23 June

We caught the 1010 train out of Koln, headed for Copenhagen. The train took us through a lot of farming country in the Holstein region of Germany. At times, it seemed like we had been shrunk and set into a very nice model train layout. We had our usual private compartment at the back of the last car and managed a couple of catnaps during the ride.

Hamburg was the first major stop along the way, about four hours by train. We planned to break the journey up by staying there at least one night, but when we walked around for a bit, we just didn't like the vibe of the place. Hamburg is the third largest port in Europe, so it's hustling and bustling, with a generally gritty feel to it, and we didn't really have anything specific in mind there, besides eating a hamburger, of course. After about thirty seconds of discussion, we decided to travel on up the line. We ended up at the Baltic Hotel in Lübeck. What a wonderful town! If we move to Germany, this is where we're coming – at least in the summer. We strolled all over town and ate supper in a city park.

Germany must be playing in the World Cup tonight, because the streets are alive with flag-draped, face-painted, plastic-horn-honking people of every sort. I would love to have just a small percentage of the plastic bugle and flag sales. If Germany wins, it will be one major party tonight.

to Hamburg

Koln hotel room

Lanxess Arena

Neue Elbbrücke in Hamburg

von Allwörden bakery in Hamburg

to Lübeck

back on the train again	Lübeck Station
S from Puppenbrücke	Museum Holstentor	S from Holstenbrücke

S end of Breite Str.

Historische Rathaustreppe Lübeck

Marienkirche

covered walkway behind church

St.-Jakobi-Kirche Lübeck

view from Holstenhafenbrücke

view from S end of Musik- und Kongresshalle

Lübecker Löwen sculptures	Let Sleeping Lions Lie	Museum Holstentor again
advert for amusement park (see below)	99  1 red balloon
Hansa Park / Germany's only adventure park by the sea / in Sierksdorf/Baltic Sea near Lübeck New 2010 experience / The History of the Curse of Novgorod / 1.4 sec, 90 and 97 degrees From April 1st until October 24, 2010 daily from 9 a.m.!

Baltic Hotel room