Visit Here Sometime

My day in this little fishing village on the northeast coast of Germany has been full of wonder and delight.  I advise a visit...during the summer. 

No one on the Beach...in July?

I am in northern Germany, near the town of Lubeck, and it is freezing cold.  Can you imagine how frigid it is in the winter?  Look at those dark clouds...is snow coming?

Join Me? We're Protected from the Weather

It's just about noon; the wind and low temperatures are keeping beachgoers away.  On bright, sunny days the roofs of these wicker beach chairs recline to let in the warming rays.  It's a lot different in northern Germany compared to my home on the North Shore of Oahu!

On Guard and On Alert

At beaches around the world, young men and women risk their lives to save others.  Same is true on the Baltic Sea.  These lifeguards were looking after me, but I was just too cold.  I didn't dare put my paw in the water!  Even my fur coat didn't keep me warm!

Ready to Go!!

For Lukas, holding me, lifeguarding on the Baltic Sea is seasonal work.  Off season he's training to be an electrician.  Fellow guard, Olaf, is in electronics when he's not stationed at the beach.  I asked them what was the hardest part of their job.  They both replied, "Bad weather, but when the sun shines, das ist gut!" 

A Beach Just for Me!

Yes, a dog beach just for me, but it's not free. 

Life is different in Germany!

 Better get out my Euros!  

It's All Greek to Me

 Actually, it's German and I'm in Hamburg at a very fancy restaurant in a very fancy department store called Alsterhaus. 

The gourmet lunch buffet was fabulous and very reasonable!

My Taste Buds are Watering

Yes, make sure, if you are ever in Hamburg, you have lunch at Alsterhaus.  It's fancier than any department store in New York City!

Hamburg...Meaning Castle or Fort

Originally built at the command of the Emperor Charlemagne in 950, this historic town in northern Germany near the North Sea, is now the second largest city in the country.  Whew...this architecture took my breath away and did you notice the angel way up on top?

Quack, Quack at the Gateway to the World

This is the Elbe River which flows into the North Sea.  I loved seeing the old folks, all bundled up against the summer cold, feeding the ducks and watching the sailboats fly by.

Watching the World Go By

Hamburg was a fun town to visit...lots of bikes, young people, and
beautiful waterways to pedal around.

Bargains Ahead?

And now I am ready to go shopping in Hamburg!  Not exactly sure what that sale sign means.

Friends in the Netherlands

Simon and Marieke were so good to me on my visit to their home in The Hague.  They took me to many interesting places.  This canal is in the city of Leiden.  Come on along and I'll show you some more of the sights...

A Robot?

Nope, this is a parking meter in Leiden...sure looks like a robot to me.

A Two-story Home?

Take a better look and you'll see that this photograph shows a reflection of the brick house on one of the many canals in Leiden.  Did you notice the bird's nest?

Hundreds of Years Old

Leiden was established in the early 1300's, many years before Columbus landed in America.  The architecture is breathtaking and has so much character....details, details, details.  This town is home to  the oldest university in the Netherlands, also.

Coats of Arms

These shields, filled with symbols and figures, represent a family, a person, an organization, and sometimes, city or a country.  Medieval knights wore the coats over their armor.

A Secret Passage?

Hmmmm.  This little door on the canal gave me pause.  Never did find out if it opened or where it went!  A mystery.

My Favorite Mode of Transportation

Yes, this bicycle is not just a way to go from here to there on two wheels....which is my key to freedom.  I love the wind blowing in my fur and stopping anytime I want to sightsee or chat with friends.  This bike is more than that, it's advertising a restaurant.

A Souvenir, Perhaps?

There was such a fabulous selection of pottery in Leiden at little tourist shops.  See anything that would suit you?  I recommend this town!