My film dealt with the lives of some 7, sex workers in Kamathipura following the pandemic. There was a strong Indian contingent at the Festival, usually held in July every year but appearing after a two-year gap this time.
Screening of films would be followed by a lively discussion and question-answer session. It was overwhelming to receive the applause and a standing ovation after the screening. But, alas, I did not win any award. Well, there will be a next time, I promised myself. Summer in Europe is the most pleasant time when people go out, travel and have fun.
Educational institutions shut down, enabling children to travel either on their own or with parents. Holidays and leave are almost mandatory. Germany, struggling to get back on its feet after the pandemic and the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine this year, has offered tourists a monthly pass for just nine Euros approx INR to take the train anywhere they like.
To put the fare in context, my train fare from Frankfurt to Stuttgart cost 63 Euros! The tempting 9-Euro-a-month offer clearly worked and tourists from across the world flocked to Germany this summer. Sadly, the vaunted train system in Germany, which once boasted of clockwork precision, has collapsed.
Delays are endemic and Germans were quick to advise not to take their trains for granted. Leave early and pray you reach your destination in time, they suggested.
