I’m not responsible for Pillepalle.

Sign displayed in Eiderstedt, North Friesland

Sometimes I come across words I haven’t heard in decades. Like Pillepalle. Or Kladderadatsch, Penne, Papperlapapp, Abzocke, Betüddeln, Koscher, Tratschtante, Nuhastewirklichnochalle eih?

The sign denying responsibility for all totally unimportant (but possibly largely over-rated) stuff made me smile. Wouldn’t it be nice not ever to be bothered by Pillepalle?

On the ferry from Rotterdam to Hull we thought, for a moment, that we came across the Ever Given who had blocked the Suez Canal not too long ago but realised, when we looked a bit closer, that it was the Ever Green. Still an impressive ship. We had a good time on the ferry, first spending some time on deck looking at the disappearing city and harbour on the horizon, then having a great dinner. Getting off the ferry is now always a bit of a waiting game: if feels like as if they not just checked but double and tripple checked each and every passport. So much for Brexit.

The night before we got the ferry we went to see Starlight Express in Bochum. It’s the most surprising combination: Bochum, one of the Ruhr valley’s most ‘iconic’ cities with a “heartbeat of steel”, made famous by Herbert Grönemeyer’s song of the same name; and the sophisticated, fast moving, fascinating musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber staged in a breathtaking, purpose-built theatre. Since 1988 and seen by more than 18 million visitors.

It was an absolutely fabulous night. We had seats right beside the main stage literally in the middle of the action. The story is a variation of the one where the underdog makes it in the end because they believed in themselves and were loved by their friends. And it was friends who made it possible for us to stop over for the night and make an unbelievable memory together.

When the night is darkest, open up your mind
Dream begins, it’s becoming clearer
Listen to the distant, listen and you’ll find
A midnight train is getting nearer

Starlight Express, Starlight Express
Are you real? Yes or no?
Starlight Express, please answer me yes
I don’t want you to go

That Starlight Express is definitely real, it won’t go away, and it will take us to places we have never been.

We all enjoyed the break. It was really good. The change in environment, the time we were able to spend together, the slightly different perspective on life from a distance.

Last week, then, was all about getting back to reality, to exercise, to work, to routine.

The Starlight Express, though, will stay with us. We will hop on it from time to time. And we will keep dreaming. With energy and hope because we, Pádraig, will always be supported by his families and good friends.

It’s life and dreams occupying us, entertaining us, making us happy and keeping us strong.

Not Pillepalle.