Explosions Galore

It appears there are fewer people in Munich now that it's between the holidays. However, that doesn't apply to the sound levels as many of those remaining are shooting off fireworks around the clock. Right now, it's 12:14 a.m. and I hear explosions all around me.

Since German's don't have a 4th of July celebration, they save their popping sensibilities for the beginning of the New Year. Everybody from grocery stores to boutique shops sell fireworks - and not just the small kind. I'm talking airborne rockets, mountainous fountains and spiraling canons. And because I don't want to be left behind come midnight on New Year's Eve, I bought what we Kansans call a Saturn Missle to be launched when the clock strikes 12.

I only wish others shared my enthusiasm for lighting up on the appropriate holiday and not at 12:16 a.m. on a Saturday night. I haven't been able to sleep since returning to Munich - and the fireworks don't help. So, it looks like it's going to be a long few days with no sleep and explosions galore.