Monday 28 July 2008

Hamburg...Germany's finest city




July 2008

I pitched up in Hamburg at the weekend to sample the flavours of this renowned party town. I wasn't disappointed. This place is sick.

The Germans (like the rest of Europe) are so far ahead of the the Brits it's scary...they're better than us on every level. You name it...public transport, cycle lanes and respect for cyclists, architecture, healthy looking folk and of course all those amazing looking girls riding bikes (something Aberdonians can only dream about). Yeah, they like a drink but you don't have the malevolence of many UK towns and cities.

If you go there, you'll need to head to the Schanzenviertel area for cool bars and cheap eateries. Feel free to enjoy a few street beers. You can buy your Becks from a Kiosk and chill on the street...there's no hassle or ridiculous bylaw banning this practice.

Situated on Schulterblatt Str. is the famous Rote Flora. This is an old theatre that was taken over by left wing political activists back in 1989...they've been squatting in it ever since. There are weekly techno, dub and punk rock events held here. Check it out. Behind the building is the wonderful Flora Bowl...a proper DIY job built lovingly by the local skaters. So much fun to skate and the locals will always make you feel welcome. www.floraskatepark.org

There is also an indoor park called i-Punkt Skateland (Spaldindstr. 132)...it looks pretty sick but I didn't have time to go there.

While in town you should also head down to the infamous Reeperbahn...a long strip of sex joints, bars and clubs and crazy people everywhere. The night I was there was a bit hazy... I had been at the Becks all day long.

It was just a flying visit...I'm definitely going back there. If you haven't been to Germany, you need to get with the programme. It's always so much fun.

Cheers Craig

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