I left Paris a day early just to get out of that busy, expensive city. On the way, I stopped in Brussels for an hour and walked around. Looks like a nice place…
I didn’t pay attention to the time difference and had believed Jonny n' Jimmy would arrive on the 23rd, but they didn’t get in until the 24th. At the hostel I found my old German friend, Jan, whom I met back in Napoli. We'd stayed in touch and knew that we’d be in town around the same time when ‘lo and behold, there he was. Things couldn't have worked out so perfectly.
I met up with the J’s the next day and they weren’t too worse for the wear. Jimmy did, however, get off the plane in sandals. Neither had been expecting snow, so it was wholly entertaining to watch two fellow San Diegan’s adjust to the cold. Being outside while it’s snowing was just as magical to them just as it’d been for me. Jonny did have to borrow one of my jackets, but they made it through okay.
Amsterdam is a bizarre place, if you know what I mean. We had fun, walking all over town, exploring the Anne Frank house, drinking home-brewed Heineken and Amstel, coffee houses...
I had a lot of fun hanging with my boyz. It makes me realize how much I miss my friends and family back home. I look forward to meeting back up with them in Cairo.
Out~
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Deez is my boyz!! Jimmy and Jonny. My bro's saw me off at the airport back at LAX and here they come to meet me in Amsterdam and then Cairo! So gnarly, it doesn't even feel like 8 months have passed..
J-Lo, sportin' the Dr. Pepper... tastes different in Europe, much different from the U.S. Never got the final verdict though, I'll have to inquire further as to which he preferred.
Old dudes playing chess in one of the squares..
That's Jan whom I met back in Napoli, Jimmy, Jonny's hand and my own.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Paris
Paris is huge. There is so much to do, to see, and it’s all so expensive! I picked the absolute worst time to go, of course. It’s Spring Break and Easter, so everyone and their mother are in town right now. I stayed in a different hostel each night, so each day I had to pack my bags and look for a new home before I could go gallivanting across the city.
I walked an hour and a half to the Eiffel tower. On the way it rained, then the sun came out, then it hailed, and then the sun came out- strangest weather. I climbed the tower steps all the way to the top and found it wasn’t so bad, until I got home later that night... Notre Damn was cool, the Louvre, Sacre Coure. I missed the Pantheon and too many other great things, but oh well. The rivers are cool to walk along and collect your thoughts. All the buildings have a sort of golden-age feel, sort of shine to them. I also visited the Moulin Rouge district, but not the Moulin Rouge itself. I’m a poor man and one hundred euros is just a little too steep for something I can get in Vegas (it’s supposed to be pretty crappy). Overall, the Parisians are nice and I didn’t have any bad experiences. You can tell they don’t want to speak English, but most were helpful all the same. When I went to the Louvre, however, all information was in French- only french. Apparently the French are pissed that everyone speaks English and Spanish, and they don’t want to lose their national language. Now, I can understand their point of view but a museum should promote education in arts and history, not restrict it to one language. THAT's just selfish and lame. Where was my handheld google translator when I needed it?
What else? So far I’ve tried some ’97 Chateau de something and Bordeaux. I definitely prefer Italian wine to French, or at least haven’t found anything I absolutely love just yet. I tried a couple types of liquor, many of which are stronger than what we can have legally in the states. I ate various types of French cheese but they were hit and miss. My favorite thus far was Cantal, which tastes similar to gouda but much older and stronger; it went great with the wine.
Food wise, I tried crème brullee, crepes, madelines and various other pastries. And oh yes, I tried the escargot: snails baby! They were so delicious. And… just for kicks I had to get me a ‘Royal with Cheese,’ straight outta Pulp Fiction, man. I missed out on the frog legs, dammit! I would've loved to've tried frog legs.
Heading on to Amsterdam next~
I walked an hour and a half to the Eiffel tower. On the way it rained, then the sun came out, then it hailed, and then the sun came out- strangest weather. I climbed the tower steps all the way to the top and found it wasn’t so bad, until I got home later that night... Notre Damn was cool, the Louvre, Sacre Coure. I missed the Pantheon and too many other great things, but oh well. The rivers are cool to walk along and collect your thoughts. All the buildings have a sort of golden-age feel, sort of shine to them. I also visited the Moulin Rouge district, but not the Moulin Rouge itself. I’m a poor man and one hundred euros is just a little too steep for something I can get in Vegas (it’s supposed to be pretty crappy). Overall, the Parisians are nice and I didn’t have any bad experiences. You can tell they don’t want to speak English, but most were helpful all the same. When I went to the Louvre, however, all information was in French- only french. Apparently the French are pissed that everyone speaks English and Spanish, and they don’t want to lose their national language. Now, I can understand their point of view but a museum should promote education in arts and history, not restrict it to one language. THAT's just selfish and lame. Where was my handheld google translator when I needed it?
What else? So far I’ve tried some ’97 Chateau de something and Bordeaux. I definitely prefer Italian wine to French, or at least haven’t found anything I absolutely love just yet. I tried a couple types of liquor, many of which are stronger than what we can have legally in the states. I ate various types of French cheese but they were hit and miss. My favorite thus far was Cantal, which tastes similar to gouda but much older and stronger; it went great with the wine.
Food wise, I tried crème brullee, crepes, madelines and various other pastries. And oh yes, I tried the escargot: snails baby! They were so delicious. And… just for kicks I had to get me a ‘Royal with Cheese,’ straight outta Pulp Fiction, man. I missed out on the frog legs, dammit! I would've loved to've tried frog legs.
Heading on to Amsterdam next~
Friday, March 21, 2008
Munich
So I met up with Nico in Munich. We had a good time, but tourist-wise I didn’t do a whole lot of sightseeing. This crazy travel-schedule of mine, plus partying in Berlin is wearing on me. On the first night, we went to the center of Munich and then to Hofbraeuhaus, which is similar to the style of Oktoberfest: big long tables with tons of drunk people and traditional German food. German food is not nearly as boring as I thought it would be; it was good meat and tasty side dishes! The whole thing was a fun experience.
German Beer is Godlike, no, it’s God’s beer. There is no comparison that I can think of to compete with German beer. I also tried German snuff, which is just tobacco and olbus oil, which you snort and then regret!
We went to a discotech and had a good time. Nico’s friend and I met some beautiful babies, but I was leaving the next day and I’m tired of trying to keep track of people I know I’ll never see again. Thanks for everything Nico, I had a good time.
And so, I’m tired and that’s all I've got. Out~
German Beer is Godlike, no, it’s God’s beer. There is no comparison that I can think of to compete with German beer. I also tried German snuff, which is just tobacco and olbus oil, which you snort and then regret!
We went to a discotech and had a good time. Nico’s friend and I met some beautiful babies, but I was leaving the next day and I’m tired of trying to keep track of people I know I’ll never see again. Thanks for everything Nico, I had a good time.
And so, I’m tired and that’s all I've got. Out~
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Berlin
Berlin is a cool place. I wish I could spend more time here, there is so much WWII history. I took a tour yesterday and walked around the city: through Brandenburg Gate, past the Berlin wall, to checkpoint Charlie and the old SS headquarters. Hitler’s bunker was my favorite- here I am thinking there’s going to be some old ruins of a bunker with cool shit inside, but all that’s there is one tiny sign with information stating Hitler’s bunker is buried here. Other than that, there is absolutely no trace of the thing (even the sign is only 3 years old), much like the rest of WWII history that Germany simply buries.
There are some, but only a few, old buildings of the Nazi era that weren’t bombed to hell; they are littered with bullet holes and shrapnel. The old SS building was really cool, it’s still standing very strong and is a remnant of Nazi architectural design- rigid and boring (picture below).
There are some, but only a few, old buildings of the Nazi era that weren’t bombed to hell; they are littered with bullet holes and shrapnel. The old SS building was really cool, it’s still standing very strong and is a remnant of Nazi architectural design- rigid and boring (picture below).
The old SS Headquarters. Lovely design...
The Brandenburg Gate: Frederick, Napoleon, Hitler, Kennedy and so many other prominent men of history have crossed through this gate.
Really cool mural of old socialist propoganda. Look how happy they all are!
Berlin wall.
Humboldt university. Einstein taught here, among many other great intellectuals of our time.Monday, March 17, 2008
Sweden Pt. 2
Wow there is so much to say. I nearly missed my flight today by underestimating the bus ride back to the airport (over an hour), but luckily they made an exception and helped me out. So, I’m here in Berlin now but I want to write this while everything is still fresh in my head~
Stockholm started out as a bit of a downer, or, at least not incredibly exciting- bad weather and all. But, the Swedish capitol came through with a strong finish. The people I met here are great, and many of the experiences unforgettable!
I have to say that the hostel here is by far THE greatest hostel I’ve ever stayed in, free food, tons of computers or free wifi. It’s so big and there are so many people that it’s absolutely divine I’ve never been around so many people from so many different places all packed into one building; a fucking Mecca, man. The other night, everyone partied in the common room, it was like 50 deep with people from Spain, France, Germany, Scotland, US, Morocco, Uruguay and surely more! Everyone began separate, but a few hours later we combined all the tables and everyone was mingling with everyone. It was my best night, better than some of the others going out on the town!
A word on Swedish women… yes, they are stunning. Many a beautiful, tall blonde have I seen walking down the street that I couldn’t help but ogle. They wear a lot of orange makeup, which is kinda different, but it’s the style here and they work it. Some girls even draw freckles on their face; I tried to take a pic but it didn’t really come out. It’s also really funny hearing Swedes talk, but I’m just an ethnocentric bastard so do forgive.
This morning, I did the Swedish sauna experience- the highlight of my trip there. Swedes are crazy, man! I went with some guys I met from Spain who had rental cars and we drove out to a small lake outside the city. Basically, you chill out in the sauna for 10-15 minutes ‘til you are sweating profusely, droplets coming down your face… and then, you go outside and jump in a freezing, ice cold lake nude. You swim around for a bit, and get the gnarliest headrush ever; it’s the perfect cure for a hangover! When you get out, steam is still coming off your back, and then you hang for a bit and go back into the sauna. Lather, rinse and repeat. I cannot adequately describe how wonderful, peaceful and relaxing this experience was. I love it!!
Stockholm started out as a bit of a downer, or, at least not incredibly exciting- bad weather and all. But, the Swedish capitol came through with a strong finish. The people I met here are great, and many of the experiences unforgettable!
I have to say that the hostel here is by far THE greatest hostel I’ve ever stayed in, free food, tons of computers or free wifi. It’s so big and there are so many people that it’s absolutely divine I’ve never been around so many people from so many different places all packed into one building; a fucking Mecca, man. The other night, everyone partied in the common room, it was like 50 deep with people from Spain, France, Germany, Scotland, US, Morocco, Uruguay and surely more! Everyone began separate, but a few hours later we combined all the tables and everyone was mingling with everyone. It was my best night, better than some of the others going out on the town!
A word on Swedish women… yes, they are stunning. Many a beautiful, tall blonde have I seen walking down the street that I couldn’t help but ogle. They wear a lot of orange makeup, which is kinda different, but it’s the style here and they work it. Some girls even draw freckles on their face; I tried to take a pic but it didn’t really come out. It’s also really funny hearing Swedes talk, but I’m just an ethnocentric bastard so do forgive.
This morning, I did the Swedish sauna experience- the highlight of my trip there. Swedes are crazy, man! I went with some guys I met from Spain who had rental cars and we drove out to a small lake outside the city. Basically, you chill out in the sauna for 10-15 minutes ‘til you are sweating profusely, droplets coming down your face… and then, you go outside and jump in a freezing, ice cold lake nude. You swim around for a bit, and get the gnarliest headrush ever; it’s the perfect cure for a hangover! When you get out, steam is still coming off your back, and then you hang for a bit and go back into the sauna. Lather, rinse and repeat. I cannot adequately describe how wonderful, peaceful and relaxing this experience was. I love it!!
Stockholm is composed of like 5 islands, they call it 'The Venice of the North.'
Saw this on a wall, thought it was pretty cool...
Having my way with this statue...
I had a thing for statues, sculptures, manikins that day...
Here is the Swedish sauna experience. These crazy Swedes (and some hot women) leave the sauna, walk down to the lake and jump into the freezing water. I have some more pictures and a funny ass video, but I figured I'd spare everyone all the unnecessary nudity.
Here we all are in the common room. This wasn't even everybody, but as you can see there was a lot of people.
The largest Ikea in the world. Here it is pronounced 'Ick-eya,' really not that exciting.
Here I am at the end of Ikea eating a hot dog. One of the dudes from my hostel convinced me to try this french sauce which is like a watery-mayonnaise. As you can tell... I wasn't a fan. Friday, March 14, 2008
Sweden
I’m here in Stockholm and everything is cool (literally). The weather hasn’t been so great; it’s cold and rainy and the temperature is around -4 celsius. So, I spent the first two of my days lounging around the hostel meeting all kinds of new people and trying new foods. This is by far the biggest hostel I’ve seen. There are so many people and there’s even a sauna upstairs. On the first night I signed up to make Swedish meatballs, composed of deer or elk. They were so good! The sweets and pastries in Sweden are amazing. I've also had Hot dogs and sausage, so delicious!
Stockholm is just SO damn expensive. A meal at Mcdonald’s is about 9/10 euros, so about 13 dollars. The currency here is the kronor (SEK) and it’s very difficult to evaluate how much you’re spending until suddenly it’s gone! The exchange rate is 9 kronors to about 1 euro. So, you get something that's 240 kronors and you’re like wtf?! I just move the decimal over one place and that works well enough (but it was damn weird at first!)
Today it snowed just a bit, which was damn cool and much better than rain! I’ve been hanging out with some Spanish girls from Madrid and we walked all over the city. We went to a few museums, a sunken ship and a big ass tower. Tonight we’re going out to a bar, but I’ve vowed not to buy any more drinks after spending 80 kronors on a mere 4 centiliters of cognac! A tiny cup of beer is 45 kronors (4 euros). So instead, I bought a bottle of Absolute vodka (Swedish, but tastes the same), and the girl’s bought some rum which we intend to smuggle in.
Pictures below and more to come~
Stockholm is just SO damn expensive. A meal at Mcdonald’s is about 9/10 euros, so about 13 dollars. The currency here is the kronor (SEK) and it’s very difficult to evaluate how much you’re spending until suddenly it’s gone! The exchange rate is 9 kronors to about 1 euro. So, you get something that's 240 kronors and you’re like wtf?! I just move the decimal over one place and that works well enough (but it was damn weird at first!)
Today it snowed just a bit, which was damn cool and much better than rain! I’ve been hanging out with some Spanish girls from Madrid and we walked all over the city. We went to a few museums, a sunken ship and a big ass tower. Tonight we’re going out to a bar, but I’ve vowed not to buy any more drinks after spending 80 kronors on a mere 4 centiliters of cognac! A tiny cup of beer is 45 kronors (4 euros). So instead, I bought a bottle of Absolute vodka (Swedish, but tastes the same), and the girl’s bought some rum which we intend to smuggle in.
Pictures below and more to come~
Flying over the Alps.
7-Eleven's all over the place!
This is the Vasa, a MASSIVE sunken ship from the 1600's, back when Sweden was at war with Poland. They built this giant ship to show their power, with Roman emperors carved into it as well as Polish servants bowing down to it. But something was wrong, however, and the ship sank. They say it was Karma, but either way it was Sweden's last war.
This house must've been inhabited by Hobbits, or some kind of midgets...
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