“If it’s Tuesday… we must be in Mun

“If it’s Tuesday… we must be in Munich”
Ruthie Schumacher, aged 68, and her husband Bob,72, from Maryland have never been out of the US before. They are with their son, Gary, and his wife Glaye. I met them in Munich, in a cafe, two thirds of their way round a lighning cultural tour of Europe . Can I ask a few questions?
Ruthie: No problem. It’s our pleasure. Isn’t it, Bob?
Bob: Yup
OK. What did you think of the Munich Glockenspiel? You always see tourists standing in front of it for hours, just watching and waiting
Gayle: The Glockenspiel?
Yes, you know, the clock with those little wooden figures that play music and dance round. Here in Munich, on the Marienplatz.
Ruthie: Did we see that, Gary?
Gary: Oh. Yeah, this morning. It was real interesting. You Europens probably can’t understand it, but for us, something like that is real – life history
Gayle: In America, if something is a hundred years old, that’s pretty old. But in Europe everything is just so much older.
Ruthie: All those castles. Do you remember all those castles we saw when we went from to Bonn in that boat?
Gary: That was Heidelberg to Bonn
Ruthie: You know, I can feel the history every time I look up from the sidewalks. I always say to Bob, `Bob, if only the streets and stones could talk’. Well, I’ve gotten goose bumps now just thinking about it.
Do you feel that it is possible to get to know the real Europe in such a short time?
Gayle: Of course. We’re seeing so much. Seven countries, 3,500 miles. So many towns, it’s just wonderful. Best vacation ever!
Yes, but sometimes you don’t have time to get off the bus and walk round the town. You had to see Paris from the bus because you only had two hours. Isn’t that frustrating?
Gary: Well no, it isn’t a problem. You see, we have a bathroom on the bus
So what about the people? What do you think of Europeans?
Ruthie: Well, everyone we’re met has been real nice, real friendly.
Bob:That’s no surprise. They are all waiters and chambermaids. Everybody is friendly if they are waiting for a tip.
Are the people you’ve met in Europe different from Americans?
Gary: Yup. Americans are much more materialistic. Look at the store opening times. We wanted to buy a cuckoo clock in Lucerne, but we couldn’t get one because it was lunch – time and the store was closed for lunch. These people consider their break more important than just money, money, money.
So have you picked up any souvenirs?
Ruthie: Oh yeah. I bought some clothes in London and some lace from Brussels. And I’m going to buy some crystal in Venice. I got a leather bag today in Munich. Did I forget anything?
Gary: All your souvenir spoons. Mom collects these little coffee spoons which have a picture of the city on them.
Bob: Please, don’t remind me of the stress we’ve had over those damn spoons.I can tell you: London, Paris, Lucerne, Bonn,…
Ruthie: Now, now… don’t get worked up about it, Bobby. I think it’s real interesting to go shopping in all these countries. It’s a cultural experience.
So what’s happening on the rest of the trip?
Gary: This afternoon we’re driving through Austria, but not stopping, on our way to Venice
Gayle: So tomorrow we’re going on a gondola, and then doing a few museums and galleries. We’re going to have a few days in Italy. I’m really looking forward to seeing that tower in Pisa. What’s it called?
The leaning Tower of Pisa. Where else are you going in Italy?
Ruthie: The itinerary is Venice, Pisa, and a morning in Florence. We’re going to see that David thing – you know, the painting by Michelangelo.
It’s a statue, actually. But tell me where exactly have you been already?Which cities?