Second on my shopping list was a full-sized ironing board. The hotel had kindly provided a table top ironing board. This proved far from effective.
One of the nice things about staying near der Planken is there are shops galore, including the Mannheim equivalent of Target / Bergner’s / Macy’s. Someone at work tipped me that Kaufhof Galleria was the place I sought. I found the right department and there was a lovely display of ironing boards, conveniently shrinkwrapped.
I have found it helpful to look up a word before shopping. This reduces stress and confusion for
everyone involved. Google Translate revealed the word for ironing board is bügelbrett. I approached the cashier and was prepared to deliver my best bügelbrett pronounciation. I had practiced all the way over. But she spoke better English than I do.
I tucked the bügelbrett under my arm like a surfboard and set off for home.
Georgia Confidential 