Travel, 50+, Germany

Germany is a mixed bag. Sometimes it's the best, sometimes it's the wurst.

My first self organized trip to Germany was Nürnberg. Lots of history, (unofficial) imperial capital, some good museums, a decent old town and a relatively pleasant atmosphere, considering. It's one of the rare cities I have revisited for leisure. Heidelberg was good times with the students and the events. Driving through Schwarzwald was delightful, although it seemed like one of those places you should bike through to really get that feel of the place... Or you could just go fishing in the woods à la Ernest Hemingway.

I should give recognition to Görlitz as one of the most pleasing surprises the country has to offer. And in case you're too broke for Germany, you can always walk to Poland. Just cross the bridge and there you are. Bremen was a nice place as well, at the time of visit, but a German friend tells it's much worse now. In fact, there seem to be a lot of dark clouds over Germany, for a variety of reasons (eg believe it or not, the posh Stuttgart is kinda broke).

Whether my friend is being a drama queen or not, it's clear that not everything is okay with the Germans. I have had to add a couple of cities to "never again" list due to experiences. The cities being Berlin, the capital of German crazies, and Hamburg. On top of that, I had to add Frankfurt to "avoid" list. Why, you say? Well, while you might expect all those bankers and investors there sniffing around for, let's say, "opportunities" and playing with snowballs, it's much worse amongst the mortals.

Most people arrive via the main train station and what you see right outside is people doing esoteric tai chi, shooting up all over the place, having a crack (and not the Irish way) and who knows what else. In principle, you have a uniform presence and most of the times these folks, that go several blocks in all directions, do not bother you much... but you never know. Also, no, that was not a big doggie steamer you stepped on. The beggars seemed to be emboldened even in the better areas and I had people coming to bum for cash in suits that cost more than all my earthly possessions with me on the road.

The less pleasing German experiences included among others a classic racist standoff. Augsburg sure as hell (the German beer type) does not like the Czech. I had to prove that I'm not a Czech arriving to steal their jerrbs (and probably women). The stretch of the semi-famous Romantic Road seen was, as you might expect from presumed German romancing, like the events after that grand marriage at the end of the romantic movies. You know, the part you never see, because of obvious reasons. Germany is, also, one of those places where I unintentionally crashed a wedding (in Regensburg). It is the only one where they did not invite me to join in. How rude!

The Judgment:
Germany continues to have a lot to offer for a traveler. It's a little bit like France, except in a gloomy, cold package that leaves a little sticky icky feeling on you, except when you go to sort of "safe havens" which are rather agreeable. It's a dream destination for any meat eater and a beer drinker as long as you're just visiting. Apparently it's also a dream destination for a rapidly growing number of Indians for some reason.

I could recommend the place for people interested in history (many museums are actually superb), nature, castles and ruins of and there are all sorts of quirky things like Wuppertal "floating" tram, beer spas, a variety of abandoned buildings and areas straight out of horror movies that will titillate even slightly more demanding urban explorers, and how many places can boast a shrine of a holy roman emperor? Just to mention a few examples.

In line with the famous German efficiency, a lot of the German transportation is efficiently late. Especially the trains. Surprisingly often cancelled, too. You will not have a decent internet everywhere. In certain areas it's more like going back to the USSR or something. Despite these challenges, Germany is a fairly easy country to travel. Most people now speak English, (which most of you would be using, I imagine) and the accent is taking distance from the stereotypically thick thing Hollywood is selling you. While most of Germany is safe and perfectly fine for solo travel, there are areas where you definitely need to keep your eyes and ears open. In case you wish to take something sweet back home to your special people, consider buying a package of "Mini Dickmann's".

Would I go again? Yes. I have unfinished business with the Germans.