The title for this post, Augenweide, is German for a “A joy to behold”. (Actually, the literal Dutch translation is “A lust for your eyes” – which may be more appropriate). In any case, it was the word that came to mind as I sat in ‘Gloria’ looking at several hundred handsome men, some dancing, some just socialising. ‘Gloria’ is the name of the venue of the annual “Butch and Bear Disco”, which is part of the Bear weekend in Cologne. The weekend was over before we knew it, and was – as ever – a lot of fun.

Having come to the Bear weekend in Cologne for the past 7 years, I’ve seen it grow from a relatively small event to what is now probably the major bear-event in Europe. And it seems there are more nationalities each year.

We arrived in Cologne on Friday afternoon, on a slightly delayed train. “We” in this case means the Amsterdam contingent: Wim, Nick, Frits, Niels, Frank, Mark,Cees, Jan and myself. After we dropped our stuff at our respective hotels, we wandered around town, showing Cees some of the sights including, but not limited to the Humana thrift shop. Dinner was at Taormina (we like our traditions to be – well, traditional) with Frits, Niels, David and Charles, Thomas, Jan and myself. After that, it was off to the disco at ‘Gloria’. And as I said before, it was a great view: all these handsome men, just being friendly – it was great. I stayed till 2:30, and then decided it was time for bed. Jan doesn’t dance (only waltzes), so he went home early.

Next day we were up bright and early – 9:30 actually, but on an occasion such as this, that is bright and early – so we had time to do some shopping. Actually it was more a matter of browsing, because I don’t think we actually bought anything. And after all that walking about, Cees and I went to unwind at the sauna. Jan wasn’t feeling very well, so he cried off and went back to the hotel for a lie-down.

That evening, Saturday, we went to the “Bärennacht”, which is when Mr. Bear germany gets chosen. It’s amazing to see the performances the candidates put on. What they lack in talent, they certainly make up for in enthousiasm. And it does take some guts to get on stage in front of 1500 men watching! In the end somebody won, and I’m sure he’ll be a worthy Mr. Bear. But the real star of the evening is the “Moderator”, or compere of the evening. He comments on everything and just keeps the show bouncing along merrily. I’m just sorry for those in the audience that don’t speak German: they lost out on a lot.

After the show was over, everybody mingled, and I chatted with several friends, both from Germany and elsewehere, as did mostly everyone. Then at 1:30 it was time to get back. The organisation of this event lays on special shuttle buses to take you back to the city centre after the show is over, and the sign on the bus is actually “Bär Express”.

So after a couple more beers in Cox, and chatting to Doug and David from Arlington, it was time to head for bed and get some sleep. Then next morning – after a last coffee at “Quo Vadis” – we left for Amsterdam. I felt a little sad that it was over again for another year, but very happy with the memories of a fun weekend cathing up with old friends – and meeting new ones.

So what’s up next weekend?