Street Scene, Lubeck
Before turning our heads to westward-facing Europe, we spent a day solidly in the Baltic. Lubeck was the unofficial capital of the Hanseatic League that figures so prominently in the history of the region.
Early in the morning, we traveled up the Trave River. Mist hung in the air, illuminated by the citrus light of sunrise. As the sun climbed, the sky cleared into a beautiful blue.
Lubeck is built on an island in the Trave River, so our first activity was a cruise on riverboats. These boats, with decks below the waterline, are specially designed to slip beneath the town’s many low bridges. Still, creeping under them presented many a tight squeeze that impressed everyone but the boat captains. The red brick and tiled roves of town were pretty, and many spires in coppery green sprang from the skyline. Though thoroughly urban, the town’s tree-lined banks were full of birds. Swans and ducks were everywhere, and herons and cormorants were not uncommon. Best of all, a White-tailed sea-eagle flew right over the ship!
Docking in town, we split for guided tours of town. Lubeck, with no rock quarries near, developed brick Gothic building, most clearly illustrated by the Holstenor, the iconic town gate. This architectural style is seen in several of the town’s churches.
After noon, our staff led additional walks in town. Many scurried after David, learning about history and art. Others followed Jay and Richard through town, concentrating on photographic composition.
Late in the afternoon, we made our way back down the Trave. Again, the landscape was green and friendly and the birds were good. But the real activity was on National Geographic Explorer’s stern, where pretzels and beer were served. When in Germany, it is a cultural duty to become personally involved in these cherished traditions!
