One thing I AM beginning to understand: Why many Germans are so suspicious of others.

I sold my parking space, to be handed over to the buyers on 1 August, together with two keys (a contractual requirement) for the entrance door because there is a small box in the basement that goes with the parking space.

When I asked our Hausverwaltung how I could procure those two keys, they said that would be too complicated because I would need a power of attorney, so they would take care of it. Because of one person going on holiday, another taking over, and copy of that e-mail correspondence to a third person, three people were involved in this promise in mid-June, so I thought that surely it would get done. If it had been only one person I might have reminded him or her at some point, but THREE …… I am not used to that kind of suspicion and mistrust.

But lo and behold, it did not get done, and now the only key shop in Berlin that kan make them is on holiday. And I am in trouble because I am in breach of contract.

I am going to bed. Tomorrow, I will think hard to find just one reason why I should stay in this country. Oh, and the small matter of where else to go, of course . And what to do with a flat that can neither be sold nor rented out (the neighbours from Hell – remember?) But right now I just want to drop everything and run.