Hamburg is a port city from one end to the other. The Speicherstadt, storage-city, is an area of town composed of towering brick warehouses in lines between canals. The area has been renovated in recent memory to have bars and entertainment options, but the old feel of the area remains. Quick History The Speicherstadt was […]
I have written a number of things over the past few years about being afraid of flying. The blog name of Grounded Traveler echos to that as well. I do now fly when I must. It is not at all my favorite activity, but I do it so I can see things and visit people […]
The Reichstag Building in Berlin is the seat of the German Parliamentary group and one of the more recognizable buildings in the city. It is right around the corner from the Brandenburger Tor and once sat just barely on the western side of the dividing wall. An old facade conceals a modern center. The building […]
This is what we have learned from experiences and asking questions related to our situation around health insurance in Germany. Definitely ask your own questions, but this might give you a basis of understanding. Laws change and every situation is different, as such I make no guarantees for this info. Health Insurance Requirement In Germany, […]
I really like Victorian era greenhouses. Not necessarily the plants, although they can be neat, but mostly the architecture of the buildings. The Victorian age saw a lot of the European countries sending out explorers with an interest in the world and a home population craving for them to bring it back. The late 1800’s […]
I am a big fan of street markets and a sucker for nostalgia. When we planned to come up to Hamburg for a weekend from Berlin, Isemarkt popped into my mind immediately. The market part of that urge is understandable. Isemarkt is a long open-air European style market in Hamburg which stretches out between two […]
The TV Tower at Alexanderplatz is one Berlin landmark that you can see from pretty much anywhere in the center of town. Perhaps only the famous green crossing men are more ubiquitous. The tower’s distinctive ball on a stick shape is a symbol for the city as much as the Brandenburger gate is. The Fernsehturm […]
One of the oft mentioned hallmarks of the German culture is its efficiency. After living here for 6 years, I think this is an illusion. The illusion is not malicious or even intended. It is just a misinterpretation. German society is based on planning and setting expectations. This gives an air of efficiency and proper […]