Lübeck, Germany: Island Living at it’s Best

At the bus stop in Bremerhaven on the way to Lubeck. I believe those two are playing rock, paper, scissors, Batman, bunny foo foo and are stuck in a foo foo draw. Photo by Andreas Muenchow

Sometimes in life you pick favorites. It’s discouraged, right? Even though people ask for an opinion of a favorite this or that all of the time, we are encouraged to keep an open mind to discover new things. I have a favorite German city, just in case you were wondering. It’s Lubeck, and yes, I do have an open mind about it. I expect to discover another even more wonderful city during my year abroad, but in six months Lübeck still wins.

The Dom through the trees. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum

I convinced my brother and his family that we must visit Lübeck during our eleven-day excursion. Andreas and I chose our favorite Airbnb and booked the whole thing last spring.

One of the bathrooms in our Airbnb. You have to be very careful not to hit your head on that beam when you use the potty. The ceiling is low. I love this place. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum

Three bedrooms and two shared kitchens and baths. I thought that having this much “space” would be good for the six of us. I wasn’t aware that what I think is a lot of space is very tiny for other people. My brother and his family are use to more space and more bathrooms. The Airbnb was referred to as “another one of Dragonfly’s dollhouses”. Ha ha, so true. I can see it now in retrospect and have learned a lesson. Sorry to smoosh you in there, family.

Andreas and nephews play Skat in the “dollhouse” living room. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum

In Lübeck we found ourselves splitting off into little groups. Brother and sister-in-law to the Christmas market for Glühwein while Uncle Andreas and Auntie Fly hang out with the kids, sister-in-law and I yarn and resale shopping, Andreas and shorter nephew Geocaching the island with seven finds! We also went out to dinner as a group. My husband is a very patient menu translator, a saint really.

Sister-in-law and I found this amazing yarn and fabric store. I visited this store three times in three days. Heaven. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum

We planned one special lunch to introduce my family to Andreas’ local family as we were newly married three weeks before. We chose a restaurant in the cellar of the Heiligen-Geist Hospital. It is one of the oldest existing social institutions in the world founded in 1227. I regret not photographing the interior, it was cool and I hope to tour the rest of the building when we visit again. (Check it out here) Andreas’ parents, Aunt and older cousin were able to attend. We had a very nice lunch and I would recommend the restaurant. (English menus! Andreas had the day off.)

The author with her new German family feeling very lucky and loved. Photo by Patrick Leathrum

After lunch we visited Jakobikirche. The church of the seafarers built around 1300. Andreas’ aunt mentioned that she hadn’t been inside in years. She said it’s where the town stored the bread reserves during WWII.

Jakobikirche The church of the seafarers. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum

My brother and entourage moved on to Berlin the next day so we invited Andreas’ parents to join us for a night in the Airbnb. They are local to Lübeck and we thought they would enjoy seeing the place and its special location.

Enjoying the slideshow of our Arctic trip on the computer while relaxing in our Airbnb. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum

We toured the city and visited the large Buniamshof sports complex that Christa’s father managed from 1950 to 1973.

Christa lived on the second floor of this building at the Buniamshof Sports Complex as a teenager and later Andreas and his siblings spent many days playing here as children. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum

Impossible sometimes to take a photo of these two. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum

We had lunch in the Im Alten Zolln bar nearby that Christa’s father liked to visit. When he visited for too long Lothar would fetch him home in the days before Andreas was born.  It was nice listening to Andreas’ parents reminisce about the days before they were married.

Lunch at Im Alten Zolln. Lots of family history here. The also have awesome kartoffelpuffer with smoked salmon. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum

Lothar and Santa at Im Alten Zolln. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum

The next morning, after a huge breakfast at Café Calma where Christa made a beautiful salad bouquet, we were back on the train happy to be returning to Bremerhaven and a few quiet months at home. Goodbye Lübeck, you are my go to place for art supplies (no good arts and crafts places in Bremerhaven), fun cafe’s, cute shops and beautiful churches. I can’t get lost when I visit because you are a small island and that comforts me. Until next time, my favorite.

The author and Christa at Cafe Calma. Christa holds her bouquet created from the fancy salads accompanying our breakfasts. Photo by Andreas Muenchow

What shall we do with these pretty flowers and bits of baby greens? ha ha. Photo by Dragonfly Leathrum