UK / Europe

This covers two days:
An early rise of about 5.30 to take a bit too much of a brisk walk to the station- as maps didn’t t keep up with me and I overshot my 2nd turn by quite some distance, thus missing my planned train to Heathrow! Luckily I’d allowed for such. The upcoming tsfer at Amsterdam had been on my mind since booking months prior - a 40 min timeframe. That would be fine if the gates were close together and since I’m travelling with hand luggage only. However my gates were on either side of the airport and to make matters worse - first flight was delayed. Even if it wasn’t- this tsfer was impossible unless you had a bike. I ran my heart out (2nd time this day) hoping the next flight also would be delayed but alas. I knew there wasn’t another till hours later. So that was me assigned to the bar. The young guy next to me on the plane did all he could with directions, clearing a quick exit and running with me. So cool of him.
By the time I reached Arne and the four legged baby Lotte at Bremen airport - it had been about 12 hrs for what is 2x 1 hr flights tail wind dependant. Got to admit - I was looking forward to flopping in to a car by this time with running round and all the London public transport but Arne says ‘Oh btw we’re on the tram.’ They’re used a lot around Bremen. We went to Arne’s office to drop bags and Lotte and have a tour of his newly refurbed offices. Arne then took me for a much needed dinner. A good end to not the best day but this is what travelling is.
The family was all in bed when we got to the house.
Bremen is rather lovely. Very green. Winter set in overnight apparently. The previous week to my arrival they were in the 30’s. Now dropped to 7 low / 14 high.
We started the next day with a long walk - like I needed more haha but it was beautiful. We went as far as the river which has the city area on the other side. They use lochs here. Very watery! A power plant on the river has been converted from coal to hydro. The public are now paying for this in their power bills.
While Arne had a couple of morning meetings I wandered Bremen. No English in sight! Not a word to be heard and not many speak it when you ask. I knew that it has become compulsory in schools so when in public the idea is head for the teenagers!
That afternoon we walked through this beautiful park and picked up a car (company) and went to see where Arne and Franz lived (prior to Franz death when Ben was 8 weeks old). It’s been a process being here - pretty emotional at times but very good in the long run.
I got some flowers to bring home to Clara and Arne got bits and pieces for a family dinner. So now I finally meet Clara (now wife), Mia (Clara’s daughter nrly 18) and Leo 10 (shared). Ben (born to Franz and Arne) comes down later in the week (nrly 16).Читать далее