Cautionary tales: beware of Neanderthals during drupa BBQ

Neanderthal Man, the Romans, Henry VIII and Napoleon are all likely to feature prominently at Printing Industries supa drupa Aussie Night BBQs.

This auspicious quartet all have the two strong connections with drupa. The first is Düsseldorf itself which has variously hosted all of them in one incarnation or another over time. The second is as anecdotes from Printing Industries supa drupa travel agent, Gerd Wilmer, (pictured) a self-confessed history buff with many an illuminating story to tell.

Gerd, a proud descendant of Neanderthal man (and possibly the Romans, Henry VIII and Napoleon) will be on hand at the BBQs to supervise the meat burning rituals and to indulge his passion for local German history.

"The first skeleton of this pre-historic species was discovered 10km east of Düsseldorf in 1856. You can visit the Museum by public transport from Mönchengladbach or Düsseldorf, admission 7 Euro. Neanderthal Man died out some 30,000 years ago when Homo Sapiens – that's us – took over," he said.

"Though the area around Düsseldorf has continuously been inhabited all this time, there is not much evidence other than archaeological finds. At the time when Greek and later Roman philosophers were contemplating the finer things in life, the northern parts of Europe were covered with impenetrable forests and swamps and inhabited by hardy tribes who were known for only two things: brawling and drinking. Nothing much has changed!

"History, legends and religion were passed by word of mouth. The only written account we have of the early times is from a Roman historian Tacitus who in 98 AD published "De origine et situ Germanorum", collecting works from other authors as well as documenting oral stories.

"As the Roman Empire expanded north, its borders were the Rhine and Main Rivers. There are many remnants of Roman settlements near Düsseldorf, but mostly on the western side of the Rhine. The most famous one is Cologne, just 40 kms south. Though there was a province called 'Germania' there were only a few fortifications further east. "

Gerd said the Romans made one serious attempt to conquer the North and East of the country in 9AD when three Legions under Varus crossed the Rhine and moved East. They did not get very far.

"Some 200 kms east of Düsseldorf, the legions were wiped out by the combined German tribes under the leadership of Armin, also called Hermann. The Romans never returned and the Germans went back to what they did before the Roman invasion: fighting amongst themselves and drinking."

So what of Napoleon? You may have to attend the Aussie BBQ to find out or ask Gerd when you book you supa drupa travel or accommodation arrangements

Online BBQ bookings can be booked here or by contacting Theresa at Printing Industries on (02) 8789 7300 and by e-mail: supadrupa@printnet.com.au  Drupa is held from over two weeks from 29 May - 11 June 2008 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Gerd or Helmut at Landmark Travel can be contacted on (02) 9977 7100 for travel and accommodation assistance.