As light falls. Borkum in the North Sea, Germany
This is the mundane waterfront of the westernmost of the seven East Frisian Islands of Germany, Borkum. It is located due north of the Dutch province of Groningen. For almost two centuries it has been loved as a tourist destination. And in the German way it has many spas and health centres., and the beach sporks an FKK-strand. In many ways it is a worldly place as compared to the beautiful Dutch island Schiermonnikoog which is due West. But both boast a similar natural world, and there are national land and marine parks and natural reserves.
Borkum has a checkered history ranging from piracy in the Hanseatic Middle Ages to the more horrific aspects of the Second World War. Long before that war it was rabidly anti-semitic and Jews were 'encouraged' to stay away. Moreover, it was here that Wernher von Braun perfected his missile techology (which was to bring such havoc to British cities in the War). In late 1934 he fired off two missiles - called 'Max' and 'Moritz' - which were the first to reach an altitude of 2 kilometers. Thus he put down the foundation for modern missile and space technology.
These are all things of the past, thank goodness. Today Borkum is a holiday island, much loved for its good air, pleasant natural surroundings, and not least the ferrryride to get there.
This is part of the waterfront with some of the older late-nineteenth and twentieth century facades. The 'New' lighthouse in the centre was built in 1879 just after the old one had burnt down. Another, smaller lighthouse is the first electrical one of Germany's coast.
The beach chairs are typical for Borkum; called 'Strandkorb' (=Beachbasket), they protect against the often fierce winds; there's enough room for two, or even a small, thinner family of four! the small rental fee is more than value for money.
This photo was taken as evening fell on a slight ly overcast day; from west to east.
As light falls. Borkum in the North Sea, Germany
This is the mundane waterfront of the westernmost of the seven East Frisian Islands of Germany, Borkum. It is located due north of the Dutch province of Groningen. For almost two centuries it has been loved as a tourist destination. And in the German way it has many spas and health centres., and the beach sporks an FKK-strand. In many ways it is a worldly place as compared to the beautiful Dutch island Schiermonnikoog which is due West. But both boast a similar natural world, and there are national land and marine parks and natural reserves.
Borkum has a checkered history ranging from piracy in the Hanseatic Middle Ages to the more horrific aspects of the Second World War. Long before that war it was rabidly anti-semitic and Jews were 'encouraged' to stay away. Moreover, it was here that Wernher von Braun perfected his missile techology (which was to bring such havoc to British cities in the War). In late 1934 he fired off two missiles - called 'Max' and 'Moritz' - which were the first to reach an altitude of 2 kilometers. Thus he put down the foundation for modern missile and space technology.
These are all things of the past, thank goodness. Today Borkum is a holiday island, much loved for its good air, pleasant natural surroundings, and not least the ferrryride to get there.
This is part of the waterfront with some of the older late-nineteenth and twentieth century facades. The 'New' lighthouse in the centre was built in 1879 just after the old one had burnt down. Another, smaller lighthouse is the first electrical one of Germany's coast.
The beach chairs are typical for Borkum; called 'Strandkorb' (=Beachbasket), they protect against the often fierce winds; there's enough room for two, or even a small, thinner family of four! the small rental fee is more than value for money.
This photo was taken as evening fell on a slight ly overcast day; from west to east.