"Today let's go see the Miniature Railway Museum" suggests Frau Langendorf.
"What?" asks Darryl.
"Ja, the Railway Museum with miniature trains" says Frau Langendorf, "It's world famous".
"Never heard of it" say Maid Marion and Pam in unison.
"OK, then we go" states Frau Langendorf.
So off we go with Marion Andretti riding the clutch all the way. The adventurers didn't know what to expect, and they definitely didn't expect the long line ups (remember...world famous). "Don't worry" says Frau Langendorf, "I have a cane". In we all go ahead of the line ups..all thanks to the cane.
"OMG!!!" say Darryl and Pamela excitedly, "this is incredible!!" And so it was...Miniature cities of the world, harbours, Swiss mountains two floors high, and a squillion little teeny tiny people. You have to go here next time you visit Hamburg..
A concert..apparently sold out..
and with that many people you need someplace to go pee... "little people have to go somewhere" quips Darryl. "Shut up Darryl and enjoy the exhibition" Pam sighs
and if you get sick...you need medical assistance...there is always the red cross
Do you love all this teeny stuff? You can see my flickr group of all the photos I took at the museum HERE
Two hours later they were on their way to the Reichshof Hotel which the Langendorf Family owned until recently. It's like stepping back in time to an era of elegance and charm. When Pam was Maid Marion's nanny the hotel was a huge part of the Langendorf everyday life. They had coffee in the Bistro Bar and the remaining old staff from the Langendorf days come by and say hello to Frau L...she is treated like royalty..obviously a well loved boss in her time. Darryl and Pam take turns going exploring with Maid Marion, bittersweet for Pam as the memories flooded back of elegant dinners in the dining room's private rooms, New Year's Eve dazzling Gala Balls and everyday visits. Walking into the elegant formal dining room
Pamela reminisced about how the house band would play "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" any time she walked into the restaurant. You can see the private rooms perched above the main floor...that is where the family hosted any private parties they had at the hotel.
One incredible thing that you don't see too often today, let alone back in 1975 is the hotels Auto Silo. Just the second of it's kind ever built at the time...you would drive your car onto a rotating disc, get out and leave the keys with the garage worker. They they would swing the car around..and it would be moved onto the elevator..and then rise up to the location selected and unload it into a "hole" until you needed it again. "Cool" says Darryl..."Many accidents until we got used to it" laughed Frau Langendorf.
Back they toodled to the 'Farmhouse', cat nap and clean up for dinner. Pam and Darryl are taking Maid Marion & Frau L. out for dinner to the Rive Bistro on the Elbe with an amazing view over the harbour. Great food, service and view..perfect evening! Cappuccinos and complimentary chocolate and after dinner. "First time I've seen American Express chocolates" quips Pamela. "Oh" said Maid Marion "there is a possibility they only take AmEx". Pamela just about spit her coffee across the table.. "NO..that would be ridiculous" says Pam, "I bet you 5Euros they take Visa too...everywhere takes Visa...don't they?" "You are on" says MM and they shake on it.
Not only did they NOT take Visa...Pammie owed MM 5 Euros!
Saved by Frau Langendorf and her AmEx .. all debts were settled the following day.
Home via the notoriously colourful Reeperbhan..every man's fantasy...perhaps? The oggle, like stunned tourists that they are, from the safety of the car...hookers, johns, sex clubs and even a street where only men are allowed....no women permitted unless you are working!!! "Do you want us to drop you off" asks Pammie looking directly into Darryl's soul. "Um..no thanks sweetie...they would probably just blow me out the other side anyway"
Back to the house and into our beds....tomorrow Frau Kobras!!!
Those miniatures are amazing...I bet that was a sight! And...I want to stay at that hotel (and go to the guy's only street - with a camera in hand LOL)....you are quite adventurous!
Posted by: Tammy McChesney | 09/01/2010 at 06:02 PM