Nur in Deutschland...

Only in Germany could the following happen. With German precision, Yogi and I rocked into Gera and were greeted by Förtschi (Kristina). “We have a party organized for you in Jena (a half hour drive)…. Bring your sleeping bag.” We dressed in our finest clothes to impress: boardies and flip flops. One of the germans smiled, which could only be an expression of hilarity.

Partying with Hermans (our clever nickname for the Germans) was an altogether German experience. On arrival we were served a punch of white wine, peaches and ice cream. We were then crowded into the bedroom by six german girls who thought the best thing to do on a bed with 2 aussies was play karaoke. That’s right – play karaoke – not only do you sing, but score points for being in tune. The Hermans won.

Although no one spoke English when we arrived, the Hermans quickly loosened up with the right combination of tasty german beer, less tasty ice cream and wine, even less tasty cherry spirits (bitter and sweet) and pina colada schapps, followed by Christmas glühwein. This all made for a stellar hangover the next afternoon when we woke up. The girls then took us out for goblets of ice cream – the perfect winter warmer when it’s seven degrees outside.

This is our welcome to the land of big beers; apartments that look straight out of the World Movies channel, complete with yellow walls (have you seen “Goodbye Lenin”?); and lots of friendly people.