In many respects it still is a global sport to stereotype the Germans, mainly because of 12 very unfortunate years (huge understatement) during the 20th Century.....If you need Godiva to tell you why, then you may want to seriously consider slithering back under your rock.
But let's give the Germans credit where credit is due. They are the fathers (and mothers) of Freikoerperkultur or the Free Body Culture, the modern-day nudist movement. This year is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the German FKK association with its 160 clubs and 45,000 members.
Germany's cousins from the cold Victorian-mindset island of the United Kingdom take absolute delight in stereotyping the Germans, including their zeal of running around without clothes. A perfect example is an account in the Times of London about a planned all nude hotel, the Hotel Rosengarten, in Freudenstadt in the Black Forest region of the Vaterland http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/germany/article6016553.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1
"Even before the hotel opens strict house rules have been published, among them the stipulations that all guests must be naked at all times, and all must put towels on chairs and loungers before using them," the Times reported. "Lest anyone get the wrong idea, it is also made clear that there is to be strictly no sexual harassment of fellow guests and no smutty behaviour in communal areas. Those who disobey will have to put on the ultimate badge of nudist dishonour — clothing — and leave."
By all means, let's avoid this horrible dishonour or dishonor, depending on whether you speak English or American.
Speaking about Americans, its still tough to get them to let it all hang out even when they are in Europe. When in Germany, do as the.....ah....sorry, no. And that even applies to the ultra-elegant Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden http://luxury-spas.suite101.com/article.cfm/top_spas_in_baden_baden_germany
Ueber tourist Rick Steves has made a fortune advising Yanks where to go in Europe, and for the most part they listen to him.....but apparently not when it comes to baring all in the spa at Baden-Baden http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/ricksteveseurope/2008350168_websteves04.html
"Since the Roman emperor bathed in the mineral waters of Baden-Baden, this town has welcomed those in need of a good soak," wrote Steves. "And it's always been naked. In the 19th century, it was Germany's ultimate spa resort, and even today the name Baden-Baden is synonymous with relaxation in a land where the government still pays its overworked citizens to take a little spa time.
"I happened to be here when one of my company's tour groups was in town. I told the guide that it was a great opportunity for her group to enjoy the spa. She said, "No one's going. They can't handle the nudity."
"It's long been a frustration for me as a guide — the difficulty of getting Americans into spas with naked Europeans. My first time was with my wife and some German friends — a classy, good-looking young couple. We were swept into the changing area with no explanation. Suddenly they were naked and I felt like the Road Runner just beyond the cliff's edge. Then — we eased up, and got naked. It's not sexy ... simply open and free."
Bingo, Steve! It is simply open and free. Just think we actually could learn something from the Germans....Imagine that.
Comments