The imperial campsite - our arrival part 2

This campsite has some visitors and it's bustling. We are greeted by a very busy atmosphere. Unlike in the Thuringian Forest. A fruit and vegetable vendor sets up his market stall, children's activities will take place on the weekend, people go to the restaurant, the reception is busy, cyclists everywhere, many paths... Campers wash their dishes (even kids seem willing to do these chores :-)), do laundry, or play with their children in the many small and large playgrounds, others go for a swim at the well-maintained beach.

This trip strongly connects us with my father. It should also be mentioned that the funeral service awaits us here in Potsdam. A part of this trip, a significant turning point, a new chapter and we have to deal with the emotions during the vacation. The first three nights at the campsite are therefore somewhat exciting and emotionally stirring. The site is located on Lake Templin. Of course, this offers many refreshing walks. We try to settle in and get comfortable. However, instead of the desired relaxation, there is still an atmosphere of departure until the day of the funeral service. We meet our family members in a small circle on August 1st, 2019 and spend the whole day with them.

In the evening, the four of us went out to eat at my mom's recommendation. Yes, we should get out and be among people. It's a quick dinner, somehow. And yet intimate for the four of us, we are together, we think about everything, we remember our father, father-in-law, grandpa. Evening falls in Potsdam city, we are in our old homeland, it is familiar and comforting. And yet we don't really know where everything is leading us, we are somewhat restless. But we are on vacation and have something wonderful planned. So we leave the restaurant. We go back to the campsite because we have to set up our place again. So we put our things back in their place, wrap ourselves in our sleeping bags, and let the night unfold. In these moments, I like the children's audio book because here on the campsite, at 10 p.m. as if by magic, a 'polite halt to all noises', so to speak, sets in and I get the feeling that only this comforting children's audio book from our rooftop tent can be heard. The two of us parents listen for a while and then fall asleep.

The next morning, familiar but unfamiliar noises wake me up, so close, so live and in nature... Only a half-open car door separates us from the outside. Not that I've never been camping before :-)) They are crows. They are mentioned in the information brochure of the campsite. The time of their 'wake-up call' just didn't match, because it's 7 o'clock, I can't sleep in. So I'm awake for today. I have already seen on the campsite that you can take a nice walk along the water and forest path there. So on this morning, I dare to go jogging. It feels good, the constant view of the water, comforting the soul, arriving. The camping fever hasn't kicked in yet, but the area is very welcoming and top modern. So it's increasingly becoming a truly enjoyable stay, at least. We go swimming, soak up some sun and plan a small trip to the nearby supermarket because we want to cook at the campsite tonight. A walk to the train station of about 2000 meters awaits us. There is also a shuttle bus to the train station and back until the evening, for the night owls. We reach the city by tram. The shopping is small because we don't have a refrigerator like many campers in a motorhome and therefore always need to buy fresh food in small quantities. Yes, many things are more convenient, more pleasant. But we are down to the bare minimum, it simply requires improvisation. We want it that way :-)) The idea comes to us on the way that we should take the water taxi on the way back. After our regular tour through Potsdam Central Station, where we can admittedly surf the internet with our smartphones for a high-quality round (mainly to check the weather), we stand in the oncoming storm, pursued by a rather gray sky, at the water taxi stand opposite the shore of the Potsdam White Fleet. But that's a long sentence now ;-)) The crossing is accompanied by rain and gentle thunderstorms, but it becomes increasingly friendlier towards the campsite. Truly royal. Typical Potsdam, it finally feels like home in the heart and we enjoy the beautiful shores of Templiner Vorstadt, Caputh and Co. On this evening, we simply take in the water and the accompanying air and prepare dinner together as a family of four.

On Saturday morning, I go running again and cover a bit more distance. My husband has already placed fresh rolls on our small camping table, on which nothing really fits. Just two plastic plates and cups for the four of us, that's tight. But breakfast is fine every morning now and doubly pleasant in the fresh air. During the day, a meeting is planned with my friend from our old hometown. I've known her for almost 20 years. My husband stays at the campsite and wants to go fishing. This time, I take the shuttle with my two children to the nearby train station and we don't have to wait the 20 minutes for the connecting train anymore because we sprint directly into the vehicle, which is already waiting. Perfect connection.

In the cafe in Potsdam city, someone hugged me again, a friend. Seeing her is wonderful. We have a pleasant afternoon. Besides my parents, she is the only one from my circle of friends who can spontaneously take time without looking at the clock and checking everything months in advance. I appreciate her passion, her uninhibited and uncomplicated way of meeting me, despite the distance that separates us - free from constraints. Thank you, Tani.

The four of us then meet again as a family in the late afternoon for a swim in the lake at the campsite, and the children make their first friendships. From the very beginning, our intention is to meet people and share stories, exchange ideas, share common experiences... Camping is really ideal for that, as you can quickly strike up a conversation, and I quickly stop being bothered by the fact that my neighbor looks almost onto our table - hanging up a towel as a privacy screen. A quick conversation with other travelers or rather individualists is unlikely to happen if you spend your holidays only in the four walls of a rented family villa and wait for whatever comes. The campsite is very inviting, and we are approached again at the lake, where we spend some time later. A storyteller. A fairy tale for children will be told at 7pm. With fairy dust...