Bjorklund examines Rostock
Jessie takes a weekend trip to visit the sea
Jessie Bjorklund For The Mirror
Issue date: 11/11/09 Section: Perspectives
When someone mentions the country of Germany, what first comes to your mind? Maybe you think of Bavaria, good German beer, the Berlin Wall, the U.S. military base, or maybe Germany means home to you. When I think of Germany, a white, sandy beach is definitely not what first comes to mind-at least it did not until this past weekend.
With public transportation so easily accessible, I was able to hop onto a train with a good friend of mine and travel two and half hours northeast to his hometown of Hanseatic Rostock. I must admit, I had never heard of Rostock before moving to Germany, so I think it is safe to assume that most reading this article have not either.
Much of Rostock's history can be credited to its location and its involvement in the Hanseatic League. Founded in the 13th Century, the League was a powerful alliance of cities that set up a trading monopoly along the Northern coast of Europe. So, called Hanseatic Rostock due to its historical significance, it is a city located on the Ostsee, or the Baltic Sea, that was and is known for its large seaport, shipyard and trading capabilities.
Upon arrival, I was welcomed into my friend's lovely home where I met his family, two dogs and cat. Not long after this we set out for what put Rostock on the map, the Baltic Sea. An easy ten minute bike ride from my friend's house, I never expected to smell fresh sea air and hear the waves beating along a seashore in Germany. Although already dark, my first introduction with this Sea is one I will never forget: breathtakingly beautiful. While a bit too chilly to swim in in November, I hope to return one day during the summertime to test its waters.
Built around the Sea, Rostock has become a popular place for German and international tourists alike, providing many things to do and places to see. Walking down the promenades, there are many shops and restaurants that are too good to pass by. For lunch on Saturday I wanted to have fresh fish, easily attainable of course. Strolling along the docks, we were able to walk up to a floating café (a boat with a place to order on its starboard) to order fresh seafood. It proved to be quite an accomplishment to finish our meal as the seagulls seemed to enjoy the food too.
With public transportation so easily accessible, I was able to hop onto a train with a good friend of mine and travel two and half hours northeast to his hometown of Hanseatic Rostock. I must admit, I had never heard of Rostock before moving to Germany, so I think it is safe to assume that most reading this article have not either.
Much of Rostock's history can be credited to its location and its involvement in the Hanseatic League. Founded in the 13th Century, the League was a powerful alliance of cities that set up a trading monopoly along the Northern coast of Europe. So, called Hanseatic Rostock due to its historical significance, it is a city located on the Ostsee, or the Baltic Sea, that was and is known for its large seaport, shipyard and trading capabilities.
Upon arrival, I was welcomed into my friend's lovely home where I met his family, two dogs and cat. Not long after this we set out for what put Rostock on the map, the Baltic Sea. An easy ten minute bike ride from my friend's house, I never expected to smell fresh sea air and hear the waves beating along a seashore in Germany. Although already dark, my first introduction with this Sea is one I will never forget: breathtakingly beautiful. While a bit too chilly to swim in in November, I hope to return one day during the summertime to test its waters.
Built around the Sea, Rostock has become a popular place for German and international tourists alike, providing many things to do and places to see. Walking down the promenades, there are many shops and restaurants that are too good to pass by. For lunch on Saturday I wanted to have fresh fish, easily attainable of course. Strolling along the docks, we were able to walk up to a floating café (a boat with a place to order on its starboard) to order fresh seafood. It proved to be quite an accomplishment to finish our meal as the seagulls seemed to enjoy the food too.
Article last update: 11/10/09 at 5:46 PM CST
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