As planned, we took our time this morning, unpacking and rearranging the furniture.  It was early afternoon before we ventured out to the local ReWe supermarket (the largest one in the area) and began shopping.  But without Translate software working (we aren’t on a local data plan yet) we had to guess at the food labels.  We managed to bring home an assortment of cereals, rice, GF pasta, GF cake, GF chips, and bread, as well as everything we needed for a dinner of lightly steamed chicken in tomato and basil sauce, with rice and salad. So far Ian appears not to have been glutened.

Having accomplished this all important task, we exchanged groceries for the camera, and set off to explore the local area – Ottensee and Altona.  Our plan to walk for an hour went awry and we were gone for three, as it turned out there was more to see than we realised.  We strolled down leafy, elegant streets reminiscent of some parts of Paris, before finding ourselves at the Donner Park, which overlooks the Elbe River and the port.  The locals were out in force cycling, dog walking and sunbathing, and the large shade trees were very welcome.

We followed signs to the “Museumhafen”, which turned out to be a collection of 100 year old sailing vessels moored on the river. Unfortunately the signs were all in German only so we couldn’t find out much information, but it was interesting to see the many different facets of the river.  We could even see a beach a little further along, though we weren’t tempted to swim in the murky water.

From there we followed the river towards the city, stopping to look at the blend of architectural styles.  The area is still industrial in part but also has many restaurants, apartments and offices.  Hamburg has certainly shed its former reputation as a seedy port city.

We headed back north through the Altona Balcony, another section of parkland above the river.  We saw the embassy district, the Altona Rathaus (town hall), Museum, and the Stuhlmann fountain, before picking up some “souvenirs” on the way home – 2 dessert spoons, a plastic serving spoon, and a wooden spoon.  They took some hunting down – we wonder if there is a spoon shortage in Hamburg? Has it spread to the rest of the country? If so, we are prepared!