NORDERSTEDT
& BERLIN
GERMANY
6 – 18 June 2024
Welcome to Our FFMV Adventure in Norderstedt and Berlin!
Our FFMV Ambassadors kicked off their exciting journey on June 6, arriving in the charming town of Norderstedt.
And this is just the beginning! Stay tuned as we continue to explore and create lasting memories over the next few days in Norderstedt before heading to the vibrant city of Berlin.
DAY 1 – Norderstedt
Greeted warmly by our gracious hosts, we embarked on our first activity: a visit to the picturesque Norderstedt City Park. Here, we marveled at the Friendship Force Rock, adorned with plaques commemorating each inbound journey—a testament to the enduring friendships we’ve built.
The highlight of the day was indulging in genuine German Torte! With enormous portions and at least four delectable flavours to sample, everyone found their favourite slice of sweetness.
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DAY 2 – Exploring Lübeck
On our free day, some of us decided to explore the incredible island city of Lübeck. This ancient city, dating back to the Roman Empire, spans just 1 km by 2 km but has a massive impact. Lübeck has long been known as a bustling shipping port, vital for international trade and fishing. As you scroll through our photo gallery, you’ll see the rich history and vibrant energy that make Lübeck a unique and fascinating destination. Whether wandering its historic streets or admiring the port’s activity, our time in Lübeck was truly memorable.
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Day 3: Exploring Hamburg’s Rich History and Culture
Our third day in Hamburg was filled with memorable experiences and rich cultural exploration. We started the day with an informative tour of the City Hall, where we delved into the fascinating history and stunning architecture of this iconic building.
For lunch, we savored a delicious meal of smoked salmon and white asparagus drizzled in Hollandaise sauce, a true culinary delight that showcased the flavors of the region.
After lunch, we strolled past the historic Warehouse District and the bustling port, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and unique architecture. A highlight of our walk was the visit to the incredible Elbphilharmonie opera house. Here, we enjoyed breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, offering a perfect panoramic perspective of Hamburg.
We also took a moment to visit the burned church, a poignant reminder of the city’s past, and reflected at the plaques commemorating the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. These memorials serve as a solemn tribute to those who suffered and a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering history.
Day 3 was a blend of historical insights, culinary pleasures, and profound reflections, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for Hamburg’s rich heritage.
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Day 4: Exploring Hamburg
Hamburg Day with City Hall tour, the Warehouse District, Burned Jewish Church Memorial and visit to the Opera House with 360 degree views.
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Day 5: Exploring Norderstedt area
The Si Tex Facility, A Massive Technical Laundry Facility Tour followed by Lunch & a Workshop about Germany’s approach to employing and assisting disabled adults, followed by small group dinners.
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Day 6: Viking Museum Haithabu
An incredible visit to the Viking Museum Haithabu, a former Viking trade Metropolis first noted historically in 965 AD. We also met another FFClub touring with a different FF group.
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Day 7: Ellenhoop
We met at Arboretum Ellenhoop for a walk followed by a Fabulous Farewell – complete with a roasted pig!
Not to mention saying goodbye to our fabulous new friends with a toast of Mead!
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Days 8 & 9: Berlin
We took a train to Berlin & arrived to see excited World Cup Soccer fans from Scotland!
We settled in and took a river cruise down the Spree River!
Tour of Mosque and East Side Gallery with Day Hosts; Arno, Peter and Jurgen.
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Day 10: Goodbye Germany
A fabulous visit to the Dutch Quarter and Potsdam Palace and a warm Farewell dinner to Berlin.
Friendship Force Metro Vancouver had an amazing cultural experience in Germany and we are immensely grateful for our new-found friends for sharing their beautiful homes and cities with us!
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