Hamburg

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 Tosh:

Willi and Sabine, Johanna's uncle and aunt, were our wonderful hosts in Hamburg for a couple of nights. They have a very well-appointed flat in a posh neighborhood with easy access to the rest of the city; German city public transportation being so convenient and efficient. We came for Willy and Sabine's birthday and anniversary party, which was held on a ship in the Hamburg harbor; a top notch affair. Willy was a top-level official for the city of Hamburg; he tells me he was the civilian rank equivalent of a two-star general. The people at his party (most retired like him), are all super-interesting to talk to. 

The party reminds me about how overtly curious Germans are. At least six people at the party specifically sought me out and asked me to sit with them and talk a while because they'd heard an American was at the party and just wanted to chat about this or that for a bit. They also don't shy away from sensitive topics like politics or religion; they really are interested what other folks think and want to have a genuine conversation (not just to espouse their own dogma).

As we leave the city, the Polish and Dutch are pouring into the city for the soccer game that evening in Hamburg; the European cup is currently being held throughout Germany.

Joha: 

After two wonderful days in Hamburg, reunited with my parents and most of the Pagels-Clan during uncle Willi's and aunt Sabine's party, we are now in Berlin. Tomorrow our train takes off to Krakow, Poland, and our true adventure is starting. Until now we were staying with relatives in my homeland, but tomorrow we will enter a Europe that not many get to see, travel in countries where some places neither our English, German or remnants of russian will get us understood. This is the kind of travel Tosh and I love, and I am truly excited. I want the kids to learn how to navigate those places and experience new cultures. Hopefully they will come to understand how rich and blessed we are. On- on! 

Miles: Willys party was awsome and they had a magigian that could pull a baseball out of nowhere. we had endleess drinks and i had a lot of caffiene.

Tut: these past two days were really fun we got to go on this really old boat for Uncle Willi's and aunt sabine's anniversary we had a lot of fun.

                                                                    Joha and Tut with Sabine on their terrace
                                                                        Sabine, Willi, and Johanna on their terrace
                                                                    Cap San Diego, site of Willi & Sabine's party
                                                                    Joha and Rica (Jo's sister-in-law) on Cap San Diego


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