Good day, gentle reader! I have returned from my sojourn across the Atlantic in the fair land of my ancestry. I speak, of course, of Germany! (Ok, technically I’m from France because my family is from the oft-contested area of Alsace, which was in French hands at the time of my great-great-whatever’s emigration… but how many French persons do you know with my name?)

The trip was fantastic. I shall add photos when I am no longer lazy – when will this be? No one knows for sure.

Observation, sparked by news today: When we were in Munich we came across an anti-Nazi rally in the square outside the old Rathaus. It was fascinating to me. I mean, we could have anti-Nazi rallies around here too, but no one bothers to because they’re such a fringe group. I guess it speaks volumes of how strong those bigoted views are still held in some areas. This was reinforced by the news that swastikas were spray-painted in primarily Jewish sections of Rome after the celebration for the World Cup victory. Sad, very sad.

First, a limerick. Which, by definition, must be bawdy.

In two days I head off to the World Cup
And my friends and I will get all f#$%ed up
Maybe too much soccer
But it won't be a shocker
That only on sausage and beer will I sup.

Now a haiku…

Deutschland's Rhein valley
Castles and grapes and wine
Journey of excess.

If part 2 never materializes, I’m sorry. But let’s start with the good ol’ US of A.

I have only travelled west of the Mississippi River a couple times – that needs to be remedied. Hence, the western U.S. figures prominently below…

1. Portland, Oregon: Every single person who visits this raves about its beauty. Literally nestled between gorgeous mountains, there is essentially no suburban sprawl – city ends, wilds begin. They say that this green-friendly city is such a charming place. I have to go. And I don’t mind the rain at all.

2. Interstate 5: I’ve never been to California, and I want to hit this stretch really, really hard. So scenic, so pacific, so californios… need to get there. In particular I want to get to Monterrey – why? No reason. Just like saying it. “Monterrey…Mon-ter-rey…” Rolls off the metaphorical tongue.

3. Colorado: My best bud from forever lives out there, as do some relatives of mine. I’m a decent though not fantastic skier, though I do love the mountains. If given the choice between a second home in the mountains (preferably near a stream) or the beach, I would choose the mountains in a heartbeat. My wife would pick the beach. Guess I’ll need 3 houses. Alternatively, we could just get rid of private property and all have the chance to spend time around the country. But I digress… Ah yes, Colorado. Go Buffs.

4. Madison, Wisconsin: I don’t know, but I like the way they talk. Minneapolis too.

5. Montgomery, Alabama: So much history… Every American needs to be more informed about the Civil Rights Movement so this is my chance.

Alright – that should fill me up for awhile. Most likely I’ll just go to Richmond a few times, Charlottesville, and Kansas City. Don’t get me wrong – those places are lovely. But, you know, been there done that.