Lubeck, Germany
Early this morning National Geographic Explorer entered River Trave and began our voyage towards the former capital of the Hanseatic League, Lubeck, Germany. The massive sailing cargo ship Passat was on our port side and even though we were unable to step foot aboard the cavernous ship, we appreciated its ability to harness the power of the wind and make the Flying P vessels legendary.
The architecture of the former capital of the Hanseatic League can best be described as intense. Its seven piercing church spires create a skyline unlike any other. Although the morning started with what the Germans refer to as “floating sunshine,” which is just a tour guide’s way of saying “rain,” it didn’t deter us from enjoying the cobble streets and massive Gothic buildings.
Our persistence paid off and by the time lunch was finished, the sun had finally come out and we could stop shrouding our descriptions of the weather in false optimism. The local guides were right, the clouds cleared and it turned out to be a truly beautiful afternoon. Big white puffy clouds slid across the sky, bringing both intense shadows and soft diffuse light. It was one of those changeable days photographers dream of. As the sun dipped lower, the light just got better. Guests split up into different walking groups, some taking a nature walk circumnavigating Lubeck with Doug while others climbed the tower of St. Petri for panoramic views of the surrounding city with David B.
We could have walked the streets with National Geographic photographer Catherine Karnow all day, but Kiel Canal and the rest of western Europe is calling.
