Germany: Hohenschwangau & Munich
Prior to Tour:
Traditionally, Germany is known for beer, and classic foods such as sauerkraut and bratwurst. Additionally, it is known for being involved in major conflicts such as World War I and II, and the horrific events of the Holocaust. Naturally, this would not be the national identity that would be desired; so are the Germans trying to shape a new cultural identity for themselves, or is their dark past casting too long of a shadow to overcome?
While on Tour:
Our first stop in Germany was Neuschwanstein Castle, which overlooks the village of Hohenschwangaua, nestled into the mountains near a small lake and river. The header of this page is the beautiful view from the castle! Hohenschwangaua is a quaint, homey town, but due to the tourism, has been transformed to meet the large number of people that travel in and out each year. However, regardless of the tourism, this town still had a distinct German atmosphere. We ate bratwurst sold at an outdoor stand, and saw a lot of traditional architecture, including may poles and ornate buildings.
For the most part, Germany's identity is one that does not really want to be preserved. The dark Holocaust haunts the Germans, who do not want to constantly be reminded of this evil that previously filled their country. On our trip to Dachau, I did not see one sign or indicator of where this concentration camp was. Additionally, when we were at the actual camp, there was not a sign there saying where we were or what it was as there would be at museums, historic sites, etc. Obviously, the Germans are ashamed and do not want constant reminders being plastered over their cities.
On the other hand, Germany is very well known for their traditional foods, and most importantly beer! The Hofbrauhaus was established in Munich over 400 years ago, and is still an important and iconic beer hall in Munich today. However, Hitler and the Nazi party did spend a lot of time in this beer hall during his era, and he is strongly associated with its history; again showing how Germany's dark past is seemingly inescapable.
In Munich, we also witnessed an authentic yodeler, and ate a traditional German meal in a local restaurant. However, we also saw souvenir shops, high end stores, fast food, and local restaurants on the same streets. It was very strange compared to the other cities; this town was not divided into different sections. Munich was much smaller feeling than the other cities and everything was blended together. |
Authentic Artifact: Journal EntryI remember Munich's distinctive atmosphere affected me differently than the other countries and cities I had visited. I journaled about it, and my entry read: "Munich was different than the other cities we had been to. It had the impressive architecture and buildings, along with high end shopping, but was a fairly small and homey town. The high end feel of downtown Paris blended with the cozy feeling of the Burgundy region, and created an unusual combination here in Munich which I liked a lot."
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