Dear readers,

Welcome to my monthly blog, which this time takes you into the festive atmosphere of Hamburg just before Christmas. In this article, I will introduce you to the fascinating history of the Wichernkranz, an important element of the Advent season whose origins are deeply rooted in the roots of this Hanseatic city.

The Wichern wreath: a Hamburg heritage

The Wichern wreath, named after its inventor Pastor Johann Hinrich Wichern, dates back to the 19th century and is considered the forerunner of the Advent wreath – and Advent calendar – that is widely used today. Wichern, a native of Hamburg, developed this wreath in 1839 as a symbol to shorten the waiting time in his children’s home for Christmas. At the time, the wreath consisted of a wooden ring with up to 27 candles – one for each day of Advent. The number varied depending on which day the first Sunday of Advent fell on. This tradition is still practiced in many large buildings today. For everyday use, the Wichernkranz has become the Advent wreath, which has four candles – one for each Sunday in Advent. Incidentally, the Rauhe Haus still exists today.

Christmas market: a feast for the senses

During Advent, Hamburg offers a variety of Christmas markets that transform the city into a sparkling winter wonderland. From the traditional Christmas market at the town hall to the modern markets on the Elbe, every visitor will find festive cheer and handmade gifts. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and enjoy local delicacies such as roasted almonds, bratwurst and hot mulled wine.

Illuminated city center: Hamburg in a blaze of light

Hamburg’s city center shines in an impressive blaze of lights during the Advent season. The magnificently illuminated streets and squares, including the popular Mönckebergstraße shopping street, create a magical atmosphere that puts visitors in the Christmas spirit. Take a stroll along the festively decorated Alster and admire the wintry backdrop of this charming city.

Hamburg is always worth a visit

Although the Wichernkranz has its origins in Hamburg, the city is worth a visit at any time of year. The mixture of maritime flair, historic architecture and modern city life makes Hamburg a unique destination. Take the opportunity to discover the many sights, museums and cultural events.

Contact me for an individual city tour

Would you like to experience Hamburg from a new perspective? Feel free to contact me for an individual city tour in German, English, French or Spanish. Discover the hidden treasures of the city and let yourself be enchanted by its history and charm. You can also find more interesting topics in my other blog articles at www.janning-picker.de/blog.

I wish you a peaceful Advent season and look forward to welcoming you to Hamburg soon.

Best regards,

HamburgGuideSarah

Der Beitrag Hamburg in the magic of the pre-Christmas season: The origin of the Wichern wreath erschien zuerst auf Sarah Janning-Picker.

Museums in Hamburg: The building for the Museum of Medical History at Eppendorf University Hospital was completed in 1926 by #FritzSchumacher for theoretical institutes and research laboratories. The relevant activities were still carried out in the section hall until 2006.

Nazi crimes under the catchword “euthanasia”

Since 2010, the museum located in the #UKE has been explaining the history of #nursing, #dental technology, #pathology, #infectious diseases, #microscopy, #X-ray technology in its permanent exhibitions and, since 2017, its learning and memorial site has been dealing with the medical crimes committed under #National Socialism, which cost the lives of several 100,000 people through so-called #euthanasia, #forced sterilization and #human experiments.

Hamburg Guide Sarah shows you the city

Would you like to know more about Hamburg, the Second World War or #Eppendorf? Feel free to contact me and we will work out an individual city tour. I look forward to meeting you!

Der Beitrag Museum of Medical History Hamburg erschien zuerst auf Sarah Janning-Picker.

Spicy’s Spice Museum is a place full of tastes, smells and history. Here you can experience the variety of spices that were brought to Europe by the old trade routes. From well-known spices such as pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg to more exotic varieties such as galangal, sumac and turmeric, there is plenty to discover. The museum staff regularly offer lectures on the differences in pepper or spices that are currently in high demand, such as the tonka bean.

Does German food lack spice?

Yet despite this rich history and variety and the many health benefits of spices, many Germans still seem hesitant when it comes to seasoning their dishes with anything other than pepper and salt. Perhaps out of laziness or fear of too much spice, although spicy is healthy. However, the Spice Museum shows how much more flavor and variety can be added to dishes if you use spices correctly.

Hamburg as a spice trading center

The importance of the spice trade for the economic development of the Hanseatic city of Hamburg cannot be underestimated. The port of Hamburg has always been an important trading center and hub for the import and export of goods from all over the world. Spices were an important part of this trade and contributed to Hamburg becoming one of the richest cities in Europe. Even today, the port of Hamburg is still one of the largest transshipment points for spices in Europe.

Spicy’s Spice Museum

The Spice Museum is therefore not only a place to learn more about spices, but also a place to appreciate the economic importance of the spice trade for Hamburg. Here you can see how the trade in spices has shaped the city and how important it still is for the local economy today. It is a place full of flavor and history that will delight every visitor.

Tours with your Hamburg Guide Sarah

If you want to delve even deeper into the history of the spice trade in Hamburg, you should definitely take advantage of the guided tours offered by Hamburg Guide Sarah. Sarah is an experienced city guide who loves to share her knowledge and passion for Hamburg with others. On her tour through the Speicherstadt, you will not only learn more about the spice trade, but also about the architecture and history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And where better to end the tour than at Spicy’s Spice Museum? Here you can deepen what you have learned and embark on a culinary journey through the world of spices. A perfect complement to Sarah’s tour.

So why not take the opportunity to learn more about the history and importance of the spice trade in Hamburg? Book a tour with Hamburg Guide Sarah and visit Spicy’s Spice Museum. An unforgettable experience awaits you!

And feel free to take a look at my other tours and contact me.

Der Beitrag Spices in Hamburg’s Speicherstadt erschien zuerst auf Sarah Janning-Picker.

Many people work in #InnenstadtHamburg and don’t know what happened historically around their workplace. I’d love to take you and your colleagues on a mini voyage of discovery through your nearest neighborhood. Last month it was #AlterWallHamburg’s turn. Employees from various companies in the newly renovated building complex came on tour with me, #HamburgGuideSarah, and together we discovered four of the closest and most impressive #Kontorhäuser within 60 minutes.

#AlterWallHamburg, #NeuerWallHamburg, #Mönckebergstraße, #Trostbrücke

Right in the city center are various impressive #witnesses of the late 19th and early 20th century – a time when Hamburg was a huge construction site and an up-and-coming city. On Neuer Wall, it is not only the #luxury stores that impress, but also the magnificent facades of the more or less old buildings. We took a closer look at two of them, as the walk from Alter Wall is manageable. Lo and behold, many of the guests had never looked behind the doors of these fascinating buildings. We then made our way via Rathausmarkt to Mönckebergstraße, where we took a look at a construction of a special kind, which was already full of the latest technology and materials at the beginning of the 20th century. Just five minutes away is our last port of call – and it has it all: an impressive #staircase with #lightwell and #plastic as well as a #paternoster. If you would like to know more, take a look at my longer #staircase tour.

Individual tour

Depending on your workplace, there are various #sights in #Hamburg to #visit and I will be happy to organize your #tour individually so that you are on time for your next appointments and can use the lunch break for an #impulse while #exploring the city. Do you want to visit a specific #Kontorhaus? Would you like to see the #Alster? Have you been thinking for a long time about which figures are on the #RathausHamburg? Where does the name #Jungfernstieg actually come from? Feel free to get in touch with me or take a look at other tour examples on my website. I look forward to getting to know you and experiencing Hamburg with you!

Der Beitrag Kontorhaus-Quickie erschien zuerst auf Sarah Janning-Picker.

For many Hamburg residents, St. Georg is not the Hamburg district that is shown to acquaintances on their first visit to the Hanseatic city, but there are so many interesting possibilities hidden in this #multicultural district: from the #OhnsorgTheater and the #HotelAtlantic to the #RhythmusImRaum sculpture and the #Crucifixion scene in St. Georg’s churchyard to one of the oldest #timbered houses and the Catholic #Mariendom cathedral. The #HansaBrunnen and the #DeutschesSchauspielhaus are also included here and round off a guided tour – in the truest sense of the word.

#DiscoverHamburg with #HamburgGuideSarah

To get a general overview and get to know #StGeorg better, we recommend a two to three hour #tour with a short #coffee break in one of the nice pubs in the street #LangeReihe. The neighborhood is alive – in every corner. The #nightlife is thriving and during the day you can go on a whole world tour of different restaurants without having to walk or drive far. People from all over the world feel at home in #SanktGeorg, from a wide variety of religions, cultures and sexual orientations. It’s worth exploring off the beaten track.

Feel free to come on tour with me, have a look at my other tours in #Hamburg and get in touch with me. I look forward to putting together a customized tour for you!

Der Beitrag Experience Hamburg St. Georg on a guided tour – with HamburgGuideSarah erschien zuerst auf Sarah Janning-Picker.

#Interpreting at a #marriage#office is one of the most beautiful tasks of my #profession as an #interpreter. When I see people from different cultural backgrounds entering into the #CovenantofMarriage, I believe that humanity can live in #peace after all. By the way, I also offer #certifiedtranslation of official documents.

L’#interprétation à la #mairie lors d’un #mariage est l’une des plus belles tâches de ma #profession d’#interprète. When I see people from different cultural horizons marching, I believe that humanity can live in #paix. I also offer the services of #traductioncertifiée de documents officiels.

Interpretar en un #despachomatrimonial es una de las tareas más bonitas de mi #profesión como #intérprete. Cuando veo a personas de diferentes orígenes culturales contrayendo el #CovenantodelMatrimonio, creo que, después de todo, la humanidad puede vivir en #paz. Por cierto, también ofrezco #traduccióncertificada de documentos oficiales.

Der Beitrag Interpreting and translating at the registry office erschien zuerst auf Sarah Janning-Picker.

In times of the pandemic and non-travel, online tours were already widespread. Now I, your #HamburgGuideSarah, have also tackled the topic and made it accessible to my customers.

Online city tours are tours guided by me in real time with a smartphone, camera stabilization and a headphone-microphone system, which you can enjoy from any other location with an internet-enabled screen.

Interaction possible

During the tour you can ask questions via the chat or with the microphone switched on or navigate me as your guide in Hamburg in a different direction. The online connection runs via Zoom or MS Teams and allows me to show you photos during the tour.

Data protection is observed

During my tours, I naturally make sure that I do not take in any recognizable people without their consent and obtain prior permission for special areas. As with local city tours, there may be interruptions due to obstacles on the street. Basically, this form of tour is ideal to prepare for a visit to Hamburg, to get to know corners you have never been to before and to enable people with limited mobility to “travel” to #Hamburg.

I give online tours in different parts of the city. Please get in touch with me and we will find a suitable tour for you and/or your group. For tour operators, this can also be a nice addition to their own trip or for the further training of their employees.

Individual route guidance

I look forward to seeing you!

Der Beitrag Online city tours now available erschien zuerst auf Sarah Janning-Picker.

As a qualified tour guide and a child of the village, the largest municipality in Schleswig-Holstein approached me to organize tours of this historical hub. For all those who live in Henstedt-Ulzburg or have moved here, it will be clear that there is hardly any trace of the history of the former four individual villages in today’s townscape. It quickly became clear that a tour had to be supported by historical photos. This gave me the idea of working with the Future History app and thus creating self-guided, digital community tours in addition to guided tours.

Enthusiasm for future history and cooperation from different corners

The client for Hamburg Guide Sarah is not only the municipality of Henstedt-Ulzburg, but also Henstedt-Ulzburg Marketing. In addition, I receive support from Mr. Zelck from the Henstedt-Ulzburg municipal archive and can draw on a lot of preparatory work by the local history working group, which has already published several publications on the history of the municipality. Former business owners and mayors are involved in bringing the digital tour to life.

Future History convinces with new features

As a partner of the Future History App, Henstedt-Ulzburg Marketing can now create tours, overlay historical photos with current ones or even make augmented reality available on site to give guests and, of course, citizens of the municipality a comprehensive and entertaining opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of Henstedt-Ulzburg. Henstedt-Ulzburg Marketing and Hamburg Guide Sarah will continue to work on the tours and their publication over the next few months in order to make them available to all interested parties free of charge in summer 2022.

Der Beitrag Hamburg Guide Sarah with Future History in Henstedt-Ulzburg erschien zuerst auf Sarah Janning-Picker.

I have now been a co-opted member of the board of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) for a year. I learned a lot and experienced some ups and downs, especially during the pandemic. I had a lot of fun and met great people from all over the world who put as much, if not more, heart and soul into the association’s work as I do. Last week at the hybrid conference of the global association, a new board was elected and I will now gradually hand over my work.

WFTGAHybrid with digital helpers a success

In order to hold an in-person event in these times and still have as many colleagues on board as possible, the Executive Board decided on a hybrid event after the original plan to hold the conference in person in Serbia had to be changed. The Board had six weeks to get this hybrid event off the ground: Website and registration, Zoom and technology, elections and counting, venue and broadcasting, all of this still had to be implemented – and WE DID IT – together with hybrid streaming! There are certainly still one or two corners to grind, but on the whole, the conference, workshops, excursions, delegates’ meeting and live broadcasts went to our satisfaction and we are looking forward to the next hybrid event…

WFTGA2024 in Syracuse, Italy

During our conference, the next venue was also chosen and Syracuse, Italy won out over the other finalists Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Istanbul, Turkey, Fukuoka, Japan. This means that at the end of January 2024, a lot of the world’s tour guides will gather in Syracuse to celebrate their exit from the pandemic hole, the tour guiding profession and ultimately themselves. I am very much looking forward to meeting the colleagues who perhaps only attended virtually in 2022. The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations is an affiliate member of the World Tourism Organization and is networked with various international tourism organizations. It also gives members the opportunity to exchange ideas.

Program of the WFTGA 2022

While the delegates of the national associations had to take care of a new board, a next destination and, of course, all the other things that an association has to take care of, guides were able to take part in workshops on photography and interpretation on guided tours as well as presentations by various speakers and excursions. Panel discussions were moderated and participants had the opportunity to ask questions. These videos can all be viewed on the association’s YouTube channel.

Der Beitrag New EXBO @ WFTGA erschien zuerst auf Sarah Janning-Picker.

The International Maritime Museum is probably one of the best-known and largest museums in Hamburg – and not a state museum. Housed in the former Kaispeicher B warehouse since 2008, Peter Tamm Senior’s collection includes various objects relating to maritime shipping with tens of thousands of ship models. Kaispeicher B is located on the east side of the Speicherstadt – in contrast to Kaispeicher A, which today forms the base of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall. Built in 1878 as a grain silo, Kaispeicher B was converted into a ground storage facility as early as 1884.

Surrounded by water on two sides, goods could be loaded and unloaded from barges (flat boats) via Magdeburg harbor. If you look at the brick façade, you will immediately notice that this neo-Gothic style foreshadowed the Hanoverian school in which the entire Speicherstadt was later built.

The International Maritime Museum is being built

The relocation of Peter Tamm’s collection from the Elbchaussee to today’s HafenCity was not without controversy, but offered several advantages: the extensive collection found a new, larger home, which could now also be made accessible to the public, and at the same time the city of Hamburg was able to renovate and protect the warehouse, which had been in a state of disrepair for years, with the help of a mixture of taxpayers’ money and donations from various shipping companies. Since then, the operation of the museum has not been supported by the state, but has been successfully maintained by admission fees from visitors and volunteers in all areas.

Would you like to find out more about the museum and the Speicherstadt? Take a look at my Hamburg tours page or contact me directly for a customized tour.

Der Beitrag HamburgGuideSarah at the International Maritime Museum erschien zuerst auf Sarah Janning-Picker.