The first time I saw a movie in Germany it was Grease 2 in 1982. It was dubbed except for the music. I'm not fond of dubbing as I want to hear the original actors' voices even if it's in a language I can't understand.
Since then, I've only watched films in Germany at the Berlinale. It's one of the three premier film festivals in Europe along with Cannes and Venice. The Berlinale is designed to be an international event. Most presentations are in English and films are presented in their original language with English subtitles except for specific theaters where the subtitles are in German.
I thought about taking Mr. Dullum to a movie but then it dawned on me that perhaps things hadn't changed in 30 years. I asked Thomas Carlsen, one of my German friends and he explained:
Hi Tom,
Filme in englischer Sprache gibt es nur in Kinos in Großstädten - manchmal.
Normalerweise werden alle Kinofilme synchronisiert - so nennt man das 'Dubbing' hier.
Viele Grüße & gute Reise!
ThomasCarlsen Fachübersetzungen
22453 Hamburg
Roughly translated:
Films in English are sometimes available in theaters in large cities. Normally films in multiplexes are dubbed or "synchonisiert" as it is called in German.
It looks like if I want to take him to a movie, we will have to make the trek up to Frankfurt or Wiesbaden.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
My parents will have to pack less
I pulled together all the books and printed material I need to take. I think it weighs about one person's luggage limit. We'll have to spread it over the checked and carry-on luggage. I won't insist my parents leave behind any meds. If I can get by on 4 changes of clothes they should too. :)
I want to thank my cousin Tina and her husband Gary for offering their luggage to my parents. It saved me a couple hundred dollars. My dad always refers to Gary as his nephew. I always remind him "nephew-in-law" but Dad isn't having any of it. Gary is his nephew.
Because of the Christmas bomber, the rules have changed for carry-on luggage. Outbound we can have the usual carry-on and a personal item. I'm bringing my laptop in a backpack that was provided by my company and my camera bag. Inbound we are only allowed one item. This means we will have to consolidate things. We'll see how that works. Lufthansa charges the schlubs in economy $50 to check a second bag. Not outrageous but I'm too cheap for that.
I want to thank my cousin Tina and her husband Gary for offering their luggage to my parents. It saved me a couple hundred dollars. My dad always refers to Gary as his nephew. I always remind him "nephew-in-law" but Dad isn't having any of it. Gary is his nephew.
Because of the Christmas bomber, the rules have changed for carry-on luggage. Outbound we can have the usual carry-on and a personal item. I'm bringing my laptop in a backpack that was provided by my company and my camera bag. Inbound we are only allowed one item. This means we will have to consolidate things. We'll see how that works. Lufthansa charges the schlubs in economy $50 to check a second bag. Not outrageous but I'm too cheap for that.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
A note about the airfare
We are flying from Seatac to Frankfurt nonstop. The flight will take 10 hours. I looked daily for the airfare from the first of the year. I paid $950 x 3. I've never seen a cheaper fare than that for nonstop Lufthansa in May. If I were willing for us to fly with a transfer, I could have paid $850 or so. I don't regret the non-stop premium. Mostly the nonstop fare has been $1200 or more. I booked at the time of a fare sale.
Lufthansa has entertainment centers on the back of the seats. I'm sure I'll have to show my parents how to work them. Luckily, I'll be across the aisle from their window and aisle seat.
I will remind them to pack their cribbage board. That will keep them busy for a few hours.
Lufthansa has entertainment centers on the back of the seats. I'm sure I'll have to show my parents how to work them. Luckily, I'll be across the aisle from their window and aisle seat.
I will remind them to pack their cribbage board. That will keep them busy for a few hours.
Trip Planning
Wow! I'm impressed. 27 page hits since I sent out the e-mail.
Right now I'm researching jet lag and how to minimize it. I bet it will take Mrs. D at least 4 days to make the adjustment. My first trip to Germany in 1982 included lots of beer on the first night with my Swiss roommate. I was sick for 3 days and got chewed out by my teacher for falling asleep in class. I learned that lesson the hard way.
My other concern is DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Blood clots can develop if you stay in your seat for long periods. I told my parents I'm packing a collapsible bamboo cane to drive them up and down the aisles every 90 minutes. I've found in the past that they respect the cane. Or at least that's what I always threaten them with if they are a little too slow.
Special issues for travelling with my parents:
Individual doctor's letters outlining meds including the need to have insulin syringes.
Ordering a wheelchair from Lufthansa to get Mrs. D around the airport.
Renting a wheelchair in Germany for Mrs. D. She can walk but this will make it so much easier for longer distances. The local tourist office was very helpful with this. It's 25 euros ($35) per week from a local medical supply company.
Buying trip insurance that includes emergency medical and repatriation of remains. I know that sounds morbid but in our family that passes as humor. They both said I could have them cremated and then they could be in carry on luggage. I bought the policies through AAA. I've been a member for many years and have never regretted the annual fee. I also pay for my parents' annual membership.
Right now I'm researching jet lag and how to minimize it. I bet it will take Mrs. D at least 4 days to make the adjustment. My first trip to Germany in 1982 included lots of beer on the first night with my Swiss roommate. I was sick for 3 days and got chewed out by my teacher for falling asleep in class. I learned that lesson the hard way.
My other concern is DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Blood clots can develop if you stay in your seat for long periods. I told my parents I'm packing a collapsible bamboo cane to drive them up and down the aisles every 90 minutes. I've found in the past that they respect the cane. Or at least that's what I always threaten them with if they are a little too slow.
Special issues for travelling with my parents:
Individual doctor's letters outlining meds including the need to have insulin syringes.
Ordering a wheelchair from Lufthansa to get Mrs. D around the airport.
Renting a wheelchair in Germany for Mrs. D. She can walk but this will make it so much easier for longer distances. The local tourist office was very helpful with this. It's 25 euros ($35) per week from a local medical supply company.
Buying trip insurance that includes emergency medical and repatriation of remains. I know that sounds morbid but in our family that passes as humor. They both said I could have them cremated and then they could be in carry on luggage. I bought the policies through AAA. I've been a member for many years and have never regretted the annual fee. I also pay for my parents' annual membership.
Friday, April 30, 2010
First Post
I've decided this his how I will share the trip. Check back for more details and photos. Mr & Mrs D's. (Tom and Donna's) excellent adventure starts on May 9th. My father has promised me that I will not be meeting up with any half siblings.
Warning: I have a house sitter that will watch over my property. I won't say if he is armed or not or if he has a huge dog that crapped on my carpet the last time they visited. Bad dog, Carl, bad dog.
Warning: I have a house sitter that will watch over my property. I won't say if he is armed or not or if he has a huge dog that crapped on my carpet the last time they visited. Bad dog, Carl, bad dog.
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