American Women's Club of Hamburg
On Monday, May 5, a group of 14 women met at the pier on Jungfernstieg to participate in one of Hamburg’s tourist attractions – a trip through the narrow canals of the river Alster. This was a New Members’ Event organized by Regina D., gladly joined by some seasoned AWC members as well. The sunny weather could not have been any better for our outing.
Once on the open space of the Outer Alster Lake, passing the sailing boats, our guide gave a running commentary in German. For the English version tapes and headphones were freely available. We could also follow our route on a map which was printed directly onto the tables. You only had to move the cups of coffee, the plate with cake or your beer bottle aside.
We passed elegant white villas hidden in secluded gardens, watched ducks and swans and even saw a group of teenage boys jumping from an embankment for a swim. The smaller and quieter canals are an oasis for lilies, reeds and ferns where the treetops were nearly touching the roof of the boat. Sitting outside at the back of the boat was great fun too. A group of women huddled on the bench in the sunshine engaging in deep conversation. The commentary of our friendly guide was totally lost in the eager chatter.
Out of the lively exchange an idea for a new activity group has already emerged. Monika (one of our new members) is going to start an Advanced Spanish Conversation group. The first meeting was held on May 27. For more details please watch activity pages of forthcoming Currents issues. In the meantime you can contact Monika at mpvm7@yahoo.de for details.
We arrived back at the pier in town in time for dinner, greeted by the 60 m high water fountain, for more socializing at the restaurant “at Tiffany’s”, rounding off a very pleasant excursion.
originally published in Currents June-July 2008
