“We’ll Meet Again.” That’s what I told Liz on September 8th 1969 when I left Liz and departed for Europe55 years ago.The anniversary of when I flew from San Francisco to Paris and planted my feet on European soil.
I was correctwhen I promised Liz “We’ll Meet Again.”
Fast forward to December 22nd, 1971, when Liz and I landed on American soil in New York City aboard an Icelandic flight from Luxembourg. We then embarked on a three day Greyhound bus trip across the country feeling like vagabonds in a strange land. Arriving in San Francisco on Christmas night. With little cash, backpacks purchased in the mountain town of Ronda, Spain, and enough memories to unpack from traveling through Europe and Morocco together to last until our dying day.
“We’ll Meet Again” – That’s what I told Liz as I left for Europe on September 8th 1969
Little did I know about the indelible impact of culture shock 55 years ago. But now I know a lot. I made a mistake in returning to the USA. Our iconoclastic politics have never been a good fit in America.The fact Liz and I spent a large part of our formative adulthood learning to eat healthy foods and utilize the bicycle as our main form of transport was transformative.
Most importantly, we lived in a place where gun violence is not a systemic part of the society.
After fits and starts, intervening interim relationships and mutual couplings between Amsterdam, Holland, and Miesau, Germany, we’ve been together as one Since May Day 1971.
Liz and Lee ditched the main road to Miesau and took our familiar back route to Miesau as a local cyclist looks on
Wiesenstrasse. The street where we lived in Miesau, Germany
Why did Liz ask me to return? Liz missed the soul music and streets of her childhood (San Francisco and Oakland). Liz wanted to finish her education. President Nixon’s carpet bombing of Cambodia and the National Guard murder of four students at Kent State University in May 1970 had been a major push for Liz to leave San Francisco State University to roam abroad. Liz wanted to pick up where she had left off.
Since returning to America 53 years ago, we have survived a lot of Shit together in the USA that would have torn less resolute couples apart.
In May 2017 we made the first of several trips back to Germany. During that incredible way-back machine trip to Miesau and surrounding towns, our first time there in 46 years, we made a photographic chronicle.
Liz at the front door of her home in Miesau, Germany (1970-1971) – May 18, 2017
Looking up towards Liz home at 4 Wiesenstrasse. In 1971 the road wasn’t paved and the satellite dish is a bow to the 21st century
Herr Sauter was our landlord. Herr Sauter’s barn in Miesau was across from our home. Where the pigs lived. Liz would go to the barn and see Herr Sauter’s pigs. We could hear the pigs grunting at all hours of the day.Hundreds year old dwelling with lace curtains and modern recology cans in MiesauThe sky above Miesau, GermanySome of the inhabitants of Miesau, GermanyWe started our running careers through the green fields of Miesau in 1971. There were no power poles and the fencing was in the future.The Bahnhof in Landstuhl, Germany with the common mode of transportation parked by the platformThe cemetery in Landstuhl where 82 victims of World War II are laid to restThe neglected Jewish Cemetery in Landstuhl where pre 1933 Nazi era Jews were laid to restLiz respectfully walks amongst the tombstones in the overgrown neglected Jewish cemetery in LandstuhlIt was an arduous 1500M (nearly 5000 foot) climb through the mini “wald” on a cold, rainy and muddy day to reach The Nanstein Castle. Liz spurred me on to reach our goal
The Nanstein Castle. 1500M (nearly 5000 ft.) above the town of Landstuhl
The view from atop The Nanstein Castle overlooking Landstuhl
Lee stands in the archway of the ancient Nanstein Castle high above the town of Landstuhl
Liz on the staircase of the 12th century Nanstein Castle constructed of red sandstone
It was rainy, muddy and cold. We ate a hot lunch in the restaurant atop the castle in Landstuhl. Heads of various animals adorn the wall.
Lee shelters from the rain on the rickety balcony at the top of The Nanstein CastleLiz parleyed with an American G.I. recovering from his injuries at the Landstuhl military hospitalCUE CLUB – EVERY WEDNESDAY AMERICAN NIGHT in Landstuhl. Nearly 80 years after the end of WWII the Americans are still a large presence in Germany. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramstein_Air_Base is nearby.
Lee enjoying the European life at an outdoor cafe in Landstuhl
Lee in the City Center of Landstuhl gives the “V” for Victory sign
Women’s fashion boutigue in Landstuhl sprang up for the G.I.s to shop for their wives and girlfriends. Liz doesn’t recall it being there in 1971
When Liz and I lived in Miesau we listened constantly to the Pink Floyd soundtrack from the film MORE. Each time we listen to this music we think of our time in GermanyLiz and Lee at Wiesenstrasse 4 in Miesau Germany – May 18th, 2017 – 46 years after returning to San Francisco
Top photo: The view from high in the hills in Southern Germany near Miesau, Germany
I am a Green Party member, legal worker, walker, cyclist who follows politics, world events, 🌎 the literary world and 🎥 film
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