Posts in Germany
Episode 22: Popular culture in Australia & Europe

Have you ever been inspired to go on a journey to a specific destination, because you saw something about it on TV or in a movie?

This week we talk about popular culture in general and about the memories we have where music or other popular culture influence our pst travels.

We have a brand new YouTube channel, so check out how it looks when we record:

https://www.youtube.com/@ssnwpodcasts

Find us on socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssnwpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567308293160

Read More
Episode 21: Sausages and how they are cooked

Welcome to another engaging episode of "Southern Summers and Northern Winters," where your hosts, Andreas from Munich, Germany, and Mark from Maffra, Australia, dive into a lively conversation that spans a variety of intriguing topics. This week, they explore the cultural nuances of sausage varieties in Germany and Australia, reminisce about encounters with famous personalities, and discuss the fascinating world of vinyl record collecting. They also touch on the challenges of urban infrastructure in growing cities like Munich and Melbourne, the art of repurposing industrial spaces, and the ever-evolving landscape of digital ownership and subscriptions. Join Andreas and Mark as they share personal anecdotes, insights, and a touch of humor in this delightful episode.

**Episode Overview: Southern Summers and Northern Winters** 

In this episode of "Southern Summers and Northern Winters," hosts Andrews and Mark engage in a lively conversation covering a range of topics from weather patterns to music, travel experiences, and cultural differences. Below is a detailed overview with timestamps highlighting key points discussed during the episode:

00:10 - **Introduction and Weather Discussion**

- Andrews and Mark exchange greetings and discuss the recent weather changes, including the impact of rain on groundwater levels in Germany.

01:21 - **Vinyl Records and Music**

- Andrews shares his recent find of a Darryl Braithwaite vinyl record and reminisces about Australian music acts from the 80s and 90s.

02:32 - **Concert Memories**

- Mark recounts seeing Darryl Braithwaite perform live and meeting him afterward, while Andrews shares his experience of seeing Braithwaite as a supporting act for Chris de Burgh.

04:13 - **Australian Music Acts**

- The hosts discuss various Australian music acts, including ACDC, Pete Murray, John Farnham, and others, reflecting on their international impact.

05:12 - **Encounters with Famous People**

- Mark and Andrews talk about their encounters with famous personalities, including Brad Pitt and John Cleese, and the cultural differences in approaching celebrities.

10:32 - **Podcast Introduction**

- The hosts formally introduce the podcast, "Southern Summers and Northern Winters," and their respective locations in Munich, Germany, and Maffra, Australia.

10:52 - **Sausage Varieties in Germany**

- Andrews explains the different types of sausages in Germany, including Bratwurst and Weisswurst, and their cultural significance.

19:08 - **Travel Plans and New Airport**

- Mark shares his upcoming travel plans to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and the excitement about a new airport opening there.

21:34 - **Repurposing Old Infrastructure**

- The hosts discuss the repurposing of old industrial buildings and infrastructure, highlighting examples from around the world.

31:19 - **Rebuilding Infrastructure in Germany**

- Andrews talks about Germany's plans to rebuild its infrastructure and the ongoing construction in Berlin.

32:41 - **Urban Growth and Infrastructure Challenges**

- The conversation shifts to the challenges of urban growth in cities like Melbourne and Munich, and the strain on existing infrastructure.

41:37 - **Subscription Models and Ownership**

- The hosts discuss the shift towards subscription models for products and services, and the implications for ownership.

46:25 - **Internet Fatigue and Digital Consumption**

- Andrews and Mark reflect on the impact of constant connectivity and the importance of taking breaks from digital consumption.

50:34 - **Social Media and Content Consumption**

- The hosts discuss the changing nature of social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, and the curated content feeds.

57:02 - **Booking Travel and Dynamic Pricing**

- Andrews shares his experience with dynamic pricing while booking a rental car, and the challenges of finding the best deals online.

1:00:00 - **Hotel Booking Experiences**

- Mark and Andrews discuss their experiences with hotel bookings and the differences between booking directly and through online platforms.

1:01:46 - **Closing Remarks**

- The hosts wrap up the episode, express gratitude to listeners, and humorously mention potential sponsorship from booking.com.

This episode offers a rich blend of personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and practical discussions, making it an engaging listen for audiences interested in travel, music, and lifestyle topics.

1. Exploring Vinyl Records and Australian Music: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time 

2. From Munich to Melbourne: A Conversation on Music, Travel, and Cultural Differences

3. Discovering Australian Music Legends and the Art of Vinyl Record Collecting

4. Sausages, Stars, and Stories: A Global Chat on Food, Fame, and Travel

5. Vinyl Records and Australian Icons: A Deep Dive into Music and Memories

6. The Fascinating World of Sausages: German Bratwurst and Australian Barbecue Traditions

7. Meeting Celebrities and Collecting Vinyl: A Unique Perspective on Fame and Music

8. From Bratwurst to Hot Dogs: A Culinary Exploration Across Continents

9. Australian Music Memories and Vinyl Treasures: A Collector's Delight

10. Travel Tales and Music Legends: A Global Conversation on Culture and Nostalgia

We have a brand new YouTube channel, so check out how it looks when we record:

https://www.youtube.com/@ssnwpodcasts

Find us on socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssnwpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567308293160

Read More
Episode 20: The wonderful global mix of traditions, Travel accomodation, Frequent Flyer Programs and more

Hey there, and welcome to the 20th episode of "Southern Summers and Northern Winters!" Join Mark and Anders as they chat about everything from the quirky daylight hours in different parts of the world to the surprising number of public holidays in Victoria and Bavaria. They dive into the ups and downs of travel planning, sharing stories about booking places to stay, dealing with car rentals, and even the latest trends in air travel. Plus, they touch on how AI is shaking things up in the creative world. Whether you're a travel buff or just curious about life in other places, this episode is packed with fun insights and stories. Don't forget to hit us up on our social channels and let us know what you think!

**Episode Overview: Southern Summers and Northern Winters - Episode 20** 

**Introduction**

- **00:01 - 00:13**: Discussion about the time it gets dark in different locations, comparing Europe and Australia.

**Daylight and Seasons**

- **00:13 - 01:16**: Conversation about daylight saving times and how it varies in different countries, including experiences in Denmark and Germany.

**Podcast Milestone**

- **02:10 - 02:30**: Celebration of the 20th episode of the podcast, reflecting on its beginnings and the idea behind it.

**Listener Engagement**

- **02:56 - 03:27**: Discussion about the podcast's audience and the challenge of tracking listener statistics.

**Weather and Seasons**

- **03:38 - 04:52**: Talk about the changing weather in Australia as it approaches winter, and how it contrasts with European weather.

**Public Holidays**

- **04:57 - 09:58**: Comparison of public holidays in Australia and Bavaria, including unique holidays like the Melbourne Cup and AFL Grand Final in Victoria.

**Political Landscape**

- **14:44 - 15:39**: Brief discussion on the recent election in Australia and its surprising results.

**Travel and Accommodation**

- **16:31 - 18:15**: Discussion on Airbnb's business model and its decision to list hotels, comparing it to other booking platforms.

**Travel Experiences**

- **18:15 - 21:38**: Personal experiences with Airbnb and booking accommodations, including a focus on booking hotels in Bali.

**Luxury Travel**

- **23:26 - 25:33**: Discussion on luxury accommodations in Dubai and the high costs associated with them.

**Airlines and Travel Costs**

- **27:02 - 30:59**: Introduction of a new luxury airline, Global Airlines Limited, and the challenges of operating A380s.

**Frequent Flyer Programs**

- **31:25 - 33:08**: Discussion on the use and value of air miles and frequent flyer programs.

**Travel Insurance and Car Rentals**

- **37:01 - 39:11**: Insights into travel insurance, car rental experiences, and the associated costs and challenges.

**Cultural Experiences and Scams**

- **45:15 - 48:33**: Discussion on cultural interactions and the potential for scams while traveling, with personal anecdotes.

**Technology and Memories**

- **54:00 - 56:22**: Personal project of transferring old videotapes to digital format, reflecting on family memories.

**AI and Content Creation**

- **59:56 - 1:03:25**: Discussion on the use of AI in content creation, its limitations, and its role in productivity.

**Conclusion**

- **1:06:44 - 1:07:45**: Closing remarks, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast on social media and listen to past episodes.

We have a brand new YouTube channel, so check out how it looks when we record:

https://www.youtube.com/@ssnwpodcasts

Find us on socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssnwpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567308293160

Read More
Episode 19: The cost of living vs saving up for travels

Hey there, and welcome back to "Southern Summers and Northern Winters"! In this episode, Anders and Mark are catching up on all sorts of interesting stuff. They chat about what it's like to be in Rome during Easter, especially if the Pope happens to pass away, and they even get into the idea of flying taxis—yep, just like in the movies! The guys also share their thoughts on Munich's beer gardens and how politics in the U.S. might be shaking things up globally. Plus, they swap stories about travel costs, grocery shopping, and even a wild theory about China's population. It's a fun, laid-back conversation that covers a bit of everything, so grab a drink, get comfy, and join us for a good time!

**Episode Overview: Southern Summers and Northern Winters Podcast** 

**00:00 - 00:21**: Introduction

- Mark and Anders begin the episode with a casual conversation about their video setup and how things are going.

**00:21 - 01:13**: Easter and the Pope

- Discussion about Easter, the Pope's message, and the hypothetical scenario of visiting Rome when the Pope dies.

**01:13 - 02:25**: Conclave and Vatican Films

- Anders mentions a film called "Conclave" related to the Vatican, which they watched around Easter.

**02:25 - 04:15**: Personal Updates

- Mark shares his Easter activities, including cleaning his office and transforming it into a more productive space.

**04:15 - 06:00**: Tidiness and Productivity

- Anders and Mark discuss their preferences for tidiness and how it affects their productivity.

**06:00 - 08:25**: Flying Cars and Future Technology

- A nostalgic look back at "Back to the Future" and the current developments in flying taxi startups.

**08:25 - 10:58**: Safety Concerns with Flying Vehicles

- Concerns about the safety and regulation of flying taxis and the recent helicopter crash in New York.

**10:58 - 12:59**: Airline Experiences

- Mark talks about his upcoming flight with Cebu Pacific and the experience of flying on a densely packed plane.

**12:59 - 16:22**: Long-Haul Flight Challenges

- Anders shares his experience of a long-haul flight from New Zealand to Denmark and the discomforts of economy class.

**16:22 - 18:28**: Nostalgia for Past Airline Experiences

- A discussion on how air travel used to be more luxurious and the changes over the years.

**18:28 - 20:57**: U.S. Tourism and Politics

- The decline in U.S. tourism and the political implications of the current administration's policies.

**20:57 - 24:03**: Global Manufacturing and Trade

- The challenges of manufacturing in Western countries and the impact of global trade dynamics.

**24:03 - 28:28**: Munich's Beer Culture

- Anders talks about Munich's beer festivals, the history of strong beer, and the city's beer gardens.

**28:28 - 32:29**: Beer Brands and Export Markets

- Discussion on various German beer brands and their presence in international markets.

**32:29 - 36:08**: Dining Out Costs

- Comparing the costs of dining out in Germany and Australia, including the price of beer and meals.

**36:08 - 41:15**: Grocery Prices and Cost of Living

- A look at the cost of groceries in Australia and Germany, and how it affects disposable income.

**41:15 - 45:26**: China's Population Theory

- Mark shares a theory about China possibly overestimating its population and the implications of such a claim.

**45:26 - 49:50**: Global Population Concerns

- Discussion on global birth rates, the potential for underpopulation, and societal changes.

**49:50 - 52:52**: Work-Life Balance and Childcare

- The challenges of balancing work and family life, particularly in Germany, and the infrastructure needed to support working parents.

**52:52 - 56:51**: Saving for Travel

- Strategies for saving money for travel and the importance of prioritizing experiences.

**56:51 - 59:15**: Travel Plans and Destinations

- Mark discusses his travel plans and the decision-making process for choosing destinations.

**59:15 - 1:02:10**: Indonesia's New Capital

- Brief mention of Indonesia's plan to build a new capital city due to Jakarta's environmental challenges.

**1:02:10 - 1:02:38**: Closing Remarks

- Anders and Mark wrap up the episode, inviting listeners to engage with them on social media and share feedback.

We have a brand new YouTube channel, so check out how it looks when we record:

https://www.youtube.com/@ssnwpodcasts

Find us on socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssnwpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567308293160

Read More
Episode 16: Cyclones in Queensland, Beer culture and current affairs

Welcome to another episode of "Southern Summers and Northern Winters," where we dive into the fascinating contrasts and shared experiences between different cultures and climates. In this episode, Mark and Anders explore a wide range of topics, from the art of perfecting YouTube videos and music recordings to the joys and challenges of travel planning. They discuss the unique weather patterns in Australia, including the impact of typhoons on the Gold Coast, and share insights into the vibrant culture of the region. The conversation also touches on the cultural differences in alcohol consumption between Australia and Europe, highlighting the relaxed European approach compared to the more regulated Australian norms. As they reminisce about past travels and plan future adventures, Mark and Anders offer a glimpse into the excitement and intricacies of exploring new destinations. Whether it's the allure of Bali, the historical charm of Prague, or the seismic wonders of Iceland, this episode is packed with travel tales and cultural insights that will inspire your wanderlust. So sit back, relax, and join us on this journey through Southern Summers and Northern Winters.

**Episode Overview: Southern Summers and Northern Winters** 

**00:00 - 00:25**: The episode begins with a discussion on the iterative process of recording, whether for YouTube or music, and the balance between perfection and maintaining a natural vibe.

**00:25 - 01:37**: Mark shares his current situation of living temporarily in a different town due to house repairs, likening it to a mini holiday. He talks about plans to explore local pubs and clubs.

**01:37 - 03:15**: The conversation shifts to weather events in Australia, specifically a recent typhoon in Queensland and its impact on the beaches, including efforts to restore them before the Easter holidays.

**03:22 - 04:44**: Anders inquires about the Gold Coast, and Mark explains its geographical location and significance as a surfing destination, drawing comparisons to Miami.

**04:44 - 06:23**: Anders and Mark discuss their travel experiences in Australia, particularly around Brisbane and Cairns, and the differences in climate between northern and southern regions.

**06:23 - 08:42**: The conversation moves to European weather, with Anders mentioning the arrival of spring in Germany and the unique climate of Freiburg.

**08:42 - 10:07**: Anders shares excitement about the reopening of a local beer garden in Munich after five years, highlighting the cultural significance of beer gardens in Germany.

**10:07 - 12:31**: The discussion turns to the cost of beer in Germany compared to Australia, touching on the impact of taxes and cultural differences in alcohol consumption.

**12:31 - 14:43**: Mark and Anders discuss the high cost of cigarettes in Australia due to taxes, leading to a black market, and compare it to smoking habits in Europe.

**14:43 - 16:10**: Anders describes the relaxed European attitude towards alcohol, contrasting it with stricter regulations in Australia and the U.S.

**16:10 - 18:21**: The conversation explores cultural differences in public alcohol consumption, with Anders describing Father's Day traditions in Germany.

**18:21 - 20:53**: Mark and Anders discuss the challenges of alcohol regulations in Australia and the impact on social activities and businesses.

**20:53 - 24:07**: The topic shifts to the dependency on air travel, with Anders mentioning a recent closure of Heathrow Airport and the impact of strikes in Germany.

**24:07 - 28:52**: Mark shares insights on airline strikes in Australia and the unique challenges faced by Bali Airport due to volcanic activity.

**28:52 - 31:10**: The conversation touches on the potential development of a second airport in Bali and the impact of seismic activity on travel.

**31:10 - 34:11**: Mark and Anders discuss their experiences with volcanoes, including trips to New Zealand and Iceland, and the impact of volcanic ash on air travel.

**34:11 - 37:59**: The discussion moves to the logistics of living on remote islands and the challenges of supply and demand, contrasting it with the convenience of urban living.

**37:59 - 42:49**: Mark talks about his upcoming travel plans to Bali and the importance of staying updated for his Bali-focused website and Facebook group.

**42:49 - 45:55**: The excitement of travel planning is discussed, with Mark sharing his methods for keeping travel goals visible and motivating.

**45:55 - 48:39**: Anders shares his upcoming travel plans to Prague and Tuscany, discussing the challenges of booking accommodations.

**48:39 - 51:01**: The conversation reflects on historical changes in Prague since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the cultural experiences of visiting the city.

**51:01 - 52:10**: The episode concludes with a discussion on favorite airports, highlighting Singapore's Changi Airport for its amenities and convenience.

Catching up Mark and Anders discuss the current weather in Australia, beer culture in Europe vs elsewhere, beer gardens, global current affairs and favorite airports.

We have a brand new YouTube channel, so check out how it looks when we record:

https://www.youtube.com/@ssnwpodcasts

Find us on socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssnwpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567308293160

Read More
Episode 10: Bangkok, Thailand, German Highways etc

This week we chat about Marks recent experiences in Bangkok, some experiences from German highways and much much more.

Which side of the road is the right side to drive?

The sound in Marks end is a bit problematic. We are working on that!

Some links for todays episode:

Bangkok Chao Phraya Princess Night Dinner Cruis vi.me/NodEh

Airport transfers with booking.com https://tinyurl.com/23gsn95o

We have a brand new YouTube channel, so check out how it looks when we record:

https://www.youtube.com/@ssnwpodcasts

Find us on socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssnwpodcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567308293160

Read More