Ostfriesland

 People ask Ian and me, what it is about Ponta Delgada that draws us back there every year.  It's hard to explain, but the answer is somewhat clearer to me, now that I have experienced this part of Germany which my cousin, Johanna, loves so dearly.

It is peaceful, peaceful and green.  The fields here are significantly ditched to draw away the water in this area which was formerly quite marshy.  There are cows and sheep everywhere, grazing in the fields and on the made-made dykes which hold back the North Sea in rough weather.  Their little hooves also serve to tramp down the dyke making more stable.  One can walk with them, but be sure to close the gates.

There is the ocean and the magic of watching the water move -- waves, tides, ripples.  And the interaction of the water and the land is fascinating.

There are harbours and boats of all shapes and sizes and purposes.  Some have site unique modifications that attest to the ingenuity of the years of seafarers.  

There are traditions of long standing importance to the local people, which connect them to the place they live.  The tea ceremony was needed for workers in the cold to have a break and warm up.  It happened easily 4 times a day.

There are green spaces and spectacular gardens -- the kind you almost weep over, they are so beautiful.  I have never experienced rhododendrons as I did today at the Hobbie Rhododendron Park, and the blossom season was just starting.  

There are museums and places of cultural significance.  We spent half a day at the Auswanderer Haus in Bremerhaven.  There was no record of our trip, but this where my family left Germany 72 years ago.  Looking at the harbour and seeing the displays  in the museum was quite emotional.

There is regional food, and it is always worth trying.  You understand what is important to the people of the area.

There are baked goods -- the kind for which you get up at 7 am and go to the bakery.

And then there is the most important thing -- the fact that you share the experiences with someone who is important to you.  Johanna has become a friend, not just a cousin, these past few years as I have visited with her in Vaihingen and travelled with her to southern Germany and now to the north.  She was delighted to show me this place that is so iclose to her heart, where she and her mother came many times for vacation.  That's like me, dragging Joanna all over Ponta Delgada 2 weeks ago because there was so much I wanted her to see -- and we did the same kind of things that Johanna and I did.

Having a place where you can truly relax, get away from the everyday responsibilities for a while, live simply, is a true blessing!