Today I visited the Environmental Centre as they had an open day for May celebrations. It could be…read moreclassified as a biological oasis for Hamburg. The Environmental Centre is supported by the government and it's primary aim is to educate and inform. That is why they have a huge program of events (all in German of course) throughout the year. Some events you have to pay for and some are free. They range from environmentally friendly energy sources to nature. The topics are broad and I was suitably impressed by their program (which you can find here http://fhh.hamburg.de/stadt/Aktuell/behoerden/stadtentwicklung-umwelt/umwelt/huz/zz-stammdaten/download/programm-umweltzentrum2008,property=source.pdf) . The grounds of the Environmental Centre are open to the public (during the week I am not sure, but at the weekend for sure!). Inside I was impressed at how well laid out it all was. Bio fruit growing, bee hives which you can open up and look inside of (perspex plastic sealed so don't be scared), around 15 sheep that they take care of, seminar buildings, a restaurant, and lots more. The staff that were present today were incredibly friendly and I would go as far to say they were passionate about what they do. All in all I nice alternative place to visit in Hamburg.

This place is very hard to describe but I will try to do so :-) This is a Hamburg institution…read moresteeped in history and tradition and grandeur. From the moment you walk in you can feel you have entered a haven and when you are greeted by impeccably dressed ushers (and they are all older gentlemen) you feel privileged to be there. The rooms here are grand and decorated in style fitting its old rich past and there are beautiful chandeliers in all the rooms. The furniture is also beautiful and they have old leather lounges made for relaxation in luxury. There is a nice bar in the lower floor that has a great selection of drinks and of course single malt whiskey and cigars (have I told you how much I love single malt and cigars ? ;-)) The dinner was good and the wild garlic soup was my favourite dish of the night. Everything was served beautifully and the service was impeccable. We retired to the bar after dinner for a bit of football as the Champions league semi final was on ;-) and enjoyed some nice wine, cigars and single malts. I have been to a number of clubs around the world and this would have to be by far one of my best and special club experiences that took me back in time to the old days of grandeur. I look forward to my next invitation to enjoy this place and surroundings :-))) If you get a chance take it and enjoy the experience. I am sure you will be delighted you did ;-)

Tip Top Notch. I am fortunate enough to have been invited here on several occasions. My first…read morevisit was an invite with my law school (Bucerius) and I attended a political discussion during the late fall season, followed by a comedic performance by a British guest and then music by a jazz band. The entrance and hallway where they served our light meal was elegant and the attendees are quite sophisticated, since this is a Member's Only Club, which means most of Hamburg's affluent are familiar with the local events here. They often host several discussion panels. The interior is very regal looking, almost with a British colonial flare mixed with a Marie Antoinette "Let them have Cake" decor. The plush carpeting makes each step in my high heels feel effortless. The main hall is nicely arranged with a grand piano and traditional furniture. If you like to sit, sometimes finding a seat can be challenging if the event has 100 people standing around. Another occasion where I returned to this club was for an American Friends of Bucerius Fourth of July Celebration, hosted and organized by the American Consulate in Hamburg. They invited students of our law school to apply for the young member's club, which is for ages under 26yrs old, then after that, you must pay full membership fees. Their events are always very nicely done and intimate in size of invites. You would think the crowd might be a bit stiff, but actually everyone I have ever met at these events are quite kind and interesting to speak with. I love dressing up and seeing men in jackets and ties, so this venue is a pleasure to visit. On a more casual occasion, my director from UBS had taken me here for a professional lunch, which I enjoyed the most, because we dined a three course meal in a spacious Victorian style room that faced the Alster Lake below. It was an amazing view to have during a business lunch. The food and service is unmatched from all the places I have wined and dined in this beautiful city. For European standards, they really made me feel like a VIP. Normally, top notch service is more readily a custom in the USA, but that is a bit biased to say, because the incentive in America is obviously tips, so people practically serve you on a plate of golden smiles. Here in Europe, the customer service is a tad more "subdued" but Übersee Club really pushes the norm in this category. Perhaps one day I will consider Membership myself, but I am not certain if it is invite only plus a fee, or simply a fee that more than justifies the posh surroundings and fancy food service. If you manage to get invited to this club, it has its benefits.