It felt undeniably strange to wander around ITB Berlin – the world’s largest travel trade show – yesterday.

Perhaps that’s why it took extra time to navigate the halls, which this year were once again filled to the brim with happy people and colorful exhibits striving to showcase countries, cities, and inspiring experiences.

At the same time, I’m 100% sure we were all trying not to think about the fact that the man who so desperately craves the Nobel Peace Prize has just initiated a major war – one that risks being long-lasting and devastating for us all. This was most visually striking at Israel’s large but completely abandoned pavilion, and in the almost negligible presence of the USA, where the largest exhibitor was represented by the state of Florida’s minuscule booths.

Anyway.

We clocked over 20,000 steps, chatted with plenty of lovely people in the travel industry, and shared news about Charlotte’s popular site for airline staff. We were met with genuine enthusiasm everywhere; soon, the 240,000 who already follow her Facebook page are bound to grow even more in number.

We also managed to greet the always-cheerful cabin crew at the Thai pavilion and sign up for an upcoming press trip to Azerbaijan.

Our long day in Germany ended, as it should, in a genuine Biergarten with a perfectly prepared schnitzel and cold beer, served by waiters in Lederhosen to the sounds of oompa-oompa music.

Once back at the hotel, the reflections returned: What is actually happening? Why must the world be ruled by angry older men who use religion and cult-leader tactics to trick their populations into believing that theirs is the only right way?

It’s pathetic that these old men refuse to evolve, choosing instead to fall back into that same safe Stone Age mentality. Dumb-asses.

Today will surely be another long day with gallery visits along Auguststraße and perhaps a look into Fotografiska.