A Protest

On the way to work this morning the fellow on the army radio station was listing bases in Germany where there were protests. He said to not make eye contact with any protester and to move by them asap. Well, I didn't hear him say Schweinfurt, but there was a large march here. I was on my way through town to a larger base location and there were police everywhere. Not military, local police. They were in large vehicles, like paddy wagons. Then I saw the marchers.
The police were moving alongside of them. They went around one large base and then rallied at the park next door. As I drove back to my gate this afternoon the rally was just breaking up. Lots of people. I didn't see anyything that looked out of control or scary. But, there were a lot of police.

The streets here are very clean. The Germans are amazing recyclers. There is never just one trash can. There are always 3 - even in my hotel room. One for paper, one for plastic and one for bottles. There is a charge on plastic water bottles and I return them to the market to get my refund. There are no grocery bags. Everyone brings his own. They have bags and these baskets that resemble pic-nic baskets. So, there I am with all my little purchases and no place to put them. They have no sympathy. Just sort of shove things at you. So I fill my arms and remind myself that I really need to put a bag in the car.

They are big on organic here. More organic options than we have. I don't buy much at the market. Water, cheese and crackers and microwave popcorn!