BALTIC BLOG 06
Wednesday June 20, 2012
Today, after docking in the German coastal resort of Warnemunde, we travelled by coach (2.5 hours) to one of Europe’s most fascinating, ever-changing capitals – Berlin. On the way, we took time out to visit the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp (in what used to be East Germany) where the Nazis first experimented with organised mass killings – of political prisoners, undesirables, gypsies and (of course) Jews.
It was a sobering hour or two for us Kiwis, I tell you. We stood on the bleak parade ground in the rain, thinking of the countless thousands of starving prisoners forced by the Gestapo to stand for hours (sometimes days) in the freezing snow and ice … we explored the remains of the barracks, torture chambers, crematorium … and we studied some of the horrific details in photos and text.
A quote from one lucky survivor was etched on the wall – a stark reminder of what’s at stake here: “I know one thing more – that the Europe of the future cannot exist without commemorating all those, regardless of their nationality, who were killed at that time with complete contempt and hate, who were tortured to death, starved, gassed, incinerated, and hanged …”
Following another short drive, we stopped for a pub lunch at a traditional Bavarian restaurant, before touring the main city highlights – including remnants of the notorious Berlin Wall and the former Checkpoint Charlie (where spies used to cross during the Cold War) … the Kurfürstendamm (Berlin’s version of the Champs Elysées) … the impressive Brandenburg Gate … the Reichstag parliament building … and the Holocaust Memorial (a large deliberately disorienting area of huge concrete blocks amongst which we walked) created in 2005 as a lasting memorial to Europe’s murdered Jews.
Arriving back on the ship tonight, we were cheered by the sight of the pool deck transformed into a German Beer Garden– and a local brass band entertaining the passengers with some rousing oom-paa-paa music.
Fun? For sure!
Danke, Holland America Lines!
PEOPLE NEWS:
Another little yellow rubber-ducky won a place next to someone’s heart today:
The Where’s Wally Award went (appropriately) to Wally – who, despite his careful efforts to avoid winning one of these things, was spotted this afternoon getting onto – and then quickly getting off – some other tour-group’s coach.
TOMORROW:
We’re having a day off – relaxing on board from daylight to darkness while the Rotterdam motors north through the grey-green Baltic Sea. Ahh, yes, bring it on!
Yours bloggedly – JOHN
P.S. If you want to leave a message for someone in our group, just click on the little speech bubble at the top of this page, and add your ‘COMMENTS’! Make sure you say who it’s for and who it’s from – and keep it brief.
Hello Mum and Dad Osbaldiston
Looked at all the Berlin pictures and reminded me of when I went there along time ago.
Not much news..the weather is cold..everyone complaining..I don’t think it is that cold at all.
Net ball training tonight – getting to know a few more of the girls – the are really nice.
Hope you are enjoying the boat
Erin
To Pam and Colin Belcher,
We are enjoying the blogs very much, sounds absolutely wonderful.
Mum, I hope you managed to get Dad out of the German beer garden.
We are all well and Hugh is progressing slowly but surely.
I have been overwhelmed by the support and friendship of so many people helping us out and my freezer has been filled with meals which is just great. Thought he may come home this week but will be another week or so yet, my ironing is all up to date too in case you are interested.
Jerm and Jacq have been great and Simon checks in with us every few days.
Girls fly to New Plymouth for the school hols on July 2nd.
Much love to you both, thinking of you every day.
Lots of love, Sally
xoxo
Hi Nolene & Wally
Back from the hospital again!. Mum was back home for one day and this morning we were off at 10 for the rehabilitation ward . The aim is to get her walking after 3 months of non weight bearing on the leg. she was very smiley so all good. I left her ready to eat her lunch. Now all we can do is hope that Mum is settled & back at Rosedale home before you arrive in NZ. next month.
Now the public are saying Ritchie McC is getting too old for The All Blacks!!!!
Spotted you in the photos and pleased Wally found the correct bus.
Keep on enjoying the trip.
Meryl
To Joan Blackley
Just to let you know, Tuesday Group is going well, David is helping me out and has sorted all the skates on the shelves yah! The fundraiser for showskate was awesome and my niece whos 6 now wants to skate and came along last Tuesday, and of course Tayla (her cousin) coached her! Hope you are enjoying your trip – saw you in one of the photos taking a photo – such a tourist!!
Sylvia Gaskin
Hi Judy and Allen, Jones
Have enjoyed reading about your travels – would love to be there to share them with you. Have helped the Adams shift into their new house and had Olivia and Harley to stay 2 nights while Lou and Rich had some downtime in Taupo. Very mild, but mt covered in snow from cold patch a few days ago. Early start tomorrow for big Rotary auction.
Enjoy the next stage of trip.
Love Elizabeth and Ian
Hello Joan Blackler,
Congratulations of being the first to receive a prize for getting lost for goodness sake. You with all your experience of travel and being a Team Manager. I’ve bought a TomTom GPS perhaps you might like to borrow it next time you desire to be a tourist guide? What a wonderful trip you are having I wish I was with you. The photos of Copenhagen bought back memories to me especially the Tivoli Gardens. Did you get walk up the circular tower by any chance? I’m enjoying the trip via the Blog.
Cheers,
Marg G
To John & Robyn, I would have enjoyed the history you have experienced although somewhat sobering! We wish we were with you and our Love to you both. Heading into the really cold stuff make sure you are wearing you long Johns John! All our best Denis & Bev. Cold in Brisbane at the moment!
Hi Nolene & Wally
All Blacks 60 – Ireland 0 It was an amzing game. Ritchie played at 8 and was outstanding. Magic had a huge win over the top Aussie team. Just in from The World Car Rally up in the domain. Thousands there Then the world Photographic Exhibition in The Museum which was incredible.
Keep on enjoying the fab. trip. Keep on the correct bus Wally.!!!
Meryl & MIchael