Ever had one of those weeks where everything just seems to fall into place? I just have, and it sure does feel wünderbar!

During Caron's visit last week (she has been instructed to write up a report of said visit for the blog, so that will hopefully come soon!), we went to Ku'damm for some shopping therapy. We also popped in to the Irish Pub located in the "Europa Centre", a horribly cheesey little place that doesn't fit the fabulous Ku'damm shopping street at all, not to mention the giant "My First Chemistry Set" styled clock that tells the time via greeny/yellow liquid, and somehow manages to intrigue people to watch it as if it is the most amazing thing ever. But anyway, we had some food there, and a couple of beers (even though it was early afternoon!). We were served by a lovely Swedish waitress, and before we left I enquired whether they would like to employ a dashing young Englishman in their pub. Swedish lady said that someone had asked earlier in the day and been rejected, but she would get the manager for me. He said they really weren't looking to take anyone on, and when I asked if there was more chance over Christmas, he said no, and that they get less busy over Christmas even. Still, I asked if I could leave my number, and the manager decided he would get me an application form. I filled it out, and he said that he normally gives everyone a trial shift, and then decides after that. It was my best lead so far in my job search.

On Friday, while escorting Caron to the train station, my phone rang. It was an unknown number, and when I answered it was a cheery sounding manager telling me that if I still wanted a trial shift, that "tomorrow is your day!", and was instructed to turn up at "1900 hours" dressed all in black.

So Saturday came around, and I had a shower, shave etc, a vodka red bull for energy and Russian Courage and tried to make myself look as pretty as possible, then went to work. I just missed the S-Bahn I was aiming for, so I decided to get the alternative route of 2 U-Bahn trains instead. Unfortunately due to construction work this route turned out to be a debacle, and I narrowly made it on time.

After arriving, I was informed that I would be working with Misha (a German) and Chris (a Scot) on "Shop" bar. (All the different bar areas have different names: Swamp, Centre, Disco, Shop and Boat.) As this area was closed at first, I got to familiarise myself with the millions of different drinks which all have their own number for till purposes. It was all slightly overwhelming when it became clear that the place has 2 bars, one being "one of the largest in Europe" and that a typical Saturday night will have about 16 people working there. It was a far cry from The Social Bar!

At the start of the night I got to pour a few drinks, but then it got really quite busy and I was relegated to mostly just washing glasses, which was fine by me! I am proud to say that I didn't smash a single one! The live band played a nice mix of German and English classics, and provided me with some Eurovision soundtrack in the form of "Waterloo", "Er gehört zu mir", and best of all, a mash-up of "I Will Survive" and "Dschinghis Khan"! The night passed largely without incident, just busy busy busy - though I do think a guy was trying to come onto me at one point - he kept winking at me, and ordering Desperados - he clearly knows the way to my heart! Rather unexpected (and given his looks - unwanted!) in a straight bar. After hanging about virtually exclusively in gay bars during my time in Berlin, it was a thud back to earth working a Saturday night in an Irish pub, with horrible drunk men and lots of drunk bad dancing.

Although at one point I thought that there was no chance I could work so hard several times a week for the next few years, things soon improved. I was informed that I would get paid at the end of the night, and also get a share of the collective tips into my hand too. Not only did I therefore make €51 wages and €19 tips, but I also discovered that staff get a free drink at the end of every shift, so my wages came to €70 *and* a Desperados! I realised perhaps I could get used to this, and then the manager asked me "same time tomorrow?" and I realised that meant I had a job!

Finishing at 4am, I discovered that the staff often go to a pub that is no more than 2 minutes walk away after work, for a beer. So I ended up in The George, where the amazingly friendly Connie served us with large beers and free nachos. I stayed there for a beer before heading to the train station. I discovered that everyone is really friendly, and multi-national too! There are staff from Canada, New Zealand, Reunion (little island belonging to France), Scotland, Ireland, Germany (obvi) and Bulgaria. But Connie was excited to tell me that I was her first English guy.

After a long and hectic first shift, and a couple of beers, I got the train(s) home, and slept all day. I got out of bed at 17:30 the next day, and got ready for work, and went.

Sunday was much quieter, though there was still a live band (called "Frankie goes to Liverpool"!). I was treated to my third hearing of "Proud Mary" in two days (the band the previous night had played it, and then it was on Glee too!) - I think I'm gonna come to get very fed up of a few particular songs! I got to pour most of the beer all night, and even got to make my first Irish Coffees, and a Shamrock! Musical treats included "If I had a hammer" played by the band; and also the happiness-associated "About You Now" and "Flying Without Wings" (aka "Did you ever know that you're Chris Eagles?") on the radio.

Again, it made more sense (to me) to go to the pub again after work. So I did, via McDonalds! I ended up being the last worker there, sitting at the bar talking to Connie. When I realised it had gone 4 and so the trains would be running again, I paid up to leave. But Connie then offered me a "Zip" (sp?) which to most Germans would mean a lot of free foam which then settles to make a little bit more beer, but to Connie it means virtually an entire free beer. So I stayed a while longer, and discovered that Connie has a very very fleeting appearance in the background of Eragon, and also that she has had dinner with John Malkovich, who she loves.

Another night over, and another entire day in bed, until I returned to work for my third shift in a row. Another quiet-ish night custom-wise, though not aurally, as Monday is karaoke night. Someone did sing "Ferry Across the Mersey", and "Stadt" too, one of my fave German songs at the minute. I got to finish at 1am this time, and so after my free Desperado, I went to the bus stop and caught the night bus(es) home. I had enough time while waiting for bus #2 to have a Turkische Pizza, which went down nicely after three days at work.

I am working again Wednesday night, and "possibly Saturday", but I will enjoy my days off in between to the max. The fact that I have made over half of my monthly rent in the past 3 days is a massive weight off my shoulders, and my stay in Berlin looks secured for the time being. The fact that I pinky(!) promised the people dearest to me in Berlin that I would have a job in 2 weeks, just over 2 weeks ago, and beat my self-imposed deadline by a day makes it even more special. And mz journey home features *two* of the most beautiful church-views ever!

And I am going to a Miss Li concert on Thursday - can't wait! I shall be Dancing The Whole Way Home!