If you Ask Jeeves where the doughnut comes from, it seems at first glance that it could have been a Dutch export to the USA. Look down the links a little further and other theories emerge. Maybe the Indians first struck upon the idea of putting a hole through their fried cakes. The origins of the doughnut (or ‘donut’) seem to be shrouded in mystery. Except, that is, for my resident expert – Bud – who is quite sure that this particularly fattening delicacy first came from BERLIN.
And it was there, in a speech at the Berlin Wall on 26 June 1963 that John F. Kennedy showed his support for the city by declaring “Ich bin ein Berliner”, meaning to say “I’m a Berliner” (like “I’m a New Yorker” or “I’m a Londoner”). Unfortunately for him, by a little quirk of German grammar, you miss out the word “ein” when giving your origin or nationality. What he should have said was, “Ich bin Berliner”. What he actually said was “ I am a doughnut!” For ‘Berliner’ is also the name of the famous doughnut.
In a similar story, two centuries ago, it seems that Napolean’s brother Louis Bonaparte felt the need to utter a few words in Dutch when he became King of Holland in June 1806. Addressing the crowds, he tried to say “Ik ben uw koning” (“I am your king”) but mispronounced the word ‘koning’ and said ‘konijn’ instead, solemnly declaring to his new subjects: “I am your rabbit!”
Love stories like that, don’t you? So, we went to Berlin – seven to eight hours drive along the green, green E50 route that runs all the way from Amsterdam past Hanover to the old/new German capital.
I loved the place. And I experienced something very unexpected. But it’ll be tomorrow before I can tell you more…
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