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| The old and the new: bridesmaids & groomsmen wait at the cathedral in Regensburg. In the distance note the scaffolding and white plastic tarp where cleaning and refurbishing are being done. |
Where did all the cows go?
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We happened to be staying in an area that raises livestock. We could smell the cows, but we never saw them. J.J. was obsessed by the absence of cows on beautiful grassy slopes with obvious barns. According to #2, cows are not allowed into the fields to tromp the beautiful grass. Rather they are kept inside the barns and the grass is harvested and brought to them to consume. J.J. was outrée & heartsick for the cows who he felt were denied their basic nature to roam & ruminate at will in the open fields.
At intervals fresh cow manure is spread on the fields for refertilization. Now that is a very stinky day for everyone in rural areas, but also for the cities down wind!
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| 6 special recycling bins: This poor lady is down wind! |
Organized garbage
There are six (yes 6!) recycle bins for German garbage. They are: 1) clear glass, 2) green glass) 3) brown glass 4) plastic 5) paper 6) metal. Woe be unto the citizen who does not recycle properly. Some well-meaning, well-disciplined, fair-minded compatriot will report him for non-compliance. & there will be a fine.
Tax on radio and TV
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| Surely a descendant of Thor |
The same goes for communications. If you don’t pay the tax to enjoy your favorite programs you are sure to be reported. No good saying you never use these services because even if you have a car radio YOU ARE IN INFRACTION & you will probably be anonymously reported, You will be fined & the fine will far supersede the tax.
The church tax
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| Always busy cleaning a church |
This one is easier to evade. There are many shameful believers who claim to be atheists to avoid the tax. The tax money maintains the beautiful churches & to some extent pays the clergy. We’ve heard that if it was known that a believer didn’t pay the tax he/she might be denied sacraments!
Baths
One of the things to do if you possibly can is to go to a bath house in Germany. We did this on our very last day. After our long walk through all these countries I’ve been telling you about it was simply divine: outside & inside pools, different temperatures, different sprays & underwater chutes to massage your muscles. The pools are gigantic, but not very deep. With poolside chairs lining the sides one can loll as long as one pleases. The prices are very reasonable. No doubt the hygienic cleanliness of these establishments depends to some extent on traditionally high standards of German patrons.
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| Street corner in Passau: Who are the real people? |
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| A closer look |
The Beer Gardens.
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| Waiting for the evening crowd |
These establishments usually have an outside and an inside. Both are equally inviting. I’m sure the weather dictates which one gets the most customers. When we were in Germany there were takers for both atmospheres because June was only crisp outside and practically unheated inside where there might be games or televised sports events.
Bonfires for the St. John
This is a big celebration in the nordic countries which coincides with the harvesting of wheat and hay around mid to late June. Around 8 o’clock on our last evening we walked to the open fields just beyond the neighborhood where an enormous bonfire was aglow. We felt very privileged to be invited because this usually is a celebration for residents, & not specially for passing visitors. However, there was beer for everyone & a bit of picnic fare. As night descended between 9 & 10 o’clock “our” bonfire was big, blazing, & pumping heat. In the distance we could see other community bonfires. Harkening back to an old ritual, a time far from the madding crowd, when folks loved these celebrations for drawing together. It was a wonderful finish to a grand tour.
