It’s our first time in Hamburg and unfortunately it’s looking a gray and a little washed out today. We’re in Germany’s second largest city, some say the wealthiest, for only one night so we brilliantly thought to leave Amsterdam at an odd 4 a.m. earlier this morning so we could make the most of our time in the city.  After an uneventful four and a half hour drive we were greeted by a city that looked like it was still asleep, with empty streets and closed shops everywhere. Not that I’m complaining – I’d rather a city that wasn’t New York but seeing the complete opposite on a drizzling day like today gives off a somewhat solitary feeling. Our first few attempts at finding parking were challenging – parking garages were closed for this holiday weekend and we didn’t know where to find long-term street parking – but when we finally did it wasn’t long before we started getting to know Hamburg town.

After a leisurely breakfast in the old part of town, a quick run through city hall square and the Speicherstadt warehouse district, it looked like there wasn’t much else to see. I’d read that a river cruise was recommended but given the weather today that idea would have to wait for a more opportune time. It was a nice introduction to Hamburg though, and here’s hoping the sun comes out to play while we’re here.