Automechanika

Brats and mustard. Just had one and I have to say it is about time. Been in Germany for 4 days and while we have eaten schnitzel, chicken, salad, yes had many beers, and even Taiwanese cup o noodles, this was my first brat. The Frankfurt Automechanika is the worlds largest auto show and it is really about the industry supporting the automobile. If it is made for a car there is a vendor here selling it. From fuzzy dice and car fresheners to sophisticated diagnostic equipment and automated vertical parking systems it's at Automechanika. When we tell someone that all of AAPEX and SEMA can fit in one or two halls at Automechanika they are skeptical, until they see it. It's huge with 12 buildings, including on that looks like a soccer stadium, and each building between one and three floors. It is massive. Takes a week to just walk it all and see everything. We've hit three halls and are striving for maybe one more before leaving. Seeking out all kinds of new goodies though I have to say that new stuff is getting tough to find. That and the crowds are down, way down from previous years. You can hop on a shuttle bus with no waiting at all. 4 years ago it was faster to walk than take a shuttle. It's either the global economy, the wheels falling off the auto industry, or folks have bought what they are going to buy and they are not falling for the hype or the keep up with the Jones syndrome of the last 10 years. We'll think it over and let you know what we come up with but first there is a meter long sausage with sauerkraut and mustard that needs attention.