Kiel/Germany

9.8.2024 Kiel

Today I didn't have much planned. I left the ship with a few people around 9:00 AM, and we made our way on foot to the city center.

In the main shopping street, most stores were still closed. We walked to the end of the pedestrian zone, where a truck driver was unloading pallets of beverage crates. A stack of cola crates wobbled and tipped over. Most of the full plastic bottles survived the fall and rolled around. Immediately, people, including myself, started to pick up the bottles and put them back into the crates. I didn't see anyone steal a bottle. It was a nice example of helpfulness.

Shortly after, our group separated. I went to the harbor for excursion boats and looked for a paddle steamer that I had seen advertised. The schedule revealed that the steamer was already on a day tour.

So I leisurely made my way to my day's destination: the restaurant 'Zum Mohrenkopf'. It is owned by an excellent dark-skinned cook who refers to himself as a 'proud Moor'. I had enjoyed his cooking before.

It was still too early for lunch, so I looked for a massage parlor. I found a highly rated one nearby and made an appointment for after lunch.

Now the 'Mohrenkopf' was open. The chef seemed to be alone; he took my order, cooked, and served. The 'pepper pot' was exquisite. Until noon, I had been the only guest; then six more came.

I paid before the stress began for the chef and arrived at the massage studio right on time. There, I received a very good Thai oil massage.

In a good mood, I started my way back and reached the ship just before it started to rain.

In the evening, there was a big concert with the Serenade Orchestra, the five singers, two from the string trio, and the dancing couple.