Drupa tales: last chance to take a puff in the buff

If you're a smoker then enjoy this drupa because it will be the last one held before smoking bans come into force. If you're a nudist – know the rules and keep smiling – there are no bans proposed.

Traditionally Germany has been a smokers' paradise, says Printing Industries supa drupa travel agent, Gerd Wilmer. But all that will change from 1 July this year when smoking bans come into force in restaurants, public buildings and pubs.

"These new laws will only become effective in North Rhine Westphalia (where we are) on 1st July. The smokers are fighting tooth and nail to keep their old privileges," he said.

"The arguments are pretty much the same as we heard in Australia all those many years ago. This being Germany, the discussion is more heated; there is nothing as satisfying as a good brawl."

However, another kind of mist in Düsseldorf is very popular – and far healthier –saunas. But be warned, they are not for the feint hearted or the modest.

"Visiting a Sauna in Germany is very close to the original Finnish version. It is a place of rest and cleaning. Same as you do not wear your swimmers when you take a shower at home, you do not wear them in a sauna either. That there are other people around does not matter," Gerd said.

"Generally there is no separation of the sexes, often not even separate change rooms. It is quite common for children to accompany their parents.

"So if nudity offends, do not go," he said.

Here is a summary of the rules:

•      Clean yourself under the shower and dry yourself thoroughly before entering the cubicle
•      The towel is not there to protect your privates, but to sit on it.
 •     The benches are not painted, but raw untreated wood and absorb any moisture
•      Do not take any reading material or other inflammable material
•      Relax
•      When you had enough go out and jump into the ice cold water
•      Dry yourself and take a rest for at least 15 minutes before going in again (if you want to)

Don't forget to order your supa drupa Aussie BBQ tickets Online BBQ bookings can be made 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–1 June 2008 in Düsseldorf, Germany.  Gerd or Helmut at Landmark Travel can be contacted on (02) 9977 7100 for travel and accommodation assistance.

Last but not least - don't forget to visit the Old City. With 260 pubs and restaurants on an area of around 1 square kilometre, it carries the title of "the longest bar in the world". Don't wanna miss that.