Date: 2006-02-01
To: Conversation rules the nation...
Miles today: 0.0

... next to litigationAs friday was my last working day I now have plenty of time to tie up some loose ends but surprisingly there aren't any. Instead of using my time to do some pre-trail exercises I find myself in some sort of somatic rigor. It feels almost like an arrow on a bended bow. Ready to take of but still in a state of petrification until the bowstring is released. Almost like the days before a major exam: your mind is confused and even if you don't feel 100% prepared you are not able to recept anything more. Physical exercise could ease the tension but your body feels like narcotized. (Sorry if I sound confusing, but it's even hard to express in my native language. Command of language is a major barrier if you want to express your thoughts. ) So the only thing I'm able to do at the moment is to read through dozens of trail related sites, especially here on trailjournals or on whiteblaze.net. It's amazing how my mind is drooling for every little bit of information - usefull or not - to get distracted from this boring waiting state. I have to admit that there is very few information out there I haven't read before (exept from starting a fire only with a soda can and a piece of chocolate) but nevertheless one of the things I've learned especially from whiteblaze.net is which topics should be better avoided while on the trail. It's really intresting how easy one is drawn into an argument even though you primarily intended to stay neutral and to follow the discussion only passive. But there are some topics who are especially suited to start major battles. Thank God I'm not a native speaker, so I will always have a waterproof excuse to elude from such potential brawl-erupting conversations.GunsMy observation: Discussions about the 2nd Amendment are leading uninevitably to violations of the 2nd Commandment on either side. This is a debate I'm not used to as there is no such a right to bear arms in Germany (at least not without permit and registration from the appropriate authority). I have to admit I would feel a little scared if I should spot somebody carrying a gun on the trail. Not because I'm biased against guns (I served in the army for 12 years), but simply due to the fact that the only people who are carrying guns in Germany are cops, soldiers and security personal. To see another person carry a gun exept the forementioned would raise a big red flag in my head. But this is a cultural thing. Most of you would find it kind of strange to see people drinking their beer in public without wrapping their cans or bottles in a brown paper bag. DogsAlmost evenly heated up as the guns discussion. Some deny dog owners every right to carry their dogs on the trail, others are so besotted in their best friend that they turn a blind eye on the misbehaviour of their four-legged co-hiker. Although I don't have a problem with dogs (I owned two of them) I would't be exited having to tolerate the poor breeding some dogs tend to show. But that's a problem between me and the owner of the particular dog. PoliticsMy German origin could be the perfect cause for someone who hasn't noticed the war is over longer than 60 years (and thank's God we lost). And we all have our stereotypes. The nice name "Kraut" for Germans is only one of them. Some people will always see us as mustache-and-helmet-wearing hunns. On the other hand there could be some real interest in understanding my countries policy let's say regarding Irak. But although I'm interested in politics (and not only domestic but also international) it's kind of a delicate issue to talk to a complete stranger (especially if there also is the language barrier). Beyond that I'm a simple citizen and no politician, so most of the time I ask myself what those guys have in mind.As I will be a guest to your country it would be impolite to express an opinion wich may hurt someone. I promise to be as open minded as possible, however the risk of insulting somebody unintentionally has not to be dismissed. ReligionSame thing as with politics. Everybody has his own faith (even if he has none) and I would never dismiss someones beliefs. But talking about religion in most cases gives me the subliminal feeling of beeing proselytized. So I will stay away from such discussions. SportsNothing controversal here but useless as I will have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Although football and baseball are widespread in the world they are virtually unknown in Germany (we play soccer over here). I know a little about football rules but baseball is an absolute secret for me. Unless you are willing to explain the rules for me there is no way I could follow a conversation about this sport. There are enough topics left to talk about so don't judge me as impolite if I stay away from 1 - 5.Nuts