Danke

Is that German for 'thanks'? I do hope so, for that's what I've been saying to all and sundry since my arrival in Frankfurt yesterday afternoon.

Forgive the brevity of this post; for the last few weeks we've been gearing up to today and the next two; it's the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Despite the hectic nature of the fair, I did sneak away for a fee minutes to ponder over this week's post.

What the fair consists of, for me, is sitting on a stand waiting for foreign publishers who have booked appointments. Frankfurt's exhibition hall is famous for being immense, complete with travelators and it's own skyscraper. As our clients arrive, knackered after a hike from another stand, I can't help but feel grateful that I get to sit still, as boring as it sometimes gets.

I'm also thankful that I'm in a job which allows me to experience this. Each appointment may be only 30 minutes long, but I generally enjoy every second. I'm finally beginning to embrace the fact that my job allows me to travel.

Given that we unwittingly booked a hotel smack bang in the middle of Frankfurt's sizeable red light district (the building opposite is called the 'Sex Inn', next to a club that proudly displays neon lights in the shape of topless women), I'm thankful that I made it home without being propositioned. Not that I would have minded, it could be taken as a compliment after all, but I'm so incredibly prudish and awkward that it would leave me feeling most uncomfortable.

I'm also glad that, though I'm far from home in a strange place, I'm able to tap into my global support network and read what the Canuck and the Yank are up to across the pond.

Auf Wiedersen!

T

PS I shall try to follow up with me in a photo, in true TASG style soon. The bags under my eyes are far too shocking to allow this at the moment. Those I am not thankful for.