A good long run along the Rhein (in the Rain)

Having arrived in Dusseldorf this morning, I had a few hours to get some breakfast, catch up on email, short nap and get in a run near the hotel where I’m staying.  I decided that on this trip I would try to run at least 10km along the major rivers of Europe.  If I could run along the Rhein (in Germany), the Seine (in Paris) and the Thames (in London) that would be a helluva week.

If – the work and meetings schedule permitted, the weather was not too bad and I actually had time to do so …

So – One down and two to go!  I got out late this afternoon before it got totally dark (Europe set back the clock last night one hour, so I’m going to lose an hour in Europe and an hour in the US when I get back next weekend – does this mean an hour lost of my life ).  Anyway, I found the river ok, it was about 5 minutes from the hotel and ran alongside the massive Rhein sharing the walkway with parents with babies, old people holding hands and people walking their german dogs.  It was cold and threatening to rain, but made it about 10km or so before it was time to head back to the hotel and get ready for work dinner with Walter.

I knew I’d have problems finding my way back, despite having a Map – I’m just not good at following directions, but better at following my instincts.  Just as I got to the town side, it started to rain pretty hard and I was getting cold and wet like a dog.  Of course I got lost but saw some great sights along the way.  I stopped into another hotel and went to reception and of course it goes something like this: “Do you speak English?” – “Yes – of course”.  “I’m kind of lost, do you know where the Lindner Hotel is?”.  “Yes of course”.  She showed me on a map and where to turn right and left and I followed that and just ended up in a big circle and lost again.  It started to rain harder and I was getting more frustrated but finally saw the landmark I was looking for – the local Starbucks!

I was very happy to see my hotel and get some well deserved water.  All in all, it was pretty good and a great way to think and experience the local city.

Now if the rest of the week could go so well!  Meetings tomorrow in Dusseldorf and Dortmund, then flying to Slovenia tomorrow night – maybe even some sleep!!!