“In the Land of Giants”

October 27, 2:00 a.m.

Hamburg, Germany

Woke up this morning and walked off the bus in to the midst of a full blown flea market. This thing wraps around the bus, the building and ½ of the block. Instantly, I realize one thing . . . just like Americans, the Germans have a lot of crap!!! The most interesting collection was four tables of medical instruments, including gynecological pliers and spreaders, and the like. Jokingly, Brian holds up a pair and begins bargaining with the seller, as he waves them around opening and closing the mechanism. Thank goodness for Monique, Brian’s wife, no deal is struck.

I have breakfast at the club, were they bar operations are already in full swing. The bartender is so thrilled we are there, that he puts on only American music, beginning with his favorite band, Chicago. When I tell him that my family is from Chicago and that I go there quite often, his face lites up. He asks the person next to him to translate something, then turns to me and says, “I am very impression of you.” He means “envious,” but I do not correct him. He is further impressed by the fact that I can answer his trivia question, “What do the letters C.T.A. on the first album mean?” “Chicago Transit Authority.” Beers are on the house later that night!!

Later that night the band has another scorching set for the Hamburgians (Hamburgers? Hamburglers??) Right before the show starts, however, I have make my way through the audience to grab a set list. And that’s when I realize it, . . . I am in the Land of the Giants. Now, I may be slight of stature (some of you may not have noticed,) but these people are all at least a foot taller than me. It’s like I’m hiking in the Sequoia National Forest, except the trees are looking down at me and seem to be saying in their best Arnold accent, “Little puny man, I can crush you with my bare hands.” And that’s the women, I’m talking about. But despite their imposing figures, the people of Hamburg were a welcoming, enthusiastic crowd.




Later that night, we hang out at the club talking to the locals and taking advantage of the wireless internet service available at the bar. As promised, beers were on the house.