Let's continue

Breakfast and discussions about how to make the buffet more sustainable and meaningful. Why on earth are the glasses next to the coffee and the cups next to the unidentified sweet drink? Nevertheless, it was nice at the youth hostel and brought back childhood memories. Afterwards, we went to the bus stop, which also had a retro charm.

At the train station, we stored our luggage and took another walk in the old town. The market church is truly impressive, a mix of old and very modern elements. And right outside the door, there's a little train. Of course, we didn't miss that, especially because it was too hot to walk. 35 minutes of Goslar in fast forward. After that, it was still too hot and we went on a smaller shopping tour through the little shops. Loot: Sunglasses, two pink shorts, a colorful relaxation pants, a bright orange skirt, and a surprise for those staying at home. Unfortunately, no replacement for mom's broken trolley.

Travel planning: Either 1 hour in Goslar and 2 hours in Hannover or vice versa... that's what we thought... But things don't always go as planned. The train we preferred was canceled and the alternative was rail replacement transport from Hannover to Bremen. Never ever! Not with Stefie and Mum. So first we went to Hannover and see what's there. The train was initially very empty and well air-conditioned. Later, a lady with a dog sat down next to Mum of all places. Great enthusiasm... she must have noticed and at least turned the dog to the other side. Then the realization, there's also a train directly to Bremerhaven without changing in Bremen, but only 7 minutes to change in Hannover. Doable, we thought. And we actually made it, but that meant that the planned lunch in Hannover had to be canceled.

Well... the train started. Mum managed to get a seat and Stefie at least found a place on the stairs. Initially, we thought that our excessive sweating was due to changing trains, but the other people on the train were also sweating. Clear conclusion: the air conditioning is weak. Then an announcement: Stop in Linsburg (where the hell...). You can also get off and stretch your legs. It may take a while. The brain starts spinning. Get off and hope for a little breeze outside in the blazing sun on the unprotected platform without anyone taking your seat or enjoy the sauna feeling on the train? Stefie took 2 minutes to take a picture of the train station. And indeed, it continued... at a snail's pace... and with a proper seat for Stefie... and faster than the ICEs in Nienburg. They were forced to stop because of a broken switch. Our regional train could continue, but it received visitors from those who couldn't continue with the ICE. Phew... Because the air conditioning didn't work properly due to the heat, a clever conductor opened the small windows in the train to let some air in. However, he didn't close them again, so the air conditioning was already running again in the other carriages, but not in ours. At least we noticed this 10 minutes before arrival in Bremerhaven... Oh well, we arrived in Bremerhaven with a delay of almost 40 minutes and a cool 31 degrees. A relief! We spent the evening with Beate and Volker and treated ourselves to a delicious non-alcoholic Mojito.