Occupation of Germany post WWII
In the early seventies Germany was very much an occupied country. According to Wikipedia, at one time there were over 196 military “installations,” which could be anything from an army barracks to a training area, storage facility or depot. Gradually they’ve been closed or consolidated; today there are only 42 and that number will be dropping in the next couple of years unless the cold war heats up. Let’s hope, dear God, it does not.
The only Americans who really understand what it’s like to live an occupied county are Native Americans. The rest of us cannot imagine having foreign troops on our soil, driving their tanks down our roads, building their bases on land that could be used for housing, disrupting our festivals, and, in many cases, sadly, raping our women. I’m not saying it wasn’t necessary to have so many troops stationed there. I’m just saying it affected the psyche of both the occupiers and the occupied. From the German perspective: Americans bought their food cheaply on army bases, received gas coupons to alleviate the exorbitant price of petro, and, with the money they were saving, hired local women to scrub their toilets.
Happy Hour
The college students I met reacted by becoming well versed on American atrocities and thus were more than happy to jump at the chance to point out just what an evil group of materialistic, war-mongers we Americans were. I’d been raised politely and thus didn’t point out Germany’s recent past, besides I knew they were lashing out however they could. And the Americans? Well, they tried to maintain little oceans of Americana on the bases – softball games, Indian Princesses, Cub Scouts and of course that very necessary of American traditions: Happy Hour.
It was the night of a thousand peanuts; casings and skins littered the bar and floor. When one bowl emptied, another was brought forth from beneath the bar to replace it as gin and tonics replaced Heinekens, shirts were loosened, ties were flung to the side, and jokes became raunchier and raunchier. Happy hour at the officers’ club was in full swing.This week I’m throwing in an extra excerpt from the Graduation Present. Our young protagonist (Riley) has just been picked up from the airport by her uncle and they’re driving through the German countryside to his home. The captivating Gil and Oncle Boob are in the front seat chatting as Riley enjoys the scenery from the back.
This green landscape seemed so clean, so pure. The land of happy villagers, peaceful, loving peasants and urbane, chic, and sophisticated Europeans. I’d arrived. “Gilberto, did you get a look at the knockers on Lou’s new secretary?” Uncle Bob blurted out, destroying my revelry. “Molly, you mean Molly, right?” “Yeah, I guess that’s her name. You know, the big ones are fun to cuddle but there is something to be said for frisky little titties. The French have a saying that the perfect size tit fits into a champagne glass. What do you think of that Gilberto? You like the little bitty titties?” “Ah, Uncle Bob. I’m in the backseat,” I reminded him. “So? You got a thing against tits?” “I can’t believe I actually thought you were a spy.” “
Spies don’t like tits?”
Saying nothing in particular 
I like this. I also like champagne glass titties, of course. But this writing is nice and methodical and trim.
Thanks Aaron – I’d love to do a meet Aaron, Sorrowface, Bart Starship post as soon as you’re ready. I read your book, loved it, wrote a review which now I must find.
Keep those excerpts coming, JT! The history is fascinating. The comedy goes just as we like it: on and on and on.
Enjoyed the mix in this post: the more serious history then the lighter, humorous excerpt. Nicely done, Jan.
Thanks Diane!
This is educational, and pleasant to read.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cover my eyes… 🙂
Lovely mix. The two angles on occupation, the sexist jolt to the sensibilities amidst the idyllic landscape and peaceful peasants, little America on the bases, the legless hour. Great compression of so much into so little space.
Love these excerpts, Jan! The Graduation Present sounds like such a thoughtful, funny, story! Thank you for sharing!
Best title yet 😉 I may be reiterating what’s already been stated, but what fine mix of history and entertaining anecdote here.