Jumped for a Dumpster

I was jumped tonight and most surprised, I was taking this picture of a graffiti dumpster when a few seconds later was pinned against a wall. The two in the distance in this photo thought I was taking their picture. I took one down then there were more hands on me and other guys. I really like my spot at the Best Western St. Raphael and my big room, even its location near the Haupt-bahnhof (train station) and access to the city. “Why did you take our picture”? One guy yelled. I thought quickly and told them that they should look at my digital pictures; I was simply intrigued by the dumpster. They did, one more punch and they were gone. I thought about all the photos I have taken and wondered why it would be one of a dumpster that almost got me dumped.

Ballin Stadt, Hamburg's Ellis Island

I spent the morning cruising the amazing Hamburg Harbor heading by boat to one amazing place, the Ballin Stadt, the place where 5 million people departed Germany looking for a better life. We in the US tend to think only of the emigrants plight from Ellis Island on, there was so much more involved. Ballin Stadt explains it all and very well, think of an Ellis Island in reverse. The people were housed and paper work dealt with, no easy task. People from Eastern Europe often went to America via Hamburg and this museum covers the saga so very well! I myself am looking for answers as my Mom's father most likely came through here.

Beatles and the First Gig in Hamburg

I was on my way to visit with Kathrin Beulshausen who works for the high design hotel East in the St Pauli section of Hamburg when I ran into some Beatles info. There was a small little ramshackle place called Indra with a sign stating the Beatles played there on Aug. 17 1960 and that was their first engagement and started their career. A tour bus was parked outside and the blinds drawn tight, perhaps some new super stars in the making?

Hamburg and the Sea

I arrived in Hamburg and hit the streets running, even though it is a holiday here. It was great to see Hamburgers enjoy a day off and I happened upon the Hafenfest der Welt. The harbor was filled with ships and a carnival atmosphere prevails, it’s a great time to visit this city that has an eye to the water, more bridges than Amsterdam, London and Venice combined. I walked miles just getting my bearings for my appointments in the morning. I am going to love this city!

Working Girl, St Pauli Hamburg

Leaving Dusseldorf and Rolling to Hamburg

I am up early and writing this as the sun also rises. I am leaving Dusseldorf today, a city that has been really great to explore. From centuries past to the modern skyline of today, Dusseldorf really has a lot to offer and I am actually looking forward to my return in a few days.

I will hit the rails today and head to Hamburg, from all accounts another thriving city with plenty to do. It was in Hamburg at the Star Club where the Beatles cut their teeth playing clubs. Rolling on!

Neanderthal in Germany

Just in case you want to know what a marathon of travel can do to you check out the top picture. We went to a fantastic museum this morning near Dusseldorf that is the Neanderthal Museum. It was in this gorge that in 1829 miners found bones of our ancestors. It was a fascinating place to go way back in time, before jet lag and politics took a toll.

A Perfect Dusseldorf Afternoon

After a morning of exploring the Aldstadt of Düsseldorf we meet as a group to see some of the surrounding countryside. The first stop is the Scholoss (castle) of Benrath a magnificent palace with stunning grounds. It is however the waffle with ice cream and cherry topping that catches all of our attention. The Schlosscafe is located and set amidst gardens and the moat. Swans cruise by and the bright sun warms up a perfect afternoon.

Next up is the small and picture perfect town of Kaisersworth on the Rhine River. It is glow time and we strolled through the town and down a country road to a beer garden. A few rounds of sparkling white wine on the banks of the river loosens tongues and laughter. Soon we head to the porch for a dinner of local dishes. Next thing we know it is 11 P.M. and sleep is on our agenda, a perfect Düsseldorf day is done.

UNWTO and Kenya's Tourism

It seems strange to be thinking about Kenya while sitting in a super room at the Maritim Hotel in Düsseldorf but sometimes past trips come back to haunt you. I was checking out the web this morning when I came upon a new release about the UNWTO Secretary - General Francesco Frangialli’s recent visit to Kenya. He stated that Kenya is of need of help and that tourism is so very important to the country and its citizens, not to mention the region. We at GoNOMAD went on our own fact finding mission and couldn’t have been more pleased to see the steps Kenya’s Tourism Board is taking to save the tourism industry there. The UNWTO is going to help with tech and marketing assistance via its alliance with Microsoft. Not a moment to soon!

Eating in Dusseldorf, Under Frank Gehry Buildings

How cool can life be when you are eating at a table of the Meerbar right underneath some Gehry designed buildings and the Rhine River rolls next to you. The Meerbar was filled with the,” Beautiful People”, of Düsseldorf. Food and wine fantastic and you are with the guy who runs the airport. My wine glass was never empty and the food super, yet it is the vibe that Düsseldorf has that is special. The sunny day turned into a night that had a warm breeze and the crack (conversation) was great. As our table of LA and NYC writers grew smaller the core group held on to our coveted spot and the waiter catered to our every want. This takes me back to the old days, when you feasted and dinner was an event. I even had a great surprise when one of the LA writers was a past travel mate. Between the super airport arrival with limo and private immigration in VIP lounge and this dinner, I got to feel like one lucky dude. To top it off the morning is on my own, a chance to seek out just what I want to, pinch me travel gods!

VIP Entry to Dusseldorf

When we arrived at the Dusseldorf Airport we were met at the gate and taken down to waiting BMW, 2 of them and taken to the VIP entry lounge. While sipping on coffee and sweets our passports were stamped and our bags picked up and delivered. Our Hotel the Maritim is sleek and near the airport with service into the heart of the city. My room on the executive floor is perfect for a home base. Sauna then hitting the streets, I never nap on a first day arrival. Go with the time zone you are on!

Mobile Office at JFK

Fourth trip starting from JFK in a month and a half and the airport is my worst part of traveling. Security is always a drag and the mass of people on the move astounding! Still I am relaxed knowing that I have done what I set out to do, from Arctic Circle to Equator and then skiing the Alps. On to Germany!

Travel Writers and Hell

I bought it for my trip to Germany but I couldn't wait, the book, Do Travel Writers Go To Hell. It is an amusing read but little to do with reality except the author Thomas Kohnstamm's trip as a Lonely Planet author. Kohnstamm went to Brazil to work on a new LP Brazil book and gets into all sorts of scraps. While funny in places I am sure glad that he isn't planning my trip, anywhere. This is the second book that purports to unveil the travel writing life, strike two on that account.