Hannover 31 May - Minden 2 June

Information on the British Year 2014 in Hannover. (directly from google)

The ruler of a small German Principality on the British throne and at the helm of the British Empire – an almost incredible story that began in 1714. With the death of Queen Anne and the unsuccessful search for a Protestant heir in England, the British monarchy turned to its distant relatives from the little Principality of Hanover. Four Georges from the House of Hanover wore the British crown from 1714 onwards, giving their name to the 18th century and shaping the history of the British Empire: The "Georgian Era" has left its mark to this very day. The Hanoverian Succession led to a vibrant cultural exchange in the arts and science between London and Hanover. The 300th Anniversary of this British-German royal link in 2014 will be celebrated by numerous exciting and colourful events in Britain and Germany.

Waterloo Underground at Waterloo Platz in Hannover
Waterloo Column in the background

Waterloo Column at Waterloo Platz 

Carl studying the history of the column. 

The Grand ol Duke of York was in command of the Hannoverian troops at the battle of Waterloo.

"...and when they were up they were up and when they were down they were down...." 

Yachthaven Regatta, Hannover

HerrenHausen Castle. 

Kurfurstin Sophia of the Palantinate inspired by by french gardens, built a magnificent barock garden covering 50 hektars. Filled with fountains, mazes, exotic trees etc. 

We were looking for the 350 year old Pommegranate tree which was to be found in a tub outside the orangerie from the end of May, but all we could find was a Hottentott Kirschenbaum. Sudafrika.

Sophia´s Garden with a 70 m high fountain 

Another beautiful part of the Garden

Carl insisting that L is missing home. RUGBY

The avenue towards the HerrenHausen castle

From sjukkassan to hälsokassan

On departure from Hannover we met two lovely Swedish gentleman from Stockholm on the ship Sonja. They were on the way back to Sweden after two years on a similar trip planned for LB.

They said the Black Sea was fantastic, they saw dolphins. This will encourage L to join the BS trip.

MLK crossing the Leine river 

Minden city center.

First mention of Minden in 798. 

1634, during the 30 year war Swedish troops occupied Minden and stayed until 1650-

1915/16 MLK and its crossing point with the river Weser connect Minden with Germany's navigation system.

Carl's cousin Anders Henriksson played in Bundesliga for the the GWD Minden handball team 2007-10.

Beatiful houses in Stadt Mitte

Close up

First braai (grilla) with x-mas present from Alex and John, on their 2nd wedding anniversary.

Carl is in 7th heaven. Hehehe. Spot Carl

All you need for a Braai on the banks of MLK. A big german steak, bottle of Riesling, a packet of Curry Wurst chips and a briefcase Grill.