Whisper it softly... Germany is coming back

The Times, London ^ | By Roger Boyes

[Max in Utah]

All our family has left is the potato salad recipe. It's the best potato salad you'll ever have!

Might you have a copy of that recipe nearby? To share with FReepers who desperately need good German-style potato salad? And increase your blessings in Heaven?

[RoadTest]

"Good ... and this time let them have France."

LOL!

[A message]

Well technically I'm English and Slovak though I have a yearning for the Germanic. Must be something in my DNA history. I am such an American mutt and insist on my Slovak side there is also Mongol nomad in my blood due to my interest in the Kazakh and ease of relationships with the Asian.

To continue;

Germans...... enriched the American culture.

Full agreement!

[xarmydog]

After several major computer crashes which left me without any previous addresses,I am glad to see your post!I would like to start by saying thank you for the medals you sent me.I was very proud to receive them,and it just so happened,I got them the day the Olympic medal count was announced!I felt like I had won one.I am very proud of my country,and was naturally disappointed we did not take more than your country,but your country earned them.As we sat around the house,people who were watching,started complaining and I was stunned at how misinformed they were.I informed them that Germany was about the size of Oregon and things became quiet.They could not believe it.The bureaucratic nightmare trying to get replacement medals was to much,and you accomplished it in record fashion!They are proudly displayed in my gun cabinet.After serving three years in your country,I remained a staunch defender against many who would be quick to write your country off.The news today that your country is turning around is music to my ears.I served during the mid 70s and enjoyed it very much.I rarely witnessed any animosity from the German people,who many went out of their way to be hospitable.That is why I found it hard to believe things could have degraded to the extent that was portrayed in the media,who are friends to no one, I might add.You made a comment to me, which will forever be remembered.We are all brothers in arms and we are still Allies.As soldiers,and not politicians,we do what is required of us,regardless of our own opinions.I can not express my gratitude enough to you.I only wish I could return the favor in kind.As unknown as we are,you have made a friend for life.Again,thank you,and I wish for better things to come for your country.I have read on this post that some Freepers are coming to visit.I believe they will be surprised,and I am sure they will enjoy their stay.They will get a sample of real beer and a real bakery!Regards,xarmydog.

[AmishDude]

I have a conjecture that the presence of the EU and freer trade within Europe is putting a great deal of pressure now on poor economies to perform well. As France is collapsing and Germany makes modest reforms, capital flows to Germany.

I guess the invisible hand is going to slap a lot of European politicians across the face.

[xarmydog]

I would also like to add,dont be offended by the negative comments.I would guess they come from posters who have never set foot in your country.There used to be a saying,believe half of what you hear,and all of what you see.As I got older,I realized it should be,believe nothing that you hear,and half of what you see.

[Max in Utah]

I guess the invisible hand is going to slap a lot of European politicians across the face.

In spite of all the rule-making in Brussels!

[Straight Vermonter]

German socialism's FR representative has spoken.

[dagnabbit]

Germany has done squat to improve. It's just that Italy and France su(k worse.

...but the number of consensual-cannibalism cases are down this year.

[Tribune7]

Hope it's true.

[Tribune7]

A Polish pope did wonders for Poland.

[MozarkDawg]

All our family has left is the potato salad recipe. It's the best potato salad you'll ever have!

Adding my *pretty please* for the recipe ... I love a good German-style potato salad, have never been able to capture it by myself. I promise not to leak out any secret ingredients, either!

[hosepipe]

BUT have they learned Socialism is Slavery by Giverment yet?..

[Malesherbes]

Good. As Germany goes, so goes the European Union. Angela Merkel is a very smart woman, and I hope she can do for Germany what Thatcher did for Britain. France and Italy right now need a Merkel.

[ccmay]

I like the people,language, food and culture.

Yes, I very much enjoyed my one visit to Munich. Sure, it's all sausages, potatoes, and beer, but damn! it's good sausages, potatoes, and beer.

-ccm

[glorgau]

We march to the East! ;-)

[A message]

And the German mass transit system puts us to shame, at least in the case of Nürnberg. I have never been in any U.S. city that I can go everywhere conveniently without the use of an auto like I have been able to do in Nürnberg.

In fact on my next business trip there I am planning on taking the U-bahn and a Strassenbahn from the airport to the hotel instead of a taxi.

The U-bahn station is right outside baggage claim at the Nürnberg airport and it is just so easy. The streetcar that I will transfer to is convenient and has a stop about 200 ft from the hotel.

[Drango]

Just don't take the U-bahn on a hot summer day. Ummmm...how do I put this correctly? Not all Germans believe in deodorant?

[Max in Utah]

And bread. Very good bread.

[Katya]

S Michael, is it safe to come back and visit the relatives, or will I still hear an earful of bitching about America?