I am -so- busted!

March 3 2004

This morning in Munich, several of us leftover from the Admin/Developer Konferenz went on a walking tour of the city.  The group included Bob Balaban, Karen Hobert, Kim Greene, George Chiesa, Florian Lier, all of Penumbra Group,  and myself.  We had a great tour guide, and he took us to a huge number of great architectural sites in just two hours time.  Learned a lot of history, too.  Lunch in the touristy-but-good Rathskeller, and from there, we paid a visit to the nearby "Viktualienmarkt".  The stalls included a wide array of the standard fruit/vegetable/cheese/flower stands.  A number of nice photography opportunities ensued.
However, for one of my photos, I was sobusted!  Normally, I have a hard time taking pictures of people, because it feels a bit intrusive.  But standing in the market, we noticed a really interesting looking character, standing by one of the fountains, eating lunch.  So I pulled the camera out and tried to discreetly take the picture.
Image:I am -so- busted!
Unfortunately, somehow, I was noticed.  The man started yelling in our direction, starting with "papparazzi" and moving on from there.  Bob tried to translate for me, and it sounded like the guy was pretty upset.  He turned and approached our group, and I was suddenly worried that my camera, or I, were in danger.
As it turned out, this man, whose name is Mr. Michael Behr, just wanted a copy of my photo.  He switched to English when he arrived at our group, and actually we all had a very nice conversation (as my heart rate settled back closer to normal).  He must be photographed a lot, because in his wallet, he had preprinted slips of paper with his address and phone number, and he handed one to me, with the request that I send him a copy of the picture.  Bob (or was it George) asked him if he had e-mail instead, especially after I handed him an IBM business card.  He said he was a technician, but retired now that he is 67, and he has no use for e-mail.  
Mr. Behr, I will send you a printed copy of my photo, somehow, soon.  In the meantime, here you are in the subsequent picture that you insisted we pose for, and an extra one where you asked one of the ladies (Kim) to join in.
Image:I am -so- busted!                     Image:I am -so- busted!
I have a few dozen other pictures from touring Munich the last couple of days; I'll have them posted either later today (US time) or by the weekend.

Ed Brill | Viktualienmarkt, München Category:  Travel  Add/View Comments [12]

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  1. 1  Duffbert  | 3/3/2004 8:31:08 PM

    ... without worrying about you starting some international incident that could potentially cause us to send over the peacekeeping troops... :-)

  1. 2  dgg  | 3/3/2004 8:56:48 PM

    If you can squeeze it in, drink a good beer for me, then let me know just how good it was (had the best beer I've ever had in my life while in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, not too far from Munich).

    dgg

  1. 3    | 3/4/2004 1:41:09 AM

    thats... santa claus!

  1. 4  Ned Speed  | 3/4/2004 6:44:59 AM

    Was really curious about this guy, so did a Google search... only problem was all hits were in German! Dear me...

  1. 5  StoneMan  | 3/4/2004 11:19:13 AM

    This could be my long lost Uncle Mike from the old country. You see, I was conceived in Germany back in the 60's. Born in the USA. Haven't been back since so I'm jealous.

    Enjoying the news.

  1. 6  Bruce Elgort http://www.BruceElgort.com | 3/4/2004 12:32:02 PM

  1. 7  M.I.L  | 3/4/2004 8:23:45 PM

    You are lucky that your camera did not land in his coffee cup! In your defense, ANYONE would have tried to snap a photo of him...what a charachter!

    These 3 photos are winners...please help me find the rest.

    Glad all went well......

    heART, MIL

  1. 8  Ed Brill www.edbrill.com | 3/5/2004 7:37:04 AM

    http://photos.yahoo.com/ka9taw

    One content correction on this story -- Florian Lier is part of Penumbra Group as well.

  1. 9  vowe  | 3/6/2004 2:55:34 PM

    Much better idea than adding another useless stamp to the passport. :-)

  1. 10  LiRu http://googled michael behr too- | 3/28/2009 7:23:28 PM

    what a character- but very funny, yet humble. i have photos as well, as i tried to sneak one... he totally knows! he's watching every step you make as you try to act like you're not taking his photo. he yodeled for us, and wanted photos as well. he gave us a business type of card. the one thing is... he said he was a retired physics teacher! (?) no kids, i didn't ask if he had a wife-

    anyway, i was told he needed kilt type pins to keep the clothes together better. if i find a deal, i may try to send some off... :) cracks me up- anyway, the story goes on. march 09'

  1. 11  ALBERTO http://www.amarantevini.ch | 2/28/2011 4:44:26 AM

    I had the same experience :O)

    I've done two pictures to a folkloristic man who called me with a sever Deutsche...I thought the worst things when he called me but...as for you...he wanted just to receive an e-mail with him pictures..

    This man is fantastic! and I would share my pictures here but i can't find the way.Thanks Alberto