2012 – Eastern Europe and Russia

The moment has come, and we are finally about to start our epic Go to Brau Beviale Tour 2012, taking us from Nuremberg to Ekaterinburg Naturally, things don’t go exactly to plan. There’s a slight hitch which makes us a day late. What has happened? After all the meticulous planning, the

We are up and about early this morning. We decide to have breakfast at a cafe which is located conveniently in a huge supermarket complex. We can also stock up on food for the Editourmobil, thus killing two birds with one stone. Then we are off – much quicker than planned.

In the normal course of events there would be a lot to do. No chance of that on the ferry. On board there is no internet connection and telephone communication is in the hands of a single provider and the charges are horrendous. It is a times like this that you

We slept through breakfast and therefore go directly to get a spot of lunch. I had set the alarm for the crack of dawn and I had a bit of luck. Whilst the ferry was at the terminal, I managed to get internet access and was able to dash off a

We have to get up early. Why is not exactly clear, for on board ship we are on Finnish time, which is one hour ahead of German time and one hour behind of the Russian. Confusing. Especially since our ever so clever smartphones and laptops are constantly adjusting their built-in clocks

Our overnight pitch was exceptionally quiet. As we have a little time to spare before my first appointment at Baltika tomorrow, we decide to do a little sightseeing. We set off for the city centre. Here, right by the Admiralty, is something I never thought I would see these days, free

After an early morning coffee I call my contact at Baltika, to discuss the next steps. It turns out, unfortunately, that today they have no English-speaking personnel and the interview will be have to be postponed for the time being. Not a good start to the day. I talk it over

We have to get up early. Why is not exactly clear, for on board ship we are on Finnish time, which is one hour ahead of German time and one hour behind of the Russian. Confusing. Especially since our ever so clever smartphones and laptops are constantly adjusting their built-in clocks

The whole day is spent driving to Moscow. Outside it is stiflingly hot, and I have the feeling that the circulation of the air in the Editourmobil, despite the open side window, has come to a grinding halt. To be able to work comfortably, I settle myself in the “living room”

Full of anticipation for my meeting with Coca-Cola Moscow, I pour us all a welcome dose of caffeine. We had actually already confirmed the appointment previously, but it turns out that when I phone my contact Svetlana, it is not convenient to meet today so can we do tomorrow? So we

It seems like we’re jinxed. I get up early to sort out my meeting with Pepsi. No joy. I simply can’t get in touch with my contact. What do I do now? After a short brainstorming session we make an inaugural decision to set off anyway for Domodedovo, in the general