We were so relieved to reach our hotel last night as we were chilled and wet through. Riding the final 10 km was like riding our tandem into a swimming pool. The downpour was so heavy that it felt like we were submerged in water. We have ridden in lots of rain storms before, but this was unique. Travelling by bike and being so intimately connected to the weather, we can state with anecdotal confidence that climate change is real. Every year we are increasingly confronted with more extreme weather. Yesterday’s storm was reflective of that.
The good thing that came of that rather desperate ride was arriving at the charming and delightful Bett and Buch (Bed and Book) Hotel. This family owned hotel and lovingly restored former library from GDR times is a highlight for us in the many hotels we get to visit in our travels.
Every corner and nook & cranny of this hotel honours the history of this building. Alex, the daughter and manager, made us most welcome and shared the history of this amazing place. Even the reception which is lined with books and the board for room keys feature books and authors of significance to the area.
Each room is named for an author. The room key has a likeness of the author, the door features a wooden portrait and in the room is a library of books by the writer.
The building has an amazing history as many events almost led to the its complete demise. First, the drilling and excavation for an expansion to the bridge across the road weakened the foundation, then a previous owner’s decision to take out walls and add arches without knowing they were load bearing added to the problem, and then the tram rumbling by (wiring connected to the building) was the final straw. There was much interest in buying this lovely old building, but most were afraid to risk it. The family who now own it, made a gamble and it has paid off. Their first discovery when cleaning out the basement was a collection of boxes filled with books, posters etc that revealed that this was a former library from GDR times. Thus, the theme for a “Bett and Buch” hotel was born. We highly recommend this charming hotel.
These posters were discovered in the boxes and were from the Children’s section. With the posters, they have displayed children’s books that they retrieved from the boxes.
Another interesting part of the story is that when they started to clean out the building, they discovered that it was inhabited by families of foxes. Not only did they need to remove the obvious mess of their habitation, they also discovered a large number of shoes. Legend is that mother foxes teach their young to take shoes as a way of teaching hunting skills.
Our room is dedicated to the beloved writer, Alex Tucholsky. A journalist and author from the 20’s and 30’s. He is known as well for his opposition to Hitler and his regime. As he was of Jewish descent, he had to emigrate to Sweden. His books were forbidden and burned by the Nazis. He died in Sweden in 1936.
The message of the poster featured here is that at a library, all questions can be answered. Like the other posters on display here, this is a poster from the original library and books from this theme are displayed with it.
Sorry for the reflection in this image - this poster features the names of the authors honoured with a room dedicated to them in this hotel. Some of our neighbours were Isabelle Allende, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Hermann Hesse. We are in good company.
Steve Miller/GrampiesThese nuns are pretty cool. The one ahead s wearing sneakers, the one behind, slippers. Both have shades. I guess that's all pretty normal. But the one behind might just be also sporting an Apple watch. "Street Coach" is a bike brand I don't know. Reply to this comment 4 years ago
Suddenly we heard the excited squeals of this little dog and she was so excited that it looked like she was lame due to the extreme wagging of her tale and back end.
We have struggled a bit in this region to find accommodation as much of it is fully booked and what is left is pretty expensive. We decided to end our day in Buckow which was a fortunate choice. Buckow is truly charming. We were able to get the last room, a sweet studio suite in the annex of Hotel Burgschlosschen and the price was right including a good breakfast.
Buckow is located on a lake and is in the beautiful Märkische Schweiz Nature Park. As well, the hotel is perched up high with a great view of the surrounding hills and forest of the Park. Not having prior knowledge of this incredible Nature Park, we felt lucky to have unwittingly made such a good choice. Being once again cold from the days ride and happily weary, we settled in to our comfortable apt complete with a living room, huge bedroom with ancient beams and a bathroom with a tub big enough to stretch out in.
Life can be so good on the road.
Today's ride: 62 km (39 miles) Total: 1,311 km (814 miles)
9 months ago