All Our Bags Are Packed!: Europe Blog # 11: Wismar, Germany

Europe Blog # 11: Wismar, Germany

Our ship docked at the Warnemunde port. The buildings below look like a model train set.

This sign brings back laughing memories of our first trip to Germany when we were driving and using maps. We thought "Ausfahrt" was a the name of a town. It means, "Exit!"

Miles of solar panels are located throughout the German countryside.

Wind turbines are everywhere we look! Some communities get 100% of their energy from a combination of wind and solar.

On our way to Wismar, we passed by a pretty canal, period buildings and small fishing boats.

Our guide kept making a point we are in an area that was East Germany.

The transition from before and after the "Wall" came down was discussed. When our guide was 14-years old, it was relatively easy for her to accept a new way of life.

Her parents had a difficult time adjusting.

She felt Germany is in another "unexpected" transition. Some of the "newer go to" places are now in what was East Germany. Some of the older generation Germans that lived in "The East" would like to go back to the "old ways."

An old well - no longer used

The old, Hanseatic league buildings are iconic

Building and architecture almost look like a movie set

Again, our guide continued to stress we were in what was East Germany. It's possible she is amazed at the transformation that has occurred over the last forty years. We actually drove into East Germany several months following the dismantling of the wall. Bombed out buildings, bullet holes in walls and people trying to live in destroyed areas made quite an impression. Very different from today!

Something to see in all directions

We love wandering down these narrow streets!

Signage often works better than words

Art pieces throughout town represented anti-war, peace, etc.

Time to rest

Part of the church and most of the surrounding

area was destroyed during WWII

Church foundation

During construction, young boys and teenagers had to lug 14 pound bricks to the top using ladders and scaffolding.

Most of the stain glass windows were destroyed during the war -- too expensive to replace.

Elaborate front door of a Lutheran Church

Four hundred year old pews

The combination of letters making up the word "God" is 504 times. Church members can stand in front of this stone plaque and try to read "God" as much as possible as means to contemplate about what is important in life.

Germans take pride in their license plates which represent the area where they live. "WIS" = Wismar.

The Sunday newspaper is being delivered

Enjoying the crisp and beautiful weather

Look carefully! More unusual things to see.

Flowers are blooming throughout the town

Had lunch at an old German pub that goes back to the 1400's. The brew master's son served us bratwurst, boiled potatoes, sauerkraut and two types of beer: Dark and a regular lager. The brew master's family doesn't drink very much or even taste their brew. They simply follow the recipe. The son, in particular doesn't drink. He's training to be a pilot for Lufthansa.