It’s no mystery that the perceived, but not necessarily factual answer is Germany. Just look at this Volkswagen commercial to witness how German-headquartered companies market their national pride/products; many in the rest of the world usually agree.
Here at Couch Potato Travel, we champion the art of traveling smart and joyful, and no country exemplifies this better than Germany. A realm rich in beauty and influence, Germany holds a central place in modern philosophy and engineering brilliance worldwide. Today, we embark on a journey through the one region that can lay claim to the most iconic product the nation produces. Well, at least when your BMW and its engine aren’t constantly in the shop. But then again, whoever said efficiency always translates to effectiveness, as nothing is perfect.
Our stop is the charming region of Rhineland-Palatinate, located on the country’s western frontier. Here, we traverse verdant farmlands and shine a spotlight on this hitherto undiscovered piece of the traveler’s puzzle. We trust our German friends will appreciate the efficiency we’ve strived to capture in this piece.
We will see further on down that the Rhineland-Palatinate region, although consisting of no truly large cities, is the birthplace of some of the world’s most important modern technologies. So once you’ve seen the medieval-era castles and towns, while touring the beauty of the Rhine Gorge, take a pit-stop in the town of Speyer to visit the Technik Museum Speyer. The museum is a playground for those infatuated with human ingenuity, housing an extensive display of sizeable, intricately crafted mechanical contrivances for you to marvel at.
“How Can The Same S*** Happen To The Same Guy Twice?”
Santa Claus is a German invention, but in the last few decades has this legend been surpassed? There’s no better demonstration of German efficiency than the unforgettable protagonist who efficiently defeated German terrorists, single-handedly in the heart of Los Angeles during the Christmas-time movie, Die Hard. The story of a poor soul who only wanted to give his nice children their Christmas presents, only to battle naughty grown children instead because no one else would. Poor guy couldn’t give his family their Christmas gifts again in the sequel, this time due to Latin American terrorists and US mercenaries. How many of us can relate to this sense of deja vu, albeit without the violence and the action sequences? Why mention him here? Bruce Willis was born in the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany to a German mother and an American father. It’s truly disheartening to learn that in 2022, the iconic action superstar made the difficult decision to retire at the age of 68 as a result of a disease that has caused a form of dementia. While this news may be saddening, it is important to honor and remember our beloved screen heroes for the incredible memories they have created for us all. Just as his five children surely wish to do as well.
"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire"
There’s an undeniable truth we encounter as we journey through life. As youngsters, we’re filled with this incredible desire to make a quantifiable change in the world, only to find that the ensuing generational shift may undo our oh-so-carefully laid plans. It’s a cycle of rebellion/karma and establishment that keeps the world spinning.
One individual from this region who shook the world was Nikolaus August Otto. This engineer’s crowning achievement was the development of the four-stroke internal combustion engine. This remarkable invention not only enhanced the “efficiency” of pre-existing engine models but also massively spurred industrialization. The Industrial Revolution, with Otto’s contributions improving the then-40-year-old movement, reduced the reliance on forced labour and slavery to make inexpensive goods that common people could afford, thus improving most people’s living standards. Luckily for him, it took one and a half centuries for Otto to be seen as a villain, well past his death, despite his undeniable status as a hero during his lifetime.
"Hey, you over there, why are you looking at me like that? We’re sitting at the bar, we didn’t do anything to anyone Except to ourselves, since we drink glass after glass."
While Germany may not be the master of cutting-edge technology, its prowess is legendary in industrial products and manufacturing. The country excels at producing high-quality and innovative goods with a focus on efficiency, which has been the cornerstone of its success. There is a domain though where Germany excels in its “hi-tech” expertise; music. While traditionally known as a giant in electronica, house, and club music, many German hip-hop artists also have a distinct sound inspired by this tradition. Apache 207, the German hip-hop sensation, embodies the rebellious spirit of youth like no other. His unique sound has a dark and futuristic vibe that wouldn’t be out of place in a captivating sci-fi film. With his lyrics heavily influenced by American urban culture, Apache 207 is a true trendsetter in his genre and an artist who happens to be born in Rhineland-Palatinate. Once you’ve exhausted yourself with all of the angst inherent in getting mad at the world, the small towns and natural wonders of the region this musician was born in are the perfect tonic required to get you back on your feet and in love again with this planet. When night falls, you may want to check out the Loft Club in Ludwigshafen, where the musician was born.
You can sample his music here.
The Rhine Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage site that extends around 65 kilometers from Bingen to Koblenz along the Rhine River. When it comes to the natural beauty the region holds its own. This region in the western part of Germany contains a series of small towns that when viewed on a boat ride along the river can leave lasting memories. Get off the boat and walk the streets for a nice small-town or village vibe. Although there are many towns that one can take a boat ride from, we recommend Rüdesheim for those that need a larger town with all amenities, or Bacharach, a small village with one or two hotels for peace, and quiet. Either way, riverboat tours can pick up passengers in either of these towns, and they allow tourists to get off and explore virtually any town along the river. It beats the train or the car.
Are you aware that the most ancient city in Germany lies in this region? Trier, as it is called, can trace its origins to the 4th century BC if you believe the Celts, or to about 50 AD if you lean towards the Romans’ version of history. The city’s extensive and colorful past has resulted in an impressive collection of Roman ruins that merit your attention. Take a look at some of these historical treasures above. Keep in mind that the town of Trier was one of a handful of cities Romans chose to help govern the empire, so this is not just a town with minor ruins, but extensive Roman archeological sites that can rival Rome, albeit to a slightly lesser extent.
Let’s make an exciting detour to Saarbrücken, perfectly located on the edge of Rhineland-Palatinate and on the way to your favorite Rhineland destinations. Why Saarbrücken, you may ask? Well, it serves as a culinary treasure trove, featuring the traditional cuisine of both the Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate regions. It’s true, that classic German cuisine might seem hearty and robust to some. But for seasoned explorers like you and me, particularly those who appreciate the earthy flavors of rural North America, it offers a taste of home-like comfort. So, don’t get too caught up in the reviews. Just remember, a liking for potatoes could indeed take you a long way here. Based on Trip Advisor reviews we think that the Die-Kartoffel restaurant is just what the doctor ordered.
If there’s one thing universally loved, it’s got to be potatoes, don’t you agree? Well, you’re in for a treat while virtually exploring this region, where potatoes seem to be a part of almost every dish. When it comes to the local cuisine of this area, one dish that we could manage to pronounce is ‘Dibbelabbes’. So, let’s dive into the recipe for these delicious-looking potato “pancakes”.
Famous People, Invent.org, Science Direct, Environment & Society, Encyclopedia.com, Pinterest, Brainy quote, Shazam, UNESCO, Trip Advisor, Technik Museen Sinsheim und Speyer, Kochlöffel and Nudelholz
