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Friday 17 August
We slept quite well, and Minuk is a bit more pain free this morning. By the time we’d finished breakfast, and had all chores and packing completed, we decided to take an earlier train. During the morning, a flood of WhatsApp messages brought news of the progress of other Richardsmobbers as they converged on Kuhlungsborn.
The walk to the station took about 20 minutes and we caught the 11:03 train to Bad Kleinen. It arrived on time and we easily made the train to Rostock as it passed through. At Rostock, we bumped into Stephen and Clare as they exited the carriage.
The 3rd train of the morning was a single car to Bad Doberan, where we had lots of time to get tickets for the Molli Steam Train which would take us on the final leg of the journey (9 euro each). The steam train makes its way down the main street of Bad Doberan, with many folk taking pictures as it passes. We arrived in Kuhlungsborn Ost station at 2pm.
It was about 1.4 km to drag the bags to the Hotel Polar-Stern, where we all checked in and were given instructions in flowery English by the very Basil Fawltyish proprietor. The penthouse is up 72 steps (cue groan from Minuk), but is very spacious. We settled into our room, found David and Christin and awaited further arrivals.
Went out to the supermarket (LidL) to get snacks and drinks. Afterward we bumped into Katie, Jenny, Allison, Alan and Katrina. Checked out Mum’s little room, which is functional enough.
Jon, Jo and Caleb arrived about 5pm, and settled into their part of the penthouse.
Pizza and beer on the beach, chilly but sunset brilliant. Had a few too many Jägermeister’s, handed out by Christin’s father Berndt, and Uncle Uwe. More drinks up in the penthouse before toddling off to bed.
Saturday 18 August
A morning stroll before buffet breakfast. Fortunately no hangover! Very good spread for breakfast, good coffee.
Went to the supermarket (Netto) to obtain some snacks for a light pre-wedding lunch before glad rags were donned, and we all headed downstairs to await the wedding express. We did not manage to get onto the Toy Train, instead riding the vintage bus (with skillful driving getting its length around the narrow and twisty roads.
After about 20 minutes and 7 km, arrived at Kägsdorf beach, where white chairs were set up on the sands in front of a flower bedecked driftwood arch and table. We all made our way across the warm sand and found places, awaiting the arrival of the guests of honour, and finding the ‘surprise’ special feature of the beach to be a cohort of naturists, all enjoying the natural spectacle in well, a very natural and unencumbered manner. Naked paparazzi though was a further unexpected feature of the day. Master of ceremonies Petra got everyone settled and the photographer snapped away.
David, groomsman(?) and best man Mark waited whilst the 5 bridesmaids, resplendent in green headed off for the sand dunes. Some minutes later they returned, doing a credible Greek Goddess impression as they paraded back, single file, eyes downcast to maintain balance on the sand.
Not long after they assembled with the Groom’s party, Christin, accompanied by father Berndt made their leisurely way down the beach and down the aisle, so that the ceremonies could begin.
Warmed rings
Progressive Hug
Celebratory champers on the sands
Rode back on the Toy train
Photos on the Rathaus steps
Wishes written on postcards tied to 99 red luftballons and released to the winds on the beach
Ceremonial sawing of the birch log. Achieved with assistance from Monika and Petra to hold it steady – no fingers lost in the process thankfully
We are seated at the Berlin table with Nick, Corin, Jessica and Ginny
Soup served first, followed by a tasty buffet
German DJ followed by ceilidh dancing, called by Jenny & Katrina. DJ put a stop to it after half a dozen sets as it was more popular than his show!
We retired at midnight after coffee and cake
Party continued until well after 3am apparently. But we hear little.
Sunday 19 August
A day of rest. Late breakfast in the dining room from the reception last night. Most made it before the buffet closed.
More supermarket (Netto). Found a Ruby Port to toast Dad. Fake Baileys (Queen Margot) for those who preferred a creamy drink.
Checked out the beach where Jon, Jo, Caleb, Stephen and Clare, along with sundry Stewart siblings children had braved the waters of the Baltic Sea for a swim. All reports suggested that the water was warmer than expected. Seagulls were definitely huge, and mostly fearless, waiting for leftovers.
We had a leisurely snacking lunch, then prepared for Happy Hour in the Penthouse with all the crew. Mum stayed for dinner. Minuk cooked spicy chicken wings for us.
Beers of the Day: Faxe Pilsner (in very special 1L can); Berliner Kindl & Colonius Kolsch
We slept quite well, and Minuk is a bit more pain free this morning. By the time we’d finished breakfast, and had all chores and packing completed, we decided to take an earlier train. During the morning, a flood of WhatsApp messages brought news of the progress of other Richardsmobbers as they converged on Kuhlungsborn.
The walk to the station took about 20 minutes and we caught the 11:03 train to Bad Kleinen. It arrived on time and we easily made the train to Rostock as it passed through. At Rostock, we bumped into Stephen and Clare as they exited the carriage.
The 3rd train of the morning was a single car to Bad Doberan, where we had lots of time to get tickets for the Molli Steam Train which would take us on the final leg of the journey (9 euro each). The steam train makes its way down the main street of Bad Doberan, with many folk taking pictures as it passes. We arrived in Kuhlungsborn Ost station at 2pm.
It was about 1.4 km to drag the bags to the Hotel Polar-Stern, where we all checked in and were given instructions in flowery English by the very Basil Fawltyish proprietor. The penthouse is up 72 steps (cue groan from Minuk), but is very spacious. We settled into our room, found David and Christin and awaited further arrivals.
Went out to the supermarket (LidL) to get snacks and drinks. Afterward we bumped into Katie, Jenny, Allison, Alan and Katrina. Checked out Mum’s little room, which is functional enough.
Jon, Jo and Caleb arrived about 5pm, and settled into their part of the penthouse.
Pizza and beer on the beach, chilly but sunset brilliant. Had a few too many Jägermeister’s, handed out by Christin’s father Berndt, and Uncle Uwe. More drinks up in the penthouse before toddling off to bed.
Saturday 18 August
A morning stroll before buffet breakfast. Fortunately no hangover! Very good spread for breakfast, good coffee.
Went to the supermarket (Netto) to obtain some snacks for a light pre-wedding lunch before glad rags were donned, and we all headed downstairs to await the wedding express. We did not manage to get onto the Toy Train, instead riding the vintage bus (with skillful driving getting its length around the narrow and twisty roads.
After about 20 minutes and 7 km, arrived at Kägsdorf beach, where white chairs were set up on the sands in front of a flower bedecked driftwood arch and table. We all made our way across the warm sand and found places, awaiting the arrival of the guests of honour, and finding the ‘surprise’ special feature of the beach to be a cohort of naturists, all enjoying the natural spectacle in well, a very natural and unencumbered manner. Naked paparazzi though was a further unexpected feature of the day. Master of ceremonies Petra got everyone settled and the photographer snapped away.
David, groomsman(?) and best man Mark waited whilst the 5 bridesmaids, resplendent in green headed off for the sand dunes. Some minutes later they returned, doing a credible Greek Goddess impression as they paraded back, single file, eyes downcast to maintain balance on the sand.
Not long after they assembled with the Groom’s party, Christin, accompanied by father Berndt made their leisurely way down the beach and down the aisle, so that the ceremonies could begin.
Warmed rings
Progressive Hug
Celebratory champers on the sands
Rode back on the Toy train
Photos on the Rathaus steps
Wishes written on postcards tied to 99 red luftballons and released to the winds on the beach
Ceremonial sawing of the birch log. Achieved with assistance from Monika and Petra to hold it steady – no fingers lost in the process thankfully
We are seated at the Berlin table with Nick, Corin, Jessica and Ginny
Soup served first, followed by a tasty buffet
German DJ followed by ceilidh dancing, called by Jenny & Katrina. DJ put a stop to it after half a dozen sets as it was more popular than his show!
We retired at midnight after coffee and cake
Party continued until well after 3am apparently. But we hear little.
Sunday 19 August
A day of rest. Late breakfast in the dining room from the reception last night. Most made it before the buffet closed.
More supermarket (Netto). Found a Ruby Port to toast Dad. Fake Baileys (Queen Margot) for those who preferred a creamy drink.
Checked out the beach where Jon, Jo, Caleb, Stephen and Clare, along with sundry Stewart siblings children had braved the waters of the Baltic Sea for a swim. All reports suggested that the water was warmer than expected. Seagulls were definitely huge, and mostly fearless, waiting for leftovers.
We had a leisurely snacking lunch, then prepared for Happy Hour in the Penthouse with all the crew. Mum stayed for dinner. Minuk cooked spicy chicken wings for us.
Beers of the Day: Faxe Pilsner (in very special 1L can); Berliner Kindl & Colonius Kolsch