Today was one of the largest flea markets in Germany!  They are held every third Saturday of the month in Bonn between April and October.  So how could I resist visiting?

But first a quick diversion.  The public train systems in Germany generally do not rely on turnstiles to ensure that riders pay their fares.  In fact, there is nothing to stop you from just riding the train without a ticket — except for periodic random sweeps of trains, and if you can’t produce your ticket, you can get hit with a big ole’ fine.  I have ridden the trains in Germany dozens and dozens of times in Hannover, Hamburg, and Berlin and have never ever had my ticket checked, but there is a first time for everything.

On my way to the flea market, a man boarded the train and said, “Fahrscheine, bitte.”  Everyone pulled out their cards and tickets and such and he went from person to person in the car.  For some reason, I always expected these sweeps to be carried out by scary looking uniformed police officers or something, but this guy was wearing street clothes and was kinda cute.  My student monthly pass checked out okay, but some grandparents traveling with their two small grandchildren were made to get off the train at the next stop (I assume to pay a fine).

I find it interesting that this process is the only motivation that Germans need to pay their fare.  How does this possibly work?  Could it work in New York?  Maybe New York’s subway system carries too many people to try to control like this (compared to Bonn’s 314,000 citizens)?  Do Germans just possess a greater sense of responsibility and duty?

Anyway, on to the Flohmarkt.  I was not looking to buy anything in particular, but enjoyed looking around while the friends I was with shopped.  The market was huge.  I think I spent three or four hours there and still did not see everything, but I did eat a gigantic pretzel, snacked on a warm cinnamon and sugar crepe, and took lots of pictures.

As an aside, last night a group of us went out to a tapas restaurant for dinner, and though the evening was fun, the appalling service and so-so food were enough to make me question leaving New York. But as long as this was just a fluke and not the norm, I can deal.

You can see the latest pictures in my Bonn & Köln album here.

Until later!