No, not a "Dinner for one" we had in mind to 30 May the 100th to celebrate birthday of Erika and Klaus, to which the earlier birthday girl was flown in along with spouses. But a special celebration should be all right. Since we learned of the possibility of a trolley bus - for all non-Easterners: this is a bus with overhead lines - to rent can be chauffeured to the hard throughout this society through the city. No sooner said than done. You might say. But of course it was before driving a few bureaucratic hurdles to overcome. Fortunately there was an acquaintance, the phone number of the bus depot was present. We thought. After I had expressed my concern more or less liquid learned by heart, it turned out that my interlocutor is not in the trolleybus depot, but where the trams worked. Very helpful, they gave me but the other corresponding phone number. She thought. Even there I was - now even more secure - in my sentences to learn that I had indeed come to the right depot, but unfortunately in the local canteen. Here too, we had a new phone number at hand.
Now at last I dared
e for the third time and this time the outgoing call my request for information on renting a private O bus to recite. My desire for a personal appointment to inaug-commissioning of the vehicle apparently was even accepted and we were included for the next Friday afternoon is when the driver has finished his shift and we should be available. A vague premonition prompted me, however, on Friday at noon conscious again - right now in the right numbers - to call to reassure myself that the driver would actually be already at 14.30 clock on the ground. No one wondered at the other end of the line, before 16.30 clock he had never returned. And this Friday, said tour bus was already on the road with a company until late evening. Good thing we do not prematurely Julius had brought from the nursery, Cara go home alone from school and let Klaus separate prematurely from his desk ... It passed some days off where we are, for various reasons could not make their way to the trolley depot and tended the March
already coming to an end. Considering how often early in Germany localities must be hired, we thought now to have to hurry, so this unique bus - we had still not seen - we would not be snapped up in his face. One Friday afternoon we went - again in a trolley bus - actually on a journey through the half the city. Arriving at the factory gate, we were the guards, who had just fought out a loud fight with each other our concerns and questioned rigorously then asked herzubitten on the in-house phone, the competent administrative staff. It also came shortly a friendly lady who piloted us through the wide, bright blue-painted corridors of the bus depots and sat in an office. Here at last we have now been eloquently describe in peace from one person to our project. And indeed: Yes, it was possible to rent a trolley. But not today! First, a personal interview be conducted with the driver (which we were actually come) and the date of the trip are agreed (which we recognized a long time). Although less than 17 clock was the driver still does not return, but there was a phone number where he could be reached. So we were waiting for half an hour by the lady, trying to talk, on his return home.
bated breath, we then entered the Festbus in which, as promised, small tables with stools, a buffet and a music system were present. But that otherwise maintain the dusty, sticky atmosphere of an ordinary trolley bus stopped, we had previously not made that clear. Nevertheless, the driver was nice and always willing to help us to schuckeln through the city. But when? On a Saturday? Usually, these services are only offered during the week, must eventually use a trolley bus driver, the few warm weekends in order to garden on his dacha. Our long faces and the report that part of traveling (well, actually two) of the guests especially from Germany, to experience this special event softened, and finally his heart and he gave us his verbal consent. Hurrah! Back at the depot administration, we now wanted to brass tacks. But: No, for a booking it is still far too early. In May - by then so could anything happen to bus and driver. No, 5-10 days before the deadline for rich the reservation with full payment prior completely. Whether it is during this time were many weddings? Oh yes, of course, this could well be. Especially on a Saturday. Since we must just be lucky that no-one who came before.
Yes, precisely.
So we stopped in the next few weeks of regular telephone contact with the friendly driver to encourage him to sacrifice his Saturday well for us, but no one for another. We also have meetings only if those already Telefonnaten the approximate distance, holders and duration. course not five, but 20 days before the festival we were conscious again the depot. It's all was clear. We thought. now other - - busy lady in an interview with about 20 potential new trolley bus drivers, despite prior appointment but that was. Each individual had to be informed about work hours and required documents. Unfortunately, there were no chairs in the blue hallway ...
After we had presented our concerns and also this lady the entire previous history of communication with various depot employees, it actually came to the actual booking. Only had this in writing. It was to formulate a petition that day had to include time, number of persons and an assurance that all guests can add to the instructions of the driver and wanted to leave the bus in perfect condition. Alertly Klaus asked whether it might not be a pattern for this freely admit formulated letter. Indeed, in a folder, there were numerous visual aids. The staff and I watched patiently, as Klaus wrote off changed by a model according to our needs. This was immediately stamped and signed several times and - also filed. We have pulled out my wallet, only to learn but that the payments are made in accounting. Once across the yard, back to the next building around to the second floor, down the hall. We know already. We did not know. Our desperate glances led to the kind lady herstöckelte before us and described the ladies in the accounts of the situation. We could not keep silent!
But there was the employee who specialized in the receipt of the booking fee, unfortunately ill. If we do not another day ....
Persistent stopping us have done many a time to an initially seemingly unattainable goal, and even now: Another lady was called, and explained our plans again and the three of you now sought on the brand-new PC with flat panel monitors the program to express our invoice . Since I was a boiling hot: Klaus did not pass it! If you are going to buy a Train ticket had to show and to legitimize the age of a child in the subway the document, then how much more comfortable here - but where was it at such a sensitive matter. We did quite innocent and believe it or not: more chill two hours that we waited in winter coats and hats in the well-heated office, we could make our money and received a confirmation of booking! Yeah!
Now Just do not be cocky! Finally, it was supposed to give during the holidays to eat something and then had a restaurant to be found who was willing to provide his food into a trolleybus. Here too, several meetings with the head of organization were needed to stand up menu selection and the kitchen staff was persuaded to appear exceptionally on a Saturday morning at 9 clock to work, so ready for delivery to 12 clock our treats were ready.
day X actually everything worked perfectly: The sun shone, the trolley bus was clean and even tablecloths with fresh prepared food and drink were delivered, all the guests arrived! It was a funny feeling in the fluctuating and sometimes bouncing vehicle to swing around the city while balancing plates of Russian appetizers or plastic cup of wine through the corridor. Was able at least between the not well known among German and Russian passengers no tense atmosphere rise. Thanks Caras heroic use have not even cared for by her five boys spilled something, but instead created the beautiful painting or build Lego towers. All guests came to protest the requirement to hold a short presentation to a place or building of their choice, where the trolley stopped and the passengers was an opportunity to buy something solid ground under his feet. Allows to study even native Novosibirsk is new about their city.
We are sure these mobile hard as a special 100th Birthday be remembered! 
