The last time I was in Hamburg was over ten years ago, and I was happy to have an excuse to return last weekend for the Whiny Expat Blogger Meet-Up (or NAMBLA). Scott and I went a little early so we could have some time exploring the city on our own, too.
Most of our time was spent wandering around exploring, even on the days with Schmuddelwetter. Hamburg is full of interesting neighborhoods with different personalities. It’s a much grittier and edgier city than Munich, and a lot more crazy people talk to you on the streets. The architecture is fascinating, too (more on that in a different post).
Hamburg’s endless harbor fascinates me; it is far from beautiful yet infinitely interesting to look at, especially while lounging in a comfy chair at a beach bar such as Hamburg del Mar.
We ate many yummy meals in Hamburg. One morning we stumbled into the absolutely adorable Mutterland for a big breakfast. Ashoka served probably the best Indian food I’ve had in Germany. Parlament, the restaurant under the gorgeous town hall, offered up quite the interesting pureed-pea-stuffed-kohlrabi concoction in a lovely atmosphere. Another favorite meal was at Atlantik Fisch, as much for the so-bad-its-good atmosphere as the food.
On Sunday morning we peeled ourselves out of bed for a boat ride to brunch at Bobby Reich, a lovely place to sit by the Alster and nurse one’s hangover among friends. Hamburg is really quite full of lovely places. I hope it won’t be too long before I return.
My only regret is that we just missed the chance to go in the White Bouncy Castle.
Big thanks to our wonderful meet-up organizers: Ian, PapaScott, No Apathy Allowed, and Transkitten. The weekend was absolutely lovely. But don’t just take my word for it; check out these reports by other attendees:
- Regensblog
- TQE
- Jentry in Germany
- Resident Evil on Earth
- No Apathy Allowed
- The Poodle
- No Ordinary Homestead
Let me know if you’ve blogged about the Hamburg meet-up and I’ll add you to the list.
Beautiful photos! I never knew Hamburg was grittier or more edgy than Munich! I always think of German cities as completely clean and organized and efficient ;D
We went this summer and I loved it, totally reminded me of Boston. As you say, it’s gritty, but fascinating! (just noticing my last post was on Hamburg, that’s how behind I am on our summer trip…sheesh)
Hey, it was fun meeting you and your cool fan. 🙂
Glad you had a good time!
@Kristin – You know what place fulfills the German stereotype of clean and orderly and efficient? Switzerland.
@Juliette – That happens to me all the time, too. I was so many trips behind on my blogging this year that I ended up just skipping a bunch of them all together.
@Jen – Very fun to meet you!
@Mandi – All due to the excellent hosting, of course.
I must get off my keester this weekend and write something, though without photos – oh wait, I do have one thanks to you! – I should be OK.
@Ian – One photo should be plenty. That was the highlight of the weekend, no?
No, actually it was being crammed sideways into a Potato Cellar and being told to keep quiet. 🙂
One day I’ll post that photo, promise. 🙂
Now to go print out all those NYC eating tips you posted a while back…
That part was pretty good, too. Enhanced by the potato-sack dolls that looked like creepy Lily Tomlins.
Oohh… there’s a Whiny Expat Blogger Group? Where do I sign up??
@Riayn – Here! http://www.expatbloggersingermany.com/meetup/