I’ve lived in Europe for three years now. In 2006, I was still settling in during October. In 2007, I was in the first trimester of my pregnancy. In 2008, Massimo was too young. But THIS YEAR, I’m going to the Frankfurt Book Fair! Of course my desire to go long precedes 2006, but it definitely became a more realistic endeavor since moving here. I’ve already purchased my plane ticket, and we’ll be staying with friends nearby so I can take the quick train in to the fair while Stefano and Massimo hang with our friends and their twin boys. I haven’t sorted out my fair tickets yet, but there’s still time. And I am oh so thrilled about going!! If you’re going, do let me know so we can meet up. Someone on twitter already mentioned to me that the water for sale at the fair is really expensive so I should bring my own. Helpful tip, that. If you’ve been before and have advice for a newbie, please share!
P.S. Beer recommendations are also welcome.
My girlfriend are making plans to go, but we think we want to fly into Dusseldorf, then make our way to Frankfurt and be there on the 17th, when it’s free to the public. We have a few things to iron out regarding the trip, but we’ve been discussing it.
At last. Enjoy!
Brandon, that would be awesome! I think even the public has to pay for tickets, but it’s at least less expensive and open on the weekend (if I recall). Still haven’t purchased my ticket(s) for that, so I’m not sure what route I’m going yet.
FYI, I’m staying outside of Frankfurt at our friends’ place, but they said there’s a 12-minute train that goes from their town right to the fair. So staying outside of Frankfurt is an option if you can’t find a place to stay in Frankfurt. I’m sure places are pretty expensive and get booked early…
Wow, that’s exciting! I have been there twice and it’s always overwhelming, so study carefully the map beforehand to decide where you want to go. Other tip is: wear very comfortable shoes! You will walk a lot. Unfortunately I’m not going this year, it would be so nice to finally met you in person!
Darn that you’re not going to be there! That would have been very cool. But thank you for the tips! I’m sure I’ll have to plan out my itinerary for the book fair as much as I am doing for where to go in Paris (in two weeks).
In past years, how many books have you brought home?