went downstairs to enjoy the breakfast buffet by taking a table
outside in the crowded courtyard. I filled my plate with eggs and
wurst and a croissant and headed outside to find a seat.
While most of the tables were occupied with single travelers reading
a paper or couples talking quietly to each other, there was a single
table unoccupied in the far corner. As a bonus, there was already a
newspaper on the table for me to peruse.
I sat down, tucked my napkin in my lap and began to eat my eggs,
happy that I'd scored the last seat outside on such a cool and clear
morning.
Imagine the disappointment on the face of the gentleman approaching
me who'd placed his paper on the table expecting it'd claim it as his
own. I could spot his crestfallen look from across the courtyard and
knew I'd goofed big time.
(under the pressure of the moment, I couldn't even remember how to
say "sorry" in German)
Luckily, he was very friendly and more than happy to share his table
with me.
By the end of breakfast, I knew as much about Berlin and Bonn (where
he's from) as I could have gleaned from reading travel books all
morning long.
Since it was his last day in Berlin, I don't have to worry about
accidentally taking over his table tomorrow... but I might just have
to try it out on someone else to see if I can learn more about Berlin.
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