Berlin, 2005

BERLIN GERMAN GYMNASTICS FESTIVAL

The closing ceremonies for the Turnfest at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin were one spectacular event.  The music, flickering lights, firework display at the final act overtook and stirred up the enthusiasm of the crowd.

To see so many young participants totally involved gave one renewed faith in what can be, when positively motivated.

Saturday we arrived in Kiel to await boarding next day on the Costa Marina, our dream cruise on the Baltic Sea. We set sail Sunday at 4:00 p.m. And immediately were learning all about rescue procedures and all that is in store for one's life on board.

To make the voyage worthwhile, we booked tours in each and every port and were fortunate to have well informed guides that held your attention.  Listening to each was mind boggling but then you truly felt the pride they held for their country.  Devastation from wars, mainly WW II where Russia and Germany fought to destroy each other, left each country on its knees. Now bringing back so much history through the restoration of buildings as they were, is a bit of competition so it seems. Pride is at the bottom line.

STOCKHOLM, THE FIRST PORT

 Stockholm from the middle of the 17fh century grew rich in beautiful buildings including many historic Churches. At the Wasa Museum we saw remnants of the renowned vessel that twenty minutes on its maiden voyage sank to the bottom of the sea. Perhaps it was the weight of guns or just top heavy that caused it to do so. In 1956 it was brought to the surface and restored.

HELSINKI. THE SECOND PORT

 At 6:00 p.m. that evening we sailed for Helsinki on a clear calm evening surrounded by other cruise ships and a light house sitting in its midst. Founded by the Swedes', then falling into Russian hands, it was finally granted independence in 1917. WW II brought the Russians back but since then has maintained neutrality. We saw the historic Lutheran Cathedral, the Orthodox, University and Presidential Palace. Although heavily taxed the people are well taken care of in return.

ST. PETERSBURG RUSSIA, THE THIRD PORT

 At 7:00 p.m. we set sail for St. Petersburg and soon learned all about their tighter restrictions to tourists and outsiders.

There were constant wars between Russia and the Swedes. In the 17thcentury, Peter the Great took reign. His second wife Catherine had tremendous influence for Russian prosperity as seen in the Art Decor that embodies the Wonders of the World in the so called Hermitage or Winter Palace. Restoration is still underway as we try to take in all the surrounding wonder.

In the afternoon we took an interesting guided tour along the Fountain River and saw many churches, the hospital, factory buildings, historic sites and palaces. Later that evening at the Russian Carnival Concert Hall we were greeted by musicians clad as old Russian Soldiers. The over whelming voices of men on stage stirred you up and you came to the realization of their strong beliefs in Russian tradition be what it may. Dancers kept you enthralled to the point of wanting to get up and take part, unfortunately it was not allowed.

A city tour of St. Petersburg and a walk around the Summer Gardens took up another day of touring. That evening, looking out from the back of the ship we watched the sun set at 11:00 p.m. and the streaks across the sky shone down and turned the Gulf of Finland a deep blue green.

TALLINN, ESTONIA, THE FOURTH PORT

Tallinn, Estonia tile country of over 1,000 lakes was once the target of the Swedes, followed by the Germans and later by the Russians, Estonia was finally granted independence in 1991. It is filled with Art Galleries and open air theatres. Fortifying walls enclose the city from its' highest peaks. Cobblestone walk ways lead you around the busy Seaport Market.

VISBY-GOTLAND. SWEDEN. THE FIFTH PORT

Visby - Sweden seems to be the land of stone walls and wooden buildings that surround this medieval harbor. It takes pride in having the second natural garden in the world. Beautiful roses they say take over and in a few short -weeks will be enjoyed by all. Once again we learned about those steadfast and brave Vikings who sailed the seas.

Sunday evening we watched and enjoyed the wonderful farewell show that left one and all charged up and thankful for a wonderful holiday aboard the Costa Marina.

Farewells took place as we left next morning for various destinations and departures.

Our thanks go to Annette and Holger, who stood beside her, and made our voyage truly "A Time to Remember".

Sincerely,

Rosemary Steiner