Kiel Canal and Warnumende Germany

A few drops of rain could not dampen our spirits in the Kiel Canal and Warnemunde. Rick and I haven't seen rain for months so we didn't mind a bit!

Schwerin Castle was marvelous. I had pre-arranged a rental car but the best laid plans....! Upon arriving at the rental agency, we discovered that the car had not been delivered. After a brief 15 minute wait, they showed up with the van...but only 5 seats in a 7 passenger van. We drove the van, following the driver of another vehicle to a volkswagen dealership. They left us there for almost an hour - in a place where no one spoke English and no information as to how long we would have to wait. Finally, our driver showed up with a 7 seater van! We drove through the countryside which reminded us alot of home. All that green! As we neared Schwerin, we stopped at a petrol station for directions. I showed the attendant a map and a brochure. She pointed in several directions, whistled twice and gave one "zip." I relayed the message when I returned to the van but no one seemed to understand. Surprisingly enough, we found the town of Schwerin. Again, we asked directions of a passerby on the street. He asked where we were from...our answer Canada....his reply.....follow me! We would never have found the place so were grateful for the guide. As we entered the palace, I decided to proceed through the gates and in the main door. I was greeted by a security guard who quickly informed me that I had entered the parliamentary building and was not allowed to be there. Thankfully she directed us to the proper entrance and we were able to tour the palace. It had been an comical journey to that point.

After touring the castle, we returned via Bad Doberan so we can visit the monastery. So much history and so little time! We managed to get the car returned and get back to the ship in time. We were pleased with oursevles for not getting lost and getting everyone back safe and sound.

Cheers to a great cruise!

Flipping the Funnel to fit under the bridges

Brass band and tourists at the Kiel Canal


Funky house along the canal

Schwerin Castle - Germany

Beautiful Gardens at the Castle

700 yr old monastery at Bad Doberan

Bad Doberan Monastery

Thatched roof homes along the way

Two week vacation - First two days in Dover

Dickens Corner - Dover

Wartime tunnels from the face of the cliff

Church of St. Mary-in-Castro c. 1000

Church of St. Marty-in-Castro c.1000

Lighthouse beside c.450

Dover Castle

Dover Castle & Rick!

White Cliffs of Dover - 8km hike

Rick and I have just returned from two weeks off...away from the sand and heat! We had planned a 12-day Baltic Sea cruise with our friends Dave and Paula from Canada. The cruise departed Dover England on July 28th. We went a couple of days early and stayed in Dover. We hiked the White Cliffs trail and then visited the Dover Castle, Dover museum and enjoyed the green grass, flowers and all the colour! The intinerary included, Warnemunde Germany / Tallin Estonia / St. Petersburg Russia / Helsinki Finland / Stockholm Sweden and Copenhagen Denmark. We had two full days in St. Petersburg and enjoyed several excursions. The cruise was magnificent. We can understand how people get hooked. Following the cruise, Rick and I went by ferry to Calais France. We rented a car and drove to Normandy, stopping at the Juno Beach Canadian War Museum and then back to Dieppe. We stopped at three Canadian war cementeries. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time to get to Vimy - next time.

We're back in the heat and humidity and pretty much locked indoors when possible. Only a few more weeks of this and we will be back to reasonable temperatures - low 40's.