Off to India!

Batten down the hatches - I'm off!

The crowning glory was last evening. I had bought a sideboard through ebay which looked like it would work well in the living room. I even got someone to go pick it up in Marl. They got stuck in traffic jams (Hey, it's Germany!) and got here much later than planned plus it was raining and dark outside. 

When they checked out the situation, they realized they'd never be able to get the sideboard up to my flat, let alone into and through my apartment. After much deliberation, they discovered that the sideboard was actually three different compartments with a lid and "foot" part. Without delay, they set about to dissect my poor sideboard. So now, of course, the white sideboard is full of fingerprints, broken corners and the foot platform is not stuck anymore.

The transport cost 250€ (!!) and the sideboard 200€. Am I getting dumber with age?!! It is just a repainted cabinet. Facit: If you buy something through ebay, don't pay much for it. If it turns out to be great, you've been lucky. If not, you can get rid of it and keep your losses minimal.

The flat is looking really good. It is actually almost "finished". When I get back, there are only about 8 or 9 boxes to unpack and organize. I bought a cute robot vacum sweeper and it is a riot watching it busy itself with my floors. I have to keep an eye/ear on it, though, because the paintings I've propped against the wall keep trying to kill it! I came just in time as a frame had fallen over on iRobot and it was making queer strangling noises.

My former landlady has not responded to any of my emails about the security deposit. That is over 1000€. I guess she is playing for time,  knowing that I am away for several weeks.

My visa came in time so it looks like I can fly on Sunday. Today, I'll take the train to Frankfurt airport and stay in the Hilton there. Hopefully, I can start my trip rested and unstressed.

Well, partially unstressed. My best friend texted me that she has breast cancer. That knocked my last breath out of me.

Maybe I can get onto wifi in India. Watch this space.