The Most Controversial High-End Purchase: A Story from a 1980s Scouting Trip

Back in 1980, a group of youthful adventurers from the Scout Movement in Germany embarked on an exciting journey to Prague, Czechoslovakia. This was not your typical educational excursion—it was a thrilling adventure fraught with challenges and cultural insights.

The Forbidden Currency Exchange

As an organized group, our team was treated differently from the local populace. We were exempt from exchanging Deutschmarks into Krona at the official rate of 1 DM to 5 Krona. This newfound financial advantage allowed us to approach our shopping spree with a certain air of luxury. However, as one does, when faced with rules, there is usually a workaround.

Through a local fixer, we obtained an illegally favorable exchange rate of 1 DM to 13 Krona. With this trailblazing deal, we were able to access government-run shops in Prague, where Western goods were sold at a substantial markup. These items were simply unaffordable to the average Czechoslovakian, making our stash of Western currency a treasure worth its weight in gold.

The 'Wanna Change' Craze

The illegal currency exchange trick was a staple at the weirdest of seeming locations. It was a common sight for tourists to catch bartering deals while standing side by side, waiting for pedestrian lights to change. In the men's toilets too, rumors circulated that some bartered at the urinal. This quirky scene was a testament to the adventurous spirit of those times.

Not only was the exchange rate a game changer, but it also allowed us to enjoy the finer aspects of life in post-Cold War Prague. We quickly realized that our purchasing power was roughly equivalent to the German market, making luxury items much more accessible.

The Most Controversial Purchase: Crimean Champagne

Among the highlights of our trip was the acquisition of Crimean champagne. The alcohol section in Prague listed it at 50 Krona, while it was sold for around 50 DM in Germany. It was a bargain priced at just 3.85 DM! This unexpected treasure was celebrated among our group, particularly after a quick calculation showed just how much we had saved.

Although the champagne tasted rather bland and fizzy, it was met with disappointment by some, even to the point of someone washing their hair with it in the shower. This humorous moment highlights the extent to which we were "filthy wealthy" compared to the local population.

Casual Corruption at the Border

Our trip culminated in a series of events at the border, which brought home the full extent of our adventure. As we trekked back to Germany, our driver grew anxious and lost focus, causing us to miss out on a cultural visit to Castle Karlstein. Eventually, with the help of a local fixer, we bypassed the corrupt officers and made it across the border unhindered, much to the amusement of our tour leader.

As we reflect on this journey, it is clear that our adventure was a mix of cultural exploration and illegal shenanigans. In hindsight, it was the most controversial excursion of its kind, setting the stage for many memorable stories and lessons learned.