Rostock, Germany

Saturday May 7.

We are docked at Warnemunde Germany.  This is a very busy port with many cruise ships, ferries, sailboats, pleasure boats and freighters.   Rostock is another Baltic coast city which built its wealth on the medieval Hanseatic League.

Rather than take a 12 hour tour to Berlin, we decided to stay in the area to visit Rostock and Warnemunde.  Our tour bus took us to a microbrewery in Rostock.  The brew master explained how the hops are roasted and showed us samples.  Afterwards, we had a tasting of one light and one dark beer.  Bob liked the dark beer, I didn't care for either.  To go with the beer, we were given warm freshly baked pretzels.   On our walking tour, we visited St. Mary's church with its enormous astronomical clock, historic City Hall, University of Rostock, the Abbey of the Holy Cross, the gothic Kröpeliner tower which marks the old city walls, squares and fountains.  Being Saturday, the market was a very busy spot.

We then took a boat ride down the Warnow river back to the ship.  Most of what we saw along the river was shipping related, nothing scenic.  The most interesting structure was a platform which will be placed with wind turbines in the ocean to collect energy.

Later in the afternoon we went for a walk around Wandermunde.  Little did we know what a gem this little harbour town is.  No wonder our crew likes coming here.  It was particularly fun because it was a Saturday and a holiday weekend.

Grego, our pianist gave a concert tonight.  He included his interpretation of the magic flute as well as some of his own compositions.  Very talented.  Normally Grego plays his music in the atrium or the Explorers lounge.  It was wonderful to see him on stage.