Tour d'Allemagne

I'm heading out on a tour of Germany with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation tomorrow. I'll try to get updates and photos up on the blog, but it will be tough. Cities: Brussels, Karlsruhe, Munich, Leipzig, Weimar, Goettingen.

Riot in Kreuzberg!

Okay, it wasn't a full blown riot. But according to the Berliner Zeitung, 50 vandals attacked our local Commerzbank. The prominent German financial institution has been in serious trouble lately. The police say the people dispersed before they arrived, but the assailants are being described as "leftists." The reason for the attack is still unknown.

Link to photos:
http://www.berlinonline.de/berliner-zeitung/berlin/polizeireport/121692/index.php?pos=0&popup

Mr. Big

 

Hamburg is renowned for its red light district called the "Reeperbahn." And no self-respecting hotbed for prostitution would be without a condom shop. This one is offering 100 EUR to the man who can fill out the above rubber. Legend has it that only 2 whippersnappers have mounted the challenge.

The Free Hanseatic State of Hamburg

 

This past weekend, we visited our friends Mandi and Daniel in Hamburg. It's a great city that doesn't get much press in the tour books - but we recommend it highly.

Some Facts:
Second largest port in Europe (after Rotterdam)
The port is actually on the Elbe River
Wealthiest city in Germany
Second largest city in Germany
Founding member of the medieval Hanseatic Trading League