In the middle of … Pullach
Illustration: Marc Herold
Video calling isn’t always an advantage. Especially in a fully occupied S-Bahn that alternates between above and below ground. In any case, it is very important for the young man in the seat across from him that the picture and sound work perfectly before his conversation can begin. “Do you see me now?” “No, I can’t see anything,” a woman’s voice rattles over the loudspeaker. Half the car is listening. “You have to turn on the camera.” “Wait, wait … I can’t hear you anymore!” After 20 minutes the connection is finally established: “Ah, now I see you perfectly!” Now we’re really excited to see what’s going on. Business negotiations for several million euros? A marriage proposal? “Okay, is there anything new?” Asks the man near Pullach. “Nope, not really.” “Well, I’ll be home in ten minutes anyway.” End of the conference. Titus Arnu
In the middle of … London
Illustration: Marc Herold
What is typically British? For example, walking around in a single-digit plus temperature in a spaghetti strap shirt just because the autumn sun is poking through the clouds. On the other hand, the souvenirs in the souvenir shop behind Westminster Bridge are more pseudo-British. Harry and Meghan cups, socks with red telephone boxes, Boris Johnson as a cardboard mask. But well, you have to bring something with you when you travel without the children. After all, the smell in the shop is British, fish and chips, accompanied by a note of pea puree. Are there pub-flavored miracle trees here? That’s it! But no, the smell comes from the shopkeeper’s lunch behind the cash register. Thankfully, he wipes his fingers before putting the purchases in the bag and apologizes, chewing. Is that the typical British courtesy? Nadeschda Scharfenberg
In the middle of … Luxembourg
Illustration: Marc Herold
The best way to get to Luxembourg is by bus from Saarbrücken. The journey takes 75 minutes, enough time to prepare the upcoming interview with the Munich colleague. Europe, the rule of law, Poland – there is a lot to talk about. We compare our points of view, exchange observations, check arguments. We talk to each other in motion and get louder and louder. Then suddenly someone turns around, two rows in front of us. Oh dear. Middle age man, a little disheveled. “Sorry,” he says, “I just couldn’t listen. Now I have a question: What about the sovereignty that Poland invokes?” Good point, the three of us continue to discuss. A little relieved, a little enriched. We later also put the question to the President of the European Court of Justice. Wolfgang Janisch