In the middle of … Tiraspol
Illustration: Marc Herold
In the Transnistrian rebel capital Tiraspol, our rental car got into a traffic control, speeding allegedly. The police put my friend and driver in the patrol car and threaten to make his documents disappear if we don’t shell out a substantial sum. I suspect that we won’t get a receipt – and I am about to protest when my companion reminds me of the absence of German diplomacy in the separatist state. Suddenly the patrol car and friend set in motion as part of the power game. At least I seem defeated, hold up my wallet – and start to count the bills, visible from afar. The sheer horror of the uniformed men confirms my premonition of corruption. The next time I get a German ticket, I’ll smile gratefully. Felix Hartmann
In the middle of … Munich
Illustration: Marc Herold
The friend casually announces the date for her civil wedding. In three days, without friends and relatives, the whole thing is an administrative act, please be sober and humble. You can’t hold back and order three heart-shaped helium balloons, model “Just Married”, size XL, a little gold, a little glitter, delivery on the wedding day. After the administrative act, the girlfriend lets know that it was more emotional than expected. Not a word about the balloons. Too much glitter? Two days later a message arrives: “Thank you for the sixtieth congratulations!” Also a photo of a tiny black balloon with a 60 on it. The delivery service apologizes for the mix-up, the couple take it calmly, and they try to do the same: Sober and modest was the motto after all. Felicitas Kock
In the middle of … Milan
Illustration: Marc Herold
Just tumbled out of the night train, the twelve-year-old is already lucky in the autumn vacation: Inter Milan is playing against – who actually? Oh yes, Udinese, the opponent didn’t care when buying the tickets. The main thing is to go to the San Siro Stadium once in a lifetime! There we are now, strange chants around us. Fans are zoomed in on the big screen. But what is that? Suddenly a sound can be heard. A nervously tripping man with red glasses and a microphone in his hand speaks in Italian to a curly brown woman in an Inter jersey. Question to the son: “Is that a famous player?” Will she be presented with a trophy? But now she kisses the man on the mouth, the stadium applauds. Behind the two friends hold up a banner: “Vuoi sposarmi?” The Google translator explains: will you marry me? Mareen Linnartz