Wilhelmshaven - the Emperor's favourite town

Or so they say. The town itself is rather dreary but the waterfront offers some interesting museums. And spectacular views.

Since this was Germany's largest port, it was bombed to pieces during WWII. No medieval charm in this town.

We are staying at Stellplatz Schleuseninsel (Lock Island). Rather basic, but spectacular view from the top of the wall against the tidal waters of the sea. We will gladly come here again.

We stopped at Bremerhaven on our way here. I had been there once before and I thought J would enjoy the waterfront. Which he did. I had a traditional 'Fisch Brötchen' (fish sandwich) with Matjes herring för lunch. So yummie! The only thing vegetarian för J was potato sallad.

We crossed the Weser via the tunnel and shortly thereafter came to Wilhelmshaven. We stocked up on groceries at a local Aldi but that was a bit of a disappointment. We had better luck at the local eco-store. A very good store, so we'll try Eco stores from now on. J being a vegetarian, and I having IBS, I guess our needs are a bit special.

Yesterday was a lovely day so we had  dinner outdoors after a walk on the wall.

J saw the Naval Museum today while I baby sat Ivan since they would not allow him in even if we carried him. We can't complain though since dogs are allowed in most stores in Germany which makes our lives a lot easier.

The museum was quite good, and most signs were in English. He did not have time for the Watten Museum, but maybe we will come back some other time. We would really like to take a guided tour of the Watten Sea, but that will have to wait until a future time when we don't have a dog. How sad that sounds!

So, what is The Riddle of the Sands, the reason why we are here? It was written by Erskine Childers in the beginning of last century as a warning to the Brittish about a possible invasion of Britain by Germany starting in the Watten land of Ostfriesland. It is written as an adventure novel featuring the small sail yacht Dulcibella, her owner Davies and his friend Carruthers. J must have read it more than ten times and I've read it at  least three times, that's how good it is. Tomorrow will bring us closer to the island of Norderney where the villain Dollmann and his lovely daughter Clara lived.

 This is how Ivan travels - on my lap

 Bremerhaven waterfront

 There is also a very interesting museum of emigration at the Waterfront

 My Fisch Brötchen

Panorama Photo of the view from the Wall by our Stellplatz

 Kaiser Wilhelms Brücke (bridge)

 Outside the Naval Museum

Ditto!