Spring has Sprung

It's been a while...that's how these blogs start when you forget about them for months right?

Well it has been, a while, and I've forgotten to write because I make excuses, and because I know this blog is about to become a novel of rambling.

Since my last post which was a review for a friend I've started working again. It's not a dream job, but I'm aware of how lucky I am to have a job considering the economy. I appreciate that the work is a combination of repetitive and tumultuous. That allows me to day dream, but keep busy, which I like. I haven't been there long, just since February, but for the most part there are moments of laughter and that is something special.

I've been waiting for Spring/Summer since I got back from Germany at the end of last summer. I had an amazing time with my friend Daniel seeing Europe from his perspective, but if I ever go back I want to do more. I want to take my time, not rush through typical travelers sites. I want to climb a mountain again, but sit there, just stair out into the horizon and breath. I want to sit and draw or sing in the streets when it's raining twirling my umbrella. Well, who am I kidding, when I walk my dog around the block and am listening to Frank Sinatra on my phone I twirl around the STOP sign while he sniffs some grass and I pretend I shuffle my feet like I"m in a musical.

The weathers starting to bloom, it's raining constantly sure, but the green is coming back, the earth is coming back to life and that lifts my spirits. I've already gone to a car show and I plan on going to more and festivals as soon as they start popping up around the island. I'm looking forward to going out east to the Hamptons, spending long night in Sag Harbor, walking on the beach and picking up sea shells with holes in them for a necklace I'll never make, but tell myself I will.

I'll be that pale ghost of a woman on the beach burring myself in the sand to cool down or making a sand castle, but most likely a figure of something...last time I made a turtle, but sometimes kicked it...

The pool isn't opened yet, but I can't wait for that day. It's just nice enough to wash the cars, go to the dog park, and get kicked off the beach at night when I go after work by some annoying security guard just because I look like a bumb with a blanket and laying in the sand does not mean I'm an actual bumb thank you!

Next week is my cousin Stephanie's wedding. One of the most beautiful people, inside and out. Granted we don't know each other very well, we're family, we love each other, and share a lot of childhood memories of dancing in newspaper hula skirts to the Beach Boys...yes, there's video and pictures of that. The wedding is in Virginia on April 30th, and I actually be seeing my sister for the first time in months as well. It's also my cousin Debbie's baby shower that weekend, she's going to be HUGE! She's normally MAYBE 100lbs, and by next week she'll be about 8 months pregnant so she'll be a planet, but a beautiful planet I'm sure.

I of course have not bought anything to wear to the wedding and have allowed myself to wait till the last possible second in that I plan on going to look for something the day before, but will probably end up going in a skirt or dress pants which will make my mother furious, but I'm just not a shopper, it's not me. I'm not your "typical" woman. I don't like shopping, I don't own closet full of shoes, handbags, or clothes. I like video games, car shows, going to baseball games with my dad, canoeing on a nice day, going for a hike, but on average...sitting in my yoga pants and sweatshirt watching movies till I pass out and MAYBE building a fire in the backyard and just sitting starring at it with some wine.

I'm supposed to go to this baby shower, and I'll go cause I'm invited and love my cousin, but I know they're going to have games I'm going to fail at. I know a lot about children, I like children, I've been a baby sitter for 14 years, but I won't be as excited about babies and baby things till I have one of my own and that won't be for a long time. I've already bought my cousin every METS baby thing you can buy so I'm set for that, lol. I just think it'll be pretty funny if he grows up not liking the METS.

I'm also excited about this wedding because it means my family will be together and I miss them more than I miss anything else. I miss how we all used to do so much together and so often and how now we only seem to see each other at weddings. I plan on dancing even though I'm horrible at it, and maybe stealing the mic from someone and singing far too loud with my sister and cousins like we used to-it'll make for a great clip in their wedding video I'm sure. I've spent a lot of my youth being shy or in the least quiet, and I am still to a degree, but I've also realized "no guts no glory" if I hide away sure I can't get hurt or rejected, but I can't feel fulfilled and make great memories alone in my room either.

I don't go out THAT often, but who cares if sometimes I have to go out somewhere alone. If I want to go out, I'll go out, if I sit waiting for someone to go with me I'll end up waiting and waiting and missing out. So much more opens to you when you actually DO what you want and of course it's wonderful to be with people or at least someone special, but I'm a firm believer in fate-that we have the ability with our free will to create our path, but that there's an underlying one there for us, we make a choice and we go down a path, and there are more roads, never ending, we make the choice, and then the rest of it flows together as it's meant to.

I'm excited for this new path, this new Spring/Summer, because I'm getting money back in the bank, I have a family reunion underway, a friend expecting, and seemingly limitless possibilities. I don't know what will happen or what can happen yet, and that's scary and exciting and the best part is enjoying it day to day, savoring what I have now, knowing anything can happen tomorrow or later today that could be a new memory I'll treasure.

At Home in Hamburg

After flying into Germany through Frankfurt am Mains international airport take a train to Hamburg, one of Germany’s oldest established cities. There you will have your mind racing as the city alone has endless stories to tell. Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, after Berlin and home to approximately 1.8 million residents while the city inhabits more than 4.3 million. The City known as, “Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg,” gets its name from the first permanent building, a castle, ordered by Emperor Charlemagne in 808 A.D. In 834 the city was designated the seat of Roman Catholic bishopric, however in 1529 the city embraced Lutheranism and was a notable sanctuary for refuges. The city was, along with the majority of European countries at the time, accosted by the Plague or “Black Death,” in 1350, taking 60% of the population with it.

Once the city regained its faculties by 1410 the first constitution was signed. This lead to much change, and as the popularity of the Holy Roman Empire started to unwind in 1806 the Free Imperial City of Hamburg was not metastasized, but became a sovereign state officially titled “Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.”

Since, the city skyline has been unlike any other, wherein place of mountainous skyscrapers the horizon paints the portrait of glorious churches. In the 19th century, Hamburg’s own St. Nicholas’s church was the tallest building. Currently the skyline features St. Michaelis Church, St. Peter’s Church, St. Jacobi Church, and St. Catherine’s Church as well as the Heinrich-Hertz-Turm, once accessible radio and television tower.





Venice may be considered the city that floats, but Hamburg is home to over 2,300 bridges, more than Amsterdam and Venice combined making it the most abridged city in the world. In the St. Pauli quarter of Reeperbahn there is one of Europe’s largest red light districts and thereby home to strip clubs, brothels, bars, and nightclubs. For those who love The Beatles, an interesting fact is that they started their career in Reeperbahn with a 48-night residency at the Indra club, 58 nights at the Kaiserkeller in 1960, a stint at the Top Ten Club in 1961, and the Star Club in 1962. For tourists and residence alike there are bus tours that will take you to the numerous tourist attractions through the city. However, since Hamburg is one of the world’s largest harbors, tourists can also take boat tours through the canals, which start from the Landungsbrücken. If you prefer a more laidback atmosphere you should visit the neighborhood of Schanze, the street cafes are quant and quiet while the beaches along the river Elbe can be a relaxing getaway with friends and family for a barbecue.







Hamburg is a metropolitan of fancy with more than 40 theatres, 60 museums, and 100 music venues. When visiting Hamburg, especially during the warmer months make sure to take a trip to one of the many parks available. The largest parks are the Stadtpark, Ohlsdorf Cemetery, and Planten un Blomen. Stadtpark is Hamburg’s version of New York Cities “Central Park.” The park has a great lawn and an enormous water tower. For you star gazers who just can’t wait for the sun to go down the park is home to one of Europe’s largest planetariums. In Ohlsdorf Cemetery there is a Jewish mourning Hall.

The Deutsches Schauspielhas theatre in St. Georg’s quarter has a capacity for 1,192 spectators making it one of Germany’s largest theatres. The Thalia Theatre located on Raboisen Street was named, for good reason after the muse Thalia. From Greek mythology, Thalia was one of the three Graces and the muse of comedy and idyllic poetry. The theater has one of Germany’s more famous ensembles and stages around 9 new plays per season. For those visitors who aren’t fluent in the native tongue there is The English Theatre. Near U3 Mundsburg station, it is the oldest professional English speaking theatre in Germany having exclusively native English speaking actors. Since the arrival of the musical Cats in 1985 the city has been running such plays as Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Dirty Dancing, and Dance of the Vampires in numerous venues.

The Alter Botanischer Garten Hamburg (sometimes known as the Schaugewächshaus or the Tropengewächshäuser) is a historic botanical garden located in Planten un Blomen Park at Stephansplatz. The facility currently consists of interconnected greenhouses. Those with a tight budget need not worry this herbological paradise is currently without charge.




Located at Lokstedter Grenzstraße 2, 22527 Hamburg is Hamburg’s most famous zoo, Tierpark Hagenbeck. The Zoo is most notably famous for its moats and bar-less enclosures, allowing all practitioners to follow the animals through the panoramic habitats. Make sure to follow all the rules and guidelines laid out for spectators as to not repeat the breakout of 1956! In 1956, 45 rhesus monkeys escaped from the zoo and ran wild in Hamburg. Police were called after housewives claimed to have been accosted by our primate brethren, as they were climbing through opened windows of local houses taking items from the homes and playing with them on the law and in the trees. There’s one good reason to not feed the animals at the zoo, they’ll follow you home and possibly try to inhabit your house.




Another famous staple of Hamburg attractions is the Hamburg SV (futbol team/soccer). Hamburg is sometimes considered Germany’s capital for sports since the city is home to one of the most famous first league teams and international sporting events. Hamburg SV is the oldest team of the Bundesliga playing since 1963, they are six-time German champions, three time German world cup winners, and triumphed in the European Cup in 1983 as well as having played in the group stages of the Champions League twice in 2000/20001 and in 20006/20007.

I’m sure by now with all the walking around, travel tours, and sites your stomach must be growling. Luckily Hamburg has a plate full of delectable and savory traditional dishes in store to sooth those hunger pangs. Hamburg’s traditional dishes include Bohnenund Speck (green runner beans cooked with pears and bacon), Aalsuppe (soup mostly considered to be eel, but may include everything but the kitchen sink), Bratkartoffein (pan-fried potato slices) which as similar to chips or French fries, Finkenwerder Scholle (pan-fried plaice), Pannfisch (pan-fried fish), Labskaus (corned beef, mashed potatoes, and beetroot), and to tickle your sweet tooth there’s always Rote Grutze (a berry pudding usually served with cream). After your belly is full, or if that weren’t enough there’s always The Hamburger DOM. The Hamburger DOM is Germany’s largest fun fair that occurs three times a year, spring, summer, and winter. This Volksfest consists of a beer festival, food, rides, and games for all ages.




With Hamburg’s rich history, it’s numerous attractions, and beautiful architecture you’ll be planning your return trip before you’ve left. No matter the season there is always something to do, a reason to celebrate, you will undoubtedly fine a way to enjoy yourself. Don’t forget your camera, you’ll never want to forget the memories you made while visiting this culturally stimulating and fantasy getaway city in Germany.

Visitors Guide to Frankfurt

When you first arrive in Germany, you're most likely to arrive at Frankfurt am Mains international airport. Your initial thoughts might include, "where do I go next?" ,"what should I see first?" , and "where is the bathroom?!" Frankfurt am Mains international airport will undoubtedly have someone kind enough to lead you on your way as it has more than 40,000 employees working there. The area surrounding the airport since it's resurrection has become it's own city with it's own rules and regulations. The city includes a variety of stores for last minute shopping or browsing on a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Through the airport there is conveniently a system for long distance railway travel. The local train known as the S BAHN can take you to such places as Munich, Cologne, or Hamburg among others. While waiting for your train you might enjoy some downtime at a casino, have drinks at a bar, or if you have more "adult" pleasures in mind there are bordelos and brothels for your convenience.

If you arrived at Frankfurt am Main to enjoy the multitude of pleasures specifically in Frankfurt there is of course a train that will take you directly into the heart of the city within around 15 minutes. From the moment you walk off the platform there is a barrage of artistic architecture. Frankfurt's skyline is unique for Europe with more than 30 skyscrapers. Among the largest and first noticeable would be Commerce Bank and Deutsche Bank headquarters-so should you need to change money and forgot to at the airport you'll have an opportunity once you arrive in the city.




The city center "ZEIL" is one of Germany's longest shopping districts. The area is blocked off for pedestrians to walk freely without concern for cars or other motor vehicles to encroach upon their pause for pictures and window shopping. As interesting as the skyscrapers may be, back through the streets there is much entertainment to be thrilled by. There are sporadic entertainers strewn through the street, who perform for your entertainment and would most appreciate any donation you might offer. The performers range from artists painting your portrait to painting the sidewalk, as well as musicians. The shopping area has a range of stores depending on your budget as well as kiosks for those of you looking to buy souvenirs. Should you be interested in the finer things there is a section walking distance from the ZEIL known as the Goethe StraBe which offers luxurious boutiques for those with more extravagant taste.

If you're looking for a cultural getaway you need not look far while in Frankfurt. The ZEIL is privy to a movie theater that exclusively plays films from the 50s to the 80s. There is also an Opera house known as Alter Oper that was built in 1880 and reconstructed in the 1960s to be used as a concert hall. If you're interest in history Frankfurt has a story to tell. The oldest and largest Lutheran church is set in Frankfurt. In St. Paul's church the first declaration of right was signs and it's first parliament was formed and held. Hitler was also sworn in as Reichskanzler there. West of St. Paul's Church is the birth house of famous German writer and polymath Johan Wolfgang von Goethe. Goethe's works span the fields of poetry, drama, literature, theology, philosophy, humanism, and science.






When crossing the river Main to Sachsenhausen, located on the south side of Frankfurt you might enjoy a pint at a village pub of a Frankfurt specialty "Apfelwein," (a delicious cider concoction) with some traditional German meals like rouladen or jaeger schnitzel. Your stomach will be full and your heart warmed by the polite nature of your surroundings. You'll have a great opportunity to walk it all off while visiting one of the many convenient museums ranging from art to history in the area. Every museum has something new and exciting to offer. You can spend days enjoying all the varieties as you learn of Germany and international cultural histories and artistic paradigms.



Before leaving Frankfurt city make sure take a trip, especially with the little ones to the Frankfurt Zoo. There you'll be able to enjoy a close encounter of the furry kind when visiting the animals. The Frankfurt zoo in some areas is more open to the public than Zoo's in the United States. The enclosures are wide and deep allowing the animals more range to walk around and socialize, but while having them in the open so that as a visitor you can feel more involved in your experience there. There are ponies to pet should you want to be more hands on. There are plenty of rest stops through the paths, and rest areas should you want or need to take a break and watch the animals for a while.

If you're visiting during August don't miss out on the 3 day festival in the city, the Museumsuferfest (Museums Riverbank Festival). As one of Germany's largest cultural festivals it can attract more than 3 million visitors a day. The festival includes numerous attractions including; live-bands, dance shows, several booths for crafts, jewelry, clothes and food from all around the world. If that weren't enough to make your eyes pop with excitement there is a fantastic firework display culminating the festival proceedings.




For those of you with a sweet tooth take a trip on Frankfurt's railways to Cologne and visit Cologne's own, Cologne Chocolate Museum. There you'll be privy to the warm aroma of chocolate that envelopes the building. With 2,000 exhibits and a 3,000 year span of chocolate history, you'll start by salivating over the 3 meter high chocolate fountain located near the entrance-what's even more delicious is that visitors are welcome to dip a waffle or treat of their liking into the fountain to start their savory journey.

If luscious chocolate hasn't soothed your sense, or luxury to you is leather throughout an Aston Martin, take a drive to Frankfurt's infamous auto show. There you can envelope yourself in the smooth shine of the newest models of your favorite auto lines. Since the auto show is an annual event there is always something new to see, making a trip that will continue to entertain for years to come.

From the moment you land to the moment you leave, Frankfurt has your senses engulfed in a veritable smorgasbords of assorted activities from culturally stimulating to soothing your hunger pangs. There is always something to do, and with the relaxed atmosphere and traditional sense in the air wherever you may travel there's no question why some call Germany, the Mother land.