More Family Time

Yes, the storm for the ages arrived. But it actually wasn't bad where we were- it was more focused in Hamburg proper. The problem is that the winds were quite exceptional and they whipped up the waves in the Baltic which then spilled into the Elbe which is what caused flooding. The second highest waters in a century or something like that. The damage to the city was not bad because they learned a lot from the last time this happened, and have taken precautions to protect people and businesses from the water. But, it's all about us. And for us we woke to alternating rain, snow, wind and sun which of course is perfect for Christmas markets. We started with a huge family breakfast to fortify us for the day. I'm not sure how I will be able to have breakfast anymore without cheese... Our original plan was to go to Lubeck, an ancient town, first and then back up to Hamburg. We had to change plans though once we started peeling back the onion that is Lubeck. It was maybe a 40k drive through the countryside to this old town. As we approached Alstadt (old town) you could see brick buildings, churches and an ancient Tor (gate). They are clearly old, and you can see how the buildings are starting to list one way or another and in the case of the Tor, the towers on either side are starting to collapse in towards one another. This is a famous edifice as it used to be the image on the 50 Deutschemark.  We found our way up the narrow, winding streets towards the top of the hill, and stopped in a small handicrafts market in a church on the way. Then to the top of the hill where there was an open plaza surrounded by amazing old buildings. The market was nestled into these buildings. So a little shopping, a little gluewein (or in my case more fire punch!), some sausages and we were happy. We thought we were done, but Marion told us there was another section to explore. And there was- in another courtyard sort of a Ren Faire version with some guy playing the lute. And then there was another courtyard with children's activities, and antique dioramas of fairy tales. And then there was more. Down another pedestrian plaza with cobblestones to another open area with a Ferris wheel. On this plaza stood an old church that we followed the crowd into. Inside was an indoor Christmas market with stalls throughout the main room, and musicians entertaining as we entered. Then you go into a side hall that was lined with stalls, about 4X8 with low ceilings, each with someone displaying their wares. I would say there were at least 20-30 of these stalls, all surrounded by the church walls with their art and stained glass. It was pretty amazing. And frankly it was nice to get out of the cold. By then, I think my core temperature was somewhere around 3 degrees C.  Given the time and the weather, cold and getting windy again, and the fact that it was getting dark (at 4:00- sigh) we decided to forego Hamburg and head home for a last dinner before Al and Jen left. It was good we did as the roads were incredibly icy on the way home. Trucks were sliding all over, and we had trouble getting traction, so it was a long trip home at about 10k per hour. It only took me about an hour to warm up once we got home as we relaxed for a bit before dinner. I'm still sick which is probably why I'm feeling the cold more. I'm just hoping to hold off on that horrible coughing stage until I get home. Cross your fingers! Mark continues his weight gain journey with more currywurst yesterday, along with some burnt almonds, lots of bier and even some fries yesterday with ketchup that tastes suspiciously like curry/ketchup. Also, I love that Berger can go with us everywhere, including restaurants (though I'm not really sure how clean that is). She just couldn't go into the churches that had the market stalls but that makes sense since she has a huge tail that could wreak havoc wherever it goes. One more day in Hamburg and then home for us.  Linda