Nostalgia time!
> Late afternoon, 31 April 2005
> Be my wife & I, near Neckarsteinach, while home on two weeks leave, trying to decide between the train ride or a room.
> Buy a liter of apfelkorn, drink half.
> Notice a metal-as-fuck squad of viking-types heading up the mountain, towards a set of ruins we hadn't visited yet.
> Opt to shadow them, but they quickly outpace us. No matter, an increasing volume of black metal leads the way.
> Spot the ruins, with a large bonfire being built in the center, and already dozens of drunken & partying heathens.
> Approach the entry guards; two massive hulks studded with enough spikes, that a mere sidehug would cause exsanguination.
> Payment expected, money not accepted; instead we offer a bottle of versinthe (anise-free absinthe) from my ruck that I'd been saving.
> Do shots of pure 170proof with guards, no chaser. Avoid severe beating and gain entry.
> While trying to catch breath and not puke, we're approached by a bevy of Pagans. They want to welcome us with more strong drink, and insist on joining them in hearty praises to the gods, not being satisfied until my diaphragm begins experiencing muscle failure.
> Become suspicious we'll be sacrificed later.
> Night falls & bonfire lit; with more heathens, pagans, robed-druids, and OGs who looked like the got lost on the way to a Burzum reunion.
> At some point, mushrooms & truffles are offered, and accepted. Suspicions grow.
> Fights erupt. Polizei sirens in the distance, followed by flashlights heading up the mountain.
> Unass the AO further uphill, and find a smaller & more intact ruins, which are still open, which was occupied by four normal dudes around their own camp stove, and their trekking bikes.
> Are invited to join & watch the show below, despite our obvious condition.
> Sound of battle erupts, as the revel is interrupted by polizei in riot gear. Much cursing & crashing from the woods as vikings flee overweight cops.
> Silence settles, suspicion we're about to be Hostel'd grows. Fear intensifies.
> Hash appears from somewhere, fear vanishes, friends are made, the night ends, and a morning trainride home while still tripping balls is somehow accomplished.
> Phone rings early Monday. Surprise 50% urinalysis! NO LEAVE EXCEPTIONS.
> Show up sweating & nearly pissing myself with fear. Told to fall out of formation as an NCO observer in the latrines. Nearly piss myself with relief.
> Go home, promptly book Amsterdam visit. Best R&R ever.