Proud of the past. Dynamic in the present. Looking to the future. With a history dating back to the ninth century, Hamburg is the European Green Capital 2011 and has an innovative transport system. Seething, intense, always manages to surprise.
Unshakable. This is the word that best defines the second German city. Victim of numerous wrecks for over 1000 years of history, not outdone by adversity. Aware of his vast past, gives me a challenge: to visit the magnificent historical center. Despite the cold gray day of October, accepted without hesitation. While browsing through several streets, a magical walk in a time capsule. I travel to the twelfth century at St. Petri. The lion's head that adorns the front door is the earliest piece of Hamburg. In the great Gothic church St. Jacobi gives a jump to the fourteenth century. Devastated during World War II, contains many surprises: medieval altars, paintings, sculptures, as well as one of the largest organs of the Baroque world. Stimulated by the wind of history, follow up to City Hall. Built in 1897 (the old building was destroyed by fire in 1842), located in the large municipal market. Considered one of the most fascinating buildings in the city enchants with its walls decorated in Renaissance style and extraordinary source Hygeia. The inner courtyard is an absolute hymn to beauty.
Exuberant and artistic, Hamburg is inseparable from architecture. And the music. Birthplace of the brilliant composer George Frideric Handel (1685) and Johannes Brahms (1833), becomes the stage of early international career of one of the greatest bands ever: The Beatles. We were in the early '60s. After walking through centuries of history, back to the present. It is time to enjoy a well deserved meal. The relaxed atmosphere of a coffee from the center of conquest me immediately. I remember the contrast of red flowers with white towels. The smile off the owner. Festive voice of students. And the taste of the divine Pfannfisch (a sort of omelets with chunks of white fish, cod or salmon and onion).
The tracks of the future
São 13:00. The afternoon greets me with a smile. And no rain. My journey continues in other ways - the water. With numerous channels, Hamburg is one of the largest ports in the world. While the beautiful Alster lake boundary, let me reassure by a generous glass of beer. As well as the peaceful vision of the city covered boat. The elegant palaces. The old baroque churches. The structures of glass and steel. The ancient and the modern married in the distance.
Lombardsbrücke, Kennedybrücke - there are many bridges crossing the rivers. 2479 in full (it is the European city with more bridges). Finally I realize why Hamburg is known as the "gateway to the world." And the future, he added. Elected green capital of Europe 2011 by the European Commission, is arguably one of the "lungs" of Germany. Meadows, parks, forests, wetlands and moors make up 41% of its area. How many trees planted in the streets, finally, are numerous. One, two, three, ... 240 000!
My ride continues. Between cosmopolitan neighborhoods, will unveil new faces of this multifaceted city. There is always something that surprises. Air quality, for example. Attentive to the needs of future generations, Hamburg has an ambitious goal: the reduction of CO2 emissions by 40% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Not to mention the energy efficiency in buildings and the fantastic public transport system. Using new technologies, presents the gift of "ubiquity" The people need not walk more than 300 meters from their homes to find a train station, metro or bus. The hours older. After a long struggle with the light, darkness conquers the atmosphere. Music, one needs! Resolute, I turn to one of the most popular jazz bars - Cotton Club. The concert becomes even more especially after a glass of Rotwein - red wine. An unforgettable night. As this trip. The English philosopher Francis Bacon once said: "Choose your time is to gain time." In Hamburg, the time is past, present and future. In a city.
