We knew there was a lot of time to see the two towns so didn’t go out too early. Later breakfast made it easier to find seats in the Garden Café. The people who had decided to go to Berlin left at 8AM to take the 3 hour train ride (each way) and would be gone until later in the evening. Some people opted to take the local area tours but we planned to see the area on our own.
Disembarking was simple. We were told to take our passports with us for this location though no one ever asked for it. Probably best to be prepared. In most places we travel it’s rare that we carry our passports out of the hotels/ships until heading back to the airport. Safest is to lock it up. We always carry copies of the main page and the visa pages if applicable.
After exiting the security building, we saw some interesting sand sculptures. There was a form to fill out to list the names of the sculptures and turn it in at the local shop for a free gift. Very pretty around the area where the ship was docked. We noticed a boat that had signs indicating that it went from Warnemunde (where we were docked) to Rostock (the other place we wanted to see). Checked out departure time, thinking we might go that way instead of the train. We walked into the main town area (not a long walk) and stopped into the Tourist Information office to get a local map and directions to ATMs. It was a beautiful morning as we looked in shop windows and acquired more Euros from the ATM. Also, walked along the inside water area¸ looking in shops. Bought a few small items (on sale) and then went back to where the boat was docked for the 45 minute ride to Rostock. Taking the 12:15 one was great as there weren’t many people on it so I could walk around taking pictures from all areas on the top viewing deck. Sunshine and not cold so needed only a light jacket with my long sleeved shirt. When asked for payment, we were told there was a special price for round trip (12 Euros instead of the 8 Euros for one way) so decided to pay for it. Even though the train cost less we knew it would be a lovely ride back.
From the docking area of the boat, we walked up the hill toward St. Mary’s Church. There was a lovely waterfall system set up from the stops coming down the incline to a rock area. Simple and very nice.
Before we left for this trip, I did some research about the area. St.Mary’s Church is the location of an amazing Astronomical Clock that was built in 1472. The clock shows daily time, moon phases¸ zodiac, and month. Below the clock is a calendar listed Easter dates from the late 1800s until 2017. I always like to see something that is unique and this is one as it is the only medieval clock of its kind that is still in working condition with its original clockworks.
Stopped in a store to buy some bottled juice and a snack that we could take back on the ship. Food can not be brought back onto the ship but you can take packaged items and bottled drinks (no liquor). Returned to the boat for the sail back to Warnemunde.
Instead of going directly back to the ship, we looked around the waterfront areas we hadn’t seen earlier. A couple of purchases and back to the ship to get ready for dinner. We hadn’t bothered to eat lunch (late breakfast and just not hungry) so we went in about 6 to the Seven Seas restaurant (again). Not too many people there, most likely because many were not back from their Berlin trip. We talked with people sitting nearby, sharing info about our day spent ashore. All of us enjoyed the day and didn’t have to pay the high fees for the shore excursions to Berlin nor sit on a train for many hours. Was great to be outside most of the day in the sun and pleasant temperatures. Dinner was good and filling.
Walked one loop around the outer deck (1/3 of a mile) and decided to check out the Folkloric show in the Stardust. Young people from the nearby area were performing traditional dances and were very entertaining. Stayed until the end and went up to the Garden Café to get cookies and banana bread as a dessert/snack.
When we returned to the cabin, I noticed that we hadn’t received the next day’s Freestyle Daily so I called Reception about it. They sent someone to our cabin with a copy. I know from past experience that it’s extremely important to read it to plan for the following day. There are many activities onboard and they happen in a variety of locations.
Was a very good day – great weather, not too much money spent, and interesting sites seen.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment