This will be the final post of this blog.
As everyone (hopefully) knows, I have returned to the states successfully, alive and well and happy.
Well, mostly happy. I want to be back in Europe, still traveling. I can say without a doubt that this trip was the most life changing experience I have ever had, and I have become a new man because of it. My whole outlook on life has been widened, improved. Things here in the states have a new look to them, and I feel some weird feelings as I have started returning to my regular haunts. It's like being in a familiar place for the first time again.
I know that I will return to Europe someday. And probably someday soon. I have caught the travel bug, and I don't EVER want to get rid of it.
I would like to thank everyone who read my blog, both the folk who subscribed to my postings, and to the casual observers. You guys were a nice link to home, and knowing that I had people who followed what I was doing and were interested in my thoughts and feelings throughout was just about the best cure for homesickness I could think of. Thank you all for your patience and comments, and even you advice on neat things to see.
This trip would have been much less fun without this blog.
My final words are going to be a piece of advice. I would encourage every single person to do something like this, a trip alone to a foreign land, at least once in their lifetime. I know that I have changed in innumerable ways, and I believe these changes are only for the better.
Thanks again, everyone, and happy November!
-Dyl
P.S. - Now what are you all going to do without my witty and amazing post-scripts?
Monday, November 1, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
That's Haarlem, not Harlem
So this is my second evening at my friend Deb's house, in Haarlem. It is evident that this town is NOT a tourist attraction, and that is fine with me. Today I got to sleep in on a couch (comfort than many of the mattress' I had at hostels), and weake up to a fantastic breakfast - and a vegetarian one, too. Health bread, super delicious cheese, sprouts, cucumber, tomatoe, and egg. . .and with coffee, tea, and apple-banana juice, too.
In the house there are mainly three of us: Deborah, her friend Ben who is attending a conservatory in Haarlem, and me. Deb's dad lives upstairs, too( and he makes regular visits; he is a totally cool guy. Kinda lazy, but has great musical taste, and likes to chat. We talked about government, nuclear war, David Bowie, traveling, and crazy American words for 'peeling an eggshell off of a hard boiled egg with cold eater.' The Dutch are awesome.
After a slow morning, Deb took me to the town center, and showed me around. We went by Napolion's former winter house, a free petting zoo, and gorgeous streets and canals. We also stopped by two museums, one with art, the other with architecture. Learned about culture and how Haarlem was built. Three major fires in the city, and three major rebuildings. Cool stories, too. . .Haarlem is the Capitol of the northern Dutch province, the same province where Amsterdam is, yet A-town is the country's Capitol. Strange.
After choirs, it was time for a visit to a bar and a coffee shop, then back to the house with some fast-food, Dutch style. Super good fried meat stick things and a cheese soufle. We hung out at home, and watched a little Dutch television, then went and got stuff for an Indonesian dinner. Deb is a good cook. We then watched Orphan, and now here we sit. We are headed to 'the dunes' tomorrow, and I am really excited. Wild horses, sand, and booze with a picnic. . .well, the booze and picnic will be awesome at any rate. And this place looks really cool from the pictures. It'll be fun. And if it isn't, I shall blog about it!
Been noticing how much I have walked here in Europe; four or five hours is about normal, and I have no problem with that anymore. Moleskin was a good purchase for this trip, though. I like this exercise thing, though. . .and with biking being huge here in the Netherlands, cars seem a little unnecessary. Kinda cool.
As it nears midnight here, I am trying to decide where to go next, in my final stretch of the trip. It could be in Belgium, seeing nifty things there, or it could be back in Germany, or perhaps some other country nearby. We shall see. . .we'll see.
-Dyl
P.S. - Must mention this: dinner last night was made to accordian music and singing from me, Deb, and Ben. Totally awesome!!!
In the house there are mainly three of us: Deborah, her friend Ben who is attending a conservatory in Haarlem, and me. Deb's dad lives upstairs, too( and he makes regular visits; he is a totally cool guy. Kinda lazy, but has great musical taste, and likes to chat. We talked about government, nuclear war, David Bowie, traveling, and crazy American words for 'peeling an eggshell off of a hard boiled egg with cold eater.' The Dutch are awesome.
After a slow morning, Deb took me to the town center, and showed me around. We went by Napolion's former winter house, a free petting zoo, and gorgeous streets and canals. We also stopped by two museums, one with art, the other with architecture. Learned about culture and how Haarlem was built. Three major fires in the city, and three major rebuildings. Cool stories, too. . .Haarlem is the Capitol of the northern Dutch province, the same province where Amsterdam is, yet A-town is the country's Capitol. Strange.
After choirs, it was time for a visit to a bar and a coffee shop, then back to the house with some fast-food, Dutch style. Super good fried meat stick things and a cheese soufle. We hung out at home, and watched a little Dutch television, then went and got stuff for an Indonesian dinner. Deb is a good cook. We then watched Orphan, and now here we sit. We are headed to 'the dunes' tomorrow, and I am really excited. Wild horses, sand, and booze with a picnic. . .well, the booze and picnic will be awesome at any rate. And this place looks really cool from the pictures. It'll be fun. And if it isn't, I shall blog about it!
Been noticing how much I have walked here in Europe; four or five hours is about normal, and I have no problem with that anymore. Moleskin was a good purchase for this trip, though. I like this exercise thing, though. . .and with biking being huge here in the Netherlands, cars seem a little unnecessary. Kinda cool.
As it nears midnight here, I am trying to decide where to go next, in my final stretch of the trip. It could be in Belgium, seeing nifty things there, or it could be back in Germany, or perhaps some other country nearby. We shall see. . .we'll see.
-Dyl
P.S. - Must mention this: dinner last night was made to accordian music and singing from me, Deb, and Ben. Totally awesome!!!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
And In The End. . .
It is dawning upon me that my trip is nearing it's close. I'm trying not to think about it. . .better things to do. Like explore Europe more!
So Amsterdam. . .this town isn't as cool as I thought it would be. The sights are very beautiful, yes, and there are plenty of museums that I have seen. And who could forget a stroll through the red light district and the numerous coffeeshops. . .but this city is a little less friendly than I have seen in the rest of Europe. All of the visitors are high or horny, and most of the shop owners don't like chatting - maybe they think I will just be blitzed and incoherent.
In any case, innate found the sights the most beautiful/entertaining thing of the city, rather than the people; first time this trip. I spent most of the day today I Vogel Park, Amsterdams largest and oldest park. . .amazing that such a peaceful place (and so big) right in a major urban center. I have a mixed opinion of this city. . .this might be one of he places it would be better to live in than visit.
I didn't have one decent conversation with anyone today, except by email. I really miss having my friends around to just chat with.
However, this will be remedied tomorrow: I'm off to Haarlem to stay on someones couch. A girl I met in Prague is letting me stay with her (don't worry, Kristi, she doesn't like boys), and offered to show me around Haarlem. The town is the oldest in the Netherlands, and supposed to be beautiful. I hope so!
Almost went to a football match today, but it was €100 or more. Netherlands vs. Sweden. It was very one-sided; the Netherlands is very good. But I did buy a bright orange hoody, as I needed another long sleeved shirt, and it looks cool.
Perhaps it's me taking to heart the Dutch attitude toasted things. . .they love accomdationg people here, it's the cornerstone of their cultural identity, and I have enjoyed it here, all in all. On the train in, there were number of gorgeous towns I would love to tour - by bike, of course - and the country is definitely on my mind for places to live, although I think Germany is tops at the moment.
Well, it's bedtime. It's deserted here in the hostel bar, so I guess I will turn in, too. I should sleep. . .
-Dyl
P.S. - The food here is almost exactly the same as back in the states. Restaurants of every kind, not so many auhrntif Dutch restaurants that I have seen. Really, though, when one of their delicacies is pickled herrings. . .pass.
So Amsterdam. . .this town isn't as cool as I thought it would be. The sights are very beautiful, yes, and there are plenty of museums that I have seen. And who could forget a stroll through the red light district and the numerous coffeeshops. . .but this city is a little less friendly than I have seen in the rest of Europe. All of the visitors are high or horny, and most of the shop owners don't like chatting - maybe they think I will just be blitzed and incoherent.
In any case, innate found the sights the most beautiful/entertaining thing of the city, rather than the people; first time this trip. I spent most of the day today I Vogel Park, Amsterdams largest and oldest park. . .amazing that such a peaceful place (and so big) right in a major urban center. I have a mixed opinion of this city. . .this might be one of he places it would be better to live in than visit.
I didn't have one decent conversation with anyone today, except by email. I really miss having my friends around to just chat with.
However, this will be remedied tomorrow: I'm off to Haarlem to stay on someones couch. A girl I met in Prague is letting me stay with her (don't worry, Kristi, she doesn't like boys), and offered to show me around Haarlem. The town is the oldest in the Netherlands, and supposed to be beautiful. I hope so!
Almost went to a football match today, but it was €100 or more. Netherlands vs. Sweden. It was very one-sided; the Netherlands is very good. But I did buy a bright orange hoody, as I needed another long sleeved shirt, and it looks cool.
Perhaps it's me taking to heart the Dutch attitude toasted things. . .they love accomdationg people here, it's the cornerstone of their cultural identity, and I have enjoyed it here, all in all. On the train in, there were number of gorgeous towns I would love to tour - by bike, of course - and the country is definitely on my mind for places to live, although I think Germany is tops at the moment.
Well, it's bedtime. It's deserted here in the hostel bar, so I guess I will turn in, too. I should sleep. . .
-Dyl
P.S. - The food here is almost exactly the same as back in the states. Restaurants of every kind, not so many auhrntif Dutch restaurants that I have seen. Really, though, when one of their delicacies is pickled herrings. . .pass.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Amsterdam, Sin City of Europe
Today I arrived in Amsterdam, and while it is a very pretty city, my first impresions are not that great. First off, this place is very expensive. Most meals are €10 or more (unless you search), it's QUITE crowded, and (most importan to me) my hostel sucks. No one ants to hat , everyone is either in a huge group already or on their computer playing games or really high. The worst is the computers: I see 7/10 people on computers. Boo!
Other than the negative first impression of Amsterdam, I should mention Hamburg. I was there for he last two nights, and THAT city was expensive, too, but not as bad as here. Many things to do in the city, though, and plenty to see for free. I took a free walking tour one day and, while it was interesting, I really know why I hate those touristy things (which is what this was). Totally met some cool people here, though. Hung out with one of 'em for the rest of the afternoon; we just wandered around the wharf area, checked out the famous Fishmarkt site, and took a ride on a boat. Cool to see stuff, the tie. Reminded me a lot of Minneapolis (environment and vibe-wise), but throw in a huge harbor area. Saw the famous Reeperbahn street, which is a red-light district and club scene. The bar where the Beatles played is there; woo, Beatles! But, ultimately, as I don't want a hooker, and I was still recovering from Prague, I didn't stay out too late. I Hamburg would be better experienced with a good friend, or girlfriend. Probably the same here in Amsterdam, I expect.
On a better note, I have really enjoyed my stops in Germany. Every city had a cool thing to see, or interesting history to it, and above all nice people. I have met so many friendly and cool people in Germany. . .makes me want to live there.
The Netherlands looked amazing, too. From the train ride, all of the towns and farmlands looked great; I would SERIOUSLY look into living here. . .if I knew Dutch. I really like how everyone rides their bike everywhere. Some roads are mainly for bikes, and any car on the street is treated a little oddly. And the bike parking lots. . .totally cool.
After three nights here in Amsterdam, I am headed to a fiends couch, in Haarlem. Free lodgings, a night out on the town, and good company, what could be better!
Getting a sinking feeling that my trip is getting closer and closer to it's end. I don't really want that. . .I really like it here in Europe, and want to stay. But, I already have the ticket back, and I miss home somewhat. It's just. . .every fellow traveller or hitchhiker I talk to motivates and invigorates me, makes me want to stay on the road and experience life to it's fullest. I have a funny feeling that I will be back here, and not so far in the future, too.
-Dyl
P.S. - I miss Prague. Cheap beer, food, and awesome friends, that city was the place to be. I think my next trip may be in Eastern Europe. Elise from B and N, you win.
Other than the negative first impression of Amsterdam, I should mention Hamburg. I was there for he last two nights, and THAT city was expensive, too, but not as bad as here. Many things to do in the city, though, and plenty to see for free. I took a free walking tour one day and, while it was interesting, I really know why I hate those touristy things (which is what this was). Totally met some cool people here, though. Hung out with one of 'em for the rest of the afternoon; we just wandered around the wharf area, checked out the famous Fishmarkt site, and took a ride on a boat. Cool to see stuff, the tie. Reminded me a lot of Minneapolis (environment and vibe-wise), but throw in a huge harbor area. Saw the famous Reeperbahn street, which is a red-light district and club scene. The bar where the Beatles played is there; woo, Beatles! But, ultimately, as I don't want a hooker, and I was still recovering from Prague, I didn't stay out too late. I Hamburg would be better experienced with a good friend, or girlfriend. Probably the same here in Amsterdam, I expect.
On a better note, I have really enjoyed my stops in Germany. Every city had a cool thing to see, or interesting history to it, and above all nice people. I have met so many friendly and cool people in Germany. . .makes me want to live there.
The Netherlands looked amazing, too. From the train ride, all of the towns and farmlands looked great; I would SERIOUSLY look into living here. . .if I knew Dutch. I really like how everyone rides their bike everywhere. Some roads are mainly for bikes, and any car on the street is treated a little oddly. And the bike parking lots. . .totally cool.
After three nights here in Amsterdam, I am headed to a fiends couch, in Haarlem. Free lodgings, a night out on the town, and good company, what could be better!
Getting a sinking feeling that my trip is getting closer and closer to it's end. I don't really want that. . .I really like it here in Europe, and want to stay. But, I already have the ticket back, and I miss home somewhat. It's just. . .every fellow traveller or hitchhiker I talk to motivates and invigorates me, makes me want to stay on the road and experience life to it's fullest. I have a funny feeling that I will be back here, and not so far in the future, too.
-Dyl
P.S. - I miss Prague. Cheap beer, food, and awesome friends, that city was the place to be. I think my next trip may be in Eastern Europe. Elise from B and N, you win.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Expensive Souvineer
Still in Prague, but this is my last full day here. My brain is getting a little frazzled from all of this fun I am having! The last two nights, I was out until 6am or later, and I have slept just under 4 hours. Surprisingly, not tired, as my afternoons have been full of laziness.
I have seen most of the sights I want to see in Prague so far, so I feel good on that account. Went to a famous bridge, made with eggshells which supposedly saved the bridge from washing away during some watery disaster. In my tired brain, I can't think of much else historical. Most of my memories of Prague will be from the people I have gone out with. My hostel is the best I have stayed at so far; kids are nice, always want to go out, and it's really safe here. Went to a club full of young people, too young in my opinion; didn't really like it except for the club itself. The Cross Club is filled with steel creations and slowing running engines moving other steel, purely aesthetic contraptions. We stayed at a table where you have to crouch going up a stair, squeeze around a concrete wall, and cram into a few seats. Good vibe.
Yesterday was a different story. I got fined by the Prague transit people for not having a ticket on the tram. His wa rig away as I tagged along to the bus station with a group of fellow travelers. 700 kroner, which hurt at the time, but as I think in it, that's $20? Little more? Not he worst thing in the world. An expensive piece of paper to save for later. Really a neat bonding experience, though; the four of us hung out th rest of the day and night, drinking away the night. That will probably be my main memory of Prague, and it really is a good one.
Booked a place in Hamburg, Germany. I have two nights books there so far, starting the 8th. Headed to the club where the Beatles played their first big gig, and just check out the north of Germany. I'm looking forward to German breakfast, again; they are the breakfast kings.
-Dyl
P.S. - Prague has not been sunny once whilst in have been here. Not a bad thing, really; something about this city seems to come out in the gloom. The people seem. . .the word defeated comes to mind first, but that's not quite it. More of an air of accepting the things hat really matter (health, family, sex) and ignoring the other parts which aren't as important, and which aren't as widespread as in western Europe (wealth, affluence). These are good people here in Czech, and they have won my heart. This is be my favorite city I have been so far.
I have seen most of the sights I want to see in Prague so far, so I feel good on that account. Went to a famous bridge, made with eggshells which supposedly saved the bridge from washing away during some watery disaster. In my tired brain, I can't think of much else historical. Most of my memories of Prague will be from the people I have gone out with. My hostel is the best I have stayed at so far; kids are nice, always want to go out, and it's really safe here. Went to a club full of young people, too young in my opinion; didn't really like it except for the club itself. The Cross Club is filled with steel creations and slowing running engines moving other steel, purely aesthetic contraptions. We stayed at a table where you have to crouch going up a stair, squeeze around a concrete wall, and cram into a few seats. Good vibe.
Yesterday was a different story. I got fined by the Prague transit people for not having a ticket on the tram. His wa rig away as I tagged along to the bus station with a group of fellow travelers. 700 kroner, which hurt at the time, but as I think in it, that's $20? Little more? Not he worst thing in the world. An expensive piece of paper to save for later. Really a neat bonding experience, though; the four of us hung out th rest of the day and night, drinking away the night. That will probably be my main memory of Prague, and it really is a good one.
Booked a place in Hamburg, Germany. I have two nights books there so far, starting the 8th. Headed to the club where the Beatles played their first big gig, and just check out the north of Germany. I'm looking forward to German breakfast, again; they are the breakfast kings.
-Dyl
P.S. - Prague has not been sunny once whilst in have been here. Not a bad thing, really; something about this city seems to come out in the gloom. The people seem. . .the word defeated comes to mind first, but that's not quite it. More of an air of accepting the things hat really matter (health, family, sex) and ignoring the other parts which aren't as important, and which aren't as widespread as in western Europe (wealth, affluence). These are good people here in Czech, and they have won my heart. This is be my favorite city I have been so far.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Danger by the Ferris Wheel
This is being written in the downstairs bar of my hostel, the Clown and Bard. Can't say enough positive things about this place, it is fantastic. Just a few minutes from the train station, and a few more from a slew of clubs, bars, and coffeeshops. It's been two nights here so far, and I am thoroughly enjoying Prague.
The prices here are dirt cheap. A pint of beer is under a Euro, and it is fantastic. A nice nice lunch is around five Euro, and entrance to swanky museums is like 7, 8 Euro. Their currency comes in 1000, 2000, and 5000 notes.
Two days ago, on the train from Berlin to Prague, I met an awesome Austrian guy, named Chris, on his was back to Vienna where he is studying Physics. We talked for 5 hours or more, and he offered me his couch in Vienna (potentially). Gotta see if this will work or not. . .it may! After my long day of travel, got to the hostel and checked in; I'm on the top floor (6th) with no lift. Lotta stairs. Ended up staying downstairs for the night drinking a number of delicious beers, and met two awesome people: Deborah and Pete. Deborah is a lesbian musician/artist/illustrator visiting Prague who lives in the Netherlands. She offered to show me around Amsterdam and perhaps the Hague. Totally a sweet person; we ended up playing Dutch hearts the next morning. Pete: Brit from Liverpool who studied architecture, and is traveling for two weeks. He will be in Amsterdam when I am, we will probably hang out again. We also wandered around the city yesterday, just us two, attempting to see a museum (closed on Mondays, just like all of Europe). Ended up wandering into an abandoned amusement park; this was the most amazing place I have been to so far. Creepy, rusty rides, a huge ferris wheel, and gypsy homes were all around. Had the best time of my life, wandering around and getting some photos, as this was some place I had never expected to be in my life. Such a soviet feel to it; dark sky, a few lazy guards around, and abandoned things just lying around. Just like a movie set, and almost indescribable in words. Awesome day. Anyways, after that, Pete and I walked into the city and bummed around for a bit, just taking in the sweet sights. Took a nap afterwards, and ended up resting til this morning. Pete just got up, and I got advice on a few exhibits to go and see, and a club or two to visit. I'll post more soon.
-Dyl
P.S. - Coffee is good.
The prices here are dirt cheap. A pint of beer is under a Euro, and it is fantastic. A nice nice lunch is around five Euro, and entrance to swanky museums is like 7, 8 Euro. Their currency comes in 1000, 2000, and 5000 notes.
Two days ago, on the train from Berlin to Prague, I met an awesome Austrian guy, named Chris, on his was back to Vienna where he is studying Physics. We talked for 5 hours or more, and he offered me his couch in Vienna (potentially). Gotta see if this will work or not. . .it may! After my long day of travel, got to the hostel and checked in; I'm on the top floor (6th) with no lift. Lotta stairs. Ended up staying downstairs for the night drinking a number of delicious beers, and met two awesome people: Deborah and Pete. Deborah is a lesbian musician/artist/illustrator visiting Prague who lives in the Netherlands. She offered to show me around Amsterdam and perhaps the Hague. Totally a sweet person; we ended up playing Dutch hearts the next morning. Pete: Brit from Liverpool who studied architecture, and is traveling for two weeks. He will be in Amsterdam when I am, we will probably hang out again. We also wandered around the city yesterday, just us two, attempting to see a museum (closed on Mondays, just like all of Europe). Ended up wandering into an abandoned amusement park; this was the most amazing place I have been to so far. Creepy, rusty rides, a huge ferris wheel, and gypsy homes were all around. Had the best time of my life, wandering around and getting some photos, as this was some place I had never expected to be in my life. Such a soviet feel to it; dark sky, a few lazy guards around, and abandoned things just lying around. Just like a movie set, and almost indescribable in words. Awesome day. Anyways, after that, Pete and I walked into the city and bummed around for a bit, just taking in the sweet sights. Took a nap afterwards, and ended up resting til this morning. Pete just got up, and I got advice on a few exhibits to go and see, and a club or two to visit. I'll post more soon.
-Dyl
P.S. - Coffee is good.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Salvador Dali Is My Favorite
Today was a good day. Went out around Berlin today, and just took in some German capitol city culture. Neat city, but it seems like every third building is a bar/restaurant, at least where my hostel is. I'm guessing this is part if the ghetto side of town, or the nightlife section. I quite like the bar situation here in Europe; almost every store will sell drinks, be it coffee or booze, or water of some sort, and most sell all three. And the beer is cheap! 'Bout a euro and a half for a bottle of beer. Nice!
Back to the city wandering: went to the Reichstag first, where there was a large stage being set up in front of the building. Heard the sound test, and wandered on. Turns out that this wasn't the only stage set up, because three blocks away, just into the Teirgarten, there was a whole festival in full swing! I happen to be here in Berlin on the 20th anniversary of the reunification of Berlin, and east/western Germany. Pretty lame festival, actually, with no real activities, just some vendors peddling their crap, and food; nice upside: there were three functional stages beyond the one outside the Reichstag, all with decent to terrible music playing. . .but free music! A highlight for me was the accordion band, with such hits as "Don't Fear the Reaper" and "Rock Around the Clock." Pretty epic. Eventually, I found a flier for the Salvador Dali exhibit that is now a permanent fixture in Berlin, and i knew I had to go. I love Dali; he's my favorite. Ended up staying in the museum for four hours (it was a small museum, too), watching videos that Dali contributed to, and just wandering through a bunch of surreal art. Totally an awesome afternoon. Got a few picture of some monuments, and saw Checkpoint Charlie, then headed back to my hostel for a shower and some dinner. Then typing!
I've been noticing how sweet the grafitti is here in Europe, even that there IS visible grafitti here. I know here is some in the states, but it seems Ginger covered up really quickly and just isn't on the dam caliber as Euro-grafitti. It's part of the walls here in Berlin, and I noticed it in Italy, too. I quite like it; I think grafitti can be an amazing art form, and is generally underappreciated. Plus, it's something to look at while my train is going by.
I've ALSO noticed how easy it is to hop on board a train w/o paying for a ticket (usually just the metros; they have a pretty careful system in place for actual trains). Kristi and I hopped a few busses in Italy, and I have definitely done it a few times here. Indont know if the Europeans are more trustworthy and do the honorable thing, but the lax security is NOT the case in the USA. Tickets for everything. Oh well. I usually buy one overpriced ticket, and then have it in my pocket in case I need to coach my ticket at a guard or something. I'm sure if it ever came to that, a metroperson stopping passengers to check their tickets, I would be in trouble. . .but hat doesn't seem to happen ever. This sure does save money, though!
Tomorrow I head to Prague, the city inmost ranted to sermon this whole continent. Not destroyed by WWII, and really cheap to stay in, I have planned five days there. Maybe more, we'll see how I feel after my first couple days. Guess I'll update next from Eastern Europe!
-Dyl
P.S. - I found some awesome souvineers today; you cats are gaunna like what I'm gaunna give when I get back *wink*.
Back to the city wandering: went to the Reichstag first, where there was a large stage being set up in front of the building. Heard the sound test, and wandered on. Turns out that this wasn't the only stage set up, because three blocks away, just into the Teirgarten, there was a whole festival in full swing! I happen to be here in Berlin on the 20th anniversary of the reunification of Berlin, and east/western Germany. Pretty lame festival, actually, with no real activities, just some vendors peddling their crap, and food; nice upside: there were three functional stages beyond the one outside the Reichstag, all with decent to terrible music playing. . .but free music! A highlight for me was the accordion band, with such hits as "Don't Fear the Reaper" and "Rock Around the Clock." Pretty epic. Eventually, I found a flier for the Salvador Dali exhibit that is now a permanent fixture in Berlin, and i knew I had to go. I love Dali; he's my favorite. Ended up staying in the museum for four hours (it was a small museum, too), watching videos that Dali contributed to, and just wandering through a bunch of surreal art. Totally an awesome afternoon. Got a few picture of some monuments, and saw Checkpoint Charlie, then headed back to my hostel for a shower and some dinner. Then typing!
I've been noticing how sweet the grafitti is here in Europe, even that there IS visible grafitti here. I know here is some in the states, but it seems Ginger covered up really quickly and just isn't on the dam caliber as Euro-grafitti. It's part of the walls here in Berlin, and I noticed it in Italy, too. I quite like it; I think grafitti can be an amazing art form, and is generally underappreciated. Plus, it's something to look at while my train is going by.
I've ALSO noticed how easy it is to hop on board a train w/o paying for a ticket (usually just the metros; they have a pretty careful system in place for actual trains). Kristi and I hopped a few busses in Italy, and I have definitely done it a few times here. Indont know if the Europeans are more trustworthy and do the honorable thing, but the lax security is NOT the case in the USA. Tickets for everything. Oh well. I usually buy one overpriced ticket, and then have it in my pocket in case I need to coach my ticket at a guard or something. I'm sure if it ever came to that, a metroperson stopping passengers to check their tickets, I would be in trouble. . .but hat doesn't seem to happen ever. This sure does save money, though!
Tomorrow I head to Prague, the city inmost ranted to sermon this whole continent. Not destroyed by WWII, and really cheap to stay in, I have planned five days there. Maybe more, we'll see how I feel after my first couple days. Guess I'll update next from Eastern Europe!
-Dyl
P.S. - I found some awesome souvineers today; you cats are gaunna like what I'm gaunna give when I get back *wink*.
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