Part 6: Hamburg - Let´s start surfing!

(01.07.2022-07.07.2022)

For the first time on my journey, my numerous couchsurfing requests are rewarded. Nico is able to take me in over the weekend in Hamburg Bergedorf, but says "there will be a lot of people there, there will be a game night on Friday and there will be Schlagermove on Saturday!" Schlagermove? So what is that? It turns out this is the reason why there was no accommodation under 50€/night available in Hamburg. All Saturday long, a parade of colorful, hippie-dressed maniacs parades through the city center and celebrates life...with schlager songs. Sounds strange - of course I'm in! What follows is a wild weekend with lots of new acquaintances/friends, games, parties and another American football game (Hamburg Sea Devils vs. Rhein Fire). Even if I couldn't have planned it better, Monday is canceled for other activities due to regeneration.

The following week until Thursday I can spontaneously stay with Ardalan, whom I met at the weekend events. Since he is in the middle of his exams, we hardly see each other and I explore the city on my own. A few walks in the city center and along the Elbe as well as a harbor tour show the beauty of this historic city.

But I'm not (just) here for fun. I want to find my ship. However, the sheer size of the city and inaccessibility of the port makes it difficult to even figure out where to start. Thus, the visits to some companies in a "here I am, take me with you"-mindset remain unsuccessful. My self-imposed mission seems far more complicated than expected and thus it moves a little further into the distance...but this is just the beginning...

Once again a huge thank you to my two hosts in Hamburg, Nico and Ardalan! I am very happy to continue to have you as friends!

With my two hosts Ardalan (left) and Nico (right)