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 4-5: Exploring History and Community Around Berlin
Day 4 was a travel day to meet our home hosts in Berlin. Here, we were offered a blend of cultural immersion and historical exploration. The group split into two, with some visiting a quaint village while others ventured to the Baltic Sea.
The day included a fascinating visit to SiTex, where we learned about their special program for adults with special needs. This was followed by a trip to the Wikinger Museum Haithabu. Here, we discovered the remarkable history of an ancient Viking settlement, unearthed in 1897 due to ancient references. Although only 5-10% of the village has been excavated and reconstructed, the findings include graves, tools, and building posts that illustrate a clean and sophisticated society engaged in international trade for 300 years until 1066. The site, perfectly situated between the Baltic and North Seas, showcased fabulous Viking ships and underscored the strategic importance of its location.
At the Baltic Sea, we witnessed the aftermath of a devastating storm that had shattered the marina and flooded the Viking village, though the waters had since receded. Despite this, the historical richness of the area remained evident.
The day concluded with delightful home-hosted dinners, fostering new friendships and a deeper understanding of German cuisine and lifestyles.
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