Berlin Blog #4 – The Epic Journey for Luggage

Today I decided to use my free time this afternoon (1^st semester students had some additional time today to ourselves) and begin my own “Hero’s Journey,” if you will, for an extra bag to back all the stuff that won’t fit in my current bag.

In my “Ordinary World” I was trying to cram as many of the gifts into my bags as possible.  On the way from Prague to Berlin, I had given in and used a shopping bag to hold my pillow (Yes, I needed my pillow from home…get over it) and the *cough, cough* lovely Kafka book, The Castle., and a couple of water bottles, I could not fit them into my bags.  I had even resorted to putting my computer in my tote/oversized purse so I could shove more things into my computer case.

All the metro stops had different looks

Call to Adventure – I had to buy things in Berlin!  I just had to!  But where would these new items fit? Around that time, a fellow student shared of a magical place.  A place where answers could be found to my luggage debacle.  A place who’s very name lit up the day. A TJ Maxx (although here it is called TK Maxx.) *sings commercial theme in head…da da da da da da da da TJ Maxx*  

Refusal of the call – It was too good to be true. I worried that it would be impossible to find.  It would require not only taking the metro but changing trains…and changing metro systems.  I didn’t think it would be possible to succeed in a land where the only German I spoke was what I learned in 5 minutes on an iPhone App.  Then another classmate announced that she was going to make the journey herself.  I figured I’d never see her again…

Lots of aggressive bike riders

Meeting with the Mentor – However, the classmate succeeded and returned in triumph telling tales of a land flowing with milk and honey…or…er…at least inexpensive luggage options.  She willingly bestowed her wisdom upon me and I recorded the directions step-by-step.

Crossing the Threshold – After the morning sessions were over, I checked the directions and headed to the metro station down the street.  After taking several minutes to figure out what type of ticket to purchase, I stepped foot onto the Berlin Metro car.

Tests, Allies and Enemies – There were many challenges.  I had to dodge bicyclists getting on and off the metro.  I had to read signs that were in different languages.  I had to walk from one metro system to another.  I had to deal with an ache in my side from doing who-knows-what to it while here.   I had to go in the opposite direction of all known Starbucks.

Back at the station near the hotel

Approach – At last I reached the station where all my luggage dreams were to come true.  I mentally prepared myself for the maximum amount I wanted to pay and what type of luggage I needed to focus on so I would not be distracted by the bells and whistles of luggage trying to woo me away from the ones I actually needed.

The Ordeal – I emerged from the metro station and saw the glorious sign of TK MAXX directly in front of me in a sort of outdoor mall area.  However, it was Sunday and the store was closed. NOOOOOOOoooooooo! 

McRib Sandwich

I do not know if I will have time to complete this hero’s journey where I get “the reward”, use “the road back,” get tested and have “the resurrection,” or “return with the elixir.”  However, I did find a McDonalds there and had a McRib sandwich which are sometimes difficult to find in the States.  I don’t think I’ve had one for a decade. 

I’ll let you know if I am able to complete my quest.

This website had more info about the hero’s journey story line:

http://www.thewritersjourney.com/hero's_journey.htm


Part 2:  The completion of the Hero's Journey:

So, let's not go into how many months later I am writing this portion.  I didn't want to leave you hanging wondering if I was successful in completing my quest.

The Reward - I finally had time during lunch on the last day of class to make one more run for the bag.  At least I knew how to get to the store now.  I dashed toward the metro when the morning sessions were complete.  Zipped along between the two connecting trains.  Sped up the stairs and into TK Maxx.  At last!  Triumph!  The store was open and they had bags.  I grabbed one and had to wait in a long line to pay.

The Road Back - Ugh!  The line was too long!  I needed to head back to my afternoon classes.  I was pressed for time.  As soon as I paid and my  new bag was marked as paid, I traced my steps back to the metro, went as quickly as I could between the connecting trains, and prayed that the metro would't be delayed for any reason.  

The Resurrection - There wasn't much time once I made it back to my temporary neighborhood on the metro.   I was almost to the hotel but was worried I didn't have time to go there first.  I decided to go for it.  I had to dodge cars, cobbled sidewalks, and aggressive cyclists (when I got too close to the bike lane.)  I made it to my room and dropped the bag off and grabbed some water that was severely needed after the adventure.  I then headed to class.

Return with Elixir - Later that evening, it was a glorious site to behold as I backed all my belongings that didn't fit in my one piece of luggage into my new bag.   It truly was an object that had the ability to transform my world...or at least my packing...into something beautiful.

Epilogue -
Yes, the bag (the purple one in the picture) is still in great shape and I plan on taking it with me this summer to the 2015 Spalding Summer Semester abroad.  :)

The purple bag that was goal for my Hero's Quest.