London Rocks!

Hi all

This is a quick note to show a few pics of Ol' London Town! The picture will come shortly. :-) Please be patient!
I have spent a few nice days in London, getting to know London life in Walthamstow, which is situated North East.
I have been to several cafes and one or two "greasy Spoons", seen the Walthamstow Market (the Longest market in Europe).
I have have enjoyed Turkish cuisine near Bond Street, More to come soon.

Gerda's Flat

Hi I just thought that I would show you where I was staying in Luneburg. This is the flat where I stayed for several days. The flatmates were fantastic - really inclusive and made a real effort to help me with my German (let's face it - I really need help!)

In London!

Hi all, This is my second day in London. The 20th June was a travel day so I don't really count that! The Airport staff at Lufthansa were great! They helped me get from place to place and even got us onto a special bus to get to the plane. It saved my foot big time! The tube was reasonably straight forward with only one change to get from Heathrow to Walthamstow. Mel came and met us from the station and took us back to her place.



Chris and Mel are great people! I have heard so much about them and of course not to forget little Bella! (Or Magic the cat!). Gina and I headed for Sainsbury's to get some supplies - impressive supermarket!


Yesterday we went out to a local cafe in Walthamstow and I had a "Coronation Chicken" - very traditional British fare apparently and very nice too! Then Gina and I met Ian to head for Gina's favourite Wood. We didn't do any walking of course but had a quiet ale at the "Owl". I really enjoyed the beer there. Guiness definately tastes better here than in NZ (I find that it has a sharp metalic aftertaste in NZ, miraculously absent from my pint at the "Owl". :-)

Frankfurt 2

Today is a quiet day. I haven't had many this trip. I am finding it hard to find the time to post to the blog and edit pictures etc. Still it is fun to do it. The hotel I am in is quite nice, although it has very small but efficient rooms. It is right across the road from the Hauptbahnhof (Main Railway Station) so makes for easy transportation. The room was quiet despite being close to the trains (windows have double glazing). The breakfast, mini bar, internet, and local telephone calls are free (probably quite good value!).
Gina arrives today! I will need to organise a few things for that too. There is a direct link to the Airport aparently but I will have to find out about tickets etc.

On my way to Frankfurt!

Well I am in Frankfurt now. The train ride was interesting for several reasons. First it was the first time that I had to travel by myself. Second the train was very late into Leipzig and I missed the connecting train (not my fault honest!). And third there was a traveller who had a large dog with him which annoyed the passengers who had to step over him in the aisle. The dog was very placid however and took it all in his very relaxed stride. There was a very kind lady in my carriage who was very helpful and pointed me in the right direction when it came time to change trains. She even spoke to the train staff to see if there was any help available for me in Leipzig. A rather anxious porter was waiting to meet me and assisted me with the pack and gave me instructions on where and when to catch the next train. He was great help.

In Berlin!

Hi again People
I will add more comment later but needless to say the fast train (ICE) was great and the Doner in Berlin was fantastic - I recommend them! (A Turkish style meal invented in Berlin!). My first impressions of the city are very positive. Berlin is a vibrant city full of movement with a massive historical footprint. The old buildings are stunning and are being repaired and maintained at a huge expense. The Potsdamer Platz is quite the opposite with stylish new buildings in a very modern atmosphere. Berlin accommodates the old and the new.

Luneburg Hospital

While I was playing a little football in the local park I stumbled over the ball and twisted my foot. It was quite painful at the time and seemed like it was only a sprain. We went to the hospital and after waiting for over 6 hours were told that the x-rays showed I had broken a bone in my foot! OMG! The staff were really helpful and friendly. It is good that it isn't really painful now. They gave me a "Moon Boot" to wear which is brilliant because I can take it off to change clothing, shower and even to sleep. It won't stop me doing anything!!!! Next stop Berlin!

Luneburg Universty

I visited Luneberg University yesterday. Christian was very helpful and asked his Lecturer if she would allow a visitor and she agreed! I spent an enjoyable morning listening to groups of students delivering presentations of tourist stops around the world. They were speaking in English - I was very impressed with their skills. Here is a picture of Christian's team who presented "Cape Town".

Introducing Bjoern!

Chris and Gerda introduced me to Bjoern - an energetic nutcase! (in the nicest possible way!) We all went to Hamburg together. It was very warm that day - 30 degrees Celcius!

Wasser!

Here we are cruising around the Alster in a paddle boat. It was so much fun! We went a long way too! We all felt like pirates!
Well maybe not! :-)

The Alster is a man made lake and has many canals, some of which we explored. We saw birds nesting on floating rafts of twigs.

Amazing Engineering!

You know the canal lock where the boats are raised and lowered when there is a big difference in water height? Well here is one on STEROIDS! What you are looking at is a barg elevator - it lifts the boats and water and all!

My Wonderful Hosts!

Here they are!
Chris and Gerda! :-)

Woops!

Today is a quiet day! Chris and Gerda are at university and everyone is studying. I have been sorting out the photos that I have been taking over the last few days. It has been made easier by the fact that I can't move fast or far as I have just sprained my foot! Chris and I were playing soccer in the City Park yesterday and I rolled my ankle! Ouch! It is a bit better this morning though. I feel alot better now that I have had a chat to Gina on Skype too! :-)

Looney in Luneburg!

Germany rocks Man! I am really enjoying myself. Chris and Gerda are great hosts – they have been introducing me to their friends and flatmates. They are wonderful tour guides too – I am staying in a little village called Luneburg (which was completely untouched by both world wars) and is a really beautiful example of old buildings and cobblestone streets.
I have been to Hamburg and went to the City Hall (AMAZING!) and boated in the man made lake (More about that Later). The weather is just great at the moment so it is just a really relaxing time. :-)
Just what I need!