It’s been a week since my return from Deutchland. Now that my circadian clock is no longer cuckoo some reminiscences follows…
Being on a business trip there wasn’t much time for sightseeing. In fact, there was only what I call time for “one day German immersion training.”
Right off the 9.5 hour plane flight (with ~ 4 hours for sleep for me) in Stuggart my host collected us and we were off to the southern region of Germany to the City of Nagold. We had breakfast where my host asked us if we wanted to go for a 6K hike in the Black Forest. We settled these plans and then, checked in at the hotel. I don’t know what I was thinking… wether this was the rush of my first trip to Europe or what but, I was looking forward to seeing some trees after the overnight plane trip from Atlanta, GA.
The Black Forest & Beer
Wow, the beauty and majesty of all those trees! We were among giants! The trail we were following traced a stream that once carried logs downriver. It was a beautiful day. Clear, sunny and a nice breeze.
Our host and his friends were gracious and generous. Language was not an issue especially when someone is offering you a drink of water. Small talk was sporadic and I was in awe of the beauty of the area.
We walked and walked and walked… I think we hiked more like 10 – 12 K than 6 but, I really didn’t notice. There was so much to see.
Our next stop was for a pils. This was some really good beer brewed right on site of Alpirsbacher an ancient monastery. We took the train back to our point of origin and met later for dinner.
The rest of the trip was business during the day with graciously hosted dinners in the evenings at several local establishments.
A week of German language TV was interesting. My one saving grace was CNN World. One curiosity I saw on TV: Why does McDonalds sell a bacon, jalepeno burger “Los Wochos” in Germany but, not here? Also suprising was the taste of Coke – apparently the recipe is localized in many nations.
I read in a Sci-Fi book once that traversing time zones you feel like you leave a piece of you behind. Well, I’d agree with that sentiment… especially the return trip. If it wasn’t for some prescription sleeping pills, good beer a shower and a place to sleep. I would have been a lot worse for the wear.
2 Responses
Way cool post. Enjoyed it. Thanks.
Went to Great Britain last year with Mom (first experience over the pond). It was indeed “interesting” (even though most everybody spoke English). TV was disappointing. Internet access at the hotels was terrible/expensive. And nearly three weeks without iced tea was awful.
But then there was Ireland . . .
Thanks Dr.J!
If I were traveling for leisure I
would go back with my family. But, the Euro quite frankly is kicking the USD so who knows when…
I took a pre-paid calling card and with a local toll free number to connect me to a US toll free number to place my call was a pretty cheap way to go. In fact, my hotel didn’t charge me for any of the toll free calls.
No laptop so, no problems trying to connect. It was good to at least be able to check GMail and SiteMeter and work WebMail though… I guess that’s one benefit of business travel. You know you’ll have connectivity on the other end.
Sitting at the beergarten table eating dinner solo on my last night made me realize I had little to no clue what anyone one was saying. An interesting experience.