Hamburg Alte Oberpostdirektion

The former main post office (German: Alte Oberpostdirektion) in Stephansplatz, Hamburg. The building was designed by Julius Carl Raschdorff and constructed in the period 1883-1887. The facade is decorated with sculpture groups which represent the benefits of post, telegraphy and telephony. The central tower is topped by a statue of a flying Mercury, the Greek messenger of the Gods speeding through the skies.

Stephansplatz Hamburg - the former main post office building.

Lake Alster in Hamburg

Modern sculpture on the shores of the Alster in Hamburg. I really have no idea what it is supposed to mean.

The Atlantic Kempinski Hotel

Grand Hotel Atlantic Kempinski is a first-class, 5-star hotel in Hamburg. It is very centrally located, close to the central train station and Hamburg's city center.

The Atlantic Kempinski Grand Hotel in Hamburg sits on the shores of lake Alster.

Hamburg Hbf

Views of Hamburg Hbf (the central railway station in Hamburg).

The central train station in Hamburg, seen from the Southern side.

Hamburg TV Tower

The Hamburg TV tower is the tallest structure in the city. The tower is 279,2 meters (916 ft) high and it is named after the Hamburg-born German physicist Heinrich Hertz.

The Heinrich Hertz TV tower in Hamburg, seen from the botanic gardens.

St Georgs Kirchhof in Hamburg

View of St Georgs Kirchhof, located not far from the central railway station in Hamburg.

The St Georgs church in Hamburg.

Hamburg Hauptbahnhof

Inside the enormous hall of Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (the central railway station in Hamburg).

Hamburg Hbf

Jet d'eau Hamburg

The water fountain in the Binnenalster (Inner Alster) of Hamburg is a smalle version of the Jet d'eau in Geneva. In Hamburg, the water is jetted to an altitude of 60 meters, as apposed to 140 meters in Geneva. This has to do with the windy weather in Hamburg. Nevertheless, the view is simply astonishing.

View of the Binnenalster and Hamburg's version of Jet d'eau. Hamburg Germany 2014.

Europa Passage in Hamburg

Inside the Europa Passage. Hamburg Germany, 2014.

Inside the Europa Passage in Hamburg, Germany. The Europa Passage is a mega shopping mall, located in the center of Hamburg.

Easter in Hamburg

Easter in Hamburg: a tree decorated with Easter eggs and the Hamburg harbor in the background.

Easter eggs.

The Sexiest McDonald's in the World

McDonald's in the Reeperbahn. Hamburg,Germany.

This must be the world's sexiest McDonald's. It can be spotted in the Reeperbahn, Hamburg's nightlife center and red-light district.

Colorful Bratislava

Colorful Bratislava: Kapucinska Street and view of the Bratislava Castle (Bratislavský hrad) on the top of the hill.

Kapucinska, Bratislava.

Bratislava Main Square

View of the Roland Fountain in Bratislava's Main Square. The two buildings behind the fountain are the Palace of the Hungarian Exchange Bank (on the left) and Palugyay Palace (on the right).

Palace of the Hungarian Exchange Bank (left), Palugyay Palace (right) and the Roland Fountain in the Main Square of Bratislava.

Bratislava Old Town

In the Old Town in Bratislava.

Colorful buildings in the Old Town of Bratislava.

The St. Michael clock tower in the background is one of the tallest structures in the historic center of Bratislava.

Roland Fountain in Bratislava

The Roland Fountain (in Slovak: Rolandova fontána) is the most famous fountain in Bratislava. It is located in the Main Square of the Old Town and is one of the city's landmarks.

The fountain is sometimes referred to as Maximillian fountains because construction was ordered by Maximillian II, the King Of Hungary. The fountain is topped by a statue of Maximillian in full knight armour.

The statue of Maximillian topping the Roland Fountain in the Main Square of Bratislava.

Radisson Blu Carlton Bratislava

View of the Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel in Bratislava, Slovakia, and Hviezdoslav Square.

This architecturally beautiful hotel is located in the historic center of Bratislava and is overlooking Hviezdoslav Square.

Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel overlooking Hviezdoslav Square in the center of Bratislava.

Bratislava's Opera House

The Slovak National Theater and Opera House in Bratislava.

Bratislava Old Town

Michalska or St. Michael Street is a busy street in the Old Town of Bratislava.

Michalska St. in the Old Town of Bratislava and view of the St. Michael clock tower.

Michael's Gate in the Center of Bratislava

Michael's Gate (in Slovak: Michalska Brana) forms the eastern entrance to the Old Town of Bratislava. This is the only watchtower which has remained from the city's original fortification. The clock tower was built in the early 14th century and has been rebuilt several times since then.

With a height of more than 50 meters, the tower offers a stunning view of Bratislava. It also houses an exhibition dedicated to arms and the city's fortification.

Michael's Gate in Bratislava.

Beautiful Bratislava

The old town of Bratislava is really beautiful and always busy with tourists. This Main Square with the clock tower is one of Bratislava's major attractions.

The Main Square with the Clock Tower in the center of Bratislava.

Hlavní náměstí in Bratislava

Hlavní náměstíl literally means Main Square. It is located in the Old Town of the Slovak capital Bratislava and is considered the center of the city.

Tourist bus in Hlavni namesti. Bratislava, Slovakia.

Tyre Lebanon

Some houses in the old town of Tyre badly need urgent reconstruction.

In the Christian Quarter of Tyre (Sour) in South Lebanon.

Generali Building Beirut

Generali Building in the center of Beirut, Lebanon.

The historic Generali Building in Beirut's Central Business District has been restored to its full former glory.

The restoration project was executed by Beirut-based 4b Architects.

Beirut Souks

The souks are the ultimate shopping destination in Beirut's Central Business District. The Beirut Souks have been completely rebuilt by Solidaire,  a Lebanese development company. The company was founded by the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri who was assassinated on 14 March 2005.

Entry to the Beirut Souks from Fakhry Bey Street.

Spring

Spring in South Lebanon.

Spring is in the air!

Colorful countryside landscapes from South Lebanon.

Contemporary Architecture in the Beirut Souks

Beirut Souks - the largest shopping complex in Lebanon.

Modern orange sculpture in the Beirut Souks in downtown Beirut.

Jezzine Waterfalls

The highest waterfall in Jezzine.

The town of Jezzine in South Lebanon is known for its natural beauty. There are several waterfalls and the houses are built right on the edge of the cliffs.

The highest waterfall in Jezzine is about 40 meters high.

Traditional Architecture in Jezzine, Lebanon

A traditional house in Jezzine with a billboard of Haddad Cutlery on the rooftop. The Haddad Company is a famous local manufacturer of hand-made cutlery.

Jezzine, Lebanon.

Our Lady of the Waterfall in Jezzine, Lebanon

Our Lady of the Waterfall is a statue of Maria at the entrance of the town of Jezzine in South Lebanon.

The statue of Maria in Jezzine.

Traditional Building in Jezzine Lebanon

Most of the buildings in Jezzine are built of yellow stone in traditional Lebanese style.

The Main Street in Jezzine Lebanon

The main street in the center of Jezzine, Lebanon. Most of the shops, restaurants and cafes can be found here and in the direct vicinity.

In the center of Jezzine, Lebanon.

Traditional House in Jezzine Lebanon

Traditional Lebanese house in the center of Jezzine, Lebanon.

Old house in the center of Jezzine, Lebanon.

Jezzine Lebanon

View of the mountains in the Jezzine are of South Lebanon. Part of Jezzine is built right on the edge of the cliffs, overlooking the valley.

Jezzine, Lebanon.

The Mountains of South Lebanon

A beautiful panorama of the mountains in the area of Jezzine, South Lebanon. The landscape is quite green as the slopes are covered with pine trees.

South Lebanon is quite mountainous. View of the mountains in the Jezzine area.

Umbrella Pines in Jezzine Lebanon

Umbrella pine trees near the Lebanese town of Jezzine. The variety is also known as Italian stone pine (Latin: Pinus pinea) or parasol pine. These pine trees are native to the Mediterranean region and are found in Southern Europe, Northern Africa and the Levant. Their edible nuts have been used since prehistoric times.

Umbrella pine trees near the town of Jezzine in South Lebanon.

Byblos Castle

The castle in Byblos (Jbail) was built by the Crusaders in the 12th century.

Lebanon's Mediterranean Coastline

Lebanon's Mediterranean coast is extremely picturesque. This picture of the Mediterranean Sea was shot near Chekka, north of Beirut.

Martyrs Square in Beirut, Lebanon

View of Martyrs' Square (Arabic: ساحة الشهداء‎ Sahet el Shouhada, French: Place des Martyrs) in the center of Beirut and Saifi Village in the background.

Martyrs' Square was actually known as Place des Canons back in the 19th century. At the time, Lebanon was part of the Ottoman Empire. In 1915, Lebanon suffered enormous food shortage as the Ottoman rulers confiscated food from the local population. Famine and plague spread throughout the country. As a result, more than a quarter of the Lebanon's population died, primarily Maronite Christians in Mount Lebanon. A revolt against the Ottomans broke out but it ended with the hanging of many Lebanese intellectuals and nationalists on 6 May 1916 in Place des Canons. In their honor, the square's name was changed to Martyrs' Square.

The memorial in Martyrs' Square is dedicated to the Lebanese nationalists killed by the Ottomans in World War I.

Seascape from Tyre in the South of Lebanon

Mediterranean seascape from the city of Tyre (Sour) in South Lebanon.

The coast of Tyre in South Lebanon.

In the Streets of Tyre Lebanon

The streets in the el-Mina neighborhood of Tyre (Sour) are so narrow that two cars cannot pass each other.

El-Mina is the Christian Quarter of Tyre and is located on a peninsula. Actually, the peninsula used to be an island which was connected to the mainland by Alexander the Great after he conquered Tyre.

Within walking distance from el-Mina, you will find the Tyre harbor and the local market (souks).

Roman Road and Columns in Tyre, Lebanon

View of the ancient Roman road and columns in the city of Tyre (Sour), South Lebanon. The road leads to the old Phoenician harbor of the city.

Sunset over the ancient Roman road leading to the Phoenician harbor in Tyre, Lebanon.

Baby Boys in the National Museum of Beirut

I shot these marble statues of baby boys in the National Museum of Beirut (Arabic: متحف بيروت الوطنيّ‎), the largest archeological museum in Lebanon. The marble statues date back to 5th century BC and were excavated on the site of the Eshmun Temple near the city of Sidon (Saida) in South Lebanon. The temple was dedicated to Eshmun, the Phoenician god of healing.

Statue of a boy holding a small object. National Museum of Beirut, Lebanon.

Place de l'Etoile in the Heart of Beirut

In my opinion, Place de l'Etoile (or Nejmeh Square in Arabic) is one of the most beautiful spots in the heart of Beirut's Central Business District. Place de l'Etoile is a pedestrian zone and there are several cafes and restaurants in the direct vicinity. The surrounding buildings are built of yellow stone in the Art Deco style. In the center of the square, stands the wonderful 1934 clock tower with a four-faced Rolex clock. It was a gift from the Lebanese-Brazilian emigre Michel Abed to the Lebanese government.

The clock tower in the center of Place de l'Etoile, Beirut.

Tyre, Lebanon

View of the beach and the Corniche promenade in Tyre (Sour), South Lebanon.

Giant Phoenix in Jezzine, Lebanon

Phoenix statue and panorama view of the town of Jezzine.  The phoenix is the symbol of this small Christian town in the mountains of South Lebanon.

Bread Bakery in Lebanon's Chouf

Woman baking mahloul in a Druze village bakery in Lebanon's Chouf. Mahloul is a variety of Lebanese bread which is very popular in Mount Lebanon and South Lebanon. Mahloul looks like a giant pancake and is as thin as newspaper.

Jounieh Lebanon

Jounieh, Lebanon.

View of Jounieh and the bay of Jounieh from Notre Dame du Liban in Harissa, Lebanon.

Pepe's Fishing Club in Byblos, Lebanon

Pepe's Fishing Club in the harbor of Byblos, Lebanon.

Pepe's Fishing Club is a famous Lebanese restaurant in the old harbor of Byblos, Lebanon. Pepe's club is not just another restaurant. It is a place where the glamour of the 1960's and the nostalgia about Lebanon's Goden Era come to life.

The restaurant was founded in the early 1960's by
Pépé Abed, a Lebanese adventurer, entrepreneur and businessman. Pépé Abed was a legend in his day and is still considered exemplary of  Lebanon's Golden Age. One of the streets in the center of Byblos has been even named after him.

Pepe's restaurants greets visitors with a large board in French. It reads Rendez-vous des personnalites internationales La Tradition Continue, meaning in English Meet International Celebrities The Tradition Continues.

In the Old Town of Tyre (Sour), South Lebanon

Colorful houses in the old town (Christian Quarter) of Tyre (Sour) in South Lebanon.