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MUNICH28 th IELA CONGRESS & 2 nd PARTNERING EVENTWelcome to our cityGEMÜTLICHKEITThere is a word which aptly describes the Bavarian way of life: “Gemütlichkeit”. Unfortunatelythere is no fitting synonym. Relaxation, peace, satisfaction…. none of these words come close.“Gemütlichkeit” can’t really be translated into English either. That’s presumably because this is nota definition or expression we’re talking about, but an emotion. We’ll try to describe it. Imagine awarm summer evening, sitting on plain wooden benches under centuries-old chestnut trees in thecompany of your closest friends and a cool mug of beer. It’s the simple things that count. It doesn’tmatter who has achieved more or who is better-educated. It’s also irrelevant who is wealthier ormore beautiful. Here you can just be yourself.And if you look around in a Bavarian beer garden, then you will find that this feeling isomnipresent. Hundreds of people from all walks of life and different religions, in elegant businesssuits or in flip-flops and shorts, all sitting peacefully and harmoniously side by side, enjoying thisexact same feeling of simply being here.We’re looking forward to IELA 2013 in our hometown and we hope that after your trip you willknow what “Gemütlichkeit” feels like. When we enjoy and experience summer in the city togetherunder centuries-old chestnut trees in the company of good friends and a cool beer.Barbara and Christoph Rauch20IELAREPORT71