Germany

Schwerin

Ok, I finally did it – I broke down and got a copy of Adobe Lightroom.  With over 3000 pictures behind in my “storage” (I’ve been gone travelling almost every weekend since May, and when I haven’t been gone on day trips, I’ve been out being social and/or trying to just clean enough stuff to get by for the next week.)  this has been very cool to learn.  It allows for some bulk editing of photos, which means that I may be able to catch up to editing and getting pictures online for you to view. 

Over the weekend I have put up the pictures from Schwerin (link to flickr set here), where this year’s Buga (one of germany’s biggest) landscape and garden show was held.  The photography group I’m a part of made a very long day trip up on May 2nd – and the weather was absolutely perfect.   Clear blue skies, a light breeze and sun sun sun.  Add to it the Tulips being in full bloom, and I was a happy girl because I could get great photos – and also a few new ideas for my dad’s business back in the states.

A couple highlights (some are available for print – if you’re interested):

IMGP9915ed Schwerin Castle

IMGP9996 Castle’s landscaped beds

Tea Garden
The back is a conservatory/tea garden that was built out – the top is the upper gardens that walk around to where I’m standing for the photograph – on a huge columnade platform that has a walking area and sculptures. My back is to the Schwerin Harbor (beautiful!). To my Left is a man made island – and to my right – a man made grotto where the waves break.


Private Island
Private Island

Man Made Grotto (outside)
Man Made Grotto

Best of all, though – were the flowers:
IMGP9909IMGP9974edIMGP9973

And the Romantic Fairy-ringed Tree:

Fairy Tree


So, from me and my dog who went, I wish you all the best!
IMGP9944

Share

Motorcycles and Mechanics

One of the neat things about the open day of mills was that some of the small towns went all out for their festivities. In Saalow, Germany, for example, home of the only internal turbine mill (see previous blog) they had a ton of old East German farm equipment and some beautiful old East German motorcycles that were on display. While they had nothing to do with the mill, I did take the opportunity to get some pictures of what was available.

IMGP0408bw
Old Tractors from East Germany.

IMGP0402bw
East German Bulldozer & road equipment

IMGP0387crp

Motorcycles in a row

IMGP0390

IMGP0389bw

IMGP0388

Simson Motorcycles (more about them on Wikipedia here)

I have to say that the motorcycles remind me a bit of the classic Indian style motorcycles, but it was a treat to see them in person and have the chance for a few photos.

Share

An Ancient Fortress

IMGP0561ed

Hundreds of years ago, before brick and stone castles, there were round fortresses built out of wooden logs and mud mixed with straw. Near Cottbus, there’s a reconstructed fortress surrounded by a bit of nature preserves. It’s used for school trips and history lessons to show how the people lived way back when. As an added bonus, there’s a cool playground out of wood – with a few “creative” features:

IMGP0564
Oxen Pulling Cart

IMGP0565
Modified “see-saw”

While I didn’t go inside (sorry, but 5 euros for 20 minutes of walking in a circle and climbing to the top of a dirt rampart wasn’t worth it), I did enjoy walking around the outside moat and recognizing the blackberries, iris, and water lily plants they’d added to the mix of grasses.
IMGP0562ed

Share