A cause for celebration. This was my first in Hamburg and curiosity didn’t let me stay aside so I headed for the heart of the city to feel its pulse on Valentine’s Day.
[Repost from February 2019]
It was a divine spring day, with one message all over the sky: Love is in the air. Because it was no where else to be found. HAH!
At this point my hands were freezing on the camera but all I could see was the warmth of the city as the sun was setting. A boat ride down the Alster river, smell of roses in the air, holding hands, locking eyes, love statements all around and that is how the story goes.
The simplest things can sometime take your breath away.
[Repost from November 2018]
Had this laid out completely different in my mind, but, as I was waiting for the path to clear, I’ve realized what I’m looking at. Could not have expected children suddenly walking by playfully into this Neverland misty setting.
It was all calm and quiet around, only when I stopped to capture this frame suddenly there were people coming and going on this enchanting path. Couldn’t blame them. So I patiently wait here on this chilly afternoon, that through some miracle, they choose a different path just for a moment. I’m sure that’s not too much to ask for. There must be a bear around with nothing to do but distract them with its cuteness for a moment or two.
Having continued the walk through the park, I’ve come to the Japanese Garden. There is something about the simplicity of this garden that surrounds us with serenity even on a hands-freezing autumn day such as this. The strong blue sky line in the background, the lights and shadows display and the fall colors made it difficult to keep my freezing hands in the pocket.
It’s mid October on a sunny Friday as I’m walking down the streets of Hamburg.
[Repost from October 2018]
The delightful stories it enfolds through the lenses make this weather perfect for a ferryboat ride down the river Elbe. The white grandiose Cap San Diego ship was there to greet us on this beautiful day.
MS Cap San Diego, is the last of a series of six ships known as the White Swans of the South Atlantic. Situated as a museum ship in Hamburg, Germany, it is notable for its elegant silhouette.
First we passed by Rickmer Rickmers, this outstanding three masted sailing ship build in 1896, sparkling emerald permanently moored as a museum ship, near MS Cap San Diego.
The Opera House shines bright, with its architecture imitating waves that hit the shore. So dramatic you can not but stare at it sparkle, surrounding the moored ship museums.
The first step, on the stairs leading to this spectacle on water, felt just as dramatic. The sun shining so content towards us, as we embark this journey, it was as if it’s showing the way. I stepped next to the peers, inhaling the breeze filling up my lungs. I turn and look back, at the city. It did not disappoint. I see a modern architecture and classical buildings painting in front of me, reminder of the beauty of this city.
With seagulls flying above, so freely that it compelled me to just let go of everything and be in the moment, just breathe and enjoy the sound of the waves splashing on the shores. Looking back at the water, there was this cranes made figurine engulfing the waters, awaiting for those massive international containers, a display of man-made working with nature. Ferryboats and trains in a one day trip on the river Elbe.
An hours across the river, with the ferryboat crushing waves in its way as it gave us the tour of the city, telling us the other side of the story, the city side that sparkles under the sun. Greeting people aboard, station after station, people of all ages, happily planting themselves in the “crow’s nest”, the front-most place, where you could just feel like “the king of the world” as Jack well said on the Titanic, on that very same spot of the ship.
Wind splashing through your hair, feeling free as a bird in the sky, with the water surrounding you and overwhelm you with how big this city actually is. Could see places such as the Fish Market station, which now only carries the name of a story long gone but nevertheless poetical.
Can just imagine there were fishermen bringing up their fresh captures, proudly exposing it, telling stories among themselves as gourmands pass by. Sure the smell would repulse you, not the greatest place to walk, but that fresh dinner infused with herbs and savors, gathering the family around the table, makes it all worth.
What I love about trips on the water, is looking at the horizon, at how there, in that farthest point, the water and the sky are united and can no longer tell where one ends and the other begins. That’s how this Elbe trip reached back to the place it started and it was now time to take the train home.
I sat next to the window, watching as the buildings would enfold in front of my eyes, the Elbe on my right and buildings on my left, the train would go around complimenting them, each unique and beautiful in its architectural style. The moment just before boarding the train was captured, overlooking the places that now became my Elbe story.
At times of holidays we are surrounded by colors and emotions, sparkles and good Vibes.
[Repost from December 2017]
With close to about a month of vacation, I took the high road to Hamburg, Germany, and never have I expected to find this warmth and joyous display of emotion as I was walking the streets leading to Jungfernstieg that night. (#vacation#dream#lights) “Holidays are a special time if not for anything other than the moments and memories they surround us with. ”Welcome to this Holidays journey into the world of photography. Take a glimpse at the moments captured through the lens on the way to Jungfernstieg, at Christmas Eve, and enjoy the spell-binding details of the story.
It all started on a Friday, December 15th, when I arrived for the first time into this city and fell in love with it. Some say it’s the most beautiful city. I say it depends into whose heart you’re looking because home is where home feels and that is where the beauty is.
Trying out local traditions such as gingerbread sweets, that I’ve never cared much about before. Having to find their story from behind the lens, when even if not fond of this baked sweet as I find myself, it relays the seasonal message so joyfully through its various shapes such as heart shape, and the soul warming colors they are plentifully decorated with.
Under the dark blue sky of the early setting sunset, there are crowds of shoppers and travelers, that as they walk by they share their story, through foreign language or their gift shopping. There, if you look closely at the background, you notice the playful lights and joyous colors that dress it all up into this holiday show waiting to be captured by wondrous spectators. (#Christmas #Stars #Hamburg #Colors #Sparkly #Sweets)
When the night set laid its curtains over the city, a new show started. Beautiful night lights brought up architectural details and made it impossible to walk without looking up. Traditional and classic architecture mixed with modern and edgy structures. Just as it offers mountain-looking scenery as well as ferryboat rides, this city never fails to surprise. Night ended with a walk to the City House, this architectural statement of commitment and passion towards art, listening to the beautiful tolls of the bells as the hour strikes midnight.
With snow in mind and a little bit of it still lingering on the roofs and tree tops here in Hamburg, I wish you all a warm and cozy Friday evening and just as much as possible of a good weekend!
