Category Archives: Germany
Eastern Germany, the unknown Germany
The headline is not universally true, of course, but merely a reference to my own limited experience. But let me tell you how I came to it. Last winter, when I lived in Montenegro, I met a woman who was either … Continue reading
“Munich” by Robert Harris
Robert Harris, an experienced writer of historical thrillers, has taken on the Munich Agreement of 1938, in which Germany and the United Kingdom agreed that Germany could annex parts of Czechoslovakia. At the time, people believed that such a concession, … Continue reading
The best season for hiking
… is autumn, I determined last weekend, as I was plucking apples, pears and plums from the trees lining the path from Amberg to Nürnberg in what seemed to be at least a temporary Cockaigne.
Renting in Germany
Rental contracts all over the world: You agree on the monthly rent, the landlord gives you the key, you move in and pay the rent every month. If there is an issue, you call each other and talk about it. … Continue reading
How organized is Germany?
So organized that even ducks stop for a red traffic light. They only cross the road as it turns green. What you cannot see in the video, is that the ducks had arranged the walk two weeks in advance and … Continue reading
Random Thoughts (22)
In 2017, I seem to have been a bit lazy. I did not run a single half-marathon. But with the risk of war rising, I want to become fitter again. Last weekend, I began by running a half-marathon near Pilsen … Continue reading
My Travel Year 2017 in Photos
In 2017, I actually got around quite a bit. So much that my passport fell apart. But instead of souvenirs, I only brought back dozens of notebooks, filled with stories to be told, and a few photos to accompany them. … Continue reading
How to spot a querulous client
Some clients are better not having. When you find out that someone takes up too much time or causes you a headache, it’s often the best thing to fire that client. Whenever I did that, clients were surprised: “But you … Continue reading
“The Dark Valley”, a Western from Austria
Yes, Austria. Not Australia. That cute country with castles and Kaiserschmarrn, waltz and Waltz, Mozart and marzipan? But Austria has winters, too. Tough winters, like in Wyoming. And mountains like in Montana. Valleys like in Yosemite. And reclusive communities deep … Continue reading
The Happy Hermit 