Germans, Polish go to 'naked' war

[Jaga]

London, July 31 (PTI) Decades after the Second World War, Germans and Polish are at war again -- and this time it's a "naked" battle.
Well, a resort shared by Germany and Poland has sparked a row between citizens of the two nations after Polish sun-bathers have actually objected to Germans stripping off on the famous Usedom beach.

While Germans love nothing more than letting it all hang out in the sunshine, it's the opposite for the Polish who prefer to cover up and keep their modesty.

According to leading German website 'BILD.Com', the liberal Germans are outraged by their Polish neighbours and their conservative ways and vowed to hang on to their freedom by simply refusing to cover up any of their white bits.

"It's a nudist beach. It's terrible, that the Poles come over dressed and stare," British newspaper the 'Daily Star' quoted 44-year-old German Elke Bernholz as telling the popular portal.

Added fellow German Ines Mller: "You feel like an ape in a zoo. The Poles come with their binoculars, stare and swear." But, Polish think that the proud Germans have no shame. "It's horrible. We would never bathe naked -- we are Catholic," said 28-year-old Anja, a resident of Poland.

However, authorities hope to put an end to the saucy war by displaying signs in both languages clearly explaining which areas are naked and which are not. PTI

[Jaga]

there is a dfference in the culture habits between Poles and Germans. I remember how shocked I was to see half-naked women and men in some everyday situations in Germany. In Poland we do not do it but because of that such behavior causes also quite a shock and unhealthy curiosity

[Atlantis5]

Aug 1, 2008 16:13:41 GMT -7 Jaga said:

there is a dfference in the culture habits between Poles and Germans. I remember how shocked I was to see half-naked women and men in some everyday situations in Germany. In Poland we do not do it but because of that such behavior causes also quite a shock and unhealthy curiosity

I think perhaps at this moment carry a few still of bent head hairs from the swatting Anna gave me for the use of a nice lady undressed to the waist upon my computer. She was of very nice appearance and very tasteful, but, as a matter of prevention of another 30 years war, it was shortly there after removed.

Still do I marvel but, with respect, for others to be offended by our bodies that nature has given us. It is nothing of exhibitionism or nasty or of sexual. But should not be abused with a manner of intention of hurt to another, or stroll onto a publik roadway with intent of malicious, for the police will indeed make short work of that freedom.

But, on the beach, it is so what? It allows for the least of short-time, to be with nature, to feel the breeze flow past and with this, the tension of modern living/working to dissipate. If those of decision of personal preference, to be clothed partially or wearing only that of bathing apparel, so be it.

Personally, I freeze! Or in the case of a very hot day, it is easy to become burnt by sun, and wind. As so as protection against the elements, yes, I wear a loose upper shirt and some thing over my bottom, for it will take a good 3 or 4 days to heal up a good sun burn on the bottom and in-between this time, it is pure hell to set and work effectively with out crying.

But, there is a time and place for all things, it should be with good conscience. If it becomes offensive to others, then of course, put some clothing on. {Different place, different people, different customs}.

The following is rather strange, but, not so much as it is our Ossi people once again. But let not of my remarks poison the well of thought, please visit and make for your selves of your own conclusion.

www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/0,1518,531807,00.html

Charles

[Jaga]

Charles,

I agree. This might be just a difference in culture between you and your wife

[Jaga]

Here is more about naked war

www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/28/germany.poland

Europe: Grin and bare it, German naturists tell Poles

For decades, Germans holidaying on the white sandy beaches of Usedom have opted to leave their swimming trunks at home. Their penchant for naked bathing is nothing unusual in a country where naturism is popular and seen as, well, natural.

But this summer, border controls between Germany and Poland were dismantled as part of the Schengen agreement. Now flocks of Poles stroll along the leafy coastal paths to nearby German towns - and many are shocked by what they see.

"It is unheard of. People sunning themselves in the nude! And right on the coast, where normal people go walking," Stanislawa Borecka, a 63-year-old from the Polish town of Szczecin, told the Märkische Allgemeine newspaper. "What should I tell my grandson?"

But for Germans of all ages who enjoy swimming and sunbathing on naturist - or FKK (free body culture) - beaches, the disapproving glances from Polish walkers are incomprehensible and intrusive.

"It's an FKK beach. It's awful that fully dressed Polish people come and stare at us," said 46-year-old Elke Bernholz.

Naturism is so popular on the Baltic coast island of Usedom that German travel agent OssiUrlaub selected it as a destination for its first nudist charter flight, a trip which was later cancelled because of "moral concerns".

The culture clash between the border towns is a recent phenomenon. Many cheered in December, when the barbed-wire fence was dismantled as part of the Schengen deal.

"Finally we can cross the border without passport controls," said Szczecin's mayor, Janusz Zmurkiewicz.

Little did he know that some German tourists prefer to stroll in their birthday suits. With the FKK beach lying close to the border, some naturists have strayed on to the Polish beach. For many, that is a step too far.

"It is disgusting," said Edward Zajac, a Szczecin politician who wants to move the FKK beach from the Polish border.

But the Germans, who have been unfolding their towels on the beach year in year out, are unlikely to want to move. For the time being, authorities plan to put up signs marking the boundaries of the nudist beach - in both German and Polish.