Day 6-8 Germany

I have been a bit remiss in finishing the update on our trip to Germany. As it is when you get back from a holiday there is lots to catch up on and it has been a busy time at work more than anything.

Day 6 was a down day where Steve and I went to the Roland Centre to have a look around. We did intend to go back into Bremen town centre but I think we were rather tired so aimlessly wandering the shops was quite a nice day. One thing we always do when we visit another country is to go to a supermarket. You will be amazed at what you can learn about a place from what is in the normal, everyday supermarket. We used today to buy a few bits and pieces to take home for our work colleagues.

Day 7 was a visit to the Focke Museum in Bremen. So many different areas of German and Bremen history are covered here. They even have some rebuilt farm buildings with thatch roofing and great displays inside. I really enjoyed seeing the traditional bee hives and farm sheds. Other displays of interest at the Focke Museum is the silverware that is a speciality of the area, glass work, stunning paintings and marine history of the area. Later that night we went out for ice cream at Friedhelm’s favourite ice cream shop. I understand why. I have never been to a place before that has a whole menu for ice cream only and the styles, flavours and presentation is magnificent.

Day 8 was the final full day in Germany so today Friedhelm and Ulla took us on a drive to Luneburg. We went through the Luneburger Heide which is a magnificent area of natural beauty. There is a whole areas of fields full of purple heather. As it had been quite wet the heather was not out as fully as it normally was but you still got the idea as to how beautiful it is. We took a ride on a horse drawn coach through roads surrounding the fields which was great fun. We picked up some honey produced from bees in the area of the heather fields. From here we then went to Luneburg which is a fabulous town with a river running through it. We had a great lunch there and walked the streets taking photos and soaking up the sun.

Even though we had a big day that night Friedhelm, Steve and myself drove into Bremen city centre as they had some light displays on to celebrate the opening of their music festival. Huge lights we set up in the main square where they illuminated the buildings. It looked great so I hope the photos give you an idea as to what it was like. We enjoyed a final german sausage and ice cream on our last night. Thanks Friedhelm for suggesting seeing the light show.

In all, our trip to Germany was great fun. I think we have both come away from Germany having enjoyed the people, the ease of transport and cleanliness of the country. Both of us agree that for some reason Germany feels familiar and homely. More than anything that probably comes down to the hospitality of Friedhelm and Ulla. Thanks so much.

One last imagine from Germany was the fields of flowers near Stuhr. The idea being that you pick the flowers yourself and leave the money in an honesty box. The fields looked great. Especially the sun flowers. Amazingly no one seems to steal them.