कैम्पिंग की यादें ताजा हो गईं

Camping is always an adventure for me!

As a little child at the campsite, it was normal for me to see older people there, to help in case of emergency, just as I always received help. Even if we didn't speak the same language, I always ended up with my parents, I always helped with pushing when the caravan had to be pushed out of the pitch. Camping was an adventure without language barriers, it was done with gestures, shared schnapps, or a corkscrew that the neighbor was missing.

Today I miss this kind of camping, the solidarity of the campers. The mover has replaced so many conversations, changed so many new acquaintances. I'm a bit nostalgic because 15 years ago these things were still normal.

When I wanted to help a Dutch camper in Vienna in 2005 to push his caravan, he waved me off saying that everything was electric now.

But where has the community spirit gone when I arrive at an anonymous, huge campsite, my pitch next to a power supply with a Euro plug, and even water (and if necessary, GAS!) is provided?

If the pitch promises me 100 square meters or more and the mover limits contact with the neighbors to a "Good morning"?

Please don't get me wrong, I also don't like it when the neighbor's caravan or motorhome can look into my kitchen and sleeping area from a distance of 30 cm. (Bibione and Lido di Jesolo campers know what I mean!)

I appreciate that in other countries different distance rules apply because of the gas, which also make sense for small children and dogs,

But camping has now become more like glamping, most campers have been overwhelmed with their new vehicles since Corona, they do not know the atmosphere of the past, they do not know the helpfulness that distinguishes other generations.

When we were traveling with Palumbi in Alsace for the first time in 2006 and needed help to push the caravan into the right position without the too weak towing vehicle, there they were, the helpers, who were certainly a post-war or even wartime generation. The people back then just helped, the license plate was not important, the nationality didn't matter. It wasn't about Germans and French people, but about a camper who needed help pushing.

I will never forget THAT DAY, because I myself arrived in France with some prejudices. It opened my eyes, camping is not luxury, I also don't understand how campsites can charge money for services that are not charged in other regions. Camping is cosiness, sociability, community for me. It's not about the best spot near the toilets or the fastest access to the beach.

I can understand if long-standing campers now turn to other providers, because I also share the hope that this kind of community still exists!

I know what it's like when another camper shares tools or gives tips, it is essential. When we help each other without any expectation, because we have all been in the situation where the caravan had to be pushed, or the camper had to be maneuvered or towed out of the mud or wet grass.

I miss that, commerce has changed so much!

Today, many experienced campers rarely share their secret tips, there are few shared bottles of wine because the corkscrew is missing...