See that bag he is carrying in the picture? That is pretty much me at the moment. Except, it looks like he is wearing business attire, whereas all I have to my name is pair of track pants and a stinky T-shirt. My luggage didn't make it through the connection and got stuck in Copenhagen and at 8am tomorrow, I have a customer delivery. Bastards.
After doing all the paperwork at the airport I finally got to the hotel and tried to get out into the city to a shop to find something to wear for tomorrow, I managed, pants, shirt, belt, deodorant and a toothbrush - but I have no shoes. So unless they manage to get the bag to me tonight, it looks like I am going to look "pretty good" other than the dirty old pair of Nikes I wore on the plane. At least I have a bit of an icebreaker to open the day. '
Damn. I have no hair stuff.
The hotel seems relatively good (for Germany) and the staff helpful and even offered to help me with my luggage before remembering that I had none with me.
Bastards.
It is all part of the travel experience though, but normally I am able to avoid it because my trips are generally a day or so shorter. This time since I am here the entire week, I decided to take a slightly larger suitcase and check it in because normally it is very squeezy with my camera, the candy I buy for colleagues and of course, the gifts I take home to my wife and daughter. Carry on only fits so much and even though I pack light, there is still a fair bit to carry.
I also didn't have to worry about liquids at the security check and getting "randomly" searched for explosives or even better, the full check of the luggage. The rule of thumb is, don't stand behind me in the queue if you are in a rush. In all fairness though, the random searches that used to be randomly every time, are less frequent now.
The most annoying thing (other than having to buy a new set of clothes and still not find shoes) is that this was meant to be my "night off" here, which meant the plan was to go and have a meal, take some shots with my camera (it is in the suitcase) and write a little at a bar with a glass of wine or gin tonic. I still plan on doing most of that, at least the drinking part.
I don't drink much, especially alone, but it doesn't feel right to be in a new city and not enjoy a glass of something and some good food and since I haven't had a chance to eat for about 12 hours now, I think the food will have to go in before the drink.
So far, this is the only half decent photo I gave myself time to take:
It was from the second floor and I just liked seeing all the books stacked up in the window. Not an overly practical bookshelf, but at least there is natural light. I am still pretty impressed with the quality of camera this phone has.
Now though, I am going to have a very quick shower and put back on the sweaty, T-shirt I have that will hopefully not get me kicked out of a restaurant due to the smell. I am guessing I will have to eat something like Schnitzel and drink some local rotwein and luckily, unlike Belgrade, the hotel is only a couple minute walk from the eateries so I won't have to worry about taxis.
Work trips are fun.
Taraz
[ a Steem original ]
