Germany

We took a wonderful trip to Germany this past weekend.  Our connection from London to Hannover was delayed and we didn’t get to our hotel until about 11pm.  Fortunately, the hotel was right across the street and it was such a pleasant surprise. Walking into the main lobby left me awestruck.  The massive interior rises 6 stories and houses 3 life size hang-gliders (with riders). Our room was so comfortable, and the windows opened!  Again, like Ireland no screens – but our room had double windows.  So quiet, we did not hear one plane taking off or landing.  Breakfast was good and very expensive.

In Germany they drive on the right and the car steering wheel is on the left.  Keep in mind I’ve been used to driving in Ireland, completely opposite.  Tom had to keep reminding me to stay in the right and which lane to get into after turning corners.  Driving gave my brain a great workout.  When getting our rental car, Andres behind the counter, tried to get us into a 250HP sporty car – because Germans like to drive fast (I declined) But oh man, they do like to drive fast!!

Our destination was Wolfshagen Im Harz for Walpurgis Night.  You’ll have to read the next blog for more on that.

Our day trip the next day took us to Goslar, again you’ll have to read the next blog.

Time to return to Hannover and we decided to take a scenic route and I’m so glad we did.  Here in Ireland taking the smaller roads we usually find delightful little villages and in Germany it was no different other than trying to pronounce city names; such as – Hohenhameln, Baddeckenstedt or Mittleres Innerstetal mit Kanstein.

One town we drove through has an electric trolley that runs either right down the middle of the main road or alongside it.  Oh baby, that was a challenge – when to avoid the trolley, speed up or slow down- who’s light is who’s, mine or the trolley? Obviously, I gave the trolley the right of way and I was happy to get out of that town.

Rapeseed plant

Spring is in full swing, the countryside was so lush, and there were numerous fields of little yellow flowers.  We did stop and check them out up close and personal, but in all honestly, they appeared to be nothing more than weeds with no smell.  The rising hills presented us with beautiful vista’s.  We drove through forests, dark and cool and apparently with enough frogs crossing the roads to warrant their own signs.

ATTENTION! Toad Hike

There was very little traffic on the roads this entire weekend as it was Worker’s Day on Tuesday giving most a 4-day weekend. The plaza of the old City Hall in Hannover was crowded with tents, workers, politicians, vendors and general public.  This is a day for demonstrations, parades, beer drinking, lots of talking, complaining and general gathering of kindred spirits. We hung out for a wee bit to get the general feel of the events.  We did not understand a word of what was being said, but we did get the sense of the passion in the words being spoken.

 We took a quick trip through the Landesmuseum, but everything is in German (go figure) so it was impossible to fully understand what we were looking at.  It was not the most impressive collection of works, but fascinating to wonder about and speculate.

Our hotel room was great, on the top floor with a great view of the Maschsee lake. This area of Hannover has several parks and abundant bike paths. The lake has a couple of touring boats you can ride, paddle boats to rent along with a small marina which housed numerous sail boats. It was great to watch the many kayakers, runners with and without dogs and bike riders of all ages.  I suppose in the summer this place is hopping with all sorts of activities.




Heathrow Airport Photos
Hannover Arrival Photos
Wolfshagen Im Harz
Hannover Departure Photos