This trip is not only about sightseeing, but about seeing family I haven't seen in 15-20 years. This time, I saw a cousin who is only three and a half years older than me, so we're both fuzzy on memories of each other.
The town itself is pretty cutesy, your typical little Bavarian old town. This place is known for the 4-day long wedding celebration from the 1400s. etcetc.
My time here was short and sweet. I walked around the town and, as always, climbed a big hill to a castle called Trausnit. Gave me a pretty neat view of the city and such. The next day after a hearty breakfast, it was go time in a deeper nature - Schwartwald
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Berlin round II
This time around, a weekend in Berlin defeated me, as it should. The first night was easy going as it was only Thursday and I had my luggage to schlepp around. So a good old time at the Berliner beer garden was in store.
Friday, festivities began. I met up with some of Caitlin's friends at a sweet bar called Cake, which has this shot called "Slutty American". So gut! The bar across the street had a special.. 1€ per tequilla shot for an hour. They did charge extra for the lime, so I chased with some honey found on the table a few times. Then the quest to find Caitlin was...long and adventureous. The place was packed, but we got some free foosball out of it and I tried some sort of shot with vodka, grenadine and TABASCO sauce. Never again. I wanted to vomit. We left that place very late and got a 5AM dinner at a cheap Turkish place, where we called some former IESers and decided we were going to Skype when we returned to the WG. For us Berlin, it was about 7AM, for them about 9PM or so.
The nap lasted a few hours, after which I went to the market for some cereal and milk. I finally got a hold of my host mom, so we went on a few little rides and got caught up on life. She took me to this little garden/restaurant/cafe called Princess something or another. Lots of dogs and alternative people. Just how I like it.
When I returned, I napped for another couple of hours. And following the nap, we went to Alex Platz. I love love looking at the Fernsehturm at night. We eventually went to a gay club called Propoganda, I believe. Good times, lots of dance and some not very dressed mens. After this ordeal, we got back at about 6AM, and I had to wake up at about 830AM. Of COURSE the bus I was looking for two minutes early, right as I was crossing the street with all my shit. So I missed the first train. I eventually did well with trains, until a platform change in Munchen. I did learn that I can sleep on trains if I don' t sleep well for two days. After many hours, I finally arrived to Landshut!
Friday, festivities began. I met up with some of Caitlin's friends at a sweet bar called Cake, which has this shot called "Slutty American". So gut! The bar across the street had a special.. 1€ per tequilla shot for an hour. They did charge extra for the lime, so I chased with some honey found on the table a few times. Then the quest to find Caitlin was...long and adventureous. The place was packed, but we got some free foosball out of it and I tried some sort of shot with vodka, grenadine and TABASCO sauce. Never again. I wanted to vomit. We left that place very late and got a 5AM dinner at a cheap Turkish place, where we called some former IESers and decided we were going to Skype when we returned to the WG. For us Berlin, it was about 7AM, for them about 9PM or so.
The nap lasted a few hours, after which I went to the market for some cereal and milk. I finally got a hold of my host mom, so we went on a few little rides and got caught up on life. She took me to this little garden/restaurant/cafe called Princess something or another. Lots of dogs and alternative people. Just how I like it.
When I returned, I napped for another couple of hours. And following the nap, we went to Alex Platz. I love love looking at the Fernsehturm at night. We eventually went to a gay club called Propoganda, I believe. Good times, lots of dance and some not very dressed mens. After this ordeal, we got back at about 6AM, and I had to wake up at about 830AM. Of COURSE the bus I was looking for two minutes early, right as I was crossing the street with all my shit. So I missed the first train. I eventually did well with trains, until a platform change in Munchen. I did learn that I can sleep on trains if I don' t sleep well for two days. After many hours, I finally arrived to Landshut!
Monday, August 20, 2012
Brussels
This city was not what I was expecting, at all. For one thing, it is way more poor/ghetto than I thought and not very white at all. The old city was like most old Euro cities, but of course the specialty shops focused mostly on beer and chocolate.
Our first stop after settling into the hostel was the Cantillon brewry. This beer was like none other since it's made by spontenious fermentation or something. It's not one bit bubbly or carbonated and almost tasted like wine. Mmmms. After that, we headed to this bar that serves over 100 different beers and I had some sort of Deleruim Tremens. I think the Noctornal one. Again, mm. More walking around the squares, city, etc before heading back to the hostel to meet people at the bar with a decent happy hour downstairs. There, I tried Hoegarten, a pale, hoppy beer. Met Austrians, Norwegians, one American, Canadians, drank a lot and went to bed at an ungodly hour to wake up just in time for a still drunk breakfast... after which, I realized I was still sleepy and napped until the wardens kicked us out for the lock out. More walking, went to a history of Brussels museum, ate a waffel, bought chocolate, saw the little peeing man (Makeen Piss) and went to the hostel for a wee bit. I found a map that included a lot of the less touristy things.
My first stop was to try finding this rock/metal club, but that was a fail. Since it was supposed to be near a canal, I walked along there and saw the outdoor bars, etc. Since Brussels is mostly city stuff, the peeps there made a little farm IN the city. So that was cool and different to see. I eventually made my way back to hostel in order to get a couple hours of rest and sleep before my trip to Berlin the next day.
Our first stop after settling into the hostel was the Cantillon brewry. This beer was like none other since it's made by spontenious fermentation or something. It's not one bit bubbly or carbonated and almost tasted like wine. Mmmms. After that, we headed to this bar that serves over 100 different beers and I had some sort of Deleruim Tremens. I think the Noctornal one. Again, mm. More walking around the squares, city, etc before heading back to the hostel to meet people at the bar with a decent happy hour downstairs. There, I tried Hoegarten, a pale, hoppy beer. Met Austrians, Norwegians, one American, Canadians, drank a lot and went to bed at an ungodly hour to wake up just in time for a still drunk breakfast... after which, I realized I was still sleepy and napped until the wardens kicked us out for the lock out. More walking, went to a history of Brussels museum, ate a waffel, bought chocolate, saw the little peeing man (Makeen Piss) and went to the hostel for a wee bit. I found a map that included a lot of the less touristy things.
My first stop was to try finding this rock/metal club, but that was a fail. Since it was supposed to be near a canal, I walked along there and saw the outdoor bars, etc. Since Brussels is mostly city stuff, the peeps there made a little farm IN the city. So that was cool and different to see. I eventually made my way back to hostel in order to get a couple hours of rest and sleep before my trip to Berlin the next day.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Amsterdam boats
Another ferry ride, this time to Amsterdam! Time to see a family friend again. The night was spent making dinner, doing laundry, reading and relaxing. The next day, we basically walked around, it rained like fucking hell off and on in the morning.
We had to walk about a mile to get to town from my friend's place and once we got to town, we just went into a coffee shop to hide from the rain. Once that died down, we walked the canals and around town (typical day for these tourists!) Then our friend had some Mittagsfrei (when the workers have about two hours off work) and brought us to his friend's boat house. We played dominos and she told us about the Gay Parade that we missed by a couple hours the night before. Big mess was left, but it sounded like a better parade than Minnesota's.
There are many fries stands that offer 20+ toppings/sauces. NEATO! DELICIOUS CALORIES. But fries in Europe (as with all fast food) taste better than in the states.
We went to the Sex Museum I forgot about, to the Torture Museum, a hookah bar, and eventually made our way back to the apartment where I decided to eat fruit and healthy-ish things.
Next day, off to Brussels we go!
We had to walk about a mile to get to town from my friend's place and once we got to town, we just went into a coffee shop to hide from the rain. Once that died down, we walked the canals and around town (typical day for these tourists!) Then our friend had some Mittagsfrei (when the workers have about two hours off work) and brought us to his friend's boat house. We played dominos and she told us about the Gay Parade that we missed by a couple hours the night before. Big mess was left, but it sounded like a better parade than Minnesota's.
There are many fries stands that offer 20+ toppings/sauces. NEATO! DELICIOUS CALORIES. But fries in Europe (as with all fast food) taste better than in the states.
We went to the Sex Museum I forgot about, to the Torture Museum, a hookah bar, and eventually made our way back to the apartment where I decided to eat fruit and healthy-ish things.
Next day, off to Brussels we go!
Copenhagen, Denmark
About time to meet up with Liam, the travel buddy again. Off to the islandish town of Copenhagen we go!! Did you know that they can put TRAINS on FERRY BOATS? My mind was blown. At least I got a nice wiff of frische luft (fresh air) and a nice view on the water. We stayed with a friend of Liam, who I had met once before in Berlin two years ago. We played Risk (my first time and I basically won) and that sorta turned into somewhat heavy drinking. We walked to a couple bars, played some pool and just chilled basically.
The next day was more of a sightseeing day. We started with a nice big Danish family lunch (lots and lots of fish) and then went to the Kronborg castle, on the border of Sweden. I waved to Sweden without going there! The castle itself was decent, it's part of Hamlet's castle or something. There is a god/warrior sleeping in the statue waiting for a war to start. He'll then wake up and fight for the land! Then there was a beach visit and a big Danish dinner. After that, some people came to the apartment, played some cards and went out into the night life. A good night life it was, too. I learned not to use a Danish cash machine whilst intoxicated. The late night lead a morning of sleeping in and an easy going, city walking, little mermaid searching rainy day.
Next up... Amsterdam, brah.
The next day was more of a sightseeing day. We started with a nice big Danish family lunch (lots and lots of fish) and then went to the Kronborg castle, on the border of Sweden. I waved to Sweden without going there! The castle itself was decent, it's part of Hamlet's castle or something. There is a god/warrior sleeping in the statue waiting for a war to start. He'll then wake up and fight for the land! Then there was a beach visit and a big Danish dinner. After that, some people came to the apartment, played some cards and went out into the night life. A good night life it was, too. I learned not to use a Danish cash machine whilst intoxicated. The late night lead a morning of sleeping in and an easy going, city walking, little mermaid searching rainy day.
Next up... Amsterdam, brah.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Arm aber (noch) Sexy - Bierlin
After a year and a half, I return to the place I originally studied abroad. Even as I entered Sudbahnhof (before Hauptbahnhof/Central station) I started getting giddy because I could see the sign for the gym I used to frequent (McFit, reppin'!) next to a big Ikea sign. Just grins all the way to Hauptbahnhof and all the way to Friedrichstrasse, where I met up with Caitlin (lady from program!). After hugs, we went to the hookah bar (Kleopatra) we used to frequent and met up with another program lady. Re-reunions all around.
The next day I took a walk/bahn ride of memories. I started off at Potsdamer Platz and walked a lot. A whole lot. From there, to Unter den Linden, through the Judische Denkmal (Monument for Murdered Jews - still as eerie as the first time I walked through it), and down the line where the wall used to be (obviously not the whole line, that's an entire day of walking!) until I found the other main street again, Friedrichstrasse.You know what intersects that street? Johanesstrasse.. which is where my school is. Unfortunately, the semester ended last week and none of the teachers were around for me to harass besides the administrative staff. Who sort of remembered me. Having short hair did not help them remember me.
After that, I wandered a bit (Wanderlust, Fremdweh) and eventually took the Bahn over to Alexanderplatz to walk around, yet some more. There was some sort of festival going on with people doing stunts and so on so I watched that go on for a bittybit until it was time to go to my old Bezirk/district of Tempelhof. I wandered around the airport with Daryl for a long time (because I forgot how big that place really is) and then walked down to my host mother's old house on Eschwegerig. I see a new family with a baby moved it, so I didn't want to snap a quick photo of it, but damn, did I love my room there.. and of course to the Aldi down the street.
I met up with Caitlin again after that (she has Praktikum 9-5, I am on lockout once I leave the Studentenwohnheim) for her friend's birthday at a jazz club - something I usually don't do, but okay. And I see someone from a different program I was part of 4 years ago in Munchen. Small world, indeed.
Yesterday, I took a another memory lanes walk to Hermannstrasse 18. Unless you were in the IES program, you wouldn't understand why that's important or awesome. Lots memories and parties and forgotten memories and stuff. What an excellent apartment that was. It is being rented out. Darn. Also, I managed to forget how easy it is to get lost due to the streets changing names randomly! But I somehow walked to the Turkischer Markt (one of the top things I did when I lived in Berlin) and bought fruits and fruits and yums before my trip to Sachsenhausen to see one of the biggest former concentration camps. Me being stupid, couldn't FIND the camp at first, even though it's right the train station (down a really narrow road) so I walked to some outskits somewhere.. So my time at the camp was shortened because I didn't know the times the trains left etc, etc. But it's eerie being there - silence, lots of empty space, clouds. Set the mood good. Getting back took a long time, but it was birthday number two time so we did that. Got ID'd for the first time since I got to Europe for buying booze. Neat.
Today I plan on being lazy and doing almost nothing. Peace. Tomorrow, to Copenhagen!
The next day I took a walk/bahn ride of memories. I started off at Potsdamer Platz and walked a lot. A whole lot. From there, to Unter den Linden, through the Judische Denkmal (Monument for Murdered Jews - still as eerie as the first time I walked through it), and down the line where the wall used to be (obviously not the whole line, that's an entire day of walking!) until I found the other main street again, Friedrichstrasse.You know what intersects that street? Johanesstrasse.. which is where my school is. Unfortunately, the semester ended last week and none of the teachers were around for me to harass besides the administrative staff. Who sort of remembered me. Having short hair did not help them remember me.
After that, I wandered a bit (Wanderlust, Fremdweh) and eventually took the Bahn over to Alexanderplatz to walk around, yet some more. There was some sort of festival going on with people doing stunts and so on so I watched that go on for a bittybit until it was time to go to my old Bezirk/district of Tempelhof. I wandered around the airport with Daryl for a long time (because I forgot how big that place really is) and then walked down to my host mother's old house on Eschwegerig. I see a new family with a baby moved it, so I didn't want to snap a quick photo of it, but damn, did I love my room there.. and of course to the Aldi down the street.
I met up with Caitlin again after that (she has Praktikum 9-5, I am on lockout once I leave the Studentenwohnheim) for her friend's birthday at a jazz club - something I usually don't do, but okay. And I see someone from a different program I was part of 4 years ago in Munchen. Small world, indeed.
Yesterday, I took a another memory lanes walk to Hermannstrasse 18. Unless you were in the IES program, you wouldn't understand why that's important or awesome. Lots memories and parties and forgotten memories and stuff. What an excellent apartment that was. It is being rented out. Darn. Also, I managed to forget how easy it is to get lost due to the streets changing names randomly! But I somehow walked to the Turkischer Markt (one of the top things I did when I lived in Berlin) and bought fruits and fruits and yums before my trip to Sachsenhausen to see one of the biggest former concentration camps. Me being stupid, couldn't FIND the camp at first, even though it's right the train station (down a really narrow road) so I walked to some outskits somewhere.. So my time at the camp was shortened because I didn't know the times the trains left etc, etc. But it's eerie being there - silence, lots of empty space, clouds. Set the mood good. Getting back took a long time, but it was birthday number two time so we did that. Got ID'd for the first time since I got to Europe for buying booze. Neat.
Today I plan on being lazy and doing almost nothing. Peace. Tomorrow, to Copenhagen!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Salzburg, mountain of salt
No Eurotrip is complete without seeing some family, right?
I visited an extended cousin I hadn't seen in... 15-20 years, I really couldn't tell ya. Since they have small kids, they couldn't exactly bring me around the city, so I did some exploring on my own. I have nothing against that, I do enjoy alone time and being able to take pictures without feeling like I'm stragling behind too much. And I can go climb mountains without people getting tired behind me. I went to the famous Salzburg fortress/castle/schloss on the mountain and got a little tour. That castle also has a puppet museum within it.. I can't wait to post pictures to compliment my posts on here. The Altstadt/Oldtown is quite cutesy, though touristy. I enjoy the fact that people casually wear lederhosen around here.
Later on, another cousin of mine picked me up and we saw some other things in Salzburg such as Mozart's home (it closed right when we got there), Palace of Mirabel/Wasserspiele (lots of gardens, fountains, royalty - The Sound of Music had some scenes here), Basilika Maria Plain on the Calvary Hill, Red Bull Plane/Hangar museum.
My time there was short lived, but I also wanted to return to my home of four months, that is, Berlin.
I visited an extended cousin I hadn't seen in... 15-20 years, I really couldn't tell ya. Since they have small kids, they couldn't exactly bring me around the city, so I did some exploring on my own. I have nothing against that, I do enjoy alone time and being able to take pictures without feeling like I'm stragling behind too much. And I can go climb mountains without people getting tired behind me. I went to the famous Salzburg fortress/castle/schloss on the mountain and got a little tour. That castle also has a puppet museum within it.. I can't wait to post pictures to compliment my posts on here. The Altstadt/Oldtown is quite cutesy, though touristy. I enjoy the fact that people casually wear lederhosen around here.
Later on, another cousin of mine picked me up and we saw some other things in Salzburg such as Mozart's home (it closed right when we got there), Palace of Mirabel/Wasserspiele (lots of gardens, fountains, royalty - The Sound of Music had some scenes here), Basilika Maria Plain on the Calvary Hill, Red Bull Plane/Hangar museum.
My time there was short lived, but I also wanted to return to my home of four months, that is, Berlin.
Francocci
Me and my travel buddy parted ways to see our own friends in other countries for a few days. I made a big leap from the big city, to a small village in the mountains of Italy in a tiny town called Francocci. Such a huge and relaxing contrast to the city of crazy drivers and tourists.
What I did for the most part was walk around the mountains with an old family friend I hadn;t seen in almost two years, went to a Schwimbad, visited a lot of churches (I am by no means religious, but I do like seeing the architecture, etc) and ate some gelato. To give you an idea of what sort of place this was, a rooster woke me up at 6AM. Just in time to catch my next train... which was late... and caused me to miss a connecting train. But I somehow found my way around the other 4 connecting trains to get to SALZBURG!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Roma
The city structure is so... schizophrenic. I don't know what to else to say about it. It is the mixture of oldschool/modern buildings (which of course has a different meaning here than it does over yonder in America) and the anicent ruins that left standing. I am throughly impressed by what IS left standing. The hostel we stayed at was not the coolest thing ever. Right by the train station, lots of angry drivers and talkers throughout the night, the snorer (though only for one night). You can hear EVERYTHANG outside. And the streets are extremely narrow. The homelessness rate is through the roof, but none of them have really tried to harrass or haggle anyone for money.
I really wish I had brought my pedometer to count how much I have walked on this trip. I have spent hours, upon hours on my feet. I have been controlling myself with the camera, however, because most sites are super touristy and are all over the internet anyways. And I am too much of a pussy to try taking shots of the super religious hobos.
So the sights, eh? Almost as hard to navigate a German keyboard after navigating an Italian keyboard.
The Pantheon
The Vatican/Basillica Pietro
The Colosseo
Republic de Piazza
The Forumn
Igbazio di Loyala
I really wish I had brought my pedometer to count how much I have walked on this trip. I have spent hours, upon hours on my feet. I have been controlling myself with the camera, however, because most sites are super touristy and are all over the internet anyways. And I am too much of a pussy to try taking shots of the super religious hobos.
So the sights, eh? Almost as hard to navigate a German keyboard after navigating an Italian keyboard.
The Pantheon
The Vatican/Basillica Pietro
The Colosseo
Republic de Piazza
The Forumn
Igbazio di Loyala
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Firenze
This hostel, Eurostudent Home had the most amazing hosts. Crazies. Oh man.
The train ride was a living nightmare. Even with our Europass, some trains for some countries still require you to make a reservation and pay extra money. Fuckk. We got there late afternoon, and my first meal in Italia was from an Instanbul place. And it was a pizza. Lolz.
The rest of the day was spent walking around the incredibly tiny and disorienting city until the sangria party. The hosts of the hostel made TWO big bowls of sangria, for free. Then walked in with a shot glass and a bottle yelling “VODKA SHOTS?”
We did small talk/introductions and I only remembered the states or countries that these people were from - not their names. Booohooo. But the people I meet are usually incredible/awesome. I made pals with this frenchie. I mentioned that there was a stop on the metro called “Saint Paul” and that it’s our capital. He said “Oh yes, that’s the stop were my Uni is”. I then told him that I also had some classes at the St Paul campus. Cool stuff. “oh, it must be a sign”.
After we polished off the sangria and a couple of our own drinks, the host/boss manager/Michael took us all to a club, no cover. Then I walked around the nightly city anddd got back after 3, immediately passing out.
Next day was spent with more walks, picture takings, accidental wedding crashing and listening to this wonderful classical guitar player until our wine tour. We were supposed to do one at 9AM on bike, but that would have been impossible after the night we had just had. We went to two different wineries. The first was a restaurant owned by a royal family. We got a tour, drank wine and ate cheese. The second one is farther in the country and some rich man, with a lot of character owns that. Apparently, if you are born in and grow up in Italy, yet speak English in the house hold (with a British/Scottish nanny/parents) you will speak with an English accent, not an Italian one. He fed us more wine than the other place did.
When we returned to the hostel, I was going to see the real David. Once I found out you gotta walk around a museum, wait in line and pay, I took a much needed nap instead. I’ve only been getting 6ish hours of sleep a night. If not less. After the nap, it was time for sangria night, part dos. And more drinks (less than the night before). And another free club, which was really shitty and we left shortly after..
Today, we boarded the train for a whole hour and 15 minutes, now in.... ROMA
The train ride was a living nightmare. Even with our Europass, some trains for some countries still require you to make a reservation and pay extra money. Fuckk. We got there late afternoon, and my first meal in Italia was from an Instanbul place. And it was a pizza. Lolz.
The rest of the day was spent walking around the incredibly tiny and disorienting city until the sangria party. The hosts of the hostel made TWO big bowls of sangria, for free. Then walked in with a shot glass and a bottle yelling “VODKA SHOTS?”
We did small talk/introductions and I only remembered the states or countries that these people were from - not their names. Booohooo. But the people I meet are usually incredible/awesome. I made pals with this frenchie. I mentioned that there was a stop on the metro called “Saint Paul” and that it’s our capital. He said “Oh yes, that’s the stop were my Uni is”. I then told him that I also had some classes at the St Paul campus. Cool stuff. “oh, it must be a sign”.
After we polished off the sangria and a couple of our own drinks, the host/boss manager/Michael took us all to a club, no cover. Then I walked around the nightly city anddd got back after 3, immediately passing out.
Next day was spent with more walks, picture takings, accidental wedding crashing and listening to this wonderful classical guitar player until our wine tour. We were supposed to do one at 9AM on bike, but that would have been impossible after the night we had just had. We went to two different wineries. The first was a restaurant owned by a royal family. We got a tour, drank wine and ate cheese. The second one is farther in the country and some rich man, with a lot of character owns that. Apparently, if you are born in and grow up in Italy, yet speak English in the house hold (with a British/Scottish nanny/parents) you will speak with an English accent, not an Italian one. He fed us more wine than the other place did.
When we returned to the hostel, I was going to see the real David. Once I found out you gotta walk around a museum, wait in line and pay, I took a much needed nap instead. I’ve only been getting 6ish hours of sleep a night. If not less. After the nap, it was time for sangria night, part dos. And more drinks (less than the night before). And another free club, which was really shitty and we left shortly after..
Today, we boarded the train for a whole hour and 15 minutes, now in.... ROMA
Quick stop at Geneva
Geneva Switzerland is a sweet little town. It was more of a rest stop for us. While Liam napped at the beach (the water was WAY too cold... damn Alps). I walked around and read. They had an incredible breakfast, as all hostels do. Then, up at 7AM for the next train toooooo Florance!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Paris Picnic
Two days here was quite awesome, though very crowded. This unfortunately prevented me from wanting to enter any buildings. We arrived in the late afternoon of Tuesday. We went to what we thought was our hotel... but we were wrong. The names were the same with the exception of a "le" before it. So we went on another walk and metro ride to find the hotel. My buddy's dad knows the owner so we're like "Neat, discount time". Imagine our shock when a HOTEL in PARIS was FREE. Incredible breakfast included.
Our first night was spent buying picnic foods to take to the park.. next to Eiffel Tower! So we watched the sun set, drank wine, ate fine foods and saw the tower light up all cool like.
The next day, we ate our fancy ass breakfast (hostel breakfasts are fancier than what I ever eat) and went to climb the tower. That was for sure something awesome! Thennnn just walked. Saw street dancers. Went to the notre dome. Went to a park near the tower to relax next a fountain. Decided to go on a bungee ride that spins and throws us around. Drank coffee at a cafe. Livin' the life!
The next day, we boarded the train for our next country...
Our first night was spent buying picnic foods to take to the park.. next to Eiffel Tower! So we watched the sun set, drank wine, ate fine foods and saw the tower light up all cool like.
The next day, we ate our fancy ass breakfast (hostel breakfasts are fancier than what I ever eat) and went to climb the tower. That was for sure something awesome! Thennnn just walked. Saw street dancers. Went to the notre dome. Went to a park near the tower to relax next a fountain. Decided to go on a bungee ride that spins and throws us around. Drank coffee at a cafe. Livin' the life!
The next day, we boarded the train for our next country...
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Arrival - Barcelona!
It is 6:40am and it is my 3rd day in Barcelona. For some reason, I just cannot seem to fall asleep. Maybe I got too used to sleeping for less than six hours a night and had a relatively early night. Anyways...
First thing's first. The Madrid airport is my worst nightmare, ever.
Second, I fell in love with Barcelona within my first few hours of being here. It is extremely cheap, the beach and sea are wonderful, the hostel is cool, and I've already made new friends. On the first day, me and Liam went to the beach to swim/nap/get burnt/meet Germans. We got situated in the hostel which is located just outside of the city life. We spent the night having some drinks, playing games with our new Scandinavian friends and walking around the beach at night. So much for "let's take er easy the first night!".
The second day consisted of little sleep, a trip to the touristy looking part of town where we climbed an almost impressive amount of stairs to a museum (which I forgot the name of) and got a nice view of the city. Unfortunately, I can't upload pictures at the moment, but I'll come back and edit them into this post. I got my hands on some Absinthe in town, too. We headed over to Sagrada Familia, a really awesome looking church/chapel. Of course, it's free to get in, and the season is high, so we just stood outside to look at it. We headed back and I took a nap on the beach. The day ended with more hangings outs, drinks, and a movie.
Yesterday, we took a trip to Montserrat, about an hour outside of Barcelona. We wanted to hike it, but the only ways up were rock climbing, taking winding road around the mountain (for cars) or the gondala. Gondala it was! The view from up top, was incredible, of course, but I didn't the satisfaction of looking down and saying to myself "Yeah, I just hiked that motherfucker".
We had an easy going night. Unfortunately, it's 7AM now, and I cannot sleep for the life of me. We leave for Paris tomorrow. WEEEEE.
A continuation of this post.. On this day I was up at 7AM, most of the hostel friends I made here had to leave. I somehow become attached to these people more than anyone else. It happened a few times I have hosteled and made friends this way. Aw man.
Also, in German, "das" is no longer neutral. It's a hermaphodite.
We also went to Park Gruell. What a big hill that is! But you get to see Barcelona all 360 degrees of it. The park is awesome, filled with all sorts of street performers ranging from musicians to dancers to rappers. Some dude built a whole level on this hill park with tiles. I will have pictures eventually, promise.
We were going to take the night train to Paris. Turns out it was more than twice the price of our hostel, so we just took the 8AM train.
The journey continues..
First thing's first. The Madrid airport is my worst nightmare, ever.
Second, I fell in love with Barcelona within my first few hours of being here. It is extremely cheap, the beach and sea are wonderful, the hostel is cool, and I've already made new friends. On the first day, me and Liam went to the beach to swim/nap/get burnt/meet Germans. We got situated in the hostel which is located just outside of the city life. We spent the night having some drinks, playing games with our new Scandinavian friends and walking around the beach at night. So much for "let's take er easy the first night!".
The second day consisted of little sleep, a trip to the touristy looking part of town where we climbed an almost impressive amount of stairs to a museum (which I forgot the name of) and got a nice view of the city. Unfortunately, I can't upload pictures at the moment, but I'll come back and edit them into this post. I got my hands on some Absinthe in town, too. We headed over to Sagrada Familia, a really awesome looking church/chapel. Of course, it's free to get in, and the season is high, so we just stood outside to look at it. We headed back and I took a nap on the beach. The day ended with more hangings outs, drinks, and a movie.
Yesterday, we took a trip to Montserrat, about an hour outside of Barcelona. We wanted to hike it, but the only ways up were rock climbing, taking winding road around the mountain (for cars) or the gondala. Gondala it was! The view from up top, was incredible, of course, but I didn't the satisfaction of looking down and saying to myself "Yeah, I just hiked that motherfucker".
We had an easy going night. Unfortunately, it's 7AM now, and I cannot sleep for the life of me. We leave for Paris tomorrow. WEEEEE.
A continuation of this post.. On this day I was up at 7AM, most of the hostel friends I made here had to leave. I somehow become attached to these people more than anyone else. It happened a few times I have hosteled and made friends this way. Aw man.
Also, in German, "das" is no longer neutral. It's a hermaphodite.
We also went to Park Gruell. What a big hill that is! But you get to see Barcelona all 360 degrees of it. The park is awesome, filled with all sorts of street performers ranging from musicians to dancers to rappers. Some dude built a whole level on this hill park with tiles. I will have pictures eventually, promise.
We were going to take the night train to Paris. Turns out it was more than twice the price of our hostel, so we just took the 8AM train.
The journey continues..
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
I am embarking on a new, huge journey this summer. Something I've always wanted to, been trying to plan, and finally today - all the dates/locations have been set in stone (mostly)
Here we go
July 13th – Get to Barcelona at 11:55am
July 16th – Avingnon, France
July 17th – Paris, France
July 19th – Geneva, Switzerland
July 20nd – Florence, Italy
July 22th – Rome, Italy
July 25th – Francocci, Italy
July 27th – Salzburg, Austria
July 29th – Berlin, Germany
August 2nd – Copenhagen, Denmark
August 5th – Amsterdam, Holland
August 7th- Brussels, Belgium
August 9th – Hamburg, Germany
August 11th – Berlin (again)
August 13th – Landshut, Germany
August 14th – Enzklosterle/Schwarzwald Camping, Germany
August 15th or 16th – Dinkelsbühl - SUMMER BREEZE, Germany
August 19th – Karlovac, Croatia
August 21st – Stoja, camping by the Adriatic Sea, Croatia
August 23rd – Karlovac, Croatia
August 26th or 27th – Vienna, Austria
August 28th – Bratislava, Slovakia
August 29th – Prague, Czech Republic
August 30-31 – Poznan, Poland and sleep on the way to Copenhagen on train
August 31 – Copenhagen, Denmarl
September 1st – Helsingborg, Sweden
September 3rd – Oslo, Norway
September 5th – Minnesota!
Anyone is free to join me :D
-
July 13th – Get to Barcelona at 11:55am
July 16th – Avingnon, France
July 17th – Paris, France
July 19th – Geneva, Switzerland
July 20nd – Florence, Italy
July 22th – Rome, Italy
July 25th – Francocci, Italy
July 27th – Salzburg, Austria
July 29th – Berlin, Germany
August 2nd – Copenhagen, Denmark
August 5th – Amsterdam, Holland
August 7th- Brussels, Belgium
August 9th – Hamburg, Germany
August 11th – Berlin (again)
August 13th – Landshut, Germany
August 14th – Enzklosterle/Schwarzwald Camping, Germany
August 15th or 16th – Dinkelsbühl - SUMMER BREEZE, Germany
August 19th – Karlovac, Croatia
August 21st – Stoja, camping by the Adriatic Sea, Croatia
August 23rd – Karlovac, Croatia
August 26th or 27th – Vienna, Austria
August 28th – Bratislava, Slovakia
August 29th – Prague, Czech Republic
August 30-31 – Poznan, Poland and sleep on the way to Copenhagen on train
August 31 – Copenhagen, Denmarl
September 1st – Helsingborg, Sweden
September 3rd – Oslo, Norway
September 5th – Minnesota!
Anyone is free to join me :D
-
Monday, May 9, 2011
For next time:
It's true, I really want to return. I plan on backpacking. I've been gathering a wee bit of info lately and so I don't forget it, here it goes:
-Couch Surfing
-Mitfahrgelegenheit
-Euro-Rail
-Wacken
-Sachsenhausen
-Denmark/Berlin bike path
-Absinthe Warehouse
-Torture Museum
-Lovoure is free for those under age 26
-Jump off rocks in Dubrovnik
-Climb Eiffel Tower
http://beforeyoubackpack.com/contribute/
http://www.rixpack.de/booking.html
-Couch Surfing
-Mitfahrgelegenheit
-Euro-Rail
-Wacken
-Sachsenhausen
-Denmark/Berlin bike path
-Absinthe Warehouse
-Torture Museum
-Lovoure is free for those under age 26
-Jump off rocks in Dubrovnik
-Climb Eiffel Tower
http://beforeyoubackpack.com/contribute/
http://www.rixpack.de/booking.html
Friday, December 24, 2010
Auf Wiedersehen, Until next time, Berlin
So I got home on Monday after a tedious trip. Every flight was at least two hours delayed and I arrived on Minnesotan ground three hours late. Boy, the Bears fans on the plane were NOT happy with that.
I suppose I should sum up how I feel about my time abroad. But considering my personality things, I'm sure it won't be the typical entry.
Have I grown as a person? In inches, no. Maybe I matured a bit because I learned how to navigate the world and I now feel totally comfortable traveling around places I'm not used to. When I get lost, I just enjoy it, take in the sights and grab a map.
Did I meet life changing people? I wouldn't say so. I've meet many many people - during my mini Eurotrip, in my IES program, the randos at clubs and Nahverkehr. Only a handful were people I hung out with on a regular , one on one basis.
A lot of these people saw studying abroad as a chance to drink legally. I did too, but I enjoyed meeting new people (who weren't English speaking), reading and studying German. And of course exploring the city.
I would for sure recommend studying abroad, if you're some sort of cultural studies or language major. I just wish I was exposed to a more German classroom and taken out of the IES bubble.
At least I can type in English again without thinking twice about the grammar/word placement.
Vandalizing the neighborhoods
Packing was a surprising success
My last time lufting. The view is pretty and I hung out the window on the last day.
Parade Strasse Ubahnhof. Such a pretty/shady place to wait for my train
My bathroom
Bowling! 36, 37, 38
Berlin. If I'm lucky, I'll be back in May. Wish me the best
I suppose I should sum up how I feel about my time abroad. But considering my personality things, I'm sure it won't be the typical entry.
Have I grown as a person? In inches, no. Maybe I matured a bit because I learned how to navigate the world and I now feel totally comfortable traveling around places I'm not used to. When I get lost, I just enjoy it, take in the sights and grab a map.
Did I meet life changing people? I wouldn't say so. I've meet many many people - during my mini Eurotrip, in my IES program, the randos at clubs and Nahverkehr. Only a handful were people I hung out with on a regular , one on one basis.
A lot of these people saw studying abroad as a chance to drink legally. I did too, but I enjoyed meeting new people (who weren't English speaking), reading and studying German. And of course exploring the city.
I would for sure recommend studying abroad, if you're some sort of cultural studies or language major. I just wish I was exposed to a more German classroom and taken out of the IES bubble.
At least I can type in English again without thinking twice about the grammar/word placement.
Berlin. If I'm lucky, I'll be back in May. Wish me the best
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Ich bin der Weihnachtsmann
This week was the last of IES Fall semester classes. I've written two very final papers, gave two short presentations and put together an art project. We've been having breakfasts at school in celebration of Christmas and our departure. They gave us Glühwein at 11 in the morning, so of course I was sleepy all day for my 10 hour school day. Thanks. Also, my host is super sweet and got me a baggie of presents for St. Nick day (December 6th). My McFit membership trial thing ran out - what will I do until I get back?! I can't wait to use high tech ellipticals again.
Yesterday I was being a good student, got up early for a study session for Pop Culture. Then went to the Turkischer Markt to sell muffins! My friend's boyfriend (who hardly knows German and is visiting) was getting into people's faces "Muffins! Nur achtzig centttt".
Then this guy appears: (I did not take this photo)
And starts blowing bubbles! He's being filmed, like a pro. Then he comes over to us and we start being filmed! I got interviewed, in German, about this Santa looking man ("I AM Santa. You'll get a present because you're an angel that helps me wrap everything. You get to choose!") and about what we're doing in Berlin.
Then IES threw a bit of a party for us, which involved a "reverse culture shock" seminar and pizza. Afterward, I hung out with people I don't typically hang out with, so that was interesting.
I need coffee.
Minnesota, see you in a week and two days.
Birthday, in 4 days.
Finals, in 2-5 days.
LOOK WHAT I FOUND:
Yesterday I was being a good student, got up early for a study session for Pop Culture. Then went to the Turkischer Markt to sell muffins! My friend's boyfriend (who hardly knows German and is visiting) was getting into people's faces "Muffins! Nur achtzig centttt".
Then this guy appears: (I did not take this photo)
And starts blowing bubbles! He's being filmed, like a pro. Then he comes over to us and we start being filmed! I got interviewed, in German, about this Santa looking man ("I AM Santa. You'll get a present because you're an angel that helps me wrap everything. You get to choose!") and about what we're doing in Berlin.
Then IES threw a bit of a party for us, which involved a "reverse culture shock" seminar and pizza. Afterward, I hung out with people I don't typically hang out with, so that was interesting.
I need coffee.
Minnesota, see you in a week and two days.
Birthday, in 4 days.
Finals, in 2-5 days.
LOOK WHAT I FOUND:
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Pop Kultur Final
I decided to write about my Wacken experience for my final paper. I wrote while listening to a woman talk about the history of Jews in Nazi Germany. I think it turned out nicely!
Jedes Jahr, seit den letzten zwanzig Jahren, versammelt sich eine Gruppe Leute, die andere „Metalheads“ nennen, in einen kleinen Dorf in Norddeutschland um ihre Lieblingsgruppen zu sehen. Dieses Dorf, Wacken, liegt in Schleswig-Holstein und hat 1844 Einwohner. Das erste Mal dass dieses Festival, das nach der Stadt selbst benannt ist, stattgefunden hat, war es gar kein Festival wie heute. 1990 sind in einer Nacht im August fünf lokale Bands auf einer Bühne aufgetreten, aber es ist jeden Sommer immer gröβer geworden. Heutzutage gibt es nicht nur sehr bekannte Gruppen (so wie Alice Cooper), sondern auch die, die Leute kaum kennen ( zum Beispiel Dymytry), und nicht nur Leute aus der Gegend, sonder Leute aus der ganzen Welt. Sie spielen sehr verschiedene Varianten von Rockmusik so wie Oldies, Folk/Black/Power/Opera Metal. Vor vier Monate haben mehr als einhundertfünfzig Bands auf sechs Bühnen an vier Tage gespielt. Ungefӓhr 85.000 Leute waren dabei, und fast alle haben auf einem Feld vom vierten bis achten August gezeltet, so eng neben einander dass man seine Nachbarn atmen hören könnte. Alle waren ganz zufrieden damit, das schmutzige Zelten war Teil des Wackenerlebnis‘, obwohl es auch in der Nӓhe von dem Festivalgelӓnde ein paar „Bed and Breakfasts“ gab, die, wie ich vermute, nur während des Festivals öffnen und benutzt werden.
Ich und ein Freund von mir haben unsere Karten in Dezember gekauft, weil sie sich sehr schnell verkaufen. Obwohl ich nicht eine Menge von den Bands kannte, wollte ich so ein Festival wie Wacken erleben, neue Bands hören und die Bands, die ich kenne, genießen. Um dort anzukommen, mussten wir ein Shuttlebus von Itzehoe nehmen, aber wir persönlich hatten keine feste Ruckfahrt. Als wir angekommen sind, haben wir sehr viele Metalheads gesehen – sie tragen meistens schwarze T-shirts mit einen Logo ihrer Lieblingsband und einige von ihnen tragen Jeanswesten mit Flicken überall die, so wie die T-shirts, auch Logos von Bands sind die sie mögen. Es gab aber auch Leute die, wie einige sagen „normaler“ gekleidet waren, und die, die totale Spaβvögel waren und entweder nackt herumgelaufen sind oder in besonderen Kostümen gekleidet waren. Es gilt für beide Geschlechter, aber was besonders an diesem Konzert war, ist, dass die Frauen weniger auf ihr Aussehen geachtet haben. Weil sie vier Tagen zelten mussten, haben sie sich nicht so viel geschminkt. Piercings und Tattoos sind auch sehr hӓufig, meistens weil es schon seit eine langer Zeiten Teil der „Rock-szene“ ist. Das Alter der Leute reichte von sechszehn (die, die so jung waren, konnten nur im Feld übernachten wenn sie einen Erwachsenen dabei hatten) bis vielleicht sechzig – aber die sechzigJährigen waren meistens Mӓnner. Auch bei anderen Konzerten habe ich ӓltere Zuschauer gesehen, obwohl man manchmal erwartet nur Leute in ihren Zwanzigern zu sehen. Für Wacken war es mehr selbstverständlich Sechszigjӓhrige zu sehen, weil Gruppen spielten die populӓr in den siebziger Jahren waren und für einige ist Wacken einfach eine Tradition.
Am Mittwoch, den vierten August sind wir angekommen, und haben glücklicherweiser einen Platz für unser Zelt sehr nah am Eingang gefunden. Am diesen Tag, gab es nur eine Bühne, wo die weniger gekannte Bands Auftraten und einige Merchandise-Zelte wo man alles im Rahmen, von Kleidern und anderen Souvenirs kaufen kann. Kommunismus war sehr prominent. Die Preise Kleidung (zum Beispiel nur ein T-shirt) haben sich von fünf Euro bis fünfundzwanzig Euro durchgezogen. Wir mussten auch für unsere Dusche bezahlen, aber eine Dusche war total nutzlos und ich wollte nicht 10 Euro dafür bezahlen. Der Freund von mir hat einen Duschpass gefunden und ich habe an einen Tag geduscht. Die Imbissstӓnde waren natürlich auch sehr teuer, so wie bei alle Feste (Weinnachstmarkte, Statefairs), aber es gab eine riesige Vielfalt von Essen. Jeden Tag wollten alle etwas Geld sparen und haben einen Spaziergang von ungefӓhr einem Kilometer gemacht, um in einem Laden zu einkaufen. Man könnte dort Lebensmittel zu ganz üblichen Preise kaufen – aber ich habe mich gewundert, ob die Geschӓfte sie wegen den Überfluβ der Kunden haben erhöht. Natürlich, wurde Bier am meisten verkauft – eine Dose hat weniger als einen Euro gekostet, und beim Festival kostete ein Glas mehr als drei Euro. Was interessant an den Dosen war, ist, dass sie ein „Wacken 2010“ Logo dran hatten, und ich habe mich gewundert ob das Geld von diesen Dosen zum Laden oder zur Organisation gegangen ist. Am letzten Tag, sind sehr viele Bewohner und Kinder aus Wacken durch den Campingplӓtze spaziert und all die Pfand Flaschen und Dosen gesammelt.
Am zweiten Tag, den fünften August, hat alles angefangen. Die, die schon da waren, waren um acht Uhr morgens gut besoffen und noch mehr Leute sind angekommen. Alle Bühnen waren bereit, das Zircuszelt hatte geöffnet, und die Wackinger Village Vorführungen haben angefangen. Es gab zwei Hauptbühnen, wo die wichtigsten und gröβten Gruppen – dieses Jahr waren es Iron Maiden, Alice Cooper und Mötley Crüe – durchtraten und einige kleinere Bühnen. In dem Zircuszelt gab es nicht nur den „Circus of Horrors“, sondern auch Gesehene wie Wet T-shirt Contests und Wrestling. Bei der Wackinger Village, gab es auch eine Bühne, wo am meisten „Folk/Pirate Metal“ (zum Beispiel, Equlilbruim und Tyr) gespielt wurde und in der Umgebung gab es „Renaissance- Themenorientierte“ Spiele und Waren. Ich habe auch etwas neues hier versucht, was immer machen wollte – Mechanical Bullriding.
Was ich interessant gefunden habe, war die „Wacken Wacken Feuerwehr“ (so war der Gesang) die in dem Biergarten gespielt haben. Anstatt jungen, lang-haarigen Darsteller, die Rockmusik mit elektronische Gitarren spielen, hat eine Gruppe von Omas und Opas mit Blasinstrumenten traditionelle Volksmusik gespielt – und alle Metalheads haben zusammen mir den älteren Zuschauern mitgetanzt und mitgesungen. Das hat wirklich Spaβ gemacht – für mich und die Feuerwehr - und zeigte auch, dass sie aufgeschlossen sind.
Die Leute die ich kennen gelernt habe, waren sehr internationale und ich habe kaum einige Deutscher kennen gelernt, obwohl das Fest selbst in Deutschland stattgefunden hat. Wir hatten Zeltnachbarn aus der Schweiz, Schweden und Italien. Einmal bin ich auf gewacht, aus den Zelt gestiegen und die Italiener haben mir einen Kaffee vorbereitet. Bei dem Festival insgesamt waren alle sehr froh und nett zu einander. Es war ganz hӓufig einfach mit Leuten, die neben dir standen, zu reden. Diese Leidenschaft zur Musik hat uns alle verbindet und wir waren einfach zusammen. Ein Beispiel dafür ist, als ich eine Nacht zurück zu meinem Zelt gelaufen bin, und eine Gruppe von Leuten (aus Italien und Österreich), die um ein Feuer sassen, haben mich gerufen und mir ein Bier angeboten. Ich habe mit ihnen für ein paar Stunden dort gesessen und gequatscht. Die Leute haben auch kaum geschlafen – Bands haben bis 2 Uhr morgens gespielt, Leute sind betrunken herumgelaufen, und um 8 Uhr morgens, waren viele schon wieder wach, mit ein oder zwei offene Dosen Bier in der Hand. Um 14 Uhr nachmittags, waren sie schon auf den Boden ohnmachtig wegen des Alkohols. Ich sehe Betrunkenheit oft bei Konzerten, was ich eigentlich sehr schade finde weil, wenn man so viel trinkt, kann man sich nicht an das Erlebnis und die Musik erinnern.
Wie auf fast allen Konzerte, gab es hier auch Moshen, Crowdsurfing und Circle Pits. In Deutschland sind sie ein bisschen ruhiger als in Amerika. Ein Faktor den beide Lӓnder gemeinsam haben, ist, dass die Zuschauer einander helfen, wenn jemand runterfӓllt. Was ich merkwürdig gefunden habe, war ein beleutchtetes grosses Schild neben den gröβeren Bühnen, der sagt „No Cirlce Pits or Walls of Deaths... Please“ stand das dieses Jahr zum ersten Mal erschien. Die Grunde für diese neue Regel haben viel mit der „Loveparade“ in Ruhr zu tun, weil 2010 einundzwangzig Leute gestorben sind und weil früher Leute verletzt in Wacken wurden.
Langsam kam der letzte Tag des Festivals. In der letzten Nacht, haben sich viele Leute versammelt, über ihr Erlebnis in Wacken gesprochen, zusammen gesungen und getrunken, und ein paar von ihnen haben ihre Zelte verbrannt. Den nӓchsten Tag, als die Leute weg gingen, haben noch mehr Leute ihre Zelte verbrannt und die Feuerwehr ist um jede halbe Stunde uns vorbeigefahren. Ich und der Freund von mir haben uns jemanden gefunden, der auch nach Hamburg fuhr. Unser Fahrer waren ungefӓhr vierzig Jahre alt, sehr freundlich, haben von uns kein Geld akzeptiert und haben uns ein Bier (naturlich) gegeben. Ich wurde diese Erfahrung besonders emphalen, wenn man Heavy Metal gern hört, auch wenn nicht zu viele Bands die auftreten bekannt sind.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Advent time is here
Well, it sure has been a good while since I've talked to you, blog. Mainly because I've forgotten about this... and only a couple of noteworthy things have happened recently.
On the 17th I went to see the premier of Harry Potter! Two whole days before America did!! The thing is, it wasn't even a midnight showing.. I don't think they have those here. But that's actually a good thing because of early classes. I found it very good. I think the two parts system is brilliant! I wish they'd done it to the movie before as well.. When I get back, I am so rereading the book. If I have this German book "Verblendung" finished by then. It's "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" german version. Quite complex, it'll take me a year to read in German. All 670 pages of it.. mmm.
Class is going fine. Honestly, our teachers go too easy on us sometimes, and since I actually get everything thoroughly on time, people see me as the diligent one.. even though I'm just doing average amount of work. One thing I cannot handle, is giving out loud presentations. I've always had issues with that, especially in German! AHHH STAGE FRIGHT!
Our teacher made us do a fieldtrip to Wansee to see the Conference house where they discussed the "End solution of the Jews". Another teacher made us take a Sunday train to Hannover (about 90 mins away) to see a museum and a Weinachts Markt. I had my first Gluhwein! Yum. The museum itself was quite awesome. Very huge, I got lost in there for a wee bit.
Me and a friend always attend these random international events and speak to random people from all over in German. It's quite interesting - one of the events we went to was a club/party type deal. Everyone in our group met some German.. which was entertaining.
I also went to an interview with a friend of mine. She enjoys journalism and I enjoy photography, so we tag teamed this one. I have yet to listen to this band.. I shall now *changes music*.
The weather here is quite cold. The first day of bigbig snow was chaotic here in Berlin. The trains/rails/subways were late, the street trams/light rails were CLOSED, only two people were on time for the first class and my teacher had to walk 3 miles in order to get to class.
On Friday, I had a flight to Switzerland to visit a friend of the family who rescued us while we lived in Berlin. I wanted to get up at 3:30 and get to the airport early to figure things out - my alarm never went of and I got up at 5. I BOLTED it to the bus station and made it in time, 10 minutes before the gate was to be closed. I really liked Switzerland, though we didn't do much. I went "Laternelaufen" for the first time in 15 years and it was pretty cool. The dialect that's spoken here is reallly hard/impossible for me to understand. It's like... Bavarian/French. Or something. Whatever it is, it confused me. The people there are very into greeting everyone who walks past them. And their toilets are in separate rooms from the sink and bathtub. There are hills everywhere! The whole place is a hill. Next time, I'm going to the alps!
Now that I'm home, it's time to buckle down and do my homework. Nachty
On the 17th I went to see the premier of Harry Potter! Two whole days before America did!! The thing is, it wasn't even a midnight showing.. I don't think they have those here. But that's actually a good thing because of early classes. I found it very good. I think the two parts system is brilliant! I wish they'd done it to the movie before as well.. When I get back, I am so rereading the book. If I have this German book "Verblendung" finished by then. It's "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" german version. Quite complex, it'll take me a year to read in German. All 670 pages of it.. mmm.
Class is going fine. Honestly, our teachers go too easy on us sometimes, and since I actually get everything thoroughly on time, people see me as the diligent one.. even though I'm just doing average amount of work. One thing I cannot handle, is giving out loud presentations. I've always had issues with that, especially in German! AHHH STAGE FRIGHT!
Our teacher made us do a fieldtrip to Wansee to see the Conference house where they discussed the "End solution of the Jews". Another teacher made us take a Sunday train to Hannover (about 90 mins away) to see a museum and a Weinachts Markt. I had my first Gluhwein! Yum. The museum itself was quite awesome. Very huge, I got lost in there for a wee bit.
Me and a friend always attend these random international events and speak to random people from all over in German. It's quite interesting - one of the events we went to was a club/party type deal. Everyone in our group met some German.. which was entertaining.
I also went to an interview with a friend of mine. She enjoys journalism and I enjoy photography, so we tag teamed this one. I have yet to listen to this band.. I shall now *changes music*.
The weather here is quite cold. The first day of bigbig snow was chaotic here in Berlin. The trains/rails/subways were late, the street trams/light rails were CLOSED, only two people were on time for the first class and my teacher had to walk 3 miles in order to get to class.
On Friday, I had a flight to Switzerland to visit a friend of the family who rescued us while we lived in Berlin. I wanted to get up at 3:30 and get to the airport early to figure things out - my alarm never went of and I got up at 5. I BOLTED it to the bus station and made it in time, 10 minutes before the gate was to be closed. I really liked Switzerland, though we didn't do much. I went "Laternelaufen" for the first time in 15 years and it was pretty cool. The dialect that's spoken here is reallly hard/impossible for me to understand. It's like... Bavarian/French. Or something. Whatever it is, it confused me. The people there are very into greeting everyone who walks past them. And their toilets are in separate rooms from the sink and bathtub. There are hills everywhere! The whole place is a hill. Next time, I'm going to the alps!
Now that I'm home, it's time to buckle down and do my homework. Nachty
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Polen!
Not too many things out of the ordinary have happened in the two weeks I haven't updated this website. I had midterms, which I actually put quite a bit of effort into, and for the study groups people seemed to turn to me for answers because no one takes these classes seriously, and I need to up my GPA. I'm usually the one looking to others.. so it was kinda a cool feeling. They weren't too bad, I think I'll get decent grades.
I also reduced my bank moneyz number by 4,600 dollars. Tuition and a flight to Switzerland!
Something interesting I did see recently was a protest in Berlin. I saw a couple demonstrations in Minneapolis or whatever, but nothing compares to this. I was even told to try witnessing one before I leave because they're so intense. I am not too sure what they were protesting, but there were many police officers, a line of hundreds of people going down the street, interrupting traffic flow (that includes the Strassenbahn/street trolleys). I could hardly get to my subway! They were also all blowing whistles... it was just insane. No one could get anywhere...
Today me and another lady from IES went to Poland! It borders Brandenburg, and our student ticket covers us til we get to border, so we just had to pay a total of about 9,20 Euros each, round trip to visit another country - A little nothing town called Rzepin. We didn't do anything really, mostly because we didn't want to exchange our Euros to Zloty. We also got harassed by little teenage girls... who followed us, boxed us in, yelled Polish to us, asked our names in German.. and this went on for a while, but then we just ignored them (but I laughed a bit just cause it was soooo fucking ridiculous). I am actually googling "why Poles hate Germans" right now.
We basically walked around for almost three hours.We got severely lost and didn't want to ask anyone for directions because the Poles hate Germans and American tourists are shit. I guess I could have tried asking if they spoke Bosnian because I learned today how similar the languages are to each other. I feel like I understand more Polish than Russian! We marched through rain and mud. The ticket seller lady didn't speak German or English, which I find inconvenient because they're on the border and working at a train station... where people travel... ummm. I did enjoy the walk though, no doubt.
I also reduced my bank moneyz number by 4,600 dollars. Tuition and a flight to Switzerland!
Something interesting I did see recently was a protest in Berlin. I saw a couple demonstrations in Minneapolis or whatever, but nothing compares to this. I was even told to try witnessing one before I leave because they're so intense. I am not too sure what they were protesting, but there were many police officers, a line of hundreds of people going down the street, interrupting traffic flow (that includes the Strassenbahn/street trolleys). I could hardly get to my subway! They were also all blowing whistles... it was just insane. No one could get anywhere...
Today me and another lady from IES went to Poland! It borders Brandenburg, and our student ticket covers us til we get to border, so we just had to pay a total of about 9,20 Euros each, round trip to visit another country - A little nothing town called Rzepin. We didn't do anything really, mostly because we didn't want to exchange our Euros to Zloty. We also got harassed by little teenage girls... who followed us, boxed us in, yelled Polish to us, asked our names in German.. and this went on for a while, but then we just ignored them (but I laughed a bit just cause it was soooo fucking ridiculous). I am actually googling "why Poles hate Germans" right now.
We basically walked around for almost three hours.We got severely lost and didn't want to ask anyone for directions because the Poles hate Germans and American tourists are shit. I guess I could have tried asking if they spoke Bosnian because I learned today how similar the languages are to each other. I feel like I understand more Polish than Russian! We marched through rain and mud. The ticket seller lady didn't speak German or English, which I find inconvenient because they're on the border and working at a train station... where people travel... ummm. I did enjoy the walk though, no doubt.
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