We headed to Northern Germany no, not passed Hamburg, the “other” Germany the northeastern portion that was once East Germany, a country that existed from only 1949 to 1990 but birthed and rose several generations. Generations that lived through communism and the cold war. Admittedly there were a few times during our travels to new regions that a deeper analysis a culture was required and a need to explore what has molded a society as a whole. (Thank you Wikipedia!) There was a definitive edge to the people in this region once united as a country. Not unhelpful or rude, although a majority of the over 30 were more than likely raised to dislike Americans, but shall we just say stoic.
Our path was uncharted territory for both of us and the choice was made to explore this region for that very reason in completing our loop back to Sweden. Overall, (minus Aix Les Bain, France) we have been sincerely fortunate with the places we have visited being enjoyable for us adults and as a family. First to Warren, Germany on the shores of Lake Müritz, the largest lake in Germany. After several weeks in the mountains the contrast of the lake was refreshing. The small downtown square was charming with a pleasant pedestrian walkway and lake front properties. Nice enough. We all had weird and crazy nightmares, 3-year-old included. The history of this town under the Nazi regime and then under the communist is mind numbing. The energy from years past tends to stay in the location. The carnage, the fear, once even a plague and the desperation lingers although very underlying. We had an enjoyable time taking a boat ride on the lake, touring the town, and simply relaxing and chilling a bit from our previous several weeks. This area and our next stop some people, the older ones, speak little to no English of course given the history why would they? The tourists in Waren were Germany almost 100% . The only non-germans we encountered in both places? Authentic Italian restaurants of course!
Our next stop was Kühlungsborn, Germany a seaside resort town on the coast, another shot in the dark. One may think that with its proximity to Denmark there would be some Danish visitors. Um, no, just Germans. It was a lovely town, again with a seedy history but the restoration beginning mid-90’s has been really nicely done. The wide bike friendly promenade was excellent for cruising and the knee-deep, calm water great for wading and safe swimming for kiddo. Beautiful waterfront and older restored buildings except for the one, very distinctly different, you will see in the following pictures which was a bit of an eyesore but an important reminder of all of the history and progress. We, along with other tourists who were German, were taking pictures of the soon to be demolished building along with the beauty of the Baltic Sea. A very clear physical reminder of where they had been in the very near past, enough to give anyone cold shivers.
Living Wherever We Are 