Here I am settled into my Hamburg apartment. No idea where I am in relation to the city, nor really how to get myself into the city. I must say using Airbnb is much more fun when you guys are with me. It’s a bit of a disorienting experience by myself and Germany itself has got very disoriented now that I’m alone. I have no idea what to buy re food etc. It is totally different and I’m struggling with it. But let me start at the beginning. I started with food because I’ve just come from the supermarket, a very strange experience!!!
Got myself to the train this morning and got myself actually on to the train with my 2 suitcases…all minor achievements. The train ride was very sedate until about half way when a large group of work friends got on. Well that was peace over. All the Germans seem to hop on the train and pop a tinny straight away but this group went one step further. They had Champagne, schnapps, beer and something else. Before I knew it I had a plastic cup full of Champagne and was incorporated into their ‘prost’ group.They were hilarious if you could understand them…they incorporated the whole carriage although not everyone approved. So, a most interesting trip. The Germans love Australians and all have a relative in Melbourne. I never before thought about how many Germans there are in Melb.
Anyway I arrived in Hamburg and took the easy way out, hopping into a taxi to get to wherever I am. I was met without hassle and oriented to my nice apartment on the 25th floor with a great view. Only problem is that the heating is broken for the entire block and it isn’t warm!! Oh well I guess that that isn’t a deal breaker. I went out walking before settling down for the evening, incorporating a supermarket shop and a bottle of wine. Had to work hard to get German wine with Australia dominating the shelf. This area, and I guess Hamburg, reminds me so much of London. The same autumnal feeling with grey skies, mild drizzle and autumn leaves. Similar housing and the village feeling of this area is reminiscent (although not nearly as nice) of Islington.
Now for tea…all I could manage was bread, liverwurst and cheese…in general I am definitely in need of a bit of adjustment.
Bye everyone for now…I will go into study mode and try and get a handle on this city.