NORTH SEA AT WESTERLAND
It was sunny this morning which fooled me since I assumed it would be sunny all day. I had a long breakfast at the a bakery recommended by Elke close to my apartment. A few of us were sitting at tables as a stream of people came in to get their bread and rolls to take home for breakfast.
And then I headed for the sea side. But before I got half way there the clouds began to darken and by the time I got there and showed my pass, which allowed me onto the beach, the clouds were purple and there was a strong breeze.
But this taught me how determined the Germans are to have a good time at the beach even in 45 F weather with the wind blowing. There was a stream of walkers along the edge of water beside the angry waves and another stream of walkers on the boardwalk just below the dunes. We were all bundled up. I was wearing the wool pull over my ears hat and the woolen gloves that Elke had sent along with me. She knew what a day at the beach in April was going to be like. No one swam of course, but one hardy father was digging in the sand with his little daughter.
There were long lines of rentable chairs with cushions and woven coverings for sitting on the beach. Even on a sunny day the wind would be chilly. There were a number of hardy souls, determined to enjoy their day on the beach, sitting in these covered seats facing away from the sea where the wind was blowing from, all bundled up and reading a book as if it were a bright summer day. What I learned is that the Germans are a tough bunch. This was no Myrtle beach getaway with people baking half naked in the sun. These were very determined and hardy beach goers.
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BILLYBABA’S WANDERING 