Sunday, 10th of September 2006 at 07:25:20 PM

Celebrating with 250.000 people and Pope Benedict XVI

Took quite some energy and time to convince Christiane to attend the holy pope mass this sunday morning in Munichs fair grounds Riem. 250.000 people were expected, by train, on foot and for example 2700 coaches  (unimaginable). I succeded convincing her and 6 o’clock in the morning alarm-clock interrupted our sweet dreams. First 2 hours (shower, tea, 15 min car ride and 30 minute pilgrim walk to the fair grounds) were like hell on earth (Christiane has such a bad morning mood when waking up early). I condemned me for asking her to come with me and wished I would have gone alone. But unbelievably It got a wonderful day watching the Pope Benedict XVI arriving with his Papamobil, touring the fair grounds and holding a 2 hour mass. Lot of sun and it got really hot after the foggy and cold morning. Despite the 250.000 people we arrived quite quick back to the car (after another 30 minute walk) and got home in time to start for a afternoon drive to Lake Starnberg, relaxing and sun-bathing in the September sun.

Papstmesse_20060910_063.jpg

Christiane and me at end of the Pope mass (Pope still on stage, background left)

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Saturday, 9th of September 2006 at 08:46:45 PM

Bavarian Pope back in Munich

Big emotions today when the german Pope Benecdict XVI landed at Munich airport and all church bells welcomed him when the plane landed. Watched the welcome celebration at the Munich Odeonsplatz on gigantic screen. 1 hour later the Pope himself drove by the Odeonsplatz with his Papamobil. Thousands of People waving white yellow vatican flags. Waited 2 hours to see him for two seconds …

 Welcoming the Pope in Munich, Sept 09 2006

Pope Benecdict XVI with Papamobil near University / Odeonsplatz, Munich Sep 09 2006

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Sunday, 4th of December 2005 at 08:34:19 PM

The Pope is German...

…………………and me now too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Horray … I am a german “Kraut” (1) now. Horray!!!!!!
Sono “Crucco” (2) finalmente!

For my memoirs: On December 3rd 2005 I received the German citizenship.

For me this is a big and nice thing. Since my birth I am living as Italian (son of emigrants) in Germany. I still remember how I was called a “Spaghetti” (3) in primary school and felt ashamed to be different,… not to be German …

(1),(2),(3) for explanation I found this very useful list of Offensive terms sorted by nationality

Of course soon things changed when we got history lessons in middle school, and then I no longer wanted to be German. But growing up and paying so many taxes here the wish to get acceptance by having the german nationality still lurked. I didn’t apply for it, because I would have had to abandon my Italian citizenship.

Beginning of this year, the ultra-conservative bavarian government approved a law which allows the double citizenship under certain conditions. (In other parts of Germany the law was valid already for quite a while.) After hearing this I immediately applied for naturalization. Yesterday I received a letter with congratulation: I was accepted.

My nationality now: Italo-German-European.

Unfortunately too late for the German elections which took place 18th of September 2005.

I am sure with my vote the unlucky “Grand coalition” of the two major german parties, could have been prevented. I could have made the difference, … so I just say: “Germany take the consequences now”.

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