Testing Posterous

Testing posterous right now.

Amsterdam: I did not get lost here, as the Guster song suggests

I arrived in Amsterdam exhausted, due to my lack of ability to sleep well on a train. I must master that ability! So, I stupidly bought an Amsterdam card, thinking I would be seeing a lot of museums and then, hopped on the 30 minute us ride to my hostel. When I arrived, I dropped my bag off in the luggage room, which was reminiscient of a creepy dungeon-like area that had a motion sensor light that would stay on for literally 15 seconds. To grab things required insanely weird arm waving and I freaked out a group of German girls who were wondering what the hell I was doing. Turning on the light of course.

So, then I, exhausted, sat on the couch, waiting to check in. Fell asleep and awoke to the rude staff member poking me and saying I couldn't sleep there. Dejected, I went to an overpriced internet cafe. So first impression: Mean Amsterdam. I grabbed some food to make sandwiched and found a random nature preserve FILLED with adorable bunny rabbits.

Afterwards, I finally checked into my hostel and took a nap. That night, I explored the Amsterdam nightlife with my hostel mates: 2 Hawaiians and a South African. After trying the infamous white widow at a coffee shop, we went on a Pub Crawl, which led us through different bars in the heart of Amsterdam's Red Light district. The RL district was very meh but I heard that they have fat, ugly ones in the day. Anyway, the Pub Crawl was fun and it set the precedent for the rest of my time in Amsterdam.

The next day, I woke up, checked out of my hostel and checked into my other hostel that was located more in the city center, with a much nicer staff. I was allowed to check in early, so I took a nap. When I woke up, there was a poor girl who had lost her bag on a Eurolines bus. She was only in Amsterdam for a few days to see a concert. I would've been devastated if that had happened to me. My bag is my life! There are no other options. Makes me rethink taking the bus from Bruges to Paris (Thankfully, Eurolines found her bag in Düsseldorf...strange.).

Also in the dorm, I met an Indian English guy, who joined me onthe next pub crawl (because I had bought 2 for 1). He joined me but I also met plenty of other people. Met a feisty ASU grad, who was in some weird competition with me that mainly resulted in him being an uninteresting ass. He was traveling by himself, which makes sense because he was way too into himself. Flying from place to place. Just weird. But I think he was lonely and insecure.

I also met two Irish brothers, John and Antony, and their friend, who all proved to be fun and hilarious. According to them, I'm "fucking class." But wow, other than that, I could not understand them to save my life. Later on in the pub crawl, I had a hilarious dance-off in a bar with a tall Scandinavian, who may have been mute because he just made silly faces the whole time.

The next day, the Irish buddies called me up to hang out. Went to the Van Gogh Museum, where I actually used the Amsterdam card that I paid WAY too much more, considering how little I used it. Then, we went to an Ice Bar, where it was -10C. John (who looked like one of those HS hipsters) was freezing his ass off. Hilarious. But it was cold. I've been in colder weather but I also don't stand around in it, drinking alchool. It's funny that we paid money to stand around and freeze our asses off, but it was also fun too.

We walked around some more and ended up back at their hostel to play Kings with them, as well as a Canadian. They have different rules but it was fun. Good 'ole Irish know how to have fun. I love meeting new people and this trip is proving that to me even more. Amsterdam was a lot of fun but I am exhausted! So, now I am off to Belgium. Ready for a little relaxation and cooling down, especially for the next 9ish days.

14 days done. 12 more days left

Over halfway done!

Berlin ist meine Lieblingsstadt

Berlin,Zoo,incredible,funny,train,London,travel

Berlin was absolutely amazing. 4 days of whirlwind activity. I arrived mid-day and checked into my hostel-Wombats, located on the east side of Berlin, near the famous TV tower. Wombats,for me, is the definition of comfort. Great chain hostel and it was nice to be so spoiled. Extraordinarily clean. So I arrived and got organized. It's always so lonely those first few minues that I arrive in a hostel. Looking to find a group of people to introduce myself to.

First, I walked around the neighborhood. There were tons of nursery-like shops and strollers but it still maintained its grittiness because the walls were COVERED in graffiti. Practically every single building in that area was tagged. Anyway, I bought some food and walked around for ages, trying to find a park onlyto realize I didn't have a fork. So, I was starving. Walked all the way back to the to-go stand and found a new, better park along the canal. I ate about half of my meal before the notorious Berlin begger woman came up to me. "Speak english?" So annoying but she caught me at a "naive" time and I was basically done with my food anyway, so I ended up giving her half my food.

Then I walked back to the hostel and met 2 Canadians, Michael and Diane, in the Wombat bar. They had been traveling for a while and were actually randomly in the same Croatia hostel earlier in Split. Diane was from Vancouver and was sarcastic, harsh but hilarious. Mike was from Nova Scotia and worked at the bank, who was funding his travel. I didn't completely understand how. We went to a Wild West bar and my tolerance was definitely low. I woke up with a bad hungover. Apparently, when I walked back to my room, one of the hostelmates, a London girl, asked how my night was and I just ignored her and passed out.

The next day, I struggled to make it to a 1pm free walking tour. But I am so glad I did. It was great. Our guide was a performance artist from California who visited Berlin and completely fell in love. During the tour, I hung out with two guys from Indiana. Anyway, the free tour was great. I feel its a more fun, personal interpretation. Her energy was infectious.

Plus, I left with a better understanding oh how in transition Berling really is and how much it has changed, is changing and how different it will be in the future. Even the differences between the East and West are small but still very noticeable. Seeing the Berlin Wall and Death Zone was incredible. and learning about the Revolt. Wow.

That night, I went on a pub crawl with Diane and Mike. According to Diane, no one was hot enough. She was brutal. But it was hilarious. I was just cracking up the whole time.

 

The next day, I hung out with Simone the Londoner, an Australian transplant living in London and their Estonian-English friend, Arina. I honestly had a blast with them and they were SO funny. Simone and the Estonian had never stayed in a hostel before so they were learning and the Aussie was just laughed. They also all seemed to have successful careers - graphic design, MTV and Project Manager. It made me envious of life in London, living a cool,hip, quirky life, being able to afford weekend getaways to Berlin.

We ended up going to the Berlin Zoo, which was a huge highlight. I saw a panda bear being fed. The funniest part was when he sat just like a couch potato watching tv, butt down and legs splayed, while eating a pretzal. Then, we saw the big cats, which the Woodland Park Zoo definitely lacks. It was strange though. ALL the cats were pacing, resless and bothered. It made me think something was on the brink of happening and they just wanted out.

Funny thing: The lion was growling and freaking out, so naturally, everyone was crowded around him.Then, he turns around, lifts up his tail and pees on the crowd, specifically on a poor little boy, who actually didn't seem to mind much! Funniest thing. Funny German boys.

Another funny exhibit was the polar bears. One was waving his head back and forth while walking up and down, repeatedly, without variation. I call it the Polar Bear Dance. I want to upload it with some techno music in the background.

I spent the rest of the day with the 3 girls from London. We went to a bar called White trash but we were all nearly about to pass out. Cool thing though: Simone said that I made her think Americans weren't half bad. She was pretty nice actually. Told me a lot about what to see in London, including the coast and even offered to show me around London when I arrive. But we'll see what happens.

The next day, I went on my own to see the East Side Gallery, where artists paint the last remaining pieces of the Berlin Wall. Amazing to see but its strange because you forget what the wall represented for around 50 years and you just focus on the art. Maybe that's what the ywanted. Then, I saw Checkpoint Charlie, which was interesting. But I felt bombarded by those beggar women. They just keep asking "Speak English." no. Go away. Lass mich in Ruhe!

Then, I met up with this Argentinean musician who had lived in Berlin for the past 6 years. Very interesting person and we talked about our personal lives, experiences and the philosophy towards arts. Artists are battling the doubled edge sword of becoming popular and having to define yourself.

After 4 hours, I finally called it a day and headed back to my hostel, thinking I was leaving the next night. I double-checked my ticket, as I had done a million times and then it clicked. I had booked train travel for the 7th, which it becomes at 12:00/0:00 and my train was leaving at 0:30, aka THAT NIGHT. I could not BELIEVE I made that mistake. To change it would've cost over 100€! So, I pakced in a rush, booked a night in a hostel in Amsterdam and rushed to the night train.

While taking the train to Amsterdam, I met a Kölner, who was coming back from a Young Democrats confernce in Berlin. We talked until 2am about different things. He had traveled in India for 6 months. Trains there are totally different from Geramny's clean, safe, efficient ones.

In my cabin was just one VERY NICE mother. She was coming back from meeting her best friend in Prague. She was so excited and you could tell she was loving life, especially the traveling life now her kids were growing up. She reminded me of my mom. Funny incident though: I had the top bunk and was absolutely CLUELESSon how to get up there. Because there was NO ladder! We were just cracking up. There must be some TALL German women out there but I am not one of them. Fortunately, I was able to sleep on the bottom bunk. The lady in my cabin also shared my belief about how awesome Seattle is, with everything you want 2 hours away.

My Dresden Visit: Dresden rocks

Dresden,hiking,bastei,incredible

It's Friday and my mother's birthday -54. I've got to wish her Happy Birthday.

Anyway, Dresden was great. The hostel had a great map made by locals and it had a list of cool places to visit. Left me wanting to see more of Dresden.

In my hostel were 2 kids from Hong Kong and a Chinese guy, Xing, who had just finished his studies in Vancouver. He spoke perfect English without an accent, so I thought he was a second generation for sure. Nope. He was doing 80 days throughout Europe with an unlimited EURail pass for $799 for something. Very cool and a great deal if you're taking a lot of trains. Apparently, Sky Europe also has really good deals right now.

Anyway, we got to talking and he happened to also be going hiking in Saxony Switzerland, which was my original plan. So, we went together. After checking his bag at the Neustadt Bahnhof, we hopped on the next regional train to Rathan and headed out. It was all gorgeous country with the typical little villages. There waseven a cute small ferry at Rathan to bring us across.

First, we attempted to go on the longest trek of 3 hours. But we couldn't find the trail. So, we just ended up hiking upsome random ones to where, I'm guessing, the climbers go. There were these giant limestone rocks and boulders pushed together. It was incredible.

After we couldn't find the pathere to where I wanted to go (Bastei), we turned around and follow the main trails. First, we saw a waterfall, which compare to our Pacific Northwest standards, was a bit lacking. Except every once in a while, it would spout out A TON of water, frightening the person take the picture. :)

Then we hiked up a boulder-filled trail to Bastei, hearing the constant rumbling of thunder over our heads. By the time we got to the Bastei Brücke, the sky had turned a dark, ominous, gray color and you should see the strikes of lightening and thunder rumbles growing closer as it headed to our location at a speedy rate. 17 miles, 5 miles and right after we passed over the bridge, we heard and saw lightening over our heads. It was invigorating. It was especially exciting watching a German father bound on and off the trail, like a little boy. Synonymous to a young deer dashing back and forth.

But the strange thing was it didn't rain while we were on the trail. In fact, the rain didn't hit until we were waiting for the train back to Dresden. And then, it was pouring. The ride back was like going through a car wash with landscape facades.

Then, Shane went his way. I went mine, as in back to the hostel to shower and nap the rain off. Then, I set out to the explore the Altstadt, Frauenkirche and general gorgeousness of Dresden, including the sunset from the river. I really enjoyed the palace as well. Apparently, there was a flood in 2002 that destroyed a lot of Dresden (hard to top WW2 bombings though!...That was a bad joke).

Then, I walked back through the Neustadt, which lit up at night with energy, with the young population people-watching a chilling. Definitely the youngest city I've been to (The local map actually said it was one of the youngest cities in Germany). For the night, I drank a few beers with two new hostel-mates, 2 good 'ole Austrians. They were studying social work in Dredesn the next semester. Very interesting guys and funny too, especially with their dynamic, considering that one was from Lower Austria and the other from Upper Austria (the BETTER part of Austria by far... in my own personal experience of meeting kick-ass Austrians).

The next day, nothing interesting happened. Elton John was playing in Dresden and that reminded me of a few of my friends who love that entertainer. I waited around for 4 other people going to Berlin so I could possibly purchase a cheaper Schönes Wochenende ticket. But no luck. Everyone was going to Leipzig! So, now I'm sitting on a rather warm train, heading to Berlin. Can't wait to change when I get to my hostel. I just want to jump in a lake. But it is a lot better than rain! :)

Oh and I bought a new purse (because the zipper on my old one was totally broken). Spent 15€ on it and I really like it. Keeps everything separate so I know immediately where everything s. Also, its yellow! 1st souvenier and it is... from Tibet. part of a Woman's Skills Development project.

19 days left. 19 days to visit 4 new countries. 4+ new cultures. And I'm excited. Hope it's great! Other travellers are so friendly when I finally put myself out there and say "hi!"

In Bruges

(My last blog broken up into 4 pieces)

Bruges was very nice. On the first day, I walked through the entire town/village and found my hostel. When I arrived, the first person I made friends with was also the very first Kiwi. But he wasn't native since he was born in South Africa but had lived in New Zealand for 10 years. He was actually celebrating the 10 year anniversary while traveling. We sat down for drinks in the hostel with a guy from Napa and then 2 New Yorkers who had just started their trip.

Unfortunately, the woman got in an accident while on a bike ride earlier that day. She fell so hard that she needed 6 stiches. I was just bummed for her since it had happened at the beginning of her trip. Anyway, she was interesting. She was a high school teacher in NYC. So I asked her what it was like to teach in the urban schools because I always hear mixed messages. She said it doesn't matter where the kids are coming from, income-wise. They're all going through the same stuff, teenager-wise, so the teaching isn't that much different. Honestly, she just seemed like a bad-ass. Fell, 6 stiches, still going.

The next day, I rode my bike up to the North Sea, which was awesome.

It was such a peaceful bike ride and felt great. It was also great seeing the North Sea but I didn't go in the water because it was just plain cold. Fortunately, in the time I was there, the cold and clouds that had been following me since Dresden burned off to reveal a fantastic sun. Oh right! It's the summer in Europe!

I biked into a beach community and walked along the boardwalk. It was one of those beach towns with the beach shacks to protect beach dwellers from the wind.

I still find those so funny. After eating my mandatory Belgian waffle and fries (unfortunately, missed out on the mussels because of price) and then taking a siesta on the beach in the sun, I hopped on my bike to ride around a bit more before heading back home.

My ass was absolutely KILLING me. I could barely bike without wincing. In fact, I could barely control my bike. At one point, I was going through narrow road construction and lost control of my bike. I avoided a grandfather, a grandmother, and a 7 year old boy but unfortunately, bumped into a poor 4 year old girl. Even though it was just a tap, she just BAWLED!! (probably out of fear) and I felt awful! I said Sorry and excuse me in as many languages as I could think of. Miscuzee, entschuldigung, es tut mir leid, Escuze moi, Day so lay. Everything was just rapid apologies. Unfortunately, they spoke Flemish and just stared and smiled. I motioned that I would offer to buy some ice cream but the grandfather and grandmother didn't seem too upset. I think they could see how apologetic I felt and waved me on.

Hitting a small child signaled my riding days were over for the day. So, I rode back, which was unbearable for my ass. At times, I wasn't sure if I would make it back to Bruges.

And then, I randomly ended up there. So relieved. I spent the evening chatting with the Kiwi, a Californian and two Londoners, where we talked like... guys? vulgar, sharing stories and just hilarious. (Although, at times, I was slightly shocked with what I heard. But I "learned" a lot, like if a guy takes you out, don't pick the most expensive sushi restaurant unless it's a more committed relationship). The guys, especially the Californian, worshipped this asshole guy. I can't remember his name but he wote a book about his adventures called, "I hope they serve beer in hell." Listening to them talk was interesting. It was like a sense of pride with guys to say, without question, that you're an asshole and do what you want. That would never work with a female because we would just be a bitch. Plus, we have a conscience and would guilty if we were mean. At least I would feel guilty.

Quick note on the hostel. It was fine. Well-stocked. However, the shower was hilarious. I had to pull on a chain to run the water. If wasn't pulling on the chain, the water would stop running. This resulted in me standing with one arm almost always raised while I took a shower with one hand. definitely a funny experience. But I know that it's not that bad. At least there was running warm water. It wasn't as bad as my Amsterdam hostel, where , for some reason, had unbearably freezing water when I took a shower.

So that was my last night in Bruges. Unfortunately, I didn't see the famous tower from In Bruges but I did get to see the North Sea, try some tasty Belgian beers and meet some interesting Americans, albeit most of them were Americans, who were probably inspired to go there from the movie.

Currently, Im in Amsterdam, waiting for my hostel to accept checkins. Their website says 2... I have to wait till 3... and I think I might have pissed them off because I took a slight snooze in the lobby. Whoops. My bad. Im kinda tired. The past 15 or so hours have been a bit funny. Around 9pm, I randomly decided to double check my night train to Amsterdam from Berlin... realized it said 7.07... meaning it departs at 7.07 at 00:32... meaning tonight...well last night and I had to do a late check out of Wombats and kinda sorta race to the train station. I meant to book it for leaving the night OF 7.07... actually meaning 8.07. Oh well, only out 21 euros that I paid for Wombats and didnt stay there... and then, I had to frantically find a cheap hostel in Amsterdam for one night. Staying pretty far out of town at the hostel where I cant sleep in the lobby.... and check in is at 3. Also, I dont know Dutch.... its surprisingly similiar to German but not quite.. >P

Anyway, its been great. After Stuttgart, I hopped in a organized hitchhiking ride thing to get to Dresden. It cost 25 euros.. MUCH cheaper than the train and was super interesting. Two Polish people were driving back from an interview, there was a Ukrainian girl sitting next to me studying in Nurnberg and then a guy from Cameroon visiting his friend in Dresden. Very international.

Coming to Dresden was great. My hostel was in the New City, so it had a younger vibe. In my hostel, I met a guy who had just finished studying in Vancouver but was from China. We went hiking in the Saxony Switzerland area the next day, which was GORGEOUS. Theres these gorgeous limestone mountains and theres a bridge from the Crusades, I think. Ill post pictures when I get a chance. What was really cool was a thunderstorm was happening right above our heads the whole time, yet there was no rain. Craaazy! After that, I explored the old city - very cute and picturesque.

Then, I took a train to Berlin. Great city. and I really liked the hostel too.. oh Wombats. Clean sheets. yay. There were these very nice Londoners w/ a Australian transplant in my room. We hung out for a little bit, went to the Berlin Zoo one day where I saw a DANCING POLAR BEAR. Pictures will be uploaded. Future Youtube viral video? Possibly! I also went on a free walking tour and met some kids from Indiana. The Free Walking tour was fantastic and made me kinda sorta fall in love with Berlin. Its such a city in transition and its imperfections...all the graffiti, etc... make it so interesting. Its just amazing how itll look so much different in 10 or 15 years from now. I also met an Argentinean who was in a band and he was very interesting. We went out for coffee and talked about art and culture and just... ya.

Then, I took a night train to Amsterdam. There was an extremely nice Dusseldorf mom in my room who was just VERy excited. She had gone on an adventure with one of her friends and they went to Prague for the weekend. I also met a guy going to Cologne and we talked for a bit.

So ya, meeting people everywhere. But Right now I just kinda want to sleep. it is cool how even though Im traveling alone, I'm not REALLY alone.

Just thought Id quickly update. Ive been keeping a more descriptive better handwritten journal. This is just a quick update because the ticking clock here is making me ansy.

First Drive on the Autobahn

Oh! and Today was my first time on Autobahn! yay! Everyone does drive fast but it reminds me of New Jersey or Mt.Vernon. Though it's not often that I hit speeds between 140 and 180 (88-99mph). would've been nice to feel that in in sportscar. Makes me want to do a roadtrip in a nice car. Or just rent cars and go fast.

The German countryside was also very nice. Green and lost of hills, like Austria and...the USA. There are so many vineyards though. I talked to the Cameroon about the US and his country. Apparently, Senegal has respect for Bush. I wonder what he did.

Well, I'm glad I made those changes in my itinerary. I'm really looking forward to Berlin. I hope my hostel in Berlin is great. Especially for meeting people but that's its reputation. I think I'll be meeting a lot of people in Berlin, Amsterdam and London. When I break it down by cities, its like I don't have enough time. But really, I have 21 days = 3 weeks. 3 weeks = 7 cities, 5 capitals.

I've got to go back to Germany.