Day 23 – Kiel, Germany

 

Day 23 – Kiel, Germany

Christiane again met us at the port.  This time we set off for Lubeck, a UNESCO world heritage town with many worthwhile sights.  It was about a 75 minute drive through the northern Germany countryside.  Christiane was a wonderful guide, allowing us to experience both the sights and ambience of the city.  It is a well preserved city despite the extensive damage inflicted by British bombing during WWII.  After the German’s bombed Coventry in England, the British retaliated by bombing Lubeck.  Neither city had industry or other war related targets – both bombings were inexcusable atrocities.  Much of the city is historic cobbled streets with Hanseatic style buildings, tiny alleys with small gardens, and public squares with grand facades in the gothic style.  We took an elevator to the top of the central church, with expansive views of the city.  It is famous for seven church towers visible from many parts of the city.  It also has lovely walkways along the two rivers that join here.  Warehouses from its days as a key trading city remain along the canals. 

Of particular interest was a very large home for the poor which was built inside what appears to be a very large church building.  Each resident stayed in a small wooden cubical with a locking door – thus ensuring privacy and safety; the cubicles appeared to be built individually and then stacked together.  Today’s homeless shelters could learn something from this.  We also poked our noses into numerous low tunnels amongst the beautifully restored buildings, providing glimpses into lives.  Interestingly, many windows in private residences were lovingly decorated with personal treasures for passers-by to see: porcelain, dolls, art work, posters, etc. 

We had in mind to spend some time in Kiel after Lubeck, but time was short and we were quite tired.  We said goodbye to Christiane for the last time at the terminal.

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