If nothing else, the past few days have been a time to reflect.
As a teenager visiting Munich (or München), one destination was on my list: the Olympic Village.
While most people my age might have been overjoyed at the prospect of being overserved at the Hofbräuhaus, I wanted to see Connollystraße 31 and where history happened — a tragic terrorist attack that left 11 Israeli athletes dead during the 1972 Olympic Games.
It might have been one of the first times I appreciated first-hand the harshness of history.
As I noted in an article several years ago, “There are no T-shirts or magnets or other useless tchotchkes for tourists to buy. In fact, the apartment building at this address doesn’t stand out as particularly significant – if one doesn’t know the history of what happened here.”
In presenting about railroad history, I often talk about how the events of yesterday shaped — and continue to shape — the world we know today. Whether it’s railroads or geopolitics, we live in a world built by decisions — both good and bad — those who preceded us made.
It’s not a particularly visionary sentiment, but we often neglect to understand the past and its impact on today. Yet, it doesn’t always stop us — as in the collective us — from opining on world affairs.
I’ve said multiple times the most significant aspect of traveling isn’t the number of photographs you take — which is a shame for me. Rather, it’s how it makes you see the world; it’s about thinking.
Believe it or not, it’s possible to think about the world — and ponder a different point of view — and not change your perspective. Seeing the world and reflecting on the past can help reinforce our perspective.
I often recall that summer day in Munich. We almost didn’t see Connollystraße 31; it was hard to find since it wasn’t in the tourist guide.
However, I insisted we walk in circles to find the location, and I’m glad we did. As a teenager, I’m not sure I understood the impact of the tragedy that transpired at this location just two decades before I arrived at the location.
It’s been three decades since I stood in front of the building, and I’m not sure I understand it any better. But I am glad I had the opportunity to pay my respects.