In the departure lounge, which could only be accessed via the Duty Free shop selling overpriced pound store garb at ten times the price in pretty non-descript boxes, I took a seat. As I sat in the departure area, I was confronted with 'Please wait' concerning the Gate number. It eventually appeared but only after I became acutely aware of how much I dislike that expression. I feel as though I have been waiting for so long. I prefer 'Go to' as it's more liberating.
My easyJet flight passed in a haze of non-descript musings and yearnings. My casual glances out of the window confronted me with grids of light that ranged from striking to terrifyingly restricting. Some lights form grids of confinement, which are surrounded by a darkness that can only grow in its intensity. Just as my brain reached a point of self-sedation, I looked to my right to see a guy watching a film on his laptop. An actress I recognised being penetrated from behind by none other than... a stand-in for Ryan Gosling. I quickly recognised the film as 'Blue Valentine'. A film about a relationship from its glory days to its tragic ending, a final desolate fumbling in a 'Star Trek' themed motel room.
Upon arrival at the airport in Berlin, I was struck by the adverts and constant presence of a newspaper you could buy. Just put the money in the slot.
I got a taxi and was overwhelmed by the brutal order of the city. Its raw majesty, a curious blend of nature and concrete. Trees standing austerely to attention by the road. Corporate logos puncturing the darkness.
I managed to fluff getting in the revolving door of the hotel I was staying in (Hotel Pestana Berlin Tiergarten) but I was informed I had been upgraded. I am currently sitting in a white dressing gown, sweating from every pore in a room where the air conditioning works. I can't contact home as my mobile can't pick up a signal and my attempts to use the phone in my room was ultimately futile owing to my lack of international code. I could phone Reception but I just want to sleep.
My abiding memories of today include the dodgy image of a woman covering her lover's eyes on a condom machine and the moment of reassuring cynicism about relationships that ate into my soul as I began to read 'Sons and Lovers' by D.H. Lawrence. I have set the T.V. to wake me up at 7am. It's stupid o'clock at the moment. Hence, the frustration that permeates each word.
I am alone and in loneliness, I will find myself anew.
Barry Watt - 10th September 2013
 |
| Something about mirrors revealing the ageing process. |
 |
| Light again illuminating the passage as yet untrodden. |
 |
| Self portrait in blue. |
 |
| Strange wave design on the carpet leading to my hotel room. Water seems an important theme in this hotel. |
Afterword
Prince Charming is of course a major protagonist in 'Cinderella' and also the glass slipper. 'Cinderella' or 'The Little Glass Slipper' was popularised by the Brothers Grimm but also like most fairy tales has an interesting history. Please see the below link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinderella
easyJet is a major low-cost airline and are part of the EasyGroup.
'Blue Valentine' is the ultimate 'date movie' if you are splitting up or just want a film that delves into the intricacies of human relationships. It was released in 2010. It was written and directed by Derek Cianfrance.
'Star Trek' may be known to some of you fine readers. Lots of passionate inter species relationships, platonic of course. The ultimate treatise on politics, imperialism and the dangers of science.
Hotel Pestana Berlin Tiergarten was the hotel I stayed in. Well recommended!
'Sons and Lovers' is an equally cynical novel about relationships by D.H. Lawrence, who is an author that most readers shy away from. Their loss. 'The Rainbow' in particular is superb.
B.W.
No comments:
Post a Comment