Hamburg Sista Sasta ve...

Luckily on our train journey to Hamburg almost all of our co passengers were football fans of Hamburg FC who had been for an away match to Berlin. And the Germans really do love two things the most: Beer and football. Let me tell you or rather warn you that a blend of these two could be a lethal combination. Thanks to this feature we experienced the most enjoyable and memorable train journey ever. What followed was a series of events one could just think back and laugh their guts out about kinda thing. Fans with crates of beer and massive flags just stormed the train and well it was quite a normal course of events for them. A large amount [number recall is quite weak] of beer consumption followed with drinking games with crazy soccer fans and to top it all we found out that their team had lost….Imagine if only they would have…..

We made some crazy friends of the fans and since we had some time to kill at Hamburg till our next train to Copenhagen we were taken to a sports bar at the Hamburg station for further intoxication rounds. We then made our way to the “lively and vivid” area of Hamburg, Rieperbahnhof which seemed a mini Amsterdam, of whatever I remember…all in all a Dream come true of partyin with insane football fans did materialize and this I would remember for time to come….

Hamburg Sista Sasta Ve….the chant we were shouting in the city at 3 a.m.

Berlin...The Historic and Political capital of the World...

Chilly gusts of wind greeted us onto the German capital, seeming to compensate for the lovely time we had at Munich. After the tiring forceful walk from the Bahnhof to our first stop which was well invariably the German Parliament or better known as in German parlance “The Reichstag”. The structure from outside quite failed to give us any kind of hint which would draw us to such a guess. This primarily was due to the Indian mindset of everything administrative and political and certain imagery to that. The building was an authoritative one but at the same time there seemed connotations of contemporary linings which made for a pleasurable and distinct blend of sorts. We jumped at the offer to take the free tour of the parliament. This was due to one of the following plausible reasons or the combined appeal of all of them on the different sub levels of our psychic:

1) FREE !! FREE !! Our penchant for anything…FREE
2) Tour of a parliament, u gotta b kiddin me….
3) Escape from the rain
4) Two pretty [decent description chosen] beings of the opposite gender in the line.

NOTE : The above points are not in a particular order or preference except for number 1

On entering the Reichstag an air of unexpected seriousness overshadowed our intentions. We were highly impressed on learning of the history surrounding this place and the importance attached to it. The relatively rebuilt structure was based on principles of transparency and trust. This was mainly because of its history and the ruling government’s relation with the German people. Visitors could from above watch parliamentary sessions in progress and on prior reservations also attend them from the stand allotted. We made our way out after quite an eye opener tour of the historic venue and losing the pretty beings in the crowd.

Our next stop which was a few strides away was the popular and recognizable Branderburg Gate. This venue again held high degrees of importance in German and European history. A spot for many a post-war celebration, revolutionary marches, inspiring speeches and many more of the same bracket. A symbol of power and grace it sure was a winner with the tourists. Right opposite the Branderburg Gate was Hotel Adlon, the one from whose window Michael Jackson had held his baby out for his fans. Also a Starbucks is fitted where a sumptuous and worthy purchase was made. And as fate would have it we were on tine for a free walking tour. With no plans as such as to where and how to go we decided once again to listen to our pockets, quite seriously at that.

After being divided into groups and assigned guides we were taken along a fixed route along the significant points and spots in this historical city. The whole concept of a free walking tour quite caught my fancy, which was nothing less that brilliant and an all win situation in the end. Another astonishing fact being that most of the guides were not local Germans, but tourists who had been staying in the city for a few years or so. We headed to the Holocaust memorial site next to the Branderburg Gate which was in remembrance of the atrocities met out to the thousands of Jews. The site was composed of gray stones of a cuboid nature and placed in an ascending order open to multiple interpretations which has a fair bit of controversy itself.

We then made our way to the most popular and heard of in every tourist –to- see- list in Berlin….the erstwhile BERLIN WALL and along with it the history being recited by our Guide. This sure felt special, simply to be standing there and imagining the happenings on that very ground and how it affected people and their views around the world. Even more shocking was the story of how only “two words” brought down the Berlin Wall…and these were “Effective Immediately”, the build up to the story even more astounding to hear. We then made our way to Charlie Checkpoint, the most famous crossing point between East Germany and West Germany where numerous hilarious escapades have been documented. Other spots of visit included the Memorial for Book Burning and few other significant locales.

Finally on the steps of one of the palaces was a perfect and picturesque way of signing of our walking tour of this deep rooted and essential city in every respect. After this 3 hour story session on Berlin and its history I was quite drawn towards it and the first thing which dawned upon me was how much the city would have meant without the inputs. According to me Berlin served as the chief and the most vital city for its part in history and relation to world political issues. It was undoubtedly the seat of world agenda and its activities, whether it be the Nazis, the Soviets, etcetera. Fell in love with Berlin for entirely different and unforeseen reasons…

Just before we caught the night’s train to Hamburg we had one of the best dinners on our Euro Trip. Roast marinated - Chicken and beer out in the Berlin cold on an empty gurgling stomach…now that’s what I call Life….

Munchen/Munich...Danke

Munich: We reached Germany late at night, this not being our first time in the country thanks to the sojourn at Cologne previously on our Benelux trip. It though wasn’t the warmest of welcomes and trust me, we hadn’t even started with our free usage of public transport, ruling that out as a reason for such unexpected greeting. Whoever we spoke to especially the officials, cops or the railway DB staff, there was a rude sense underlining their tone of speech. Either it was simply that they didn’t get enough beer for the night or it had to be the lovely wheatish color which we without a choice carried as baggage with ourselves.

A funny incident happened just as we were leaving the Bahnhof [station], there were two well built guys with marks on their faces which could have easily passed off as scars, were staring at us. I noticed that and very wisely thought it had been a long time in Europe to feel scared of anything in particular, definitely not two ruffians trying to give us the look. Hence I went ahead and did the inevitable: and returned them with the favor with a correct proportion of aplomb and grace. The next 5 mins were a lesson not to be forgotten by any of us. They followed us mysteriously for quite some time and at their correct moment told us to halt. This is the best part. They took out two wallet sized purses and just like Holly flicks flash their identification of being from the “Police”. We were smarter than them thanks to IMDB, and didn’t believe them so I asked them to show their identification again. On confirmation and making their mood even worse when we realized that we were in a badly ordered burnt soup we decided to listen to them. Unfortunately one of us wasn’t carrying his passport and that for some time did cause problems as relationship building wasn’t where we were really scoring enough points.



Out on the streets, looking for a hostel to crash we observed the much heard about partying culture of Germans. Everyone was happy because everyone seemed drunk. That later I concurred was the key and helped in formulation of the German Happy – Happier Theory. There were only two types of Germans, either they are drunk -or -they are not, the ones who are not come across as rude just because they are not drunk or haven’t had the time to have one till that particular point of time. The ones who are luckily drunk are the happiest bunch in the world chilling like the best moving from pub to street and a roundabout.

Our bunks were more like an ancient concentration camp but we couldn’t refuse it thanks to the free shots which were part of the deal. With a “no spread” early morning breakfast we headed out to D.A.C.H.A.U., the first concentration camp by the Nazis an hour away from Munich. This was on reference as a must visit by our Xim friends who had already been to Munich. Open to the public now, the place gives a feel and information of how life was inside the camp for especially the Jews during Hitler’s regime; the Third Reich. On entering, the place actually sends a chill down the spine and one can relate to and feel a sense of sorrow and grief. There were on display the means and tools used by the Nazi soldiers and also a video to succinctly inform us about life inside the camp, all in all “hair raising”. After spending quite some time inside the camp visiting the model bunks, dorms, toilets and the gas chambers we made our way back to Munich. This being one visit we were not going to forget even if we tried.

Our next stop was the Munchen Olympique Arena. This was the site of the infamous 1972 Olympics where the Israeli contingent was attacked and killed. The venue though was highly impressive and we were shocked at the way it was superbly maintained. Now used by the Bavarians for their daily activity the infrastructure has been aptly utilized and is a jewel in the city of Munich. The campus’ green and eco theme was a pure joy and it was more like we were crossing a natural park dipped in pristine flavor. After almost covering the whole of the area and half a million pictures we headed out towards the BMW Welt [World].

BMW or Bavarian Motor Works has its headquarters in Munich and also on display for its customers and admirers world wide a range of automobiles and the works. From simulation drives to state of the art engines and with a classy and suiting décor and bistro it sure was a treat and insight into the developed and industrial side of Munich.

Our next stop was the Aliianz Arena, home to the well-known Bayern Munich Football Club. This stadium was special in its architecture and presentation and hence another must visit especially for football crazy fans like me. The stadium’s outside shell is illuminated in a delightful way changing its color thrice every evening, which being red, white and blue. On reaching there what happened next was destiny. There was a 2nd division match in progress between FC Ausberg and another local team: a derby. 10 minutes were left and came this young chap [ who was going to be christened as our 5th angel] running towards us, not in a very good mood and made our night by throwing his ticket in disgust at us. It didn’t take us long to come back to our senses as obviously time was not on our side. I being the only football fan simply ran with the ticket to the entrance gate and started begging the security to let me in and then other joined me in giving our patent “We have come all the way from India” lines. I would not give up as this would be a dream come true watching a match the Allianz Arena and that too unplanned. After a few minutes of pleading and 4 pairs of folded hands they agreed to let us one by one only. So I rushed in first and the Dream surely came true. My first European football ground…..Live…..Dream…aha…those few minutes passed off so quickly even though it seemed like eternity. After watching a few crosses I ran back and the cycle continued with all four of us managing a glimpse of the pitch. We were ecstatic.

Once the fans trotted outside it got crazier. The winning team fans were on a complete high and the losing one’s trying their best to avoid and ignore them, unsuccessfully though. As the main transport from there was the metro, it got insane, a few fights and crazy football fans battling against each other. The FC Ausberg [winning team] fans lined up against one track and the losing team against the other, no matter if they had to travel to the opposite direction of the city. They couldn’t and wouldn’t travel on the other train. We got on with the jubilant fans who for the entire trip kept jumping in the metro, cheering and shouting, making a noise which could be of parallel to the inside the stadium. A few of the losing fans had to bear the brunt of the others throughout the journey irrespective of age and gender. It all depended on what colors you were of and supporting. Insanity defined, definitely one of the craziest times of Euro trip. I had heard and pictured such activities sitting at home watching such matches but to be there and see it happened in front of your eyes and expectations getting beaten and battered…..it was like Dreaming and Flying at the same time without a parachute on…..That was MUNICH….Wo Hoo!!!