Everyone needs a vacation from time to time, so why should your
loyal bedtime companion -- teddy bear or otherwise -- be any
different? Exactly, thought one German couple, who have started a
unique business.
Teddy bears are hard workers. Whatever you're going through --
illness, exams, unrequited love -- your teddy is always there, ready
for a cuddle. Their quiet stoicism deserves a reward, say German
entrepreneurs Christopher Böhm and Elke Verheugen. And they've got
just the thing -- a nice, relaxing vacation in the Bavarian capital,
Munich.
"Often, bears or other stuffed toys have gone through a lot," Böhm
said. "They've been squashed, their ears have been chewed, or
they've got a small tear along a seam. A vacation is a great
opportunity for those button-eyes to see something different for a
change."
For a fee, Böhm and Verheugen will host your favorite toy in their
Munich apartment for a week. And there's no need to worry about
Teddy's wellbeing during his stay.
The couple have worked out an action-packed itinerary that includes
sightseeing, game evenings, a visit to a beer garden, and a mini
language course to become acquainted with the local lingo.
Other activities are chosen according to the bear's personality, and
include things such as fishing, golfing, painting, or for the more
adventurous type, bungee jumping and paragliding.
A photo album documenting your bear's vacation is included in the
price, which ranges from 99 euros ($122) for bears from Germany, to
149 euros for toys travelling from overseas.
Böhm says Teddy-in-Munich's main clientele are women between the
ages of 30 and 60. And business seems to be booming -- around every
four weeks, the couple hosts a tour group of between eight to 12
toys.
"The people like this crazy business," Böhm said.