The bear is the symbol of Berlin, and likenesses can be found throughout the city. (Photo by Richard P. Carpenter)
When, in 1963, John F. Kennedy told a rapturous Berlin crowd, "Ich bin ein Berliner!" the roar of approval was deafening. The translation, of course, is "I am a Berliner!" Later, however, the president's words caused some amusement because a "Berliner" is also a popular name for a type of jelly doughnut. But what the heck: a president can be anything he wants, even a jelly doughnut. Here are more fun factoids from the authentic German website s.m.d. markeur:
* When the perfume brand "Irish Mist" was introduced to the German market, it had to be renamed because in German, "mist" means, ahem, "bullshit." The product became "Irisch Moos," meaning moss.
* Germany has about 1,280 breweries offering more than 5,000 different beer brands.
* There are more than 1,500 types of sausages.
* The country has more than 300 different types of bread and more than 1,200 types of biscuits and pastries.
* In the mid 1800s, the first garden gnomes were made in Thuringia, Germany. They have spread via central and northern Europe as far as America and Australia.
* The first cuckoo clock was made in Germany in the early 17th century.
* It took more than 632 years (from 1248 to 1880) to build Germany’s most popular tourist attraction, the Cologne Cathedral.
* Germany is the only European country that has no overall speed limit on its highways, known as the Autobahn.
A slow start for a German product
Volkswagen sold a mere 390 Beetles during the car's first year in the United States, 1951.
Three places where summertime freebies abound
There's something magical about the word "free," so here are three diverse spots with no-cost summer activities. (In some cases, of course, there are requirements or restrictions.)
* In Colorado, free Vail activities include jazz and rock concerts, guided nature hikes, volleyball, bocce, horseshoes, gondola rides for youngsters, fly fishing clinics, tennis matches, admission to the Colorado Ski Museum and even parking in Vail Village. Rooms at The Arrabelle at Vail Square start at $199 per night and The Lodge at Vail start at $149 per night. For more information, visit www.rockresorts.com.
* The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Mont., has several activities that are complimentary to children and adults alike. They include geocaching, disc golf, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wiffle ball, spin fishing, badminton, basketball, and croquet. Visit www.pawsup.com.
* You can golf free at Grande Lakes Orlando. The Florida resort, which consists of the Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott allows youngsters 17 and under to golf free every day with a paying adult. Daily golf clinics are also available year-round for guests of the resort. Visit www.grandelakes.com.
Summer savings at 11 London hotels
From July 23 to Sept. 6, all 11 Radisson Edwardian London properties are offering guests deluxe accommodations and picnic essentials to enjoy at a nearby park including a bottle of Prosecco, fresh strawberries and a picnic blanket. Daily breakfast for two and a 25 percent discount on dining at each property are also included in the offer, resulting in a 20 percent discount.
Rates start at about $196 per room, per night. For a list of the hotels and more details, call 800-333-3333.
New ship offers discounted fares to Antarctica
AdventureSmith Explorations is offering an introductory rate starting at $2,795 per person for an 11-day itinerary on its new Antarctic cruises aboard the 124-passenger M/S Expedition. If you've looked into Antarctica trips, you will recognize that that is an excellent starting price.
And speaking of Antarctica ...
The male penguin's job is to incubate the single egg that his mate lays. During the two-month period, the gallant gent does not eat and will lose up to 40 percent of his body weight.
It's all a matter of size
The state of Florida, at 65,795 square miles, is bigger than England, which encompasses 50,346 square miles.
