Stammtisch

Writing from the office:
*I met a second “stammtisch” group last night – all journalists, many of them Americans who moved here for work. Friendly group. One thing I don’t get here, though, is everyone who lives in Frankfurt – German or otherwise - has a tendency to bash it. They say it’s ugly or unfriendly or whatever. The most positive comment I’ve heard from a local is “It’s better than its reputation.” Berlin, Hamburg and Munich are viewed as much more desirable places to live. Personally I don’t see what inspires such dislike. It’s a vibrant city, journalistically interesting, and as I’ve mentioned, I have not had any unfriendly encounters.

*I’m still tired from Cologne. There’s a big museum festival here this weekend that’s supposed to be spectacular. I’ll definitely check it out – so much for my desire to stay away from crowds for a while.