June 22, 2024

The Alster River Canals - Hamburg

In medieval times, a dam turned the Alster River into a water reservoir to power all the mills operating on it's banks. This shaped the face of central Hamburg, as it is now, made up of two lakes called the AuBenalster (outer) and Binnenalster (inner). The river is feed from a spring outside of Hamburg and flows into the Elbe river just south of city center. We took a two hour cruise on the lakes and the many canals that the Alster runs through.

  • Which city in the world has the most bridges?

    Chongqing China is #1 with 10,000 bridges.


    Hamburg is #2 with 2,496 - more than the combined bridges from Venice, London and Amsterdam.


    Berlin is #3 with 1700 bridges.

  • Which city in world has most canals?

    Hamburg wins! with more canals than Venice and Amsterdam combined.

Above is Hamburg's most exclusive Hotel Atlantic Hamburg - the globe that sits on top of its marque has been transformed into a soccer ball in honor of the UEFA 2024.

Rondeelteich is the most exclusive neighborhood in Hamburg and the only way you can get one of these mansions is to marry in or inherit it. There were lots of kayaks, dragon boats, canoes and paddle boarders throughout the lake - almost all are wind or paddle operated. The only motorized vehicle's were our ferries and a few small boats for supervising the sail boat lessons.

CHRIST CHURCH via LYTTELTON, NEW ZEALAND

By Pat Patrick • March 17, 2026
CHRISTCHURCH, was my favorite city last time I visited New Zealand in 2016, and it didn't disappoint, for a second time! We had a gorgeous day to take in all the sights. Christchurch is on the other side of the volcanic mountains, from the charming port town of Lyttelton , a quick 20 minute uber ride through the tunnel. The area was devasted by an earthquake in 2011 and is still rebuilding, but the progress has been striking since I was last here. 

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 4, 2026
We had a beautiful sunny day to explore Wellington ! Was a very nice change from the stormy, big swells weather we have had the last two days! Wellington is the Capital city of New Zealand and the CBD is nice and big with lots of shops and museums. We didn't make it to the LOTR studios due to the time crunch but we took the cable car up to the top, for a scenic overlook of the port and then leisurley walk down through the Botantical Gardens, parks and historical cemetary.

ROTORUA CITY HIGHLIGHTS - NEW ZEALAND

By Patricia Patrick • March 3, 2026
Rotorua became a bonus city for us. Our Port stay in Tauranga got cut down to one day, due to NZ biosecurity regulations and since we really wanted to do Hobbiton, we decided to get off the ship and stay in hotels and get back on the ship, in a few days. Due to a variety of factors, the Ship ended up doing a quick pick up of us in Tauranga, three days later. The Kiwi's we encountered along the way, who helped with all our last minute details, were amazingly kind, hospitable and generous. Below is our tired, chilly group huddled at the security shed, outside the Port in the wee hours (1:30 am) Monday morning, awaiting our final hurdle of getting back on our Home. Home sweet home! What an adventure!