Berlin

I got a glimpse into what makes a tour director after the ‘optional’ tour around Berlin (which I did not attend). Some of the people who took the tour did not think it was worthwhile and not worth the money they paid as it didn’t stop at some of the most famous sights. Our director turned around and said that it was impossible to please everyone and that there was nothing she could do. There was no sympathetic ear or reason for that particular route. Needless to say, most people did not find it a satisfactory answer to their concerns. To me however, it spoke volumes about our tour guide and set the tone for dealing with any other ‘issues’ that people may have while they were on the tour or about any of the other ‘optional’ excursions.

After a morning in Berlin we spent the rest of the day driving to Poznan in Poland. Poland is a funny place. Throughout the rural areas there were hundreds of signs for Night Clubs and tequila. These glitzy signs are usually outside what look to be very low socio-economic towns and villages that look like they haven’t changed for centuries. What was also an eye opener was the number of women standing on the quiet country roads in the middle of nowhere dressed up like 80’s hookers with fluro faux-feather boas and knee-high boots.

Although Poland at first thought to be a ‘first world country’ it was interesting to note that the water in the country, and indeed all of the Baltic countries, is unsuitable for drinking. All tourists are warned not to drink the water. This was noted in tourist information at hotels throughout the trip until we reached Finland. Despite having to wait for half an hour to check in, not being able to move in the lobby due to a conference, or use the lift, or (for some reason) the stairs, I had my own room. It was bliss! I did my laundry in the sink and let hung it out to dry throughout the bathroom. After that I went to the shopping centre nearby to try and find a UK to Europe adapter for my camera plug. It was not a fruitful quest.