Aufwiedersehen Berlin

I have officially retired my Berlin map.

It will now be relegated to a photo album that I will likely put together in about 2.46 years. (Still haven't done one for the Japan trip).

It's good timing, considering the map is only held together at the folds intermittently by worn away pieces of paper. The map was part of my Berlin tool kit, including also a raincoat, umbrella, camera and my cell phone. I strapped it in a bag on the back of my bike and took it everywhere.

So I'm leaving tomorrow, and 30 hours, three airports and a drive later - bam - I'll be home. At least, if all goes well. So pray for good weather, sound planes and gentle baggage handlers for me.

Lesson learned: I'm ready.