The Adventures of HW: Meister Berger

For some weird reason, being in the Bavarian region of Germany constantly reminds me of those Christmas shows from the 60s and 70s - the Berger Meister, Meister Berger was the villain from one of them who wanted to cancel Christmas. Weird what you think about while on vacation. I think it's the architecture that reminds me of those programs - or all the beer combined with German accents. But the place is certainly Christmasy to me!

I've finally come to the last leg of my trip and I'm starting to feel it. Tired, but enjoying the walking and seeing new places. Germany has been very interesting. They don't have much, if any, signage in English nor many menus,etc. Which is weird considering that every place else I've been was very accommodating in that way. Hmmm, it's almost like they still are expecting the world to be German speaking ... So I've been getting along by asking questions - everyone seems to speak English, they just don't include it on any printed material. The odd thing is that it's assumed I'm German before American - must be the blue eyes, height and "sturdy" constitution! There are also no English channels at my hotel except for 1 BBC news channel. Watching the Simpsons in German was hysterical.

I've spent most of my time in the old section of the city, which isn't really terribly old by European standards. Did have a giant beer in the original Hofbrauhaus - the version in Newport on the Ohio river is one of my most favorite places, so it was really wonderful to be in the original ... Until I found out later that it was also the site of Hitlers first Nazi shindig and that Munich was pretty much the birthplace of that movement... But we can't blame the Hofbrauhaus for that now, can we?! I am a huge fanatic of WWII history and being in Europe always gets my imagination flowing. Today I spent a somber day at Dachau Concentration Camp which was moving and amazing beyond words. To actually visit a place that I've read so much about and watched endless documentaries was truly a lifelong experience realized. I'm very tactile and need to see and touch things for myself. Hell, I would have licked the Parthenon if I could have arranged to get close enough! What struck me first was that none of the rooms that they processed all of these people, made them shower, confined them - none of them were terribly big. I was also struck at what a beautiful setting such horrible things occurred within. Apparently the actual town began as an artist colony and Dachau was the first publicized camp - it was actually the learning and training center for all other camps. I could go on and on but I won't. Needless to say it made quite an impact on me - the entire site is treated as a cemetery ... As it should be. Incredible.

Now for some observations and generalizations from my travels. I leave for Dubai tomorrow evening so now is the time for reflection!
1. All of the computer and electronic parts stores in Munich were filled with Middle Eastern men - not comforting considering what's been shipped around town lately by extremist groups.
2. No matter where you are, certain minority groups appear to always be at the bottom of the social ladder. I find this fascinating.
3. People will always stop dead in their tracks to look around in the middle of the busiest intersections
4. Line cutting is a common practice overseas
5. Strollers should be banned as should traveling with screaming babies and toddlers. Really, how much fun can that be for the family, let alone everyone else - what will babies and toddlers remember anyway?
6. Dogs get to go everywhere - both "go's" apply.
7. Canadians, Australians and Americans will always talk to you - this is especially great when travelling solo - you get bored with yourself.
8. Prostitutes don't like having their pictures taken
9. Politeness gets you everything - from room upgrades to freebies at the cafes
10. Having your laundry done at the hotel will cost you an organ, or an arm or leg
11. People are extremely fascinating

So now I head back to Afghanistinkistan. I don't even know my new address or where I will be living, but I'm very excited to begin this new adventure when I return. I will greatly miss the freedom to roam, decent Internet and things not exploding nearby on a regular basis - oh yes, and I will miss restful sleep. Thank you for the kind notes, feedback on the posts and pictures and on-going support during my mid-life cris... I mean "adventure". These last three weeks have been the experience of a lifetime and I hope to continue to compile them. I may get one more post in before I return, but if not, I have no idea when I will have Internet, etc, with my new gig. Will update as soon as possible. Hope everyone had a wonderful week!

Drink of the Night - a French Bordeaux