We didn't initially plan on stopping in Hamburg but we are sure glad we did! It turned out to be one of the most interesting and fun stops so far. Plus, it was right on our way from Copenhagen to Berlin. Hamburg has been an important baltic port city for hundreds of years, and it shows. The historic town center on the banks of the Elbe river was riddled with canals, while on the other side of the river is the sprawling modern port. We started our stay in Hamburg off with a night of delicious traditional German food and wine. First we had with a couple delicous Rostbratwursts, some variation on the traditional Bratwurst, then had some Spetzel, potato noodles in a creamy sauce with mushrooms. Delicous! For desert there was Cherry Crumb Cake, and of course plenty of good German white wine. On our way home we made a detour through Hamburg's famous red light district, the Reeperbahn. It was a surprising mix. Streets full of lines of hookers and peep shows were just around the corner from classy bars, trendy bars, and theatres. Our second day in Hamburg was rainy but turned out to be amazing. In the morning we took a nice walk through the big city park then headed back towards our hostel around lunch time. From the hostel we could hear loud music coming from nearby and set out to investigate. Without planning on it, we stumbled upon Hamburg's Festival of Love. Tens of thousands (We heard it was 300 thousand) of people we filling up the streets and a giant square, listening to music coming from around thirty semi-trucks that had been converted into party wagons. The trucks were decorated, filled with people of all ages, huge sound systems, tons of beer, and even a porta-potty. Most people were dressed up in colorfull and crazy costumes. After a while, the trucks started up and the trucks, surrounded by people, formed an enormous parade that would go on from early afternoon well into the night. The merrymaking was grand, and the alkohol consumption was staggering. We joinded the party for as long as we could last, then headed home for a nap. When we got back from dinner they were still going! After dark, the party moved a few blocks over the the Reeperbahn bars and just kept on going. Here's some pictures, but the really don't do it justice.