2023-07-21 -- Olympiapark

Despite being in Munich in 1978, I missed the opportunity to visit the Olympiapark.(1)

Back in the day, traveling to Europe was a grand adventure. Many Iranians would seize the opportunity to buy a car while abroad, often choosing German models for their quality and reliability. My family's trip to Munich was part of this trend. Dad was so focused on finding the perfect car that the journey itself seemed secondary.

As our family journeyed through Europe, a storm was brewing back home. News of unrest in Iran was filtering through, painting a bleak picture of a nation on the brink of change. Little did we know, a revolution was about to reshape the country.

Reading the transcripts of Henry Kissinger's(2) conversations with the Shah of Iran(3) offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in history. How could such a powerful regime crumble so suddenly?

Let's be clear, I am absolutely hate a morally corrupt person, named Richard Nixon, as well as his secretary of state, Kissinger, even though he apparently had the highest IQ at the time. Having said that, I reserve a special place in hell (if it exists), for Jimmy Carter, being mastermind in destroying Iran and Middle East. Jimmy Carter was the president at that time and I truly loath him.

Fast forward forty years to 2018. Finally, I had the chance to witness the Olympiapark's grandeur firsthand. It was a surreal experience. A dear friend, Siavash Teymouri,(4) had worked on this iconic project and shared his insights, bringing the futuristic design to life.

The 1972 Munich Olympics, a time of peace and international unity, was tragically marred by a terrorist attack. It was a dark chapter in modern history, a stark reminder of the fragility of human life, even in the face of global sporting events.

The engineering marvel that is the Olympiapark left me in awe. The way the glass panels seamlessly integrated with the concrete and steel structure was truly impressive. It's a testament to the brilliant minds who designed and built it.

It's mind-boggling to think that such a complex structure was designed with slide rules and pencil and paper. The architects and engineers of that era were truly pioneers.

I yearned to explore the Olympic Village, the very place where history unfolded during the 1972 Games. The architecture itself was a marvel, a testament to mid-century modern design. I imagined the athletes, their hopes and dreams, filling these very spaces.

The journey through the park was a nostalgic trip, each building a piece of a puzzle that formed the iconic image of the Munich Olympics. The ingenious design of the stadium, with its movable roof, was particularly fascinating. It was a marvel of engineering, a feat that still inspires awe today.

On my way, I made a detour to another dream destination.

BMW Welt(5)

The next leg of the journey brought a profound sadness. Sometimes, the best way to honor a place is simply to be present. A quiet moment of reflection can be more powerful than words. (6)