HOTEL EDEN

 

I check into Eden on Monday at eight forty-five in the morning.

 

The flight to Hamburg took longer than expected. After spending half an hour on the runway at the local airport in L., the plane finally takes off, but we have to make an emergency landing in Cologne airport, for no apparent reason, before taking off again.

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I’m going to spend the next five days in this city, working on what is to be my first published novel.

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The hotels near the airport were all overbooked. There was a fair taking place in the city. Luckily, i found a room at the Hotel Eden, near the Hauptbahnhof train station, the quickest route from the airport.

 

Thanks to recent rumours of an epidemic spreading through Germany, the Euro is at its lowest point this decade. The generous exchange rates alone covered a substantial amount of my stay.

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Stepping into the hotel reception, I’m greeted by the night manager, a weary looking man, staring blankly into space with heavy eyes. I give him my name and tell him I’ve reserved a room for five nights.

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'Ah yes, here you are. Room 705. Seventh floor, Sir. Outside the elevator, take a left.'