Ode to Germany!

I love Australia, i really do, but sometimes I can’t help but want more – sometimes I have needs that Australia can’t satisfy. Germany, you, can provide me with such exquisite pleasures, with exactitude and efficiency, culture and history, and a sense of belonging that stretches back to when the first cavemen decided a winter in Europe might be a bloody good idea.

Germany my Germany, you may be a harsh mistress at times but I wouldn’t have you any other way. Some people think you cold, Germany, mistaking your strength and pride for hostility - but they have not seen your inner warmth. Your people, so friendly, always ready to make it better easier and clearer - efficient. Some people even think you ugly, because you lake the fine sun-blessed curvatious scapes of that poster child brazil, but i would not have a hundred brazils for but the one Germany. What has brazil compared against the softer curves of your exquisite wine regions, against the almost timeless history I see in you, Nothing! And so we have shared many a time full of hidden pleasures and surprising delights.

More than any other European I fell you, Germany, are not selfish - always ready to provide the very best of Europe; to share in the bounty of French wine, Italian salami, Swiss chesse, Spainish gaspachio, and the many more delights from beyond that you lay at my feet. Germany the food you provide is mouth-watering; there is fleishsalat (meat-salads), sauerkraut, bratwurst, slachtplatte (a slaughter plate of assorted cooked meets), maultashen (like ravioli) , spetzle (vaguely pasta like), milshschnitten (a milky treat), exquisite sweets (gummy bears), good chocolate, and great beer... 3,500 breweries, each one better than the next - add to that some good wine and anyone can start to see my fondness for you, my Germany.

Germany you have shown me a rich culture of thousands of years, with castles and museums, art galleries and theatres. Germany you care for me with friendly efficiency, that nurtures me with directness of approach and cold reasoned honesty. I am fascinated by your intellectual beauty and your hard, prod, unshakable core. What more could i want?

What more, indeed...

Alas my Germany, you and I are just too different. We were close once but we have changed, grown apart. You want me to conform, to give myself over to you, your systems, completely surrender, and I am just not ready to make that sort of commitment right now. Australia accepts me for who i am, with a carefree grace that easy charm. And so i will return to my companion of many years Australia, though grateful for the times we have had together. I have missed Australia’s natural beauty, and uncomplicated living. How I long to again work those wide open plains, to be cradled in the comfort of those familiar mountains, to rest in that penetrating warmth. No, it is with Australia that i belong; But you will always be special to me Germany, always be a part of me, always.