Hamburg

Now that we've nearly nailed the trains this journey was easier, except we got the wrong end of the train and almost missed it. Had to sprint to the other end.

Hamburg was another great place. Our MO is to wander around trying to find supermarkets to buy coffee pods, cream, limes etc so we don't have to carry in our luggage. Every city has different stores and gives us important puzzles to solve at each location, like does my water have bubbles or not? We have made wrong decisions. Soda water is not a thing so it's sparkling mineral water.

So we discovered Hamburg. The weather wasn't the best, we got wet a few times. Bought a Hop on - Hop off bus ticket to see the sights. There are some beautiful locations in Hamburg. Then we did a canal cruise that was only in German so didn't understand a word the guide said, but we laughed with everyone else at the appropriate moments so it looked like we understood. Nonetheless the trip was amazing sailing through the old warehouse district. Hamburg is full of canals, which we never knew.

We watched the delightful Louisiana Star paddle steamer dock, and we got up close and personal with the massive container ship being loaded.

We walked the 460m long Old Elbe tunnel that runs 24m under the Elb river linking either side. It's amazing, incredibly ornate with big lifts at either end for motor bikes and bicycles. Bicycles are everywhere, the bike paths are part of the road network and have right of way over pedestrians. Nearly got taken out a few times.

View from one side of the tunnel, the green dome roof on the other bank is the Hamburg end of the tunnel.