BONN--
How appropriate that a large majority of those
attending the International Freshwater Conference
in Bonn, Germany are staying at the Maritim Hotel.
The
exterior of the large, blue stained glass
structure even looks an aquarium. Walk into
the lobby, and the clammy air and strong
chlorine smell from the pool on the floor
below are suggestive of marine life. A group
of about 20 men and women from the Japanese
delegation move through the area on a search
for a meeting spot, huddled like a school
of fish. From the outdoor fountain that throws
its waters high into the air, to the bustling
check in desk immediately to the left of
the entrance where the official conference
banners hangs, freshwater has taken over
the Maritim Hotel. The lobby could be mistaken
for the United Nations on this day before
the conference opening. A group of men and
women accompanying a minister from the government
of South Africa sit on red and green stripped
couches discussing the events to take place
the following day. No one language dominates
the scene. The Maritim Hotel lobby could
be anywhere in the world. A small group of
men with thick mustaches sit back in a cloud
of smoke as they snack on coffee and carrot
cake from Café Brassere, the only
place open on a Sunday at the Maritim. Four
of the five restaurants, as well as the jewelry
store, sundry shop and tanning salon, have
their lights dark on this day of heavy incoming
traffic.
The revolving door
at the entrance is
constantly turning.
Volkswagen Caravelles,
adorned with items
of conference identification,
drop off groups of
10 to 20 every five
minutes. Three diamond
shaped elevators, covered
in festive gold lights,
rapidly make their
way from floor to floor.
Being only three kilometres
from the Bundeshaus,
the official site of
the conference, the
Maritim Hotel is the
popular choice among
participants. Hotel
workers are clearly
feeling the pick up
in business. A blond
women guarding the
conference check in
desk refuses to talk
to the press. With
a grim looking face,
her slick hair out
of place, one collar
standing up and the
other side down, the
woman is busy flipping
through papers trying
to comfort a disgruntled
guest. A long line
of anxious guests move
to the line, tugging
their luggage on wheels
for the official accreditation.
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