Pipelines and Fish Sandwiches

Last weekend I took advantage of a free trip to Hamburg courtesy of the host organization. Immediately upon stepping off the train I noticed the difference between the Hanseatic harbor city and gritty Berlin. Those walking the streets were well dressed, second-hand shops only offered lightly used designer goods and the streets were free of dog poo. Hamburg has money and knows how spend it.

Purpose of the trip was to attend a conference organized by local think-tank GIGA. Topic was the developing energy policy of India and China, potential cooperation and the declining role of the US. The group was mixed with participants from China, Indonesia, the US and Germany. Topic of most interest was a proposed pipeline that would source in Iran, run through Afghanistan, Pakistan and end in India. Probability of completion (in my opinion)...slim to non-existent. Although most were optimistic that, if built, it holds the potential to stabilize relations. For those with an interest, good podcast from Foreign Affairs here.

Best aspect of the weekend was the gentle balance of brainy discussions and nights of revelry. We also feasted on home-made Indian food prepared by the local offices personal chef and his wife, so good. Final night consisted of a bar crawl that lead into a techno party and ended when the Hamburg fish market opened at 5am. I was hoping for fish throwing, tuna auctions and haggling with little old ladies for the best Baltic Herring. The market was an experience but not what I expected. Most others at this hour were fellow party-goers doing the pre-dawn zombie shuffle while munching on a fresh fish sandwich.