Caryatids and a very personal tour at "Gut Boltenhof" in Brandenburg

The good often lies closer than one thinks.”

That’s the slogan when you look at the website.

From a knight's estate to a place to relax could also fit.

But let's start from the beginning…

My first vacation meal is supposed to be something very special, so I reserve a table on the terrace of the Gut und Liebenberg castle with a view of the park and order a “celery schnitzel with truffle jus.” 😅

And behold, it is unexpectedly delicious. 😋

The lady next to me is having the same meal, and when she, just like me, pulls out a book to read, I can’t help but smile and strike up a conversation with her.

However, since I am only drinking an apple juice spritzer that evening, it will be a rather short night. But perhaps the wine wouldn’t have paired well with the celery schnitzel anyway. 😝

After dinner, I take a little stroll, delightfully through the old park and I get sentimental again.

Don’t just reach for proud roses, don't think too much of it.

Know that even the small flowers make a beautiful bouquet. 💐

During my walk, I become acutely aware of my own personal time and take delight in the little things that often go unnoticed in everyday life. The trees providing shade, the animals enriching all our lives… in this moment of awareness, I am quite happy and content. Also, or perhaps because I am alone.

I sleep well in my old room next to the church, whose clock thankfully no longer chimes at the hour, half-hour, or quarter-hour.

After rolling out my mat at 7:30 AM as usual in the park and then having a more than generous breakfast (two croissants 🥐 with all the fixings)

I am set to travel from Liebenberg via Gransee to the stork farm in Blumenow.

35 km in total - 10 km more than yesterday. “Meh.”

The weather could not be better. A mix of sun and clouds.

Once I lose my way. Around noon, I want to take a break, primarily by the water.

It will be Lake Wentow. After cooling off, I reach a kiosk in Seilershof to recharge with a Bockwurst, coffee, and ice cream. I meet Anna, who is also traveling alone and pedaling her rented e-bike from Berlin to Warnemünde. Originally from Munich, she is also searching for places from her childhood.

Shortly thereafter, I reach the stork farm in Blumenow and am greeted by the clattering of the stork couple.

I check into my lodging, and shortly after a shower, I set off for Gut Boltenhof.

There’s still room to cover some distance from today's kilometers.👆

Also, one cannot have dinner in Blumenow.

3 km and half an hour later, I find myself indulging in, hold on tight, Königsberger Klopsen. Delicious. 😋

Barely finished eating, an older gentleman approaches. I suspect he has much to share, and hardly have I thought that when he stops beside me, and we start a conversation.

The conversation ends with a personal tour of his estate and the informal “you.”

“My name is Uwe. ” “I’m Kristine.”

That’s settled then.  

When we enter the manor, I learn something for life. 🤭

Yes, exactly… Caryatids, female figures that serve as supporting columns or pilasters in buildings at portals and windows. 😝

Teach you something, then you can do something.

If you can do something, then you achieve something.

If you achieve something, then you have something.

And if you have something, then you enjoy something.

Max Lindow