The Auto Issue

Keeping you informed of the developments in the world of German cars.

Here's mine!

Oh...

I could settle for this guy


The old standby



The new Passat



I always said that the Z4 felt like a death trap on wheels, but that I would consider a version with a hard top. BMW listened.


Yes, all of the taxis are M-Bs. And the Driver's Ed cars are Audis.

It's either a joke or the honeymoon is in the Alps

And an old Trabi! (Basically the only car produced in East Germany)

Thank goodness we've progressed

Speaking of progression, also keep an eye out for the new Mercedes C-Class and the new Audi TT--looking hotter than ever. The redesigned Honda hybrids are also very...redesigned. These, along with the Passat and Z4, should hit the US soon.

Back To School, Back To School

Here's a look at my typical school day at Matthias-Grünewald Gymnasium:

On the way down to school I am greeted by the morning welcome wagon

The school is nicknamed "The Ship," but no one knows why

They call the building for the older kids "the big house"

Which is connected to...

"The little house" for the younger kids

The new addition

The foyer/commons area

Each year the graduating class gets to paint a tribute to their trials with the Abitur (graduation test)

Is there a trend?

The main hallway. As you can see, there are no lockers, which must be annoying.

Teachers move from room to room instead of the students, so the teachers' room is less of a lounge and more of a cluttered storage space

There is a constant line for coffee

Some views of the town from school

Dittigheim, the next town over

The roof is covered with solar panels and we can keep track of how much energy the school produces and uses

I walk home through the center of town, which is lovely

Until I get to the mountain

Stage 2

More steps

Almost there. Time for CNN and a nap.

If You Scared, Go To Church

I had to reserve a special entry for St. Martin's, the Catholic church in Tauberbischofsheim, mostly because I realized I had taken tons of pictures of it. St. Martin's was originally built in the 13th century and is very impressive, especially considering the small size and rural location of the town. Along with the castle tower (built in 1270) the St. Martin's steeple dominates the "skyline" of Tauberbischofsheim.