LAVINA a city's embrace
Lavina Vanderlinden is a woman of 48 living in Hamburg, Germany. She indeed is a clear product of Hamburg's diverse culture. Lavina reflects the elegance and modernism that defines the existing city. Lavina and her two sisters are renowned for their social standing amongst the upper class of Hamburg's 1.8 million residents. The city's booming economy is no better reflected then in her fine taste and lifestyle. Lavina, a widow of 4 years had been left a substantial ammount of money from her departed husband; involved deeply with Hamburg's large ports and the associated sea trades. Despite being married for nearly 16 years Lavina never had any children, however, her relationship with her mother was strong especially since the death of her father 2 years previous.
In amongst all of her social finery Lavina still enjoyed the city's simple retreats, in particular moments of reflection by the arterial waterways and especially down at the docks. During these occasions her deceased husband always felt close. Lavina especially felt endeared by the Hamburg nights as the water adopted and emphasised the city's splendour assuming a life and character of its own. She loved boating around the waterways as it was always a fresh perspective of the city and the water helped to calm her and allowed her time to think. She particularly nevered tired of the city's glamour; always reveling in the architectural history and grandeur that portrayed Hamburg's glory to the world. The city's churches; Lavina found notably breathtaking despite living with the scenary all her life.
She had always considered herself to be a citizen of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe; and in her opinion the world. Lavina reflected this affluence and beauty in her home choosing oppluence and extravagance rather than modesty. She was an avid supporter of the fine arts Hamburg was so famously known for; often attending with her sisters and groups of the city's upperclass. Similarly she enjoyed the many fine shopping moments Hamburg offered; naturally as money was of no concern in her lavish lifestyle.
Lavina, however, appreciated a warmer ambience that was not immediately offered with the city's traditional materials of stone and brick and the sheer facades of the buildings. Colour also was a component that she felt Hamburg; and indeed her life lacked at times. The city's streets sometimes felt cold and dark, however, her home always welcomed her expression of energy and the enthusiasm when she desired it. Despite her flambouyant character Lavina saw herself in shades. Some days the pain of her husband's death drove her into a haze of gray whereas other days, light rose through the pain like the sun peaking over the horizon. These days she felt at calm like the Alster river, tranquil in Hamburg's early morning.
Ultimately, Hamburg was as much a part of Lavina as the blood in her veins; she loved her life and the city that supported it. Despite a longing for her late husband she lived in relative peace and had a sense that this German city was her supporter and love; embracing her with the warm embrace of a parent. Lavina felt this would never change.
