As I mentioned a couple of blogs ago we are welcoming colleagues and friends from the book trade in Germany this week. Kathrin Berger from Stuttgart is the key organiser. Because things have gone so smoothly she has found the time to guest blog for me. Over to you, Kathrin.

We arrived yesterday and so far my spirit has lifted - London is always lively and overwhelming. There is no other city in Europe where you meet so many different cultures. We went for a walk in the city and for we Germans it was great because all the shops were open on a Sunday!

We're staying at a pretty hotel with flowers everywhere in the room - that's what we call typical English. Today it is a holiday in the UK but nevertheless we will start our conference. I am really curious what we will learn about the UK book market and the current trends there.

Tonight we will meet some authors at the Chelsea Arts Club - Clare Francis, Peter James, and Wilbur Smith and then tomorrow real work trying to get to grips with the absurdities and charms of English-language bookselling.