See also: Tuesday in Berne Wednesday in Ahrensburg Thursday in Stade Friday in Hamburg British Day Sunday in Bergedorf Monday in Blankenese
For our final day, with about half the team left, we were taken on a visit to Blankenese, on the northern shore of the Elbe at the western edge of Hamburg. Unlike most of Hamburg it has a hill. This is the "picture postcard" view (taken from such a postcard!)
The train deposited us at the top of the hill, so we descended through the desirable houses.
When we came to an alley, we were reminded of a dance Alan called last evening, invoking some strutting!
The route took us along the picturesque Elbterrasse
past some interesting old houses
then to the bank of the river
Here it all went awry! We visited Helmut's favourite lighthouse, from which we saw a storm coming in from the west, but we were not quick enough and it caught up with us. The rain swept across the river, the ships and us.
Still, David's happy nonetheless.
We found a friendly restaurant on a pontoon, dripped our way in and settled down for lunch. During the meal, another storm worked its way up the river.
Together with many ships of different sizes, shapes and nationalities
Jule was more interested in her food!
After lunch, and in improving weather, we took a series of river taxis upstream, getting great views back to Blankenese
of traditional fishing boats, with the Airbus factory behind
upstream to the port itself
Changing boats was a chance for a quick swing
Meld and Martina with the flag of "Free and Hanseatic" Hamburg
Helmut with his pride and joy
One taxi driver in a hurry
Is it that time already?
The non-photographers were amused at the array along the ship's rails
Into the port, where there was lots of action - we'd seem this ship sail up as we descended fromt eh Elbterrasse this morning
and this one's on her way
Again, the spires dominate the skyline
Not just loading and unloading, but ship repairs
and preserved ships, such as the famous Rickmer Rickmers
And so, back to the train, back to Berne, a last night with our hosts, fond farewells and a journey home.
See also: Tuesday in Berne Wednesday in Ahrensburg Thursday in Stade Friday in Hamburg British Day Sunday in Bergedorf Monday in Blankenese