Salta, Stuttgart, Sting and Beveridges

How did we make the decision to add Stuttgart, Germany to an itinerary that is focused on South America, Central Europe and Africa? 

It starts in Salta, Argentina of course. 

Little did we know that chewing coca leaves, riding in an open air bus at 13,000+ feet and eating “goat” (most probably rabbit) stew would lead us to Stuttgart.  Reading that Sting was going to be in concert there, right when we were going to be in the area, sealed the deal.  Stuttgart was added.  We could see our new coca chewing friends, the Beveridges, yes the Beveridges (you gotta like people with that name) and see one of the most talented musicians around.    

We met Philip and Gisela Beveridge on a day tour to a high altitude area outside Salta.  We sucked on coca leaves together, stuck our head out the top of our bus to take in the unbelievable geography and then, fast forward a few months, ate Gisela’s home cooking.

It was a fantastic time reminiscing about our day together in Argentina, discussing local politics, learning about their lives and meeting their daughter.  We were surprised when this talented young woman showed us a huge American flag hanging above her bed.  It was moving and a bit weird to see our stars and strips in a Stuttgart bedroom.  But she had a great experience in Wisconsin as a foreign exchange student.  Yet another great German young person!  Their son is too by the way.

The next night was the Sting concert!  At the Posche Arena!  He was touring with the London Symphony Orchestra and the show an amazing display of musicality.  It was one of the best we have ever seen.  But the crowd was really different then we’re used to.  Even with Sting’s divine vocals they were quiet and they showed only a little excitement over his fabulous songs.  We were wowed by the strings, horns and antics of the orchestra but the Stuttgart audience was a bit stoic.  For us it was an unforgettable evening.  We were alone in our seat dancing and yoo hooing but we didn’t care.  We showed our enthusiasm as only a couple of middle aged Americans can. 

From being high on coca leaves to enjoying the home and company of our friends from Stuttgart it was great journey.  A couple of Beveridges with Sting as the cherry on top made for a worthwhile worldly detour.