Oh Dear: A How-To-Not Guide For ITB Berlin

MikeachimThe Everyday14 Comments

I’m handed a leaflet on Egypt. (Thanks). I pass suits, hotdogs, more suits, and enter another well-lit carpeted cavern. I’m handed a leaflet on Germany. (Uh, thanks, yes, I’m somewhat aware of the place). I thread between suits and skirts, deeply self-conscious of my hoodie and rucksack. I’m handed a leaflet on…I don’t know where, since I pop it into my travel wallet which will be stolen a few days later. I try to look friendly, but my lack of a smart suit – or, I guess, smart skirt – is making eyes slide off me.Read More

Clueless (And Loving It) in Berlin

MikeachimThe Everyday18 Comments

He points at me – no, past me. A blast of German.

“I..don’t speak…”

“The train station is closing”.

I turn around and head back out of the Alexanderplatz U-Bahn, running just far enough ahead of the advancing officials to buy a sandwich from a kiosk. I’m dimly aware I have a good walk ahead of me. How full is my water bottle? Oh – not very. And I’ve had a few beers, so I’ll start dehydrating soon. Maybe I should get a taxi?

NO, says an adventurous, tight-fisted and gently sozzled part of my brain.Read More

I Think It’s My Heart

MikeachimThe Everyday20 Comments

“I think it’s my heart,” I say at the desk.

The receptionist picks up the phone and speaks into it, unhurried but certainly not dawdling. I’m led to a waiting nurse. They’re all watching me. Waiting for me to do anything…dramatic.

Oh god. Not like this. Please.Read More