WORLD CUP COMPANION EVENTS

World Cup of the cooks

Once upon a time, the "Wind of Change" blew from Hanover across the world. Now it's "time to make friends" again, as the FIFA slogan goes, and the capital of Lower Saxony has naturally invited its native sons, the Scorpions, to come home. The group opens the fan festival at Waterlooplatz Square (June 7), with Mousse T., Heinz Rudolf Kunze and Fury in the Slaughterhouse, where the games are shown on a 646 square-foot screen. Musicians from participating nations - particularly those whose teams play in Hanover during the first round (Ghana, Mexico, Costa Rica and Angola) - perform in the Global Village near the Marktkirche in the old town. An international market here features produce from around the world and global cuisine is on the menu at Ballhof Square. At the gourmet festival, cooks from every continent hold their own, unofficial world championship. A lecture series hosted by the University of Hanover at the new city hall examines football as a social phenomenon. Topics include an analysis of football and society (June 1) and the evolution of the modern football fan (June 8). A companion exhibition at the same location focuses on global/local issues along with football, rugby and athletics (June 12 to July 10). The exhibition "Heimspiele - Fußball in vier Wänden" (Home Games - Football Within Your Own Four Walls) reflects football fervor outside the stadium. Displays include the living room as an ersatz arena and a comprehensive collection of fan gear.

SIGHTS

HERRENHÄUSER GÄRTEN

Herrenhäuser Strasse 4, Phone 0511/16 84 75 76

A remarkable example of traditional European landscape gardening, laid out by Hanover's prince electors and kings starting in 1666.

OLD TOWN

Ballhofplatz and surrounding streets

Heavily damaged in WW II, the half-timbered houses of this 12th century market district have now been carefully restored.

RESTAURANTS

DIE INSEL

Rudolf-von-Bennigsen-Ufer 81 Phone 0511/83 12 14

An elegant restaurant on the banks of Maschsee serving tasty and creative dishes. The lake is a wonderful backdrop.

ATRIUM

Karmarschstrasse 42, Phone 0511/300 80 40

Old and new define the welcoming ambience of the light-filled old city hall venue. Sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine.

PUBS

BRONCO'S

Schwarzer Bär 7, Phone 0511/260 74 53

A casual mixture of pub and club echoing the 1960s and 1970s. Red velour wallpaper and cream-colored leather booths for trendy types who want to dance.

HEIM W

Theaterstrasse 6, Phone 0511/235 23 03

A contemporary club conveniently located right downtown. A perfect combination of bar, café and lounge. Breakfast starts at 9 a.m.; Sundays at 10 a.m.

SHOPPING

GALERIE LUISE

Luisenstrasse 5

Hanover's most attractive shopping arcade in the tradition-rich Opern-Carrée offers many fine luxury brands, all under a chic glass roof.

MARKTHALLE

Karmarschstrasse 49