If I can put out a book, surely anyone can. But beware - the hardest part isn't publishing, it's shutting yourself away for hours on end, poring over the same text again and again, fine-tuning the words and phrases till you almost see double and your fingers can type no more. All of which can be a pretty lonely process. But then there's the icing on the cake - giving interviews, seeing them in print and receiving tiny payouts from Amazon every six weeks.
Rounding off 'My Year as an Author', there's a feature in today's regional newspaper. A DJ on Radio Trausnitz happened to see it and called me for an on-the-spot interview (which, embarassingly, ended up with me getting terribly tongue tied as the conversation turned from book to Brexit, my most unfave topic...) Anyway, here's the piece in the paper and a rough translation ....
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| Hallertauer Zeitung 30.12.21 |
Becoming Bavarian in six short steps - that's the title of the first book by Tim Howe, author, university lecturer and adopted citizen of the Hallertau. The Englishman from Bath has been living in Germany for 23 years. In his 300-page book, Tim makes sense of the Bavarians' lovable quirks. Are we really so car mad, in love with 'Schlager' songs and scared of drinking our own tap water? In numerous anecdotes Tim Howe describes his experiences on the long and windy road to becoming a 'die-hard' Bavarian. Ironic, with typical British humour and heart always in the right place.
Tim, what prompted you to pen a book about your process of 'Bavarianisation'?
Howe: Brits in Bavaria are generally somewhat exotic. After 20 years it was time for me to assimilate with the Bavarian culture. But of course you can't just do that from one day to the next. Bavarians tend to be a little rough around the edges, which serves up plenty material for interesting observations.
You write in your book that you only came to Bavaria 'because of the beer'. True?
Howe: Just a joke, of course. When a Brit comes to Bavaria, it's mainly for three reasons: beer, girls, fast cars. I was fascintated by German culture from the word go. In 1998 I got offered a job as translator at Deutsche Telekom. Even though that job didn't last too long, I'll be honest - I came here more for the work.
Lederhose, knee-high stockings and hat with chamois feather are must-haves in every true Bavarian's wardrobe. How do you feel about the costume?
Howe: I still remember when I bought my first lederhosen. Far too big for me. But I still like to keep them. I love how Bavarians wear their traditional costume on so many different occasions. In England you would be looked at in such clothes rather crookedly....
Is there anything that irritates you as a Briton with us?
Howe: My impression is that as a “Zuagroaster”, the locals initially look at you strangely. People often look the other way when walking on the street, and you don't always hear a heart-felt "Grüß Gott". Then there's all this racing up and down the autobahn, something I'm not used to in England. Here I often get overtaken in very dangerous manoeuvers. It seems that people are always in a hurry here.
Do you feel like a "real Holledauer" meanwhile?
Howe: To say so would be an exaggeration. In my heart I am and will always remain an Englishman. I still notice too many differences. My "Bavarianisation" is far from over, it is more of an ongoing process and I'm still in the middle of it.
What did you love most in your adopted home Holledau?
Howe: We have a wonderful little house near Mainburg, right next to the hop gardens. There are also a lot of great bathing lakes in the Holledau that I would miss elsewhere. Not forgetting all the folk festivals, and cosy beer gardens in summer...
Last but not least, who is your book aimed at?
Howe: Becoming Bavarian is a declaration of love to Bavaria and the Bavarians. It's for lovers of the English language and culture who want an outsider's insight into Germans. But it also speaks to Brits enthusiastic about all things German and curious to learn more about their European neighbors. Last not least, the book is aimed at emigrants who need to know what to expect when they come to Germany. And anyone simply seeking to have their own observations confirmed. Along the lines of 'Oh yes, they really are like that!'
Special thanks to reporter Simone Huber for photos and interview.
