Planten un Blomen
Hundreds of rose bushes, acres of wildflowers, a complete medicinal
herb garden, a Japanese garden complemented by a tea house, falling
waters with floating lilies, golden rain trees, fountains of water
dancing to music – all this in the middle of downtown Hamburg
just a minute from the S-Bahn Dammtor station. The park Planten
un Blomen (plants and flowers) is still in full bloom in
September. You can still catch an evening concert (daily at 9 pm)
played live on a water organ that makes the waters dance while lights
reflect their movements. There are several cafes to enjoy a cappuccino
by waterside or just catch a catnap on one of the comfortable Adirondack-style
chairs (like Becky!). (Mary W and Becky T)
Blankenese
to Cranz
A really lovely trip is to cross the River Elbe from Blankenese to
Cranz. The ferry boat leaves every hour and takes bicycles as well.
On the Cranz side of the Elbe there are many old farmhouses, orchards
and plenty of cute places to eat, never mind the gorgeous view of
Hamburg-Blankenese from the distance – a real treat! (Robin
O)
River
Elbe Dinner Cruise
Every Saturday on the “MS Hamburg” you can enjoy a dinner
cruise on the Elbe River. Just EUR 43 per person includes a generous
buffet and unlimited beer, wine or soft drinks. Music and dancing
as you tour the harbor. The tour lasts from 8 to 11 pm. This tour
was really fun! (Nancy T)
Holstein
Therme, Bad Schwartau
Just an hour from Hamburg you can rejuvenate your being in the indoor
and outdoor pools (with swimsuits) of a truly relaxing thermal bath
in Bad Schwartau (on the way to Lübeck). Indoors you will find
two types of saunas, steambath, cold plunge, foot baths and a coffee
bar. Outdoors are two more saunas, another cold plunge, cold showers
and plenty of places to just lie down and relax. Sauna areas are without
swimsuits! Situated on a small lake, this modern post and beam construction
spa could be just what the doctor ordered for those aches and pains.
Open daily, call 0451/2004-148 for times and to schedule a massage.
Am Kurpark 3, Bad Schwartau. (Mary W)
Art Galleries
The cover of the September Currents was a portrait by Nancy
Tilitz of member Gigi Elam. Nancy can lose herself in her own art,
thus being able to enjoy her own private getaway without ever leaving
home! But for those of us who are less talented, there are many galleries
around Hamburg that have permanent and changing exhibitions that we
can see on a gray, rainy afternoon. The largest and probably best
collections are exhibited next to the Hauptbahnhof at the Hamburger
Kunsthalle. A new art gallery, Bucerius Kunst Forum (see article by
Vicki Filer Mensing in May Currents), with smaller exhibitions
is located Am Rathausmarkt. For a complete guide to museums around
Hamburg, pick up a copy of Top Info offered for free at hotels
and tourist places. The English version carries film reviews from
our very own film critics. (Mary W)
