Packing for Germany

[Magpie Maniac]

And, no, I'm not talking about carrying a gun. :p I'm talking about luggage and related issues. Packing clothing and supplies for the two to four weeks we're each there. I know it's premature, but I'm getting so freakin' pumped with the Hex and all.

Obviously, how and what to pack depends on your length of stay. My brother and I are staying through the group phase. A day or so over two weeks. Our goal is to pack lightly and try to carry-on if possible. I have the small, medium, and extra large L.L. Bean Adventure Duffle (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&langId=-1&catalogId=1&categoryId=33458&parentCategory=4522&cat4=2915&productId=54581&display_id=19938&feat=dp50&catalog_id=TA&from=&rtnComp=&attrValue_1=Guide%20Gold) in Guide Gold. Tough, strong stuff. Took the family to Arizona for a week a few years ago and we lived out of just one extra large bag. For two weeks in Germany, I think I can cut it with the medium bag with a small toiletry bag inside. With dimensions of 11 x 23 x 11, it falls within most airlines' carry-on limits. With a medium duffle, I realize that I can't carry two weeks' worth of clothing around. I'm going to be wearing the same pants for a couple of days.

We plan to stay in about three cities over the course of our stay, so we want to be fairly mobile. One pair of good walking shoes. As expected, I plan to leave the duffle in the room or flat, but I need something for travel documents, credit cards, Euros, and tickets. L.L. Bean also has a fairly discreet travel waist pack (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=35998&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=4531&cat4=2930&shop_method=pp&feat=sdp203) that's not too bulky. Ok, I wouldn't be caught dead wearing this thing around town, but I'm not just going to stick my passport in my back pocket either.

Anyway, what are your luggage and bag preferences? What suggestions do you have for gear and packing?

[YTFC]

One of my now-retired colleagues swears by Eddie Bauer Travel Underwear (http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/cat_default.asp?nv=2|21472|680&tid=&c=&sc=&cm_cg=&lp=n2k) (they have boxers and briefs). They're made with some material that dries quickly--wash 'em in the sink and air-dry 'em. Said he spent two weeks in Peru with only two pair. :eek:

[Magpie Maniac]

One of my now-retired colleagues swears by Eddie Bauer Travel Underwear (http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/cat_default.asp?nv=2|21472|680&tid=&c=&sc=&cm_cg=&lp=n2k) (they have boxers and briefs). They're made with some material that dries quickly--wash 'em in the sink and air-dry 'em. Said he spent two weeks in Peru with only two pair. :eek:

"Hmmm. Veddy, veddy intervesting." [Taps chin with forefinger.]

Who says they are just for travel? ;)

[Mikeymike15]

you need a man-bag! (a la Joey Tribiani) ;)

Honestly I have this Bi-fold Black Columbia Travel "Thingy". Its about 8" by 4" large when folded, and opens to 16" by 4". Pictures below. I use it carry documents and junk when transiting cities (i.e. Train/Plane/Automobile) or when going to games where i have to store valuable tickets/documentation. I typically don't use it when I'm just going to a restaurant. I usually hang it around my nexk but under my jacket or sweater.

http://esc32.midphase.com/~kotasm/miscImages/trvelItem0001small.jpg

http://esc32.midphase.com/~kotasm/miscImages/trvelItem0002small.jpg

[Adam Zebrowski]

you can travel real light...

two days clothing wear, wash in your bathroom sink overnight and let it hang dry, so get the quick drying sort of stuff....

so basically two usa jersies, and a couple pair of shorts, underwear (2) socks (2), rain top if it rains, toothbrush and shaving stuff, you can get the rest of the stuff as you need it....

add american flag, and you'll be able to enjoy germany without dragging around too much extra stuff

[Atouk]

two days clothing wear, wash in your bathroom sink overnight and let it hang dry, so get the quick drying sort of stuff....Or, if it's in your budget, have things laundered while you're there. I found it well worth it during the three weeks I was in Korea to have stuff sent out. Most hotels offer the service and it wasn't very expensive.

In France last year for the Confed Cup, I found a little laundry place down the block from the hotel and dropped some stuff off after the first week or so. Again, well worth it.

Definitely pack light and wash things yourself or have it done for a moderate fee.

[JoeSoccerFan]

Magpie,
Thank you. I read this post to my wife as evidence that I'm not the most obsessive US fan. Though she did counter with my german language tapes, germany travel guides (3 so far), studying German maps, train schedules, and WC 2006 fixtures. Then, she added my Excel spreadsheets on WC train travel and my immersion on USSF, BS, NAS and YanksInGermany.

Oh well - nolo contendre.

Thanks - Magpie.

[Magpie Maniac]

Thanks - Magpie.

ROTFLMAO! :D You're welcome, friend. My wife will be the first to tell you that I have some sort of luggage and packing obsession. I, too, have the language CDs, map hanging in front of my PC desk, match schedule on the fridge, Excel spreadsheets, desktop background, WC screensaver, and dozens of browser bookmarks. We had a long discussion Friday about whether the extra large duffle bag was too large. Her reply was something like, "Yea, you better make up your mind quickly 'cause your plane leaves in like 16 months."

In summary, our conversations are like this:

Mark (me): :confused:

Tracie (wife): :rolleyes:

[reddevilfc16]

What language cd's do you recommend? I've looked at a few already, but haven't gotten one yet. I'm with you on the bookmarks, maps and pre-planning.....the WC gets somewhat obsessive, but it's worth it.

[Magpie Maniac]

What language cd's do you recommend? I've looked at a few already, but haven't gotten one yet. I'm with you on the bookmarks, maps and pre-planning.....the WC gets somewhat obsessive, but it's worth it.

If you want to stick with the good, old fashioned CD and book method, I'd stick with the Living Language (http://www.randomhouse.com/livinglanguage/) series. The Beginning/Intermediate has 40 lessons and 8 CDs (4 home CD and 4 for the road). The Advanced package has 20 lessons on 8 CDs. I have both and swear by (not at) them. Amazon.com has them. You don't just learn simple phrases. You learn grammar as well.

[Magpie Maniac]

Just looked it up for you. The basic/intermediate (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400021073/qid=1107302948/sr=2-3/ref=pd_ka_b_2_3/103-1414224-8143822) package is here at Amazon. The advanced (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1400020603/qid=1107303063/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-1414224-8143822?v=glance&s=books) is here, too.

[reddevilfc16]

Just looked it up for you. The basic/intermediate (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400021073/qid=1107302948/sr=2-3/ref=pd_ka_b_2_3/103-1414224-8143822) package is here at Amazon. The advanced (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1400020603/qid=1107303063/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-1414224-8143822?v=glance&s=books) is here, too.
That looks good. Thanks for the info. Hopefully I'll have some success with it.

[ami-berliner]

That looks good. Thanks for the info. Hopefully I'll have some success with it.

Don't bother. I lived in Deutschland for several years. They will speak English better than you can teach yourself to speak German, but unlike the French the like to speak English.

MFG,
Berliner

[ACGreen]

I spent 7 mos backpacking around Europe and No. Africa with a carry on Eagle Creek backpack. Very durable, comfortable and versitile.

1 Pair Khakis or Blue pants,
1 shorts
1 bathing suit
1 Pair sturdy shoes or Hiking boots
1 pair flip flops -for showers and hotel room
1 Sleep sheet for hostels
1 bottle opener/corkscrew
1 swiss army knife (for bread and cheese)
5 t-shirts
2 golf shirts
5 boxers
5 socks
1 roll-up wind breaker/raincoat
1 shammy type towel
simple toiletries (just one curling iron) ;)

That's about it for what you really need.

the darker your clothes are the better.

You can always stop buy a laundromat half way through the trip.

[Magpie Maniac]

Don't bother. I lived in Deutschland for several years. They will speak English better than you can teach yourself to speak German, but unlike the French the like to speak English.

Though I would like to be fluent in German in some distant future, I realize that's unlikely before June 2006. I'm coming along and learning. I know enough to be dangerous. No, it's not absolutely necessary, but for me it's a matter of politeness and a genuine attempt at making a cultural connection. It'll come off as a little goofy or awkward, but it's better than just marching over there and assuming that they should speak my language -- even though many Germans do. :)

[IASocFan]

I found that many times I would speak to Germans in my college German (from many years ago), and they would answer me in English. Try German, if you can't think of a word try the English. It's educational trying to communicate with someone new from a different culture. Germans, for the most part, like to practice their English.

[Dawdyga]

I have found that a shoulder holster works well for important documents. I have used it in Europe and in South Korea. Wear it under your shirt, and keep most of your money, documents and credit cards there. If you need to get to it, you can unbutton your top shirt button. When we were in Italy about ten years ago, got pockets picked in two different cities. Keep only what you need for ready cash in your pocket. I would reccomend Rick Steve's books on European traval, he talks alot about what to wear and bring.

[Thunderpac]

Though I would like to be fluent in German in some distant future, I realize that's unlikely before June 2006. I'm coming along and learning. I know enough to be dangerous. No, it's not absolutely necessary, but for me it's a matter of politeness and a genuine attempt at making a cultural connection. It'll come off as a little goofy or awkward, but it's better than just marching over there and assuming that they should speak my language -- even though many Germans do. :)
You tend to pick up more of the subtleties of the culture if you know some of the language too.

[IASocFan]

I've used a money belt in Europe before. They work well in any big city, and you really don't want your wallet, credit cards, or passport to be anywhere where they can be lifted. Normally, Germany is pretty safe, but the World Cup will attract all sorts of people; a little paranoia is a good thing.

[croix]

Though I would like to be fluent in German in some distant future, I realize that's unlikely before June 2006. I'm coming along and learning. I know enough to be dangerous. No, it's not absolutely necessary, but for me it's a matter of politeness and a genuine attempt at making a cultural connection. It'll come off as a little goofy or awkward, but it's better than just marching over there and assuming that they should speak my language -- even though many Germans do. :)


Though this noble of you, I too, believe this is a waste of your sponge (brain)
My wife is German and I just visited the Fatherland twice last year. To be honest I wished I learned to speak more German. BUT in your case and like many of the world's, you will be only visitng Germany for two or three weeks.
And when and if, you will only be using 'surface' German and will probaly not being getting into deep conversations with a quarum of Germans.
They do speak English and are more than willingly to be taught more English.
But in your case, it seems illegitmate to learn an entire new language for only one month of exposure.
Du verstehe? Gut...