Two Days of Autumn
We have really been lucky with the weather, so far. Our entire trek through the Iberian Peninsula contained only a half-day of rain. It was unseasonably warm, as we found ourselves in short sleeve shirts, sunning ourselves and collecting our vitamin D. Finally, in Porto, it felt like autumn... the kind of days that are too hot in the sun and too cold in the shade. We were there for two days. We studied the 12th-18th centuries, monarchies in search of treasure and guarantees of independence…although Napolean and the Kings of Castille would foil their intentions from time to time. We received another dose of Harry Potter inspiration, and John made sure we climbed to the top of the highest tower in the land.
We completed a whirlwind tour of Ingolstadt and Munich, engaging in studies of the Bavarian military, Audi and BMW museums. John will write a compare and contrast essay on BMW vs. Audi, and I know which way he is leaning! John humored me and joined me for dinner with a dear friend and colleague. He had read up on our escapades to date and was prepared to discuss the nature of EU and regional dynamics, which was good for John to hear. We had fun reminiscing about difficult negotiations as well as sharing the latest in family news. I think John understood that sometimes the best business outcomes can be achieved if people care about their companies—and each other.
We drove south, entered the Alpine region and a European winter wonder land. It was a beautiful, if not sudden change. With no Thanksgiving, Germany is in full preparation mode for the Advent season and Christmas. And now, so are we.
Full disclosure, I am a BMW guy...so I found that the coffee device they used to put the 4 circles on my café americano as the highlight of the Audi museum. Just kidding!! it was cool, I admit it. I did not know that the 4 circles represent the 4 companies that came together to form Audi between WW1 and WW2.
Outside BMW headquarters, gallery and museum, there appears to be a cosmic force of conflict between me and German parking garages. I had a problem when Belinda and I first went to Bavaria in 1992...I did not know the German word for exit. While everything is marked with symbols nowadays, and I know the word, I lost the parking ticket in a purge of pockets and car compartments...and the payment machine froze up on me. Luckily there was another one. John didn't seem to mind, he was watching an episode of "Top Shot" on the iPad.
One of the famous / (in)famous BMW Art Cars. This one was painted by Andy Warhol. He was not satisfied with the pattern and transfer that they had done long distance so he came to Bavaria, walked onto the factory floor and painted this car in 28min. It achieved 6th place in the 24hrs of Le Mans. Many of the other Art Cars completed their tours with a crash or other ignominious end.
This bubble car took the prize for unusual, and unexpected. It may well be the only "front opening" car to enter serialized production. It was one of two models in the 50's that saved the company!! They sold 180,000 units...unbelievable. And our guide Philip asked about where the inspiration for the door, and the entire car came from...his hint was, the handle! I immediately said refrigerator (of course) and he said yes. It was an Italian appliance company that branched out into automotive, and BMW bought the design. They added a 4th wheel and made sure that the 12 horsepower engine was reliable. They even had a special camper trailer that this thing could pull over the Alps. There was photographic evidence of this feat. It is yet another example to me that I don't understand consumers.
Winter is here.
John throws the first snowball of the season, and it is a direct hit!