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The MyGermanCity.com G-ZINE |
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The MyGermanCity.com G-ZINE — the Germany Magazine — provides you with news, updates and happenings in and around Germany. While saving you valuable time, this e-zine prepares you and sets you up for an unforgettable Germany experience. |
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Must-See And -Do Events |
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Montgolfiade
I don't know about you, but I find hot air balloons are part art, part science, and part magic. There's something romantic, fascinating, and just brilliant as these huge balloons lift off over the gorgeous Bavarian town (with a castle, no less). If you're not adventurous enough to take a ride in one of the balloons yourself, there's music and even a Gastro & Culinary Market to keep ya well-fed. Did I mention the beer? What? I told you this was Bavaria, didn't I? ;-) Making Van Gogh
I have a confession—I'm not exactly a Van Gogh but a Salvador Dali fan. But that doesn't mean I won't get excited about the man who's been called the "Father of Modern Art." Here you'll see some 120 pieces of his artwork, and the museum has extended hours on some days to make it more convenient to see this 19th century painter's work. Did you know Van Gogh's works are some of the most expensive artwork to sell in our lifetime? Amazing considering he was thought a failure in his own. https://www.staedelmuseum.de/en/vangogh Carnival
While Germany's Fifth Season officially started 11:11am on 11/11—the real festivities are the week leading up to Ash Wednesday. And no one does Carnival like Cologne, with events like parades and Balls, dancing and music, beer and costumes. The revelry is infectious, the smiles bright and happy, as the streets of this beautiful city are full of merriment. https://www.cologne-tourism.com/see-experience/carnival/ Independent Film Festival
While the BIFF (Berlin Independent Film Festival) probably isn't as famous as the Berlinale, doesn't mean it isn't worth submitting an entry to win for Best Feature, Best No-Budget, Best Short Documentary... Ok, you get the point. Either way, get your tickets soon for a film that strikes your fancy at the Babylon Cinema in the Mitte District at Rosa-Luxemburg Straße 30. I'm kinda liking Vampire Vienna—it's campy, it's funny, it's "bloody" brilliant—and showing at 10pm on February 25th. Berlinale
This year kicks off the 70th annual Berlinale—and tickets for shows go on sale February 17th, by the way. And the Honorary Golden Bear for this milestone festival goes to Helen Mirren, a wonderful actress who will grace the screen for a special showing of the 2006 film, The Queen. Ohh, and some six different films that have been digitally restored will have their premiere at the Berlinale—including one by Federico Fellini, the comedy A Fish Called Wanda, and even a German silent film. Fantastic, wouldn't you say? https://www.berlinale.de/en/home.html
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German Phrase of the Month |
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German Quote of the Month |
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"Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads, which sew people together through the years."
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Trip Tip |
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Curious it seems that I, with the power of the keyboard, keep choosing spa towns for the G-ZINE's Trip Tip. Do I do it subconsciously? Do I do it because spa towns like Bad Oeynhausen offer up great places to relax, refresh,and rejuvenate? Probably a combination of both. But this North Rhine-Westphalia town doesn't just limit itself to its spa, it's a fantastic place where guided tours will show you highlights like the 12th century Laurentiuskirche, the Großsteingrab von Werste (a megalithic era grave), and its old mill (awesome enough to earn it a place on the Westfälischen Mühlenstraße or Westphalian Mill Route). That's right, Bad Oeynhausen falls on a German scenic route. If you ever read any other G-ZINE, or about any town on the MyGermanCity.com website, you'll know I pretty much always have a favorite church or castle—this time it's the graceful Schloss Ovelgönne. And while its Baroque appearance is what you see today, it's got its origins way back in the Middle Ages to around 922 A.D. And I'm ever so partial to the Evangelical Church in the village of Eidinghausen (also home to the Schloss, BTW). It's 19th century renovation and upgrade from its 12th century construction is now home to art & other objects from centuries long gone. Now if you've done the traditional sightseeing, you've earned a chance to chill at the spa. The thermal brine pools at the Balitherme, along with the sauna, are a delight. But then again, special treatments using vanilla sugar scrub, chalk, and chocolate are, too. Inasmuch as it's often quiet in the spa, if it's solitude you're looking for—then Aqua Magica is the place to be. This nature area has like no biking, no driving, just the flora and fauna to keep you occupied from April to October. Outdoor enthusiasts, don't worry... there's still more to keep you busy. How about canoeing? Golfing (miniature and regular)? Horseback riding? Ohh, and how about doing a Segway? Not for me, thanks. I'll just meander about one of Bad Oeynhausen's walking trails. Or, perhaps, enjoy the town's cultural events like the Wine Festival (a 3-day event), its Oktoberfest, or its obligatory Christmas Market. A couple of big ones are the Autumn/Farmers Market and the Spring Market (held two weeks before Easter). No doubt the fine folks at the Tourist Office (located in the Kurpark) will forgive me if I've missed anything regarding their marvelous town—so do yourself a favor, and go see them to find out more. In the meantime, I'll be subconsciously finding other Spa towns to keep highlighting in the G-ZINE. ;-) https://www.mygermancity.com/bad-oeynhausen
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Good To Know |
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Between you and me, writing the Good to Know is the hardest part of the G-ZINE. Seriously, like what's good to know? Then it hit me—if you're reading the G-ZINE, then you must love all things German—so what's good to know? How about current events in Germany? For instance, were you aware Germany has banned "Conversion Therapy"? This is amazing stuff considering the state of affairs in Germany just eight decades ago—when being gay could land you in a Concentration Camp. And now perpetrators who force, coerce, threaten, or deceive German citizens under age 18 into these "cures for being gay" face up to a year in jail or a substantial fine. Ohh, and speaking of jail—makes me think about the police. Turns out the Bundespolizei (Federal Police) has reportedly lowered their German language requirements in order to fill quite a number of positions that become available every year. Hmm, Germans going easy on others whose first language might not be German? This is good, yes? Yea, this easing of language requirements allows for more recruits to get a passing grade, thus allowing a larger pool of people available from other parts of the European Union to come work. Maybe more police are needed, because did you hear about the museum heist in Dresden? Ok, this happened a few months ago—but this daring thieves managed to steal over a hundred items whose priceless gems once belonged to the first King of Saxony. One sword and scabbard alone contained over 800 diamonds, and a pearl necklace had some 177 pearls strung into a single piece of jewelry. One of the most beautiful pieces was believed to belong to the King's wife—a 660 diamond brooch (weighing in at some 614 carats) in celebration of the birth of their daughter. Can you imagine? Ahhh, if you know anything about it you can buy your own—because there's a 500,000 Euro reward available if you're able to help bring the thieves to justice. If any of you collect on that reward, you can buy me coffee. ;-)
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Next G-ZINE's Preview |
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Short 'n sweet, here's what's coming up next in Germany — a preview of the next G-ZINE:
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Published by Marcus Hochstadt |
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