12 July 2014 Hamburg

22C Sunny

This morning we set off in a westerly direction towards the altstadt (old town) via the many canals that are a Hamburg feature.

It's international triathlon weekend here and the triathlon was in full swing for the minor classes, over 50's, girls with baskets on their bikes and overweight men;s divisions. There were spectators and a drumming band we passed entertaining the competitors.

As we walked by the canals we passed the largest warehouse area in Europe – these old warehouses were designed for small ships to pull into and unload their goods. You can see the cranes attached to the top floor of the buildings and imagine what it would have been like with the canals full of busy little boats.

Along the way we came across an unusual building which looks like a ship called the Chile House, from the corner it looks to have its bow rising out of the water and rails around the top floor giving it (on one side) the appearance of a cruise ship – quite unique.

Just opposite we discovered a Hachez's chocolate shop with a museum attached if you want to do a tour.

We just bought chocolate and ate it.

We visited another 2 churches (can't be many left in Europe that we haven't) on the way back into town.

We went into St Jacob's Church and then onto St Peters, but as there was a wedding taking place we were restricted entry. Being a typical woman I wanted to see the bride but very soon discovered 'she' was a 'he'. All very liberal....

This afternoon the only game in town was the Elite races of the International Triathlon series, Wherever you went you soon ran into the fences around the course. that prevent the elite women and men from getting lost while running around the centre of the city.

Our vantage point was excellent as it was on one of the 180 degree turns for both the cycle and running course so we got to cheer on the Aussies as they made the turns. The Australian women were in a great position and achieved a second place but for the men's race the Australians were not so prominent.

It was all over by 8pm, so we walked home, then soaked my feet in a foot bath, as my feet are aching from another big hamburger (around 20km) day.