We would walk on long hikes called Volksmarchens (again, I think that's how you spell it). These walks, usually 10 or 20 kilometers, were always set up in scenic forests located throughout West Germany (the Berlin Wall was still there) and at the end you would receive a medal (I still have my medals; one day I will mount them on a plaque or something.) I remember liking the tablets they would give you. I think they were chocolate flavored glucose tablets for energy along the walk. There were men in their knickers, walking and singing, seeming to have the best time.
Festivals were big. I rode my first horse at a festival. It was the lead horse, as a matter of fact. My sister ended up on the pony at the end. There was a huge tent in the middle of the field where you get drink and be merry. I had my first taste of Champagne and beer. I think it was kiddie beer, but I felt pretty big. The people in the tent were singing loudly and having a grand time. I don't remember any trouble starting either. It was just a pleasant atmosphere.
We always had someplace really cool to go see. I saw Frankenstein's castle; one of the two Crazy King Ludwig II's castles we went to was the model for Cinderella's castle in Orlando (now, that was something to see); I rode down the Rhine River on a big boat and got to steer it too! The Rhine is a big river and I remember it was kind of muddy. The hillsides were littered with castles. What a cold day that was.
I saw the ski jump from when the Winter Olympics was held over there. I think that was in Munich or Heidelberg. I rode down the Autobahn many times. I saw so much while I was there that I don't think I could write it all down.
Being an adult now, I want to take my family overseas. I want to be able to show them some of the places I saw as a child. Looking back and remembering Germany, I realize why I loved being there: my family was always together and happy. I don't know what it is like now since the Wall has fallen, but I would like to find out. I imagine the countryside is still a beautiful place. If you have never been there, and you get the money, you should visit Germany. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.
