Off to Hamburg where our international family grows!

Inga and Markus had stayed with us as couchsurfers a number of times from 2010 to 2014. They are a really lovely couple that we have become very fond of. So when the decision was taken to attend Anne and Steve's wedding in northern Germany, we could not pass up the chance to dive across and meet the additions to their family - Finn now 2 and Lena, 3 months.  It was also a chance to meet Inga's parents with whom we had communicated following their crash in New Zealand.

Its too bad that we don't have a bit more time - Rich and Lou fly out this evening and are keen to try out that Michelin starred restaurant, but we really need to be on the road by noon in case the traffic is bad to Hamburg and Inga and Markus. And we skirt around the outskirts of Bremen - a city we have not yet visited. Oh well, next time!

Slept in until after 8, re-packed bags so we can just take the essentials in at Hamburg, and left to go to the aftermath breakfast at 9:45. There was no parking in the hotel lot when we got back here last night, but Michael went for a smoke walk later and found that someone had left, so we moved the car closer. Good one.

We head off to the Luethemuehle with Lou and Rich who got in about 1 am and were woken with the Liverpudlian revellers arriving back at the hotel to watch the boxing around 4 am. By 5 Rich had had enough and told them so!
They are flying out late this afternoon, but need to check out of the hotel at the same time as us. We throw all the luggage in the car (Gen, you are forgiven -you travel light compared to them!!) and when we get to the Luethemuehle there are heaps of others who are also carting luggage.


Anne Blythe (not the actress!) met us at the door. She looks remarkably together for a bride who will have got little sleep. She tells us the Steve and she managed to get to bed around 4 am, but that the last guests didn't leave the venue until 7 am!  Guess that they will be coming later to breakfast!!
Breakfast - OMG - what a breakfast. Remember that they are catering to to tastes and two cultures, so there was everything from cereal, fruits, yoghurt, croissants and pastries, scrambled eggs and bacon, boiled eggs and the usual spread of breads, rolls, cheeses, meats, and salad fare for the Germans (and us!)

We stayed until noon and then began to leave, saying goodbyes all round.  We have got to the car when Johannes comes running out - he wants a photo with us taken on his phone!

We manage to leave about 12:15 and head to the east. The next small town we drive through is Hinsbeck, bedecked in red and white bunting with ribbons tied on the street trees - we wonder whether there is a wedding or some other event, and then come across cyclists that appear to be in a race - also dressed in red and white - so guess that is our answer.

The trip planner tells us we have a drive of just over 4 hours so I send Inga a message saying to expect us around 5.  Got to stop doing that - it was 5:30 when we got here.  Made on stop for fuel and currywurst and then hit roadworks.

A group of bikers on trikes are motoring along - the only one we could get a clear photo of was the one who had raced on ahead and was now pulled over waiting for the rest of the gang.  And the rest stops are all named - Michael takes a particular liking to this one!

The country in the north is flat - there are no mountains and really no hills to talk of either. We are driving clear across the region of Neidersachsen. Solar energy is the order of the day and there are lots of properties (farms) where the roof of every building is covered in solar panels. We even pass one building whose roof is made of solar panels, but taken through the windscreen, the photo is not clear.

This region reminds me quite a bit of home. There are forests of pine trees - the wind must be strong here because many of them are bent from the prevailing winds, interspersed with wheat crops - okay, so we have sugar, they had wheat. And as we are further north, the crops are just coming to full ripeness and not yet harvested.

We again hit roadworks around Bremen - a city we have not yet had the chance to explore - another visit maybe; and the trip in to Hamburg is slower with yet more roadworks. Its about now that Optus decides that we have had enough international roaming and cuts off internet access.  Not sure what made me do it, but when we stopped, I downloaded the directions from Google Maps offline. At least we can follow those - and despite the many roadworks we make it to Inga and Markus' home first try!

It was so nice to see them again and meet their little family.  Finn is shy at first, but a toy whale soon has him making friends with us. Baby Lena is now 3 months and really happily comes to me.  We also get to meet in person Inga's Mum Anne and her father Rainer who we had been in touch with when Inga and Markus came to us after a crash in New Zealand. It was like old times chatting and sharing cakes made by Anne - including the most divine Portugese Egg Tarts - she has promised me the recipe.

We share lasagne cooked by Markus for dinner and then head to bed on their couch - yes, we have come full circle.  

Off to Hamburg tomorrow.  See you afterwards.