home from "the shire"

The Darss region of the Ostsee, from whence we have just returned, shall be from now on referred to as "the place where Hobbits live".


Seriously - can't you imagine that these are just the sort of dwellings that those furry footed creatures would inhabit?


While we didn't actually site any Hobbits (they must all still be in NZ and only migrate to Darss to claim their homes for the summer months) we did lay eyes on many, many numbers of a far more disturbing type of creature.

Travelling in pairs they were EVERYWHERE. Couples of a distinct age - sporting obligatory- matching windcheaters. Not just the occasional sighting - not even just a few here and there- they were everywhere! Three on the boat trip we did (pale blue, black with red shoulder feature, and a purple goretex), another four passed on the forrest hike to the lighthouse (dark green, more pale blue, very swish orange & red combo, and black with a large coloured lotto motif/advertisement on the back), and many more strolling the streets of the picturesque villages we visited.

I really fail to understand this phenomena. I currently have no desire whatsoever to dress like the Ger-Man, and if, with the advancing years it ever seems like it could be a good idea, I'm relying on you, family & friends, to revoke my clothes shopping rights.

However, the pair-spotting was an enjoyable passtime and overall, a nice time was had; the Caspi-Man spent quality time with his Godfather, the Ger-Man got to read some books, and while it would've been nice to have had it 15-20 degrees warmer, at least the sun did shine...