A bit foggy this morning as we made our way to breakfast. I grabbed a cup of coffee and went to work posting the blogs. What happened? The Teutonia blog posted in HTML with bits of Russian posted. Oy vey! Will try to reconstruct it on the coach.
Was able to check scores and see that our Buccos won again, but so did the Cards and the Cubs. Status quo, again.
Grabbed a bit of breakfast and then to check email and Facebook before departure. An ontime 9:00 departure today. I should have taken a picture of the coach clock.
Kiel was also a member of the Hanseatic League, but that did not assure its prosperity as other members of the league. In 1865 Kiel became part of Prussia when the Danish had to surrender the land. In 1871 Wilhelm declared Kiel a naval port and three shipyards were constructed in the port. Over the time period Kiel's population increased from 20, 000 to 225,000. After WWI and the Treaty of Versaille, Germany was not permitted arms and Kiel lost its reason for being. In 1933 rearmament was reinstated and Kiel underwent a resurgence. In 1936 Kiel was the site of the Olympic rowing competition. During WWII virtually all of Kiel was destroyed by the Allies' bombers. There were 622 air raids on Kiel. Its proximity to England and the shis that were being built there made it a prime target. In 1947 Kiel was named the capital of Schleswig-Holstein and the city is now flourishing as a shipyard and deep sea water port.
Our first stop was the harbor where Martin explained all that was happening. We saw a non-magnetic steel submarine under construction, the largest ferry in Europe, and a sailing ship, the Hanse Kogge that dates back to the 15th century
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| Through the haze a submarine |
Out in the sea was the largest sail boat in the world that is being tested. It was commissioned by a Russian millionaire and is being built by the United Arab Emirates shipbuilding company. I will look up his name when I get back home.
From the harbor we proceeded to the naval quarter of the city. The buildings that had been used as a part of the naval training area have now been turned into administrative offices for the government. Also in the navy quarter is St. Peters church, the largest in Kiel, that seats 1000 people.
We crossed over the canal bridge and saw the longest lock system in Europe.
From there it was on to the light house at Holtenau, erected by Wilhelm II. It is an imposing structure that watches over the harbor. Above the door is a bronze casting of two mermaids representing the Atlantic Ocean on the left and the Baltic Sea on the right. The iron work on the door represents the empire. As oaks it is strong, destined to last 100 years and has radiating roots. Above the mermaids is the German eagle.
From there it was on to Laboe, the site of the Navy Memorial. First we stopped at the German U995 boat where Martin detailed how poorly it was designed and that 840 such boats were lost in WW II. This boat was use in the movie Das Boot, the longest movie in the history of the world, IMHO!
The memorial was completed in 1936 to commemorate the sailors who died in WWI. It is representative of a flame touching the heavens from the earth. Inside are three dedications and The Hall of Commemoration.
We also were able to go up to the viewing platform at the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the harbor before we had lunch. Fish, roast beef, or cheese sandwiches awaited us at the Heimathafen Restaurant.
We said goodbye to Martin back in Kiel and then headed to Schleswig, where we arrive around 4:45. We had a brief tour, guided by the director of the Shanty Choral Group, around the small city. The Schloß Gottorf was an impressive structure that is now being used as a museum.
Then it was on to the Hotel Hohenzollern where we would meet the Shanty Choir and have some liquid refreshment. After conversation and dinner (asparagus soup, fish or pork, tasty fresh green beans, boiled potatoes, and tapioca with a berry compote) the singing began.
The Shanty Chor went first. They are a group of about 30 voices that sings sea songs. They opened the program with Anchors Aweigh. Their style is so entertaining and energetic. Great fun.
Then it was Teutonia's turn.
It really was a fun evening. We had a chance to talk with some very nice German folk, a good chance to practice the very rusty language skills.
We got back to the hotel around 11:00. Ran into the reception area to see if I could upload Teutoni's blog that didn't load in the morning. Success and now off to bed before an early morning luggage call.
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