Today, on February 21, fires are likely to be burning on a number of North Frisian beaches. The so-called Biikebrennen means "fire sign" in Frisian and is one of the oldest North Frisian customs. - The aim is to drive out the winter. We know this custom from Sylt. A crackling fire on the beach is twice as nice. If it is followed by a hearty meal, e.g. kale with smoked pork, even the last person will feel warm. - We send a few greetings from the sea. - But what about our winter? - It seems to have been driven away. When we wake up, the sun has already risen. It's still a little chilly, but there's no sign of winter. It's supposed to be around 18 degrees. So we take a shower outside first. After that, we're really awake straight away. Showering outside is a different matter. The water should be around ten degrees. 

Since we have a good network here, I'll update myself and check out our Facebook groups. There are a few exciting things there, e.g. the Bulli topic. Of course you also read a few comments. Suddenly I have the feeling that I need to write my own post, which I don't want to withhold from you.

Hi everyone, I have a few questions: Is this normal now? Are we Germans like that? Am I wrong or do we sometimes tend to look for something to moan about instead of just looking at things realistically, or critically if you like? - Example: Someone buys a Bulli (I know, after T3 there was none and after T4 everything was "in need of improvement" and the big machines...), chooses a color that suits the car (I know that's a matter of taste, but as you know, you shouldn't argue about that) and then there's a discussion about the fact that the steering wheel isn't made of leather? OK, I'll come clean, I like leather too. A woman in a leather skirt just smells so nice in a new car. - If it's not the steering wheel, people complain that the radiator grille is too big or whatever. Really? - I'm happy for anyone who buys a T5, T6, T6.1, or even a T4, T3, T2 and very, very gladly a T1. After all, they are acquiring free space, possibly a one- or two-room apartment by the sea, in the mountains, in front of the nice restaurant, the last party...
That's not critical enough? - Don't we all have our inner critic on board? Shouldn't we leave it at the next gas station from time to time? - Oh yes, that's only 680 kilometers away. What a load of shit. - On that note, have a sunny day everyone, we're still alive. 

PS: I was allowed to take this photo yesterday from the lounge area of our two-room apartment on the beach. Thanks to Hector, our VW California.

Why am I also including this here? Because I have the feeling that this is a general topic. - Am I alone in thinking that there is far too much complacency? How many people do we know personally who are realistically worse off today than they were ten, twenty or fifty years ago? - And although most people are doing well, people are still complaining. Why? I don't understand it.  

Beach Cleanup - Ocean Cleanup

While we're sitting here, a few Germans come by. We quickly reach the subject of the beach. - We have to explain that this region has been hit by terrible storms in recent weeks. Rivers have burst their banks, trees have been uprooted, fish have been thrown onto the beach and a lot of garbage has been thrown onto the beaches. - That's not nice, of course. Added to this is the garbage left behind by local residents and tourists. Of course, you could ask yourself why the Spaniards clean up the towns first and then the beach at the bird sanctuary. - "I would clean up after my own house first" 😉 - But here, too, there is a lot of complaining. - Why? - If every tourist, every camper took a little more dirt with them, many things would be cleaner. But it's easier to push responsibility away than to take it on. - But it's quite simple. The result of ½ hour's work is six sacks full of plastic waste, including bottles, oil canisters and, above all, plastic lids. It is precisely these small pieces that can take the lives of the birds in this "bird sanctuary". But there are also three fishing nets. Have I broken a jag out of my crown with this action? Definitely not, it was actually a lot of fun. - Maybe I can still inspire one or two others! Unfortunately, I haven't managed to do so today. But I'll carry on.

After our work is done, we set off towards the Santa María de la Valldigna monastery in Simat de la Valldigna - 39°02'32.7″N 0°18'24.1″W - Visiting the monastery was a tip from Hanso, who we met yesterday. He advised us to take the route via Barx. The typical recommendation of a biker. A huge detour, but plenty of hairpin bends and a great mountain backdrop. But the route is not only fun on a moped, we also had a lot of fun. The former Cistercian monastery would have justified an even longer detour. You can already see it from the top of the mountain, deep in the valley. The surrounding area is characterized by almond and orange trees that are currently in bloom. The abbey itself is particularly impressive due to the simplicity of the walls, which stand in stark contrast to the otherwise pompous ceiling designs.