Cultural Exchange

As bid by our favourite poster ViperJohn, here are the expurgated highlights of the exploits of the Birmingham trade mission to Dusseldorf.

What a great place. We flew Germanwings which got the sick jokes for the weekend off to a flying start. The first night in Dusseldorf set the tone. We headed for the old town and moved easily between bars partaking of the local alt bier. We were back at the hotel for 1.30 but the hardiest of us were in the hotel bar until near 5.00. MH disgraced himself and invited scorn on all rugby players when he moved onto the Baileys. The Overgraduate brought the house down (well that is how he's choosing to recall it) with his oh so accurate rendering of M C Hammer's meisterwerk 'Hammer Time'. Much good sense was talked - of the type that ancient rugby players make a speciality. Brilliant night.

I was sharing a double with KF who claimed that my nocturnal writhing was such that he chose to sleep on the floor. I reckon he fell out of bed and didn't want to admit it. On Friday we took it relatively easy and worked out the lie of the waterfront land - it's mostly bars. We topped this off with a more than passable Lebanese meal.

Up latish on Saturday and forsook breakfast for early drinks in a scruffy but amiable bar where the assembled elderly locals were tucking into a fruhstuck of a mixed grill and schnapps. Who says the Germans don't have style? Onward from there on foot towards the old town, stopping only to have a sustaining beer in a Turkish bar with quite the most inept service in Europe. The afternoon took in more bars and a tram ride before most of us (certain members admitted fear of heights) ascended the 178 metres to the cocktail lounge atop the Rheinturm. MH and BH on the mojitos, OG cleansing his palate with a couple of pilseners.

Dusseldorf's finest

Saturday evening was one of those times when it all just fell into place. We timed it just right to grab a table in the Uerige brew-pub and thanks to an attentive waiter (you can see where that reputation for efficiency comes from) we never had to move from the big screen showing the Champions League final. There was even an Italian sitting next to us with whom we could share Juventus' pain. For me it was a pleasure to take in a whole game of football, something I do too infrequently. Played well it deserves that 'beautiful game' sobriquet. And boy do Barcelona play it well - supremely athletic and hugely skilful. A word though for Paul Pogba the tireless Juventus midfielder who was a giant in defeat. One of those nights. Thanks to CC, TW, PB, BH, MH and KF.

Sunday, scorching sun and a lot of walking between drinks before the evening flight back to Brum. Tired but elated would be the best way to describe my emotions. Good company can too easily be taken for granted, as can simple pleasures. As for Dusseldorf, you should go.