Michelle Eichenberg

There I was, spending 3 days in Berlin, as I had decided to visit the biggest Tourism event of the world. It was actual holidays for me, as STA Travel wouldn't grant me these days as business travel. Anyway, I had booked my 3-day-ticket, train and Airbnb accommodation. I was ready.
I couldn't sleep at all that night and lay awake thinking about Aluna and why she wouldn't eat properly. Then I thought, I could use that time, I just googled the shit out of the topic and finally fell asleep. At 6am, my alarm clock went off, and I told Seb everything, he could possibly use regarding Alunas food for the next three days. As usual, I made myself a coffee to start the day and immediately soaked everything in coffee, as I pushed over my mug. Luckily, I still had my pyjamas on. After cleaning the mess, I made myself and my little luggage ready. Seb brought me to the train station and my stomach was churning again. I could never get used to the awful feeling, leaving my beloved hometown for travelling. As much as I love to travel, I really hate leaving, as short a time it might be for. Getting on the train, I felt way more comfortable and quite enjoyed the ride, doing some laptop work and listening to my favourite songs. At half past 10, I arrived and made my way to the ITB halls. I left my luggage at the wardrobe and started my first ever visit. Immediately, I went into the wrong direction and had to ask for the right ones. But then, I was on my way. And, oh boy, it is really huge. So many stands and people. Thousands in a blink of an eye. My inner introvert was screaming. But I had a mission - to get home with as much information and goodies as possible. So I started strolling around and after around 3 halls and 2 hours I was starving to death. Luckily, I had brought my own sandwich, so that I wouldn't have to spend a fortune on bad food. Although, I have to admit, the food that I saw looked incredibly delicious. I talked to quite a few people, mostly just because I wanted something from their stands (e.g. sweets, postcards or just a tourist map). I couldn't get as many goodies as at the TravelConneXtion in 2018, but still quite some cool ones. In the end, I got a bamboo cutlery set, a beautiful mousepad with lots of animals from Singapore's zoo, a tiny pet giraffe, some very nice jute bags and postcards, and the best thing - for me - was rather unexpected. I walked along the Maldives stands and wasn't paying too much attention, but a lovely, artsy postcard caught my eye, so I stopped for a second. This hesitation was directly used from the man behind the stand, who started talking to me about an honestly amazing new resort in the Maldives. Everything included, from all-day-long food, 20 min water sports, and art classes, to three excursions during your stay. And when he then gave me the most beautiful scarf with one of the post card motifs that I actually wanted to get, I decided that I would sell each and every customer wanting to travel to the Maldives, that hotel (Oaga Resort, if anybody is interested). I was quite happy with my goodies, but I picked up a lot of information material for the travel agency on the way, so my back and feet were killing me. They don't have lots of seating areas, other than where you can get food or talk real business with the stand-people. My way led me to the toilet, where I "chilled out" for quite some time, until the constant flushing was getting on my nerves, and I threw myself back into the masses. When I was feeling already sore to the bones, I finally decided, to cut the day short and find my way back. That was way easier said than done, and I needed at least another 30 mins to find the wardrobe where I stored my luggage. - at the other end of the fair. On my way there, I stumbled upon what looked a bit like a dream to me: A Formula 1 car. In Qatar Airways style. With the Pirelli tires and everything. As a huge F1 fan (currently fangirling on Charles Leclerc), my pain was forgotten, and I dived into the awe. For about three seconds, though, as suddenly a huge mass of people closed in on me and (MY) car, just because they wanted to photograph some stupid footballer (didn't even know his face), in front of the F1 car. That's not his place to be photographed in, anyway! So, I decided to fucking leave this shit, and got my luggage. When I managed the three trams, I had to find my flat. After asking a nice, helpful woman on the street, I saw the mistake. The ad on Airbnb said 228, but it actually was 218. Getting the key and me up the two staircases, I finally arrived in my little accommodation. It looked rather old, but charming and the bathroom was surprisingly modern, so I could settle down easily. Throwing away my bags, shoes and pants, I could finally breathe again. I was so tired. But I had to get myself some dinner, as everything would be closed tomorrow - Women's day is a holiday in Berlin. So, I gathered my last bits of energy to get to the nearby Aldi and find - to my delight - Tiramisu. That alone didn't make dinner, so I got myself some pretzels and Aioli as well. After eating myself even more tired, I wanted to get myself ready for bed. Shit, I forgot my toothpaste. How late was it? Quarter to 9. Alright, leaving my pyjamas on - I already put them on - I walked straight to Aldi again. I was going to meet a dear friend of mine tomorrow, I couldn't do that with breath of Aioli and stress from travelling. Luckily, they had my favourite toothpaste (in the big bottle), so my night was safe.Okumaya devam et