Short hops — February 14, 2007 — Deutschland Edition: German funny money, A380’s American premiere, and security strippers
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It’s bad enough that miles can expire. Now your money can, too.
Traveling to Germany? Beware the local currencies. There are sixteen of them, in addition to the euro. For example, the BBC reports that stores in Magdeburg, the capital of the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, are now accepting a newly-invented local currency in addition to the euro. The new currency, the Urstromtaler, equals one euro, but is a purely regional currency. Even worse, it expires (sorta like frequent flyer miles…), and is potentially illegal. In fact, the mastermind behind the urstromtaler explicitly references Lufthansa’s mileage scheme as a similar “legal gray area.” But this local currency isn’t a loyalty program. It’s designed to promote consumer spending in the regional economy. (Thanks Dr. Vino!)
German WhaleJet to beach on American shores
The Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airplane, will make its American debut on March 17. Lufthansa is flying the plane from Frankfurt to New York’s JFK, in part to test the plane on long-haul routes, and also to show the behemoth off to VIPs. The plane flies onward to Hong Kong as well.
I hope he wasn’t riding commando
Hans Jurgen Oskar von Naguschewski, a German (obviously) traveler, going through the security checkpoint at Manila airport, took off his pants, seemingly in protest. He was arrested, and could face jail time of six months to six years. Maybe he’s accustomed to flying Naked Air.
‘Tis the season for blog awards
The Travvies aren’t the only web awards going on right now. In the wide world of wine blogs, they’re picking their faves right now, too. Lots of good blogs to consider, but I personally cast my ballot for the aforementioned Dr. Vino, friend-of-the-blog. (Ok, admittedly, this last item isn’t about Germany or Germans, but sometimes these blogs might debate German wine…)
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February 14th, 2007 at 12:46 pm |
So… you exchange Euros for Urstromtalers at 1 to 1 at the “central bank”, eh?
What a great idea. For the “central bank,” that is. They print and issue “money” that can only be spent locally (with a time limit), and take in money that can be spent worldwide (with no time limit)? Where do I sign up!?!
February 14th, 2007 at 12:57 pm |
Indeed, much like Disney Dollars.
Or, perhaps even better, Itchy & Scratchy Dollars:
February 15th, 2007 at 12:53 am |
How is the Urstromtaler different from, say, gift certificates or prepaid VISA cards? They all have limited acceptance and, at least in some cases, incurr monthly fees that reduce the value over time.
February 15th, 2007 at 1:15 am |
By the way, not to be nitpicking or anything, but it appears the 380 made its American debut when it visited Vancouver, BC, on Nov 29, 2006.
March 9th, 2007 at 10:57 am |
[…] Upgraded: Your odds of seeing the Airbus A380 in New York Want to see the Airbus A380 up close and personal? Lufthansa is bringing the über-jumbo jet to New York (as mentioned previously here), and you can enter their contest to tour the plane. It’s still a long shot, but unless you’re a VIP, this is your only way in. Better hurry: The drawing is March 13, and the plane arrives in NYC March 19. […]