Category Archives: Germany
The Armenian Genocide
In the Old City of Jerusalem, you know you are in the Armenian Quarter when you see these posters on many of the walls and rusty gates. I still remember my first visit to Jerusalem in 1992. When I spotted … Continue reading
How Brazilians reacted to the Impeachment
First reactions from the streets of Brazil after the news broke that Congress had voted to initiate an impeachment proceeding against President Dilma Rousseff:
What is the SS Marching Band doing in Bolivia?
Zur deutschen Fassung dieses Artikels. On average, you are awoken by marching bands in Bolivia twice per week and at least once per week you will be prevented from falling asleep at night by a marching band and fireworks. I generally like … Continue reading
German history follows me all the way to Bolivia
Zur deutschen Fassung dieses Artikels. A few days ago in Santa Cruz, in eastern Bolivia: The Orient Express on which I had come from San José de Chiquitos, even further in the east of the country, was delayed by an hour. Thus, I had … Continue reading
It’s not my fault if I am cold and aggressive.
As confirmed by the Harvard Business Review in an article about negotiation styles, this is the German national character. Although I wouldn’t call my style confrontational, but direct and honest. With me, you will at least always know my sincere opinion. … Continue reading
My office for the next two weeks
My last two weeks in Europe will be spent in Ammerthal, the small and not very spectacular village in Bavaria, where I grew up. People think Germany is a civilized country, but there isn’t even any shop that is open … Continue reading
Don’t fly away now!
To the people in that plane: You picked the wrong time to fly away. It’s so beautiful here in autumn. That’s why I will spend two weeks in Germany before flying to Gran Canaria and then taking the boat to … Continue reading
Berlin Wall in Lithuania
Visitors who come to Berlin often wonder: “What happened to the Berlin Wall?” I found a chunk of it in Lithuania, at Europos Parkas, an outdoor art museum. To address any suspicions about larceny: it was a gift by the Federal … Continue reading
Benjamin Franklin on Immigration
Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States of America, wrote this about German immigrants in 1753: Those who come hither are generally of the most ignorant Stupid Sort of their own Nation… and as few of the … Continue reading
Welcome to Germany!
It has been funny how many people have been telling me that Germany should be careful not to accept too many refugees, that they would be a threat, a burden or what not. It’s particularly funny when these comments come from … Continue reading
The Happy Hermit 