Sources in Germany???

jeepdreamer

Expedition Leader
Hi all...
I have orders to get stationed in Germany and wondered if anyone here knows of places or sources to buy stuff Expo related over there? Everything from an RTT (eventually) to Vehicle parts and stuff. Any thoughts, even random one's are appreciated! Thanks in advance!
 

StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
what part of Germany?

I recently spent 4 years over there in the Ramstein/K-town area. I got my RTT, awning etc while over there and was able to pick it up from the wharehouse as it was only about 2 hours from me.

There are VERY few 'shops' that sell offroad stuff since it is very heavily regulated by the TUV for the Germans. They are there, but not in abundance. No 'trail' riding persey, but several 4x4 parks. There is plenty to do in france usually.

Good times.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

I pretty much built both of my vehicles from bone stock to fully rigged while in Germany, its possible, but you have to get creative.

Both of these pics taken right outside of my village we lived in.

SS100280.jpg


DSCN0545.jpg


~ Stump

~ James
 

AFSOC

Explorer
How the heck did you manage to get Tuev for your trucks? Those bullbars are a BIG no no over there :coffee:

The inspections are done by USAEUR. It is fairly stringent by most US standards but is a long way from a TUV inspection.
 

StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
yep...

There was a guy on base with a F350 on 44" boggers. Th OP shouldnt have any trouble since he falls under USAEUR regulation. The only thing they sort of frowned on at inspection was the tires sticking past the fender slightly on my Jeep, but that was a German inspector, not a US guy. He still passed me.

You still have to pass brake tests, lights, no oil leaks, steering components, shocks, exhaust systems, etc etc.
 
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Count Fred

Observer
Not lived in Germany, but lived in Morocco for over a decade and would often fly back and forth thru Germany. I remember us having lots of parts with Därr on them.

Ran their tire cover for a long time on a Land Rover and later a Prado:

Reifenhülle%20mit%20Wüstenfuchs.jpg


I still have some ratchet straps with their name and logo on them, use them every time I strap stuff down. They're probably 15-20 years old now.

Cheers,
JFS III
 

jeepdreamer

Expedition Leader
What'd I miss...?

Thanks guys! Not sure why my email is slow at telling me there are/were responses? Anyhoo...
Stumpy...I may end up driving you nuts with questions...Haha!
I'm slotted to go to Graff when this deployment is over with. Given the small timeline I have to work with and the amount of stuff that must get done while I am back at Ft. Bliss I am concerned I won't have time to do all that needs doing to my scrambler before I put it on the boat. I have worked out most of the game plan but I know some won't happen before boarding time. Between block leave and holidays and clearing post yada-yada-yada...Its gonna be a speed wrench session for me!
So the first of many strange questions is...
Are there any junk yards over there? I can always find some odds and ends to help out on the cost sometimes but being they are so different I have no idea?
From what I have gathered, the TUV is like the evil twin of all the crap that comes out of California Xs 10. Fortunatly I may be shielded a little being military (I hope!) but who knows to what extent?
My main goal is to get all the big, heavy, and really expensive parts either on the jeep or in my HH goods. That will hopefully keep me from killing myself trying to import odd stuff.
I'll have access to the Auto crafts shop (my home away from home usually!) so some things I can handle if I can figure them out and make some friends there. I can weld and fabricate but some AC shops kinda frown on that. I'm planning on bringing my welder and plasma cutter just in case but not sure how I will make the power work.?
Throw me some more ideas and thoughts..
Thanks!
 

BlackCoyote

New member
Hi Jeepdreamer,

if Graff is the Area of Grafenwoehr, there are a Company about 90 km in the north, Taubenreuther (http://www.taubenreuther.com) they are the official Dealer for Warn, ARB, OME, Safari Snorkel, Rhino Rack and others. As i know they support the Army by a special Discount.

Daerr is a Company für Expo Stuff like Shovel, Stove, Sleeping Bag and so on.
Globetrotter also, but more for hiking.

Junk yards are also in Germany, but you will have Problems to find Jeep Parts. The cheapest Way for you is, really to buy your Parts in the US.

Jens
 

StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
Thanks guys! Not sure why my email is slow at telling me there are/were responses? Anyhoo...
Stumpy...I may end up driving you nuts with questions...Haha!
I'm slotted to go to Graff when this deployment is over with. Given the small timeline I have to work with and the amount of stuff that must get done while I am back at Ft. Bliss I am concerned I won't have time to do all that needs doing to my scrambler before I put it on the boat. I have worked out most of the game plan but I know some won't happen before boarding time. Between block leave and holidays and clearing post yada-yada-yada...Its gonna be a speed wrench session for me!
So the first of many strange questions is...
Are there any junk yards over there? I can always find some odds and ends to help out on the cost sometimes but being they are so different I have no idea?
From what I have gathered, the TUV is like the evil twin of all the crap that comes out of California Xs 10. Fortunatly I may be shielded a little being military (I hope!) but who knows to what extent?
My main goal is to get all the big, heavy, and really expensive parts either on the jeep or in my HH goods. That will hopefully keep me from killing myself trying to import odd stuff.
I'll have access to the Auto crafts shop (my home away from home usually!) so some things I can handle if I can figure them out and make some friends there. I can weld and fabricate but some AC shops kinda frown on that. I'm planning on bringing my welder and plasma cutter just in case but not sure how I will make the power work.?
Throw me some more ideas and thoughts..
Thanks!

Yeah, the TUV is tough. Just be glad you are there with the US in terms of vehicle inspection. You will find lots of thing like that, but believe me its an awesome place. Just gotta go there with the right state of mind.

I HIGHLY recommend you taking the heavy/large stuff over there in your HH goods shipment, because as you know you can only get stuff via USPS. they have a 70 pound limit, and pretty small size limits. You can have stuff shipped from the US to your german address, but it will cost you dearly in freight, and then you will have to pay customs fees on top of it. I had to do it many times for certain items. If you get it shipped to your APO via USPS, obviously you are good to go then. You will soon learn (if you havent already...) that many places in the US do not ship to military addresses. Its amazing that those same places take so much "Pride" in their "made in the USA" goods, but are unwilling to ship to the guys and gals who defend the country for which they are 'proud'. Thats another thread though.

I have been to Graf a few times, but dont know much about it. Its a fair ways away from the K-town/Ramstein area. But, you are close to Czech, and I am sure there will plenty of places to explore over there.

The autocraft shops around where I was knew me by first name... I spent a LOT of time there. Made life a lot easier. I also had a 2000 watt inverter with me to run my mig welder. Worked just fine for me while over there. I took all of my stuff with me from the US, tools, tube bender, saws etc. I also bought a Mill and Lathe while there. (We had up to 18K pounds for HHG.) I actually had a small garage at my home, so that was nice to be able to work out of the elements.

The junk yards over there suck. The ones on the economy anyway. Forget anything for a jeep, unless you have an XJ. Even then half the stuff doesnt fit from the euro spec stuff to US spec stuff. I did occasionally get a few parts from the local base junk yard (recycling center...) My area had a HUGE amount of americans there, and subsequently a huge amount of american cars, including junk ones. That is actually where I got my Jeep from. It was a recycling center auction vehicle because it wouldnt pass inspection and the owner didnt want to deal with it. ($12 dollar wheel cylinder).

If you dont LOVE that area of Europe, I dont know why. Its an awesome place. The people are fantastic, but you gotta make an effort to learn the language and break away from the americanized areas near the base! It was a once in a lifetime experience for me for sure, and the wife and I have tentative plans to PCS back to Italy or Spain for another spell once our kid gets older.

Hope you like Beer (yes, it deserves to be capitalized), because they have some of the best in the world there.

After driving in Atlanta traffic today... I have to say I am a little jealous. I do miss the Motherland.

~ Stump
 
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jeepdreamer

Expedition Leader
Great stuff!

Thanks MUCHO Coyote! That will be put to use I am sure. I can only hope the prices are not out of this world. I understand there is some kind of coupon thingy to lower the local tax for GIs...wonder if that applies?
Stumpy! Great stuff and you are correct. Beer is ALWAYS capitalized...Lol! I (thank goodness) only drink Beer...no "hard stuff" less the devil needs to come out! Haha. So I should fit right in.
I am in an odd situation being that I'm almost 40 and a single soldier. Also a big history buff and so I think Germany (and all Europe really) will be a blast for me. The only downside is my HH goods top out at like 5 or 6k! Crap! So I may have to do some hard thinking on what to bring and what not to. "Normal people" stuff is easy...I don't even own a tv! Clothes won't fit me and are mostly torn, burned, or oil stained from wrenching so I won't worry much about that. I would say most of my stuff will be jeep/tool related as long as I can find power. I'd hate to bring something and not have a way to make it work (like the plasma!).
So the on post recycle thing is pretty big huh...Hmm...Wonder what the chances of finding a good, rebuildable diesel is? Something TDI would be nice. Pull all the important stuff before heading back stateside and dropping it into my YJ or Jeepster...:wings:
I'm excited about going even though I had hoped to be heading to Ft. Carson. Being there where it snows and has trees and grass and non-desert country side will be fantastic.
 

StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
Thanks MUCHO Coyote! That will be put to use I am sure. I can only hope the prices are not out of this world. I understand there is some kind of coupon thingy to lower the local tax for GIs...wonder if that applies?
Stumpy! Great stuff and you are correct. Beer is ALWAYS capitalized...Lol! I (thank goodness) only drink Beer...no "hard stuff" less the devil needs to come out! Haha. So I should fit right in.
I am in an odd situation being that I'm almost 40 and a single soldier. Also a big history buff and so I think Germany (and all Europe really) will be a blast for me. The only downside is my HH goods top out at like 5 or 6k! Crap! So I may have to do some hard thinking on what to bring and what not to. "Normal people" stuff is easy...I don't even own a tv! Clothes won't fit me and are mostly torn, burned, or oil stained from wrenching so I won't worry much about that. I would say most of my stuff will be jeep/tool related as long as I can find power. I'd hate to bring something and not have a way to make it work (like the plasma!).
So the on post recycle thing is pretty big huh...Hmm...Wonder what the chances of finding a good, rebuildable diesel is? Something TDI would be nice. Pull all the important stuff before heading back stateside and dropping it into my YJ or Jeepster...:wings:
I'm excited about going even though I had hoped to be heading to Ft. Carson. Being there where it snows and has trees and grass and non-desert country side will be fantastic.

They are called VAT forms (Value Added Tax). You can get up to 10 of them at one time, and I think they used to cost around 20 bucks for 10. You have to turn in the receipts before you are allowed to get more of them. DONT LOSE the receipts! They can be used for larger purchases on the German economy. Basically, they take off the tax that is already applied to the merchandise which if I remember right it is 19%, which is a LOT! Keep in mind, in the US the taxes are added at the time of checkout, so the price on the item is not the total price. In eruope, the VAT tax is already applied to the price. So, if you go on the economy to buy a new hand drill at a Baumarkt (think lowes or home depot), the price listed on the dril is exactly what you pay, unless you use a vat form, then its even cheaper. Most folks dont use a VAT form unless you are spending more than 100 euros, since the VAT forms are not free and the cost/benefit doesnt make much sense.

The Beer is easy to find on the economy, however your PX/BX/Shoppette is your friend for that stuff. Its usually cheaper, as you pay with dollars instead of Euros. However, Jagermeister can be purchased at gas stations and grocery stores and other places, and is dirt cheap. Maybe 8-10 euros for a whole liter. It would cost 4 or 5 times that in the US. Cash (paper money) is king in Europe, and many places dont take visa. Some do, you just gotta pe prepared with cash. If you do find a 4X4 shop, you will find the prices VERY expensive compared to us pricing, unless the product is of German origin. Even with the VAT form, you will probably pay too much. One thing I can think of is I purchased 8 brand new Jerry cans while there, the real deal, not cheaper knockoffs. They are only 14 euros in most Baumarkts. get em while you can, and yes, you can ship them back to the US.

The on base recycling centers can yield some good stuff, you just have to stay on top of them since when the cars do come in, they are stripped pretty quickly by other people. I thought long and hard about swapping my jeep over to a diesel while we were there since they actually make a euro spec cherokee with a diesel and it would have been fairly easy. But, that diesel is a turd, so it wasnt worth it for me.

The weather in Germany... its different. You will start to miss the sun starting this time of the year. Its a long winter. Not a ton of snow, but its cold, wet, and grey. My wife struggled with it quite a bit, but I was ok for the most part. The last winter we had there was pretty rough, especially if you arent used to it. We are both from the south, so it was a little difficult. Lots of rain, Lots of cold, and Lots of clouds. Not to discourage you, because when its nice weather there, its FRIGGIN NICE!

Here is my photobucket albums, you can see some of the wheeling places we went to, just to get an idea of what to expect.

http://s114.photobucket.com/home/topfuel443/allalbums

Check out the albums labeled:

Langenaltheim
Eisenberg
Inor France
Camp 4 Fun

Also, with a 2000 Watt inverter, there are few things you wouldnt be able to run there. Pretty much any hand tool you can think of, and plenty of other machines. If you have a 230volt plasma, that may be difficult. My Mig I had at the time was 110 volts, but the inverter pulled it just fine. I think they make a 3000 watt inverter, but they arent cheap! They issued the 2000 watt to us when we got there.

~ Stump
 

jeepdreamer

Expedition Leader
What I'm talkin' 'bout...

Thanks a bunch Stumpy! Great intel! Funny, I posted similar questions on the Military Jeepers site and even the folks IN Germany haven't come close to this! Haha!!
So I happened to have stumbled (Ahem...) across two inverters here in the sandbox. One says AR-2000 and the other says AR-5000. I'm only guessing but the numbers must reference the Voltage, correct? So either of these should theoretically let me use my Mig or Plasma right? Both are 110 units (Lincoln Mig and Plasma is a Longevety ForceCut 50D) and I know the Mig likes a 20-30 amp breaker. So should I try extra hard to bring these back or should I buy them over there? No idea what they cost...
The weather will really be a nice change for me. I don't mind dreary and rainy and even cold...Just get me the hell away from the desert for a while! LOL! It will be odd to play in mud again though. Being that I'm from Georgia originally I grew up wheeling the goopy stuff but lately its been rocks and scrub of Texass...Had about enough of that. If its gonna be rocks let them be in Colorado!
My Scrambler has an AMC 360 that was swapped in by one of the POs. It looks absolutly stock down to the emmissions crap. I really, REALLY want all that junk to go away since its old enough to not need it anymore. The Jeep originally came with the 4.2 6cyl...Do you see any issues there as far as getting tags and what ever? I'm wanting to ditch the carb for a TBI but wonder what parts availability are over there? Its a GM unit that started life as a Howell kit but I need to gather some more parts to make it complete. The current carb it the factory MotorCrap 2barrel. I also have a nearly new Edelbrock Performer intake and carb to put on as well...Thoughts, Ideas?
Speaking of tags...What do I do for insurance and the plates? I had contacted my current insurer (State Farm) and they don't do overseas coverage? Should I look into USAA or something along the military credit union stuff? How does one get plates over there? I know the drivers test is a bear...I'm already studying for it. But do you apply for the plates and when your vehicle comes in you go pick it up and then put on the plates? Not quite sure how the process goes.
And you said cash is king...Do the ATMs on post spit out Euros or green backs? Both?
Last question this go-round. Gas. Buying on post is less expensive, yes.?. Any wierd stuff involved with that I should know about?
Thanks again..and keep it coming!
 

StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
Thanks a bunch Stumpy! Great intel! Funny, I posted similar questions on the Military Jeepers site and even the folks IN Germany haven't come close to this! Haha!!

The Military Jeepers site is a great way to meet up with the other guys and get groups together for wheeling trips. We had a reaaly good group when we were there, and did all sorts of cool trips (Normandy wheeling, Poland, etc etc.)

So I happened to have stumbled (Ahem...) across two inverters here in the sandbox. One says AR-2000 and the other says AR-5000. I'm only guessing but the numbers must reference the Voltage, correct? So either of these should theoretically let me use my Mig or Plasma right? Both are 110 units (Lincoln Mig and Plasma is a Longevety ForceCut 50D) and I know the Mig likes a 20-30 amp breaker. So should I try extra hard to bring these back or should I buy them over there? No idea what they cost...

The numbers likely refer to the amount of watts they can supply, although I have never seen anything over a 3000 watt inverter. I suppose it could be a 5000 watt though. How big are they physically? My 2000 watt weighed probably 30 pounds, but was only maybe 8 - 10" square. I would imagine a 5000 watt being quite a beast. To be honest, you cant have too much power, so I would go with the biggest you can get. The 2000 watt put out about 20 amps, and was barely enough for my Mig, but it worked. The 3000 watt should put out about 30 amps, and so on. If you can get them from the desert at a "GI Discount" :D, then that is not a bad idea. To purchase a new 2000 watt inverter from say the BX, would cost about $150 dollars. They do have them at the base thrift stores for cheaper, and you can often buy them from folks getting ready to PCS out. I have no idea what the 3000 or even 5000 would cost, but you could bet it wouldnt be cheap.

The weather will really be a nice change for me. I don't mind dreary and rainy and even cold...Just get me the hell away from the desert for a while! LOL! It will be odd to play in mud again though. Being that I'm from Georgia originally I grew up wheeling the goopy stuff but lately its been rocks and scrub of Texass...Had about enough of that. If its gonna be rocks let them be in Colorado!

Yeah, due to the weather, it will mostly be lots of mud. I hate it personally, but it is what it is. There are a few rock gardens around the various 4x4 parks, but nothing too great. Seeing as how close you will be to the Bavarian Alps, definitely want to do a trip to the mountains in the spring. If you are a winter sports person, Garmisch, and Edelweiss is a cool place also. They have trips from RTT travel and the USO going there all the time, and being a single man, those trips will be easy for you to do!

My Scrambler has an AMC 360 that was swapped in by one of the POs. It looks absolutly stock down to the emmissions crap. I really, REALLY want all that junk to go away since its old enough to not need it anymore. The Jeep originally came with the 4.2 6cyl...Do you see any issues there as far as getting tags and what ever? I'm wanting to ditch the carb for a TBI but wonder what parts availability are over there? Its a GM unit that started life as a Howell kit but I need to gather some more parts to make it complete. The current carb it the factory MotorCrap 2barrel. I also have a nearly new Edelbrock Performer intake and carb to put on as well...Thoughts, Ideas?

They dont do an emissions check persey, but they do check to make sure your exhaust system is intact, no holes, and no exhaust leaks. The dont hook up OBDII scanners or anything to newer vehicles either, so I think you will be ok in that regard. Between my wife and I, we had 8 different vehicles while over there, so I spent more time than I wanted to at the vehicle registration/inspection places. It truly depends on who you get at the inspection station as to how easy you will pass or not. If you get some E3 or 4 kid, you will likely have zero issues, as most are too busy thinking about what the weekend holds in store for them. If you get a German guy (they do have local nationals working there), you may have a harder time. Germans are very particular about that kind of stuff....

My advice is this for when you go to have the vehicle inspected:

No oil on the bottom side of the engine. If you have leaks, you better clean it VERY well before taking it up there.

EVERY light on the vehicle has to work

Your braking system has to work quite well, they use a computerized skid pad in K-Town.

Your horn needs to work

Your emergency brake has to work

Your tires shouldnt stick out past the fenders

Your steering/ball joints better be tight. They have someone under the car while you shake the wheel back and forth. If something is sloppy, you fail until you get it fixed.

Thats pretty much it, and sometimes they frown upon rust spots.

If for some reason you fail, they issue a temp tag, and you have 30 days to get it fixed and re-inspected.

Speaking of tags...What do I do for insurance and the plates? I had contacted my current insurer (State Farm) and they don't do overseas coverage? Should I look into USAA or something along the military credit union stuff? How does one get plates over there? I know the drivers test is a bear...I'm already studying for it. But do you apply for the plates and when your vehicle comes in you go pick it up and then put on the plates? Not quite sure how the process goes.

You will definitely need to have the insurance on the vehicle, even before it ships out. I would certainly use USAA, and you might as well do it now. When you get there, and when your vehicle finally gets there, they will let you know. You canalso track your vehicle on the www.wheresmypov.com website. Once it gets there, you will have to go down to veh reg, and they will check that you have insurance within their system (USAA does this all the time). You will have to present them with the "white card" which USAA will issue to you. Once you do all of that, you will then take the vehicle to inspection (usually in the same place). Pass the inspection, and you get a paper saying so. Take that paper to the tag place (same place), pay your 30 dollar fee, and they will issue the Tag right there. You put it on in the parking lot, and you're done. You car will be delivered to the vehicle registration place, so no worries about driving it with no tags. They do run front and rear tags, so make sure you have a place to put them on the front too. Its a pretty darn streamlined process, seeing as how much they do it. This process has taken any where from 45 minutes, to 5 hours from start to finish. Just depends.


And you said cash is king...Do the ATMs on post spit out Euros or green backs? Both?

Yep, the ATMS on post spit out both Euros and Dollars. The euroo rate changes everyday, and they update the exchange rate at 4pm in all the ATMS. I suggest getting an account with Service Credit Union. I worked for them while over there, and its a MUCH better place (less fees, better loan and savings rates) than Community Bank. (Community Bank is operated by Bank Of America). Service Credit Union will take care of you. If you use USAA for banking, you can still do that but there are no branches there.

Last question this go-round. Gas. Buying on post is less expensive, yes.?. Any wierd stuff involved with that I should know about?
Thanks again..and keep it coming!

Ahh yes... Gas. Gas is MUCH MUCH MUCH cheaper on the base. You will pay typically the US national average at the military base for gasoline. Say, about $2.60 per gallon right now. On the economy, you buy it by the liter. And its expensive. When we were there, it was over one euro per liter, which at the time equated to about 8 dollars a gallon. It just depends on the exchange rate, and the gas price.

When we first got there, they had 'gas coupons'. You buy them at the base gas stations for US prices, but you were able to use them at ESSO gas stations on the economy in most places in Germany. Basically, you could buy 25, 50, 100, liter coupon books for the US pricing, and use those coupons to buy fuel on the German economy. They were a pain in the *** because you had to fill out every coupon with your name, address, tag number etc before you used them. The German gas station folks hated them, but they did work.

Now, they use an "esso card" which is issued to you at the time of vehicle registration. That Esso card can only be used for the vehicle in which it is issued with. Basically, you go to the on base gas station, give them the card, and you tell them how much money you would like to put on it, and you can use it on the German economy gas stations. Its basically the same as the coupons, but MUCH easier to deal with. You are only allowed 400 liters per vehicle (at US pricing), per month if I remember right. I think vehicles with V8's are allowed a little more than 400 liters.



Its a lot of information to throw at you, but it will all make sense once you get there and go through orientation. Hopefully you get a good sponsor, ours was a TREMENDOUS help when we arrived there.

~ Stump
 
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AFSOC

Explorer
You can get insurance at Graf. I used USAA, was able to call them from the USAEUR inspection station (at Kapone) and activate. Your rig will be covered by shippers insurance while it's in transit. It will be trucked from Bremmerhaven to Graf.

As far as getting parts, you won't find Howell TBI stuff on the shelves. Internet will be your source. You are able to ship items up to 70LBS to your APO, AE address so freight works out to be from vendor to New York. You have already stated larger items you will bring in HHG.

When you're there have fun. Get the jeep running but don't labor away on it every weekend, stay in motion. Germany is central to all of Europe and travel is so easy. In our four years we "overlanded" all of Europe and the British Isles in a Dodge Grand Caravan every weekend. My four and seven year old kids had been in 23 countries when they returned to the US. Not too many kids in their classes can state the same. Use the trains and busses, it's super easy and keeps you somewhat off the beaten path which enriches your travels and understanding of the cultures.

I am not sure what's available in the eastern part of Germany but we flew the wings of RyanAir out of Hahn. It's a budget airline that would run specials on tickets. Several times we would fly places for 5 euro cents + the local airport landing tax (24 Euro at Hahn). We felt like we could not afford NOT to travel.
 

StumpXJ

SE Expedition Society
I am not sure what's available in the eastern part of Germany but we flew the wings of RyanAir out of Hahn. It's a budget airline that would run specials on tickets. Several times we would fly places for 5 euro cents + the local airport landing tax (24 Euro at Hahn). We felt like we could not afford NOT to travel.

Another good point. Ryan air is your friend. I flew to Stockholm Sweden and back for 18 euros, round trip. The ticket was 0.01 euro cents, and the rest was taxes.

Trains can be expensive to travel on, depending on the destination/departure. Do your research and figure out the bahnhof system.

But its true, I did 19 countries while there, its a great time.
 

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