Chewbacca Roars into the German Capital
September 22, 2004
More accustomed to the icy wastes of the planet Hoth and the baking deserts of Tatooine, Star Wars hero Chewbacca would have been excused for looking slightly bemused by the sights of Berlin this week as he arrived in the German capital on the European leg of his tour of planet earth. The giant wookie gave up his seat as co-pilot on the Millennium Falcon to fly club class from Australia to Germany as part of his duties in promoting the imminent release of the original Star Wars trilogy on DVD.
Surprised onlookers stood open mouthed as Chewie emerged from his suite at the Kempinski Bristol hotel to join in with a street band playing a set on the Breitscheid Platz. Obviously missing the delights of his local cantina, Chewbacca added some vocals and smooth dance moves to the show before heading to the famous Brandenburg Gate for a photo opportunity beneath the symbol of German unity.
Chewbacca then took to a Velo Taxi, a mode of transport unlikely to carry him into hyperspace, for a tour of the park on Ebertstrasse. Even the awesomely-built wookie's legs couldn't power the peddle car fast enough for the jump to light speed so he gave up with a roar and headed to one of Berlin's most famous relics from the recent past, the remains of the Wall.
Chewie sightings flood Berlin media
As a freedom fighter used to struggling against oppressive political regimes, Chewie appreciated the Wall and its downfall before heading to Potsdamer Platz on his way to Berlin Zoo. By now, news was out all over the capital and local broadcaster Radio RTL 104.6 even began broadcasting a series of "Chewbacca sighting" alerts.
Privacy becomes a problem when you're two meters tall and covered in hair, so after devouring an ice-cream at the zoo, Chewie hid in the bushes for a while before making a quick stop off at Germany's seat of power, the Bundestag.
Satisfied that it wasn't as corrupt as the Galactic Senate, Chewie saw no need to unleash his crossbow lazer and headed back to his hotel suite to prepare for his next mission, his visit to London.