By Dalene
From under a pile of white blankets, I saw Pete come and go.
Between extended naps, I rolled out of bed to consume vitamins, antibiotics and whatever form of nourishment he had prepared for me. I had left Finland with a devastating cold, and spent my first ten days in Berlin almost entirely bedridden. Worse than my nose being rubbed raw or my inability to breath properly was my broken spirit – my intense desire to roam Germany’s capital was crushed and all I could see of the city was the view out the window.
Twice I was sure I was on the mend, or at least, I tried to will it so. I spent precious energy preparing to be seen outdoors, smeared tinges of color on my pale face and wrapped my hair into a ponytail, only to find that I had expended all of my energy in those few actions. Back to bed.
Berlin has long been one of those cities that I’ve been dying to visit, ever since my Gram brought me a piece of the wall from her visit in the early 90s. And it was all there, just outside my door, but Pete would be the only one to see it for a big part of our stay….
By Pete
Being in Berlin and having Dalene get sick just plain sucked. Here I was in a city that I’ve been especially excited to discover and half of me was confined to a bed.
When I did venture out for a couple of afternoons while Dalene napped, I did what I normally love to do – I aimlessly and mapless-ly wandered the streets. I found and explored the Tiergarten (aka, Berlin’s Central Park) and got lost down its paths. I marveled at the magnificent Victory column and Brandenburg Gate. I sampled the local cuisine and found some great nearby take-away joints to bring Dalene sustenance (even though she couldn’t taste a thing).
Being on my own also brought about a new obstacle, as I became an open target for the working girls just down the street. Not knowing much German, I was able to at least practice my “Nein, danke” quite often.
Nothing was the same, and I didn’t like it. Not having my other half to share these experiences with weighed heavy on me. I almost felt selfish enjoying these sights on my own.
Most of Berlin would have to wait.
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It really was a shame that you got sick Dalene but it’s only a reason for you guys to come back! It is sooooo much better in Summer!
I’m glad you feel better and I’ll see you guys soon in Berlin again 🙂
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We will be back! Although I believe now that Berlin kinda hates me – making me sick 2 out of 3 weeks – I will come back and show her who’s boss!
I was just so sad Dalene was ill in Berlin. That happened to me in Paris of all places. So, I can feel you pain. Pete, it is indeed difficult to completely enjoy the beautiful sights without sharing them with the one you love. Beautiful sights, delicious food and funny events need to be shared, that’s all there is to it. May the rest of your travels find you healthy, safe and joyful.
Thanks so much Janet! It was a tough go in Berlin – being sick 2 out of 3 weeks – but I will make it back there! 🙂
Oh what a shame you were ill! I HATE traveling and being sick, it’s the worst. 🙁
I know! Lucky that Berlin is probably a place we will easily get back to, so I am sure I will get another chance!
That’s really unfortunate however another reason to return. I hate being sick even if it’s sunny out and I’m in Vancouver, can’t image having a new city to explore and being stuck inside.
Pete – agreed, not being able to share it with your love would be tough, how was the food that you were able to try?
The food was GREAT (when I was able to taste it). The two big fast foods: Turkish doner and currywurst are always tasty!
Sorry you were sick for much of your stay, Dalene. And Pete – I live across the street from the prostitutes. Thankfully I’ve walked past them enough times with my arms around my boyfriend so they don’t all pester me quite as often.
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I think Pete secretly enjoyed the attention. 🙂
Being sick on the road definitely sucks! Both for the person who is sick and for one who isn’t, as you want to share everything with each other. Dalene – I hope you feel better soon!
I’ve since recovered (the blog is running about a month behind now – haha!), and I hope that is the last I see of sickness for a long time!
Such a beautifully written article!
I feel very sorry for you Dalene that you’ve been sick in such a great city as Berlin, but Sebastian is right: now you have a good reason to come back in summer!
And the egoistic part of me is very happy, that you at least made it to the BlogCamp and visiting us! 😀
Enjoy Turkey!!
Carina
That was one of my semi-good days, and we were very happy to stop by BlogCamp, and meet you Carina! 🙂
I know what that’s like – I much prefer exploring with Vera as she always sees things that I’m too busy gawping at important things like clouds to notice 😉 Also love the idea of this post – might have to give it a go!
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Clouds ARE distracting, it is always better to have two sets of eyes. 🙂
I totally understand how you guys felt. It’s heartbreaking when your partner is sick. It’s just less fun without the half of you, right?
Hope she recovered okay, and wish you’ll have another chance in Berlin again!
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Thanks Juno! It was a long road to recovery (I was sick for 2 out of 3 weeks in Berlin), but she’ll always be there, we’ll just have to get back to explore!
I love the Mickey photo, I`m sorry to hear you were sick but don`t worry Berlin is one of those cities you know you will visit again.
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What I wanna know is, what is Mickey doing in front of the Brandenberg Gate anyways?
Pity you were sick Dalene, but no worries, Berlin will always be there.
Truth. Can’t wait to get back, and hopefully Berlin is kinder the second time around. 🙂
Aw, MAN! Actually, my first trip to Germany was to Frankfurt. We were so excited to spread our legs for an entire week there after some heavy backpacking. And both of us got sick as dogs. All I remember are these fluffy beds at some hostel that let us sleep all day and night!
Ohhhh Abby, I had a good laugh over your comment. Typo? 🙂
Oh no – bad for you both. Gives you a reason to go back though
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Truth. And it’s an easy place to get to, so I know we’ll be there again. 🙂
Tim can’t travel as much as me or as often and that’s how I feel when he’s not there – selfish to be exploring without him. I know he really wants to be there and somehow it’s just not quite as fun without him.
Bummer Dalene was so sick. 🙁
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Yeah, it really sucked. But, luckily that we had as much time as we did there or we wouldn’t have seen anything at all! Next time…
I love that Mickey photo. So very cool. Hope you feel better soon Dalene.
I’ve thankfully recovered (we are, oops, about 1 month behind on the blog now), but the sickness did come back for a second kick. Nasty!
EW! I totally understand. I teetered on being half insane – going out regardless of fever and dripping snot all over myself. I had only gotten in 3 days last time and it wasn’t enough.
I would love to hear your impressions next time around!
Based on even the small amount I did get out, I liked it a lot. Reminded me of New York in some ways, and is definitely a city I’d like to spend much more time in.
I guess getting sick is sort of inevitable at some point but what an absolute grrrr that it happened in a place that you were looking forward to so much. Two weeks; you must’ve been knocked flat!! Berlin is a place that is really starting to build in interest for me. I’m bracketing it in a trip for 2015 – ugh, so long away!
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I haven’t been that sick in a really, really long time. And the cruelty was that I got better for a few days, then it took over again for the end of my stay. So cruel!
Being sick on the road is never fun, but what a shame that it had to happen in a city you were so excited to explore! I hope you make it back soon.
Luckily, Berlin is an easy city to get back to. I’m sure it will happen before too long!
That’s kind of sad 🙁
I do like how Pete’s pictures of Berlin make it look like he was there in the 1980s! I guess that’s a pretty easy effect to achieve in Berlin!
I saw Berlin in 1982 when the big backpacker trip was a day-trip to the east side. The only East Berlin city map available showed a grid of 4 streets by 4 streets downtown, you had to spend at least 100 marks while there, and when I took the train out a few stops and then came back an hour later, a guard I hadn’t noticed commented that I’d made an awfully quick trip. Couples were crying and embracing as they parted on the east side of the border.
It’s on my bucket list to see the new Berlin!!
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