly kind and provide for a bit of fun.

In Oslo we visited a Viking Ship Museum which included a collection of ancient viking artifacts and ships. We also saw the place that is the home of the Nobel Peace Prize, including the red brick hall where the prize is awarded each year.

the ancient Oseberg Viking Ship built in 820 A

Taken from our ship the harbor in Oslo, in the distance is the red brick hall that is home to the Nobel Peace Prize

We boarded our ship and headed away from Oslo. We traveled west and north along the sea coast to find the fjords. Our stops included towns and villages that were all quite colorful and all were nestled in dramatic settings of the mountains and the waters.

Stavanger, a town of many colors 

One of the locals who was there to greet us

Our ship made its way through the fjords. We were  surrounded by the sheer walls of the mountains with an abundance of water falls and the deep green waters of the fjords. This is a magical kind of place. Here even the roofs of the buildings sported ferns and flowers.

Scott and friend!

I wonder who cuts the grass

In Geiranger we booked a small boat exploration of the cliffs and falling waters. We were outfitted in rescue gear and set off in a fast and maneuverable inflatable boat. Getting closer to the cliffs made them even more amazing as they towered up over us and seemed to go on forever. We did get a little wet and  wind blown but really enjoyed the experience.

Time to hold on and enjoy the ride

Getting wet was just part of the fun!

Our ship docked in Alesund and from there we set off into the mountains, following the "Pathway of the Trolls". Along the way from Alesund we were treated to a visit of a beautiful painted church from 1799 with hand painted walls and ceilings that depicted biblical stories and characters.

The Trollstigen, a road with eleven switchback turns, provided breathtaking views 

through the countryside, and up into the mountains. The visitor's center at the top provided 

incredible views across the valley. 

This guy welcomed us to Trollstigen and the pathway of the trolls, or maybe he was he guarding it?

The view from the top with the Trollstigen winding below us.

Norway did not disappoint… It is an incredable and unique place full of beauty at every turn. We will remember the warm hospitality of the people we met and, of course, the trolls!

A New Perspective: The White Cliffs of Dover

As a child in America I had definitely learned about World War I and World War II. I love history, but never enjoyed learning about wars. Details like dates and names of battles had little meaning for me and were learned for an exam, then quickly forgotten. These two wars happened before I was born, in lands far away from where I was growing up. My perceptions were that some really awful things happened, but that, in both wars the "right" side won. Living in England we have learned a lot more about these two wars. Over here they are not something that happened a long time ago in a far away place. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI here in Britain. What better time to explore some of that history?!

In May, Scott and I took a weekend trip to Dover. Pretty much everyone has heard of the white cliffs of Dover, and they were beautiful to be sure. What I didn't realize was that those white cliffs were an integral part of Britain's defenses. Hidden in those white cliffs are tunnels used by the military to house soldiers, munitions, operations, and even a hospital!

These "caves" were hollowed out of the cliffs and were a strategic
piece in the defense of Britain.

A walking trail along the top of the cliffs.

Dover Castle

The waterfront in Dover with the Castle.

"The David"

I typically plan our trips a couple of months out and our Easter trip was no exception. We knew we wanted to go to Italy, but where? With a 4 day holiday, including travel days, we quickly eliminated Rome. There is just too much to see and do there to try and squeeze it into only 2 full days. Eventually we decided on Florence. What a beautiful city! We did a lot of walking, some sightseeing, and, of course, enjoyed some wonderful Italian food and wine.

Ponte Vecchio - This medieval stone bridge is still lined with shops.

Giotto's Companile - This bell tower is about 88 metres (278 feet) tall and contains
7 large bells. It has 5 levels. Interestingly enough, the top 3 levels are different sizes,
with each one slightly larger than the one below it. 

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore is the main church of Florence. The entire exterior of the church, bell tower, and baptistry are composed of marble. All three buildings  in the Piazza del Duomo are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Easter Sunday Service at the Basilica, which included fireworks!

This might look like "The David" but it is not. It is a replica standing in the  Palazzo Vecchio. The real David can be found at the Galleria dell'Accademia. The statue, by Michelangelo, represents the biblical "David" and came to represent liberty to the people of Florence. We were able to view the "real" David and it was truly magnificent!