After visiting the farmer's market, I carry fresh flowers back to my hotel, a 19th century building with towering ceilings and huge windows overlooking a park in the List district, a few stops from city center by u-bahn. The streets of List are filled with rows of gorgeous pre war buildings whose facades miraculously survived the air raids of World War II when 80 percent of the city was turned to rubble. There's a charm here that inspires me to take time to enjoy the little things. Kicking chestnuts on the sidewalk, watching small dogs play with children in the park, parents gathered together fondly observing their young.

Sprinkled with cafes, grocery stores, and boutiques on the Lister Meile, the overall vibe here is laid back and life-as-usual. Resting my gerberas in water, I exit my hotel and head over to the Eilienriede, the largest city park and natural forest in Europe. The Eilenriede evokes feelings of serenity beneath a big green canopy of lush forest.  With over 50 percent of the city region consisting of natural open spaces, staying fit in Hannover presents no challenge. The Eilenriede can be accessed within minutes of all major districts, making it a popular spot for the locals. You can spend hours here exploring the natural world around you, or spend the day visiting the Hannover Zoo which sits on the edge of the forest.

When I travel, I first read up on the history of an area so that when I arrive, I can better understand the culture. Hannover interests me for many reasons, most of which you can search online since it's quite extensive and can fill many books. I'm personally intrigued by it's royal past, when it was known as the Kingdom of Hannover, ruled by King Ernst August I until 1851. Although his castle was destroyed during WWII, the 100 acre Herrenhausen, the largest preserved baroque gardens in Europe, is a popular attraction today. It's an ideal setting for cultural events held there in the summer, including the International Firework Competition.

After exploring the gardens, make it a point to visit the town hall, completed in 1913 by Wilhelm II. Modeled after a baroque castle with a mixture of Jugendstul and historicism, its architecture dazzles the eyes and reveals a large dome containing the only curved elevator in the world. Then, visit the Altes Rathaus (old town hall), in Alstadt (old town). You'll spot the stunning Marktkirche, a Gothic cathedral built in the 14th century. Alstadt's medieval, half timbered homes are a glimpse of the past, with one home dating back to 1566. Wandering this charming district, you'll find pubs, bistros, art galleries, antique dealers, and specialty shops.

In the winter, the annual Christkindlmarkt, a 150 year old tradition, is a charming outdoor market with live music, plenty of hot mulled wine, and excellent food and shopping set amidst picturesque Alstadt. More shopping exists nearby on Georgstrasse and the adjacent Bahnhofstrasse, the modern shopping districts of Hannover where the vibe is upbeat and urban. Pause to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, or shop trendy boutiques and large retailers such as Kaufhof.

From here, ask a local to point you to the main station, a stately building with a statue of Ernst August on horseback, and train connections all over Europe. It underwent a complete renovation in 2000 for the World Expo, and in May 2006, an extended shopping passerelle will be completed offering more opportunities to shop, eat, and mingle with the locals.

With plenty of museums, a vibrant nightlife, excellent shopping, a lot of green space, and beautiful architecture, Hannover doesn't disappoint. Whether it's being pampered at my favorite salon, Donna e uomo, or lingering with my husband at the Spaghetti Palast over wine, Hannover gives me the fuel that I need to return home feeling energized and refreshed. Whether it's a farmer's market, or a walk in the Eilenriede, Hannover helps me remember what is important in life, the simple pleasures that are often overlooked, at least until we take time to pause.

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