Not feeling well, haven't been since Monday night. Hopefully I'm better by this weekend because there's a CIEE trip to Edinburgh, although I'm still not sure if I'm looking forward to it, it's going to be freeeezing! I have to promote the National Student Survey all week for work, basically stand there and ask people if they're a third year over and over and over. It's gotten to the point that people already know what we're going to ask. Tomorrow I have to do it 9:45-10:25, 10:45-11:15, 11:45-12:15, and 14:45-16:15. I don't know why I was assigned the 14:45 shift, since I said I wasn't free at that time, I usually have wind band, but it's a dress rehearsal for a concert on Friday that I'm not playing in (going to Edinburgh), so I don't really need to go, playing sax when congested is no fun anyway. I'm going to see if someone can cover the 9:45 shift, I need my sleep so I can get better. I did go to Latin rhythm ensemble last night, was a really great rehearsal. I actually felt better during/after it, music has a magical healing power, haha. I played drum set for the first time in years, very simple rhythm, but I enjoyed it nonetheless, then played alto and managed to bang out some pretty decent improv, so it was a good night. Then I stayed in (you know I'm not feeling well if I don't go to pound a pint) and watched my usual not feeling well movie, 'The Holiday.' I have contemporary music ensemble tonight, not sure if I'm going. I enjoyed it last week, but I'm not technically enrolled in it so I don't feel obligated to go, we'll see, it could make me feel better as Latin Rhythm did.
Two weeks until I see my parents for the first time in nearly five months!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Settling Back In
I've been really homesick since Thanksgiving, but I think now that I'm settling back into everyday life here I'll be fine. I got to meet the new CIEE Goldsmiths students a couple nights ago and they're all really nice. We saw 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' last night (w/ CIEE). It was OK, a bit slow at some points, James Earl Jones was in it. It took place in the American south about an ex-NFL player, all I could think about was Wes Welker, haha. Bodean's is playing the Pats game tomorrow so I'm skipping out on a CIEE event to watch it, haha. It's supposed to snow more, so hopefully I make it there in time. I guess it's been really cold and snowing a lot here and everyone's freaking out. The trains are crap and unreliable, not a good first impression for the new students, haha. CIEE had 350 students fly in this week and there were TONS of delays, some people even had to land in other cities and get trains here, crazy, I know of at least one without luggage. Glad I came in the fall. I heard on the radio that this is the coldest winter in 13 years, and someone else said the coldest in 50 years, figures. It was snowing really heavily when I got here (at the library, internet isn't working in my room), well I was about to say that it has since stopped, but it just started again...haha. The sidewalks are horrible, we did get some sun yesterday though and most of it melted. But they don't use ice melt, if I had a grandmother here I wouldn't want her going out, haha. I also saw someone sweeping the snow the other day, laughed out loud while walking down the street.
So I've been working on the final for a class for at least a month, and I've come to the conclusion that I can't do it. I emailed the international office and Joe said to speak to him on Monday. I'm not sure if that means there's hope and I can drop it or not, would be nice to know since it's due on Wednesday. I do have an extra tutorial with the teacher on Monday, but I don't know what time it's at. Hopefully I can forget about that horrible class and a huge weight will be lifted off my shoulders. There's another class I'm not sure how well I'll do in. I'm pretty sure I'll pass, but I need at B in music classes or I have to re-take them, so I guess I'll have to wait for my grade (handing the final in Monday) and then wait for it to go through the system to convert it to the American grading system....no idea how long that will take, forever....
No idea when I'll find out my Anthropology grade, handed in the essay last month. My other class is a full year course, we've only had one project and I think I did really well on it.
I guess I should stop wasting time and go finish up my other final project now.
So I've been working on the final for a class for at least a month, and I've come to the conclusion that I can't do it. I emailed the international office and Joe said to speak to him on Monday. I'm not sure if that means there's hope and I can drop it or not, would be nice to know since it's due on Wednesday. I do have an extra tutorial with the teacher on Monday, but I don't know what time it's at. Hopefully I can forget about that horrible class and a huge weight will be lifted off my shoulders. There's another class I'm not sure how well I'll do in. I'm pretty sure I'll pass, but I need at B in music classes or I have to re-take them, so I guess I'll have to wait for my grade (handing the final in Monday) and then wait for it to go through the system to convert it to the American grading system....no idea how long that will take, forever....
No idea when I'll find out my Anthropology grade, handed in the essay last month. My other class is a full year course, we've only had one project and I think I did really well on it.
I guess I should stop wasting time and go finish up my other final project now.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Winterreise
FINALLY UPDATED WITH MY COMPLETE JOURNAL (as of 19.01.10)
Got back to London safe and sound last night. I kept a journal my whole trip, so here goes another unbelievably long post...
Pictures will be up on facebook, if you don't have facebook email me at vbrown014@hotmail.com and I will send you the pics.
14.12.09 Lille, France
I took the Eurostar because I wanted to see what it was like, well, I still don't know. I fell asleep in England and woke up in France. The French countryside looks much like the English, a bit more tress, and frost on the ground. I realized this morning that I don't have the number of the girl I'm supposed to stay with. I've been wandering around and it's very beautiful with all the Christmas lights, but I still have nowhere to stay. I saw a man riding a unicycle, not for show or anything, just for transportation, and a girl riding a scooter (not a little girl, again, just for transport). I also saw somewhere with a special entrance for segways. In the terminal waiting for the Eurostar there was this French family with these two very spoiled little girls. The Dad turned and said something to me in French, then I realized he was talking to me, he tried English and asked me to stop "waggling" (or something like that, remotely similar to wiggling), I guess I was shaking the bench. I laughed and said sorry and explained that I don't even realize I do it, and he said "we noticed", jerk...I've been loitering in this McDonalds awhile, I found some Chinese guy with a computer, who let me log into couchsurfing, I posted a message for "HELP!!!!!!!!!!!" in the Lille CS group, with my phone number in it, and what do you know, I just got a phone call from someone who can come get me in a half hour! Oh my gosh, I am so relieved. My back up was a sketchy hotel for €33 a night for a 'simple room', aka a bed. The nice Chinese guy gave me his buiness card, I'll email him to let him know I found someone (it is SO expensive to use my phone here). This trip is already quite the adventure, and it's barely even started! Oh I also went in a church, first thing I do when lost in a foreign city is scan the horizon for a steeple and go towards it. It was one big caver, it was really dark, smelled old and musty, and had HUNDREDS of tiny wicker chairs, haha. At first I thought it was a childrens section, but then noticed all of the charis were that small. I took refuge there for a bit, sitting in a tiny wicker chair. My back is already killing me from my backpack. There are ENDLESS interesting shops, but all I can think is that would mean more to carry. I'm still very homesick, but very glad I won't be sitting alone in a tiny dirty hotel room tonight. I'm still loitering in McDonalds waiting for whoever just called me to get here, hopefully they don't kick me out. Earlier, I thought I was going to be taken home by an older couple who kept looking at tme, I think they noticed how distressed I was, sitting alone almost in tears. I saw the most adorable little boy today, in tan slacks and a tiny navy blue pea coat with the collar popped, and big blue eyes. I wish I'd had the nerves to ask his dad if I could take his picture. I burnt my thumb and finger on Thanksgiving, and the thumb one has turned into a bit blot of dead skin, it's really gross and annoying. At this point I'm just writing down all my thoughts, passing the time and hoping this girl finds me. I got gloves at the train station before I left today, they're the fingerless kind with the mitten flap, I like them because I don't need to take them off to use my camera. I forgot that I needed shampoo until I saw a shop here called Shampoo, which ironically does not sell shampoo. I found a pharmacy, which sold dog shampoo, but I couldn't find human shampoo, and I have no idea what it's called in French. They guy who cleans McDonalds just walked by for the umpteenth time and gave me a bit of a diry look. Just got another call from a CSer offering to rescue me.
Any mintue now...
15.12.09 Brusels, Belgium
I got a train to Brusells around 11 today, I'm not really even sure if my ticket was valid for the train I got, but no one ever checked. I lucked out and got a seat thtat no one had reserved, half hour ride, and here I am. I slept very well last night, Stefanie gave me her bed because she had work to do. I guess she did the same for her CSers the past couple of nights. There was a band dressed in santa costumes playing in the station when I arrived. I wandered outside a bit, but there is nothing in the area. so I'm awaiting a call from a CSer. Right now I'm sitting in "Haagen Dazs", I just finished a 'Belgian Waffle Dream', I could have done without the ice cream, too cold, but the waffle was good. I really hope someone calls soon or I'll have to hunt another person with a computer down. I put another emergency request up in a group, because the person I thought I was staying with bailed. So, again, I have no idea where I'm staying tonight. I wish the train ride was longer, I enjoy them. I got plenty of sleep but I'm still tired, of course. I don't know how long they're going to let me loiter in here. I'm just going to keep writing so I'm not just sitting here awkwardly. {I ranted on for quite awhile after that, but it's all pretty boring and pointless}
~later that night~
I was able to check CS on my phone while sitting in the train station. Someone couldn't figure out how to call my phone because I forgot the country code, but the left his number and I caled him. He told me to go to the center by metro and he would get me in an hour and a half. I really like the center of Brusells, I went in another cathedral. There were fons of touristy shops, but nothing caught my eye enough for me to want to carry it. Man my knees hurt, and my back a bit. My CS host Guy is in his mid 50s, I just had dinner at a Greek restaurant with him and his friends. Just picture me sitting in a Greek restaurant with three old Belgian men (his friends were older than him). They wevery nice, but didn't speak English most of the tim. They speak this crazy mix of Flemish and French here, I understand the occasional word. I'll be happy to be in Germany day after tomorrow though. I"m sitting in the living room eating Belgian chocolate, and there is a 'Police' video on tv. I really wish there was a QWERTY keyboard so I could write something substantial to the people back home!
16.12.09 Liege, Belgium
Today was the first day my CSing actually worked out. I texted my host from the train when I was close, had some lunch, she me me, no big deal. There is not much in Liege, but it's snowing and very beautiful, I think I'll have to come back to Belgium when it's warmer, if I can ever afford it. We wandered around a bit, had sandwhiches, and went to an exhibition at her school, it's a visual arts school. Earlier she actually had to finish up a comic and hand it in. There's a good layer of snow outside, I'm very excited. Everyone I've met has said it's not usually this cold, and it doesn't snow that often, so I'm lucky! She lives in what used to be a pub, it's very funny. There are no wlals just curtains, and the kitchen is a bar. Ther bathrom is the only thing downstairs, and there's a men's and women's. It's pretty funny, it hasn't really been outfitted as a house. It could make for a really cool place though, but it needs a lot of work.
18.12.09 Munich, Germany
Last night I CSed in Cologne, Germany. My host was Henrik and he was great, met me right away at the train station then back to his place where we talked about music (he plays keyboard) had hot chocolate, and he mixed some cocktails. Then we went into the center to a typical Cologne pub for some früh kölsch (Cologner beer), then to the street where the students go, to a Cuban cocktail bar. He had to leave at 9am for Uni, so it was a short stay, but def. a good one.
I was supposed to go to Mannheim after, but I couldn't contact my host, and it was dark and cold and snowing, and I'd heard there was nothing good there, so I was just going to have a beer and leasve in the morning, but w/o anywhere to stay, I asked my host in the next city, Munich, if I could come a night early, so here I am. I had a bit of trouble finding his place, then no one was here when I got there, but it wasn't long before he came. He's called Steffen, he's around my age and very nice. Does a lot of hosting and surfing. Tomorrow he's climbing with his flat mate and I'm exploring on my own. I'll have two ful days here and then as long as I want onday moring, so plenty of time. Oh and I realized I can't charge my phone so I need to find a charger or outlet converter. Luckily Steffen's flat mate had a U.K. to Europe converter so I can charge my phone while I'm here. HIs flat is really cool. His bed hangs from the ceiling. He also has a CS guestbook, and a mapbook so he can see wher his guests are from.
19.12.09 Munich, Germany
I wandered around the Munich Christmas market today, got some trinkets, and another boot mug. Steffen talks in three languages in his sleep! Haha, very impressive. I went in the biggest cathedral in Munich today, and to the toy museum. I was suppossed to do a bus tour but I went to get on and they told me it was too late. Hopefully my pass will still be good on Monday because I'm taking a day trip tomorrow to Schloss Neuschwanstein. Soon we're going to head out for some bier!
We went to a jazz bar, where some old guys were playing flamenco/spanish music, it was god though. I tried Munich Helles.
21.12.09
Yesterday I went to Schloss Neuschwanstein, the castle that inspired the one in Disney World. I also went to Schloss Hohenschwangau. They were both built under Ludwig II, and you can see one from the other (he had a telescope in Hohenschwangau to watch the progress on Neuschwanstein). Neuschwanstein is very grandoise, and was meant to brin to life the operas of Richard Wagner. All the rooms have scenes from his operas (German legends). The castle was never finished though, and barely used before Ludwig II died. I really like Neuschwanstein, but I got the last gout, then the bus back to Füssen was full, had to wait outside 40 minutes, then wait 20/30 minutes for the train. Then there was a problem and the two hour train ride turned into three hours, then the half hour u-bahn back to Steffen's, it was a looonnnng day. The castle and the mountains were amazing though.
23.12.09 Vienna, Austria
I've been at Mike's a couple days now, I stopped in Salzburg on my way from Munich. The bus driver forgot to tell me when to get off for the Christmas market, so I was on the bus for at least an hour. Then decided I would just go back to the Hauptbahnhof (central station), but changed my mind and went to the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market). It was hard to find a mug, but I did, unfortunately not boot shaped. I got little glass pigs, just because they were cut, gave Mike one and he told me they're good luck to give to someone on New Years, so we're exchanging pigon New Years, haha. WE haven't done much, stayed up talking most of the first night. Went to a Christmas Market yesterday. He went to his first day teaching a third grade class English today, and right now he's teaching a private English lesson. Today we bought Christmas decorations, tonight we're going to start cooking, do laundry, and clean the kitchen.
26.12.09 Vienna, Austria
Christmas was definitely a flop, no CSers showed up. Mike and I slept/cooked all day, which was a great distraction. His roommate Alex ate with us, Tina and her friend were late. They ate briefly then the three of them went clubbing. Mike and I skyped with family and got really homesick, then watched Elf. Slept late again on Christmas, skyped, oh Mike's Dad had him open his gift on Christmas Eve because it had games so we played a lot of Skip-Bo and Uno, eggs and cookies for breakfast. Now I'm still waiting for Mike to be ready so we can go to castle pretty fountain, there's not much daylight here so he needs to hurry.
I'm going to be an auntie any minute now!!!
Forgot how early it was and called my mum because I saw that Judi had written on facebook that she was going to be an auntie.
29.12.09 Vienna, Austria
I am an Auntie! Avery was born the day after Christmas around 7:30am (their time). It was hard not being there, especially when I heard her cry. But everyone's been taking pictures fro me and I eve got to see her on Skype, I think they got to go home yesterday, I can't believe Joe + Dev are parents!
Sunday Mike and I walked around Vienna and went to an Annie Leibowitz exhibition. He showed me Hundertwasserhaus, that was really cool, I'll have to go back with my camera.
Yesterday we went to Eisenstadt, we were warned that it was really boring but I wanted to see the palace where Haydn lived for thirty years. It was closed, and so was the Haydn haus museum, and everything in the town. We went for a walk in the palace gardens, which I really enjoyed but I guess Mike didn't. We were back in Vienna and he said 'I'm so glad to be back', it's not even an hour ride to Eisenstady. I like it, and said hi to this little puppy that for some reason absolutely loved me, he was whimpering and jumping all over me it was so cute.
Right now I'm on a train to Salzburg, Mike couldn't afford to come so I'm on my own. It's about a three hour ride so I'll get there around 2pm. I have A LOT to fit in one day so we'll see what happens.
On the train back from Salzburg now. I saw Mozarts birthplace, then to Mozart's house, which is a museum, saw some of his pianos and the original family portrait. Went in a church (and the church museum), and up to the fortress. Then tried to find stuff from the Sound of Music. There were only two sound of music tours a day, they cost 37 euro and were four hours long, and I got there just after the second one started. I went to the priory but couldn't find the gate where the first scene was filmed. Went to a fountain they sand around, and the Mirabel Palace gardens but was too dark to wander. Was going to find the gazebo but it was late and I'm tired, three hours back to Vienna, will prob be back at Mike's round 10:45pm. Just downed some B.K. but I'm still really hungry! As I was going to my train this guy kinda looked at me and whimpered, I think he was tired and hungry and saw my food, too bad I had to run to a train, he was cute too. Oh today I got hit by an old lady and locked in a toy store.
2.1.10 Somewhere in Austria
I'm on a train somewhere in Austria right now, worst train ever. It took me forever to find a seat, now I'm in an aisle seat with not leg room and no head rest. There's a Chinese guy in a skirt across the aisle from me who just inhaled a white powderrom a small baggy...This train goes all the way to Zürich, but I think I'll stop and stretch in Innsbruck.
Wednesday Mike's friend Marcus gave us a tour of Vienna, and later that night rwe went to an 'IQ' meetin at his Uni. For New Years we went to a friend of Mike's friend's party, it was OK, Mike really enjoyed it. They waltz (Blue Danube) at midnight, probably the only time I'll ever be in a room full of 20 somethings who all know how to waltz. Then they melt pieces of lead and throw them in water. It makes shapes they tell the future by, mine looks like a foot.
Yesterday we saw Beethoven's house and walked where he liked to. Otherwise we've just been hanging out playing Skip-Bo (and Uno).
3.1.10 Zürich, Switzerland
I'm at my host's apartment now. Got in fairly late last night, chatted a bit, then went to bed. Today we went on a two hour trolley tour of Zürich, then to the National History Museum. There was a photography exhibition there, it cost 10 francs but I wanted to go. There was one about Swiss history through photography, and another about important people/events of 2009. I need to go to more photo exhibitions because it inspires me to become better at it. I've gotten at least two worthwhile pictures on my trip, haha.
4.1.10 Paris, France
I'm very excited to explore Paris, but also can't WAIT to get back 'home', day after tomorrow, day after tomorrow...I stopped in Bern, Switzerland today, I really enjoyed it. I rented an iPod that guides you on a walking tour, it's a midieval town, really cool, and they had a bear pit. The ride to Bern was only an hour, then an hour to Basel where I transferred. Then it was supposed to be three hours something, but the train stopped at the first station fro an hour, moved a bit, then stopped for almost another hour. I was on a train from 3 to 9:30. Got to Roberto's around 10:30, he's going out to celebrate with his girlfriend, so he's just leaving me the keys and I get his bed. So tired, collapsing now...
5.1.10 Paris, France
Paris has left a very bad impression on me, absolutely no desire to come back ever again. Couldn't find the train station this morning, wandered around completely lost for an hour. Finally found it but was already in a bad mood. Then some guy introduced himself and volunteered to show me around the city, dunno why I said yes, I just wanted to be alone. I feel guilty that I was in such a bad mood and he was so sweet. We went to his sister Rose's hair salon, Moulin Rouge, the Eifel tower, Notre Dame, and Versailles. We did a lot of wandering, my feet haven't hurt this much the whole trip. Then I went back to Roberto's and had dinner (aka doritos and milk chocolate digestives). Since then I've tried to use the computer but it's old and doesn't like the internet, I did Skype with Mike, Dad, then Mom though. Not a fan of Roberto's roommate, I just used the bathroom and someone had left it full of crap, I used it, flushed, and it wa so clogged it overflowed, I plunged it, and left. Awhile later his rommate and friend come and said 'I want to show you something', and proceeded to show me the crap still stuck on the toilet, I said it was already like that when I got there and he implied that I was lying and showed me how to clean the toilet. It's not like it's a wonderfully fancy place either, it's old and dirty and the sink doesn't even work, you have to wash your hands and brush your teeth at the bathtub. What a freakin jerk, I can't wait to leave this place. Of course Roberto said he would be home at 9:30, later changed that to 10:50, meanwhile it's 11:30 and he's still not here. I need to check train times before I go to bed, and I don't even know where I'm sleeping, I'm fine with sharing a bed but I dunno if he (or his gf) is OK with that. I just want to go home!
6.1.10 Lille, France
Half an hour to kill before my train to Calais, only took an hour to get from Paris to Lille. OK, so I don't hate Paris AS much anymore, in fact. Roberto came home very late last night. I just went right to bed after I used his computer, was exhausted. But of course we stayed up even later chatting, since he hadn't been around the whole time I was there we never got properly acquainted. He's really nice and interesting and hopefully we'll meet again somewhere someday.
Calais, France
My ticket said to check-in before 4:20, even though departure isn't until 5:05. It's only 3:45. There's a bus outside so I think first we take a bus, hopefully at 4:20. I got here really early, I've been here awhile. I only have a couple pages left in my book, I'm saving them, don't want to finish. I hate finshed a good book, but luckily I have another good book waiting for me in London. There's a really cute baby a couple seats down from me, in a bear suit to keep warm. A couple other people have arrived, I was waiting alone before so that's nice.
Got back to London safe and sound last night. I kept a journal my whole trip, so here goes another unbelievably long post...
Pictures will be up on facebook, if you don't have facebook email me at vbrown014@hotmail.com and I will send you the pics.
14.12.09 Lille, France
I took the Eurostar because I wanted to see what it was like, well, I still don't know. I fell asleep in England and woke up in France. The French countryside looks much like the English, a bit more tress, and frost on the ground. I realized this morning that I don't have the number of the girl I'm supposed to stay with. I've been wandering around and it's very beautiful with all the Christmas lights, but I still have nowhere to stay. I saw a man riding a unicycle, not for show or anything, just for transportation, and a girl riding a scooter (not a little girl, again, just for transport). I also saw somewhere with a special entrance for segways. In the terminal waiting for the Eurostar there was this French family with these two very spoiled little girls. The Dad turned and said something to me in French, then I realized he was talking to me, he tried English and asked me to stop "waggling" (or something like that, remotely similar to wiggling), I guess I was shaking the bench. I laughed and said sorry and explained that I don't even realize I do it, and he said "we noticed", jerk...I've been loitering in this McDonalds awhile, I found some Chinese guy with a computer, who let me log into couchsurfing, I posted a message for "HELP!!!!!!!!!!!" in the Lille CS group, with my phone number in it, and what do you know, I just got a phone call from someone who can come get me in a half hour! Oh my gosh, I am so relieved. My back up was a sketchy hotel for €33 a night for a 'simple room', aka a bed. The nice Chinese guy gave me his buiness card, I'll email him to let him know I found someone (it is SO expensive to use my phone here). This trip is already quite the adventure, and it's barely even started! Oh I also went in a church, first thing I do when lost in a foreign city is scan the horizon for a steeple and go towards it. It was one big caver, it was really dark, smelled old and musty, and had HUNDREDS of tiny wicker chairs, haha. At first I thought it was a childrens section, but then noticed all of the charis were that small. I took refuge there for a bit, sitting in a tiny wicker chair. My back is already killing me from my backpack. There are ENDLESS interesting shops, but all I can think is that would mean more to carry. I'm still very homesick, but very glad I won't be sitting alone in a tiny dirty hotel room tonight. I'm still loitering in McDonalds waiting for whoever just called me to get here, hopefully they don't kick me out. Earlier, I thought I was going to be taken home by an older couple who kept looking at tme, I think they noticed how distressed I was, sitting alone almost in tears. I saw the most adorable little boy today, in tan slacks and a tiny navy blue pea coat with the collar popped, and big blue eyes. I wish I'd had the nerves to ask his dad if I could take his picture. I burnt my thumb and finger on Thanksgiving, and the thumb one has turned into a bit blot of dead skin, it's really gross and annoying. At this point I'm just writing down all my thoughts, passing the time and hoping this girl finds me. I got gloves at the train station before I left today, they're the fingerless kind with the mitten flap, I like them because I don't need to take them off to use my camera. I forgot that I needed shampoo until I saw a shop here called Shampoo, which ironically does not sell shampoo. I found a pharmacy, which sold dog shampoo, but I couldn't find human shampoo, and I have no idea what it's called in French. They guy who cleans McDonalds just walked by for the umpteenth time and gave me a bit of a diry look. Just got another call from a CSer offering to rescue me.
Any mintue now...
15.12.09 Brusels, Belgium
I got a train to Brusells around 11 today, I'm not really even sure if my ticket was valid for the train I got, but no one ever checked. I lucked out and got a seat thtat no one had reserved, half hour ride, and here I am. I slept very well last night, Stefanie gave me her bed because she had work to do. I guess she did the same for her CSers the past couple of nights. There was a band dressed in santa costumes playing in the station when I arrived. I wandered outside a bit, but there is nothing in the area. so I'm awaiting a call from a CSer. Right now I'm sitting in "Haagen Dazs", I just finished a 'Belgian Waffle Dream', I could have done without the ice cream, too cold, but the waffle was good. I really hope someone calls soon or I'll have to hunt another person with a computer down. I put another emergency request up in a group, because the person I thought I was staying with bailed. So, again, I have no idea where I'm staying tonight. I wish the train ride was longer, I enjoy them. I got plenty of sleep but I'm still tired, of course. I don't know how long they're going to let me loiter in here. I'm just going to keep writing so I'm not just sitting here awkwardly. {I ranted on for quite awhile after that, but it's all pretty boring and pointless}
~later that night~
I was able to check CS on my phone while sitting in the train station. Someone couldn't figure out how to call my phone because I forgot the country code, but the left his number and I caled him. He told me to go to the center by metro and he would get me in an hour and a half. I really like the center of Brusells, I went in another cathedral. There were fons of touristy shops, but nothing caught my eye enough for me to want to carry it. Man my knees hurt, and my back a bit. My CS host Guy is in his mid 50s, I just had dinner at a Greek restaurant with him and his friends. Just picture me sitting in a Greek restaurant with three old Belgian men (his friends were older than him). They wevery nice, but didn't speak English most of the tim. They speak this crazy mix of Flemish and French here, I understand the occasional word. I'll be happy to be in Germany day after tomorrow though. I"m sitting in the living room eating Belgian chocolate, and there is a 'Police' video on tv. I really wish there was a QWERTY keyboard so I could write something substantial to the people back home!
16.12.09 Liege, Belgium
Today was the first day my CSing actually worked out. I texted my host from the train when I was close, had some lunch, she me me, no big deal. There is not much in Liege, but it's snowing and very beautiful, I think I'll have to come back to Belgium when it's warmer, if I can ever afford it. We wandered around a bit, had sandwhiches, and went to an exhibition at her school, it's a visual arts school. Earlier she actually had to finish up a comic and hand it in. There's a good layer of snow outside, I'm very excited. Everyone I've met has said it's not usually this cold, and it doesn't snow that often, so I'm lucky! She lives in what used to be a pub, it's very funny. There are no wlals just curtains, and the kitchen is a bar. Ther bathrom is the only thing downstairs, and there's a men's and women's. It's pretty funny, it hasn't really been outfitted as a house. It could make for a really cool place though, but it needs a lot of work.
18.12.09 Munich, Germany
Last night I CSed in Cologne, Germany. My host was Henrik and he was great, met me right away at the train station then back to his place where we talked about music (he plays keyboard) had hot chocolate, and he mixed some cocktails. Then we went into the center to a typical Cologne pub for some früh kölsch (Cologner beer), then to the street where the students go, to a Cuban cocktail bar. He had to leave at 9am for Uni, so it was a short stay, but def. a good one.
I was supposed to go to Mannheim after, but I couldn't contact my host, and it was dark and cold and snowing, and I'd heard there was nothing good there, so I was just going to have a beer and leasve in the morning, but w/o anywhere to stay, I asked my host in the next city, Munich, if I could come a night early, so here I am. I had a bit of trouble finding his place, then no one was here when I got there, but it wasn't long before he came. He's called Steffen, he's around my age and very nice. Does a lot of hosting and surfing. Tomorrow he's climbing with his flat mate and I'm exploring on my own. I'll have two ful days here and then as long as I want onday moring, so plenty of time. Oh and I realized I can't charge my phone so I need to find a charger or outlet converter. Luckily Steffen's flat mate had a U.K. to Europe converter so I can charge my phone while I'm here. HIs flat is really cool. His bed hangs from the ceiling. He also has a CS guestbook, and a mapbook so he can see wher his guests are from.
19.12.09 Munich, Germany
I wandered around the Munich Christmas market today, got some trinkets, and another boot mug. Steffen talks in three languages in his sleep! Haha, very impressive. I went in the biggest cathedral in Munich today, and to the toy museum. I was suppossed to do a bus tour but I went to get on and they told me it was too late. Hopefully my pass will still be good on Monday because I'm taking a day trip tomorrow to Schloss Neuschwanstein. Soon we're going to head out for some bier!
We went to a jazz bar, where some old guys were playing flamenco/spanish music, it was god though. I tried Munich Helles.
21.12.09
Yesterday I went to Schloss Neuschwanstein, the castle that inspired the one in Disney World. I also went to Schloss Hohenschwangau. They were both built under Ludwig II, and you can see one from the other (he had a telescope in Hohenschwangau to watch the progress on Neuschwanstein). Neuschwanstein is very grandoise, and was meant to brin to life the operas of Richard Wagner. All the rooms have scenes from his operas (German legends). The castle was never finished though, and barely used before Ludwig II died. I really like Neuschwanstein, but I got the last gout, then the bus back to Füssen was full, had to wait outside 40 minutes, then wait 20/30 minutes for the train. Then there was a problem and the two hour train ride turned into three hours, then the half hour u-bahn back to Steffen's, it was a looonnnng day. The castle and the mountains were amazing though.
23.12.09 Vienna, Austria
I've been at Mike's a couple days now, I stopped in Salzburg on my way from Munich. The bus driver forgot to tell me when to get off for the Christmas market, so I was on the bus for at least an hour. Then decided I would just go back to the Hauptbahnhof (central station), but changed my mind and went to the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market). It was hard to find a mug, but I did, unfortunately not boot shaped. I got little glass pigs, just because they were cut, gave Mike one and he told me they're good luck to give to someone on New Years, so we're exchanging pigon New Years, haha. WE haven't done much, stayed up talking most of the first night. Went to a Christmas Market yesterday. He went to his first day teaching a third grade class English today, and right now he's teaching a private English lesson. Today we bought Christmas decorations, tonight we're going to start cooking, do laundry, and clean the kitchen.
26.12.09 Vienna, Austria
Christmas was definitely a flop, no CSers showed up. Mike and I slept/cooked all day, which was a great distraction. His roommate Alex ate with us, Tina and her friend were late. They ate briefly then the three of them went clubbing. Mike and I skyped with family and got really homesick, then watched Elf. Slept late again on Christmas, skyped, oh Mike's Dad had him open his gift on Christmas Eve because it had games so we played a lot of Skip-Bo and Uno, eggs and cookies for breakfast. Now I'm still waiting for Mike to be ready so we can go to castle pretty fountain, there's not much daylight here so he needs to hurry.
I'm going to be an auntie any minute now!!!
Forgot how early it was and called my mum because I saw that Judi had written on facebook that she was going to be an auntie.
29.12.09 Vienna, Austria
I am an Auntie! Avery was born the day after Christmas around 7:30am (their time). It was hard not being there, especially when I heard her cry. But everyone's been taking pictures fro me and I eve got to see her on Skype, I think they got to go home yesterday, I can't believe Joe + Dev are parents!
Sunday Mike and I walked around Vienna and went to an Annie Leibowitz exhibition. He showed me Hundertwasserhaus, that was really cool, I'll have to go back with my camera.
Yesterday we went to Eisenstadt, we were warned that it was really boring but I wanted to see the palace where Haydn lived for thirty years. It was closed, and so was the Haydn haus museum, and everything in the town. We went for a walk in the palace gardens, which I really enjoyed but I guess Mike didn't. We were back in Vienna and he said 'I'm so glad to be back', it's not even an hour ride to Eisenstady. I like it, and said hi to this little puppy that for some reason absolutely loved me, he was whimpering and jumping all over me it was so cute.
Right now I'm on a train to Salzburg, Mike couldn't afford to come so I'm on my own. It's about a three hour ride so I'll get there around 2pm. I have A LOT to fit in one day so we'll see what happens.
On the train back from Salzburg now. I saw Mozarts birthplace, then to Mozart's house, which is a museum, saw some of his pianos and the original family portrait. Went in a church (and the church museum), and up to the fortress. Then tried to find stuff from the Sound of Music. There were only two sound of music tours a day, they cost 37 euro and were four hours long, and I got there just after the second one started. I went to the priory but couldn't find the gate where the first scene was filmed. Went to a fountain they sand around, and the Mirabel Palace gardens but was too dark to wander. Was going to find the gazebo but it was late and I'm tired, three hours back to Vienna, will prob be back at Mike's round 10:45pm. Just downed some B.K. but I'm still really hungry! As I was going to my train this guy kinda looked at me and whimpered, I think he was tired and hungry and saw my food, too bad I had to run to a train, he was cute too. Oh today I got hit by an old lady and locked in a toy store.
2.1.10 Somewhere in Austria
I'm on a train somewhere in Austria right now, worst train ever. It took me forever to find a seat, now I'm in an aisle seat with not leg room and no head rest. There's a Chinese guy in a skirt across the aisle from me who just inhaled a white powderrom a small baggy...This train goes all the way to Zürich, but I think I'll stop and stretch in Innsbruck.
Wednesday Mike's friend Marcus gave us a tour of Vienna, and later that night rwe went to an 'IQ' meetin at his Uni. For New Years we went to a friend of Mike's friend's party, it was OK, Mike really enjoyed it. They waltz (Blue Danube) at midnight, probably the only time I'll ever be in a room full of 20 somethings who all know how to waltz. Then they melt pieces of lead and throw them in water. It makes shapes they tell the future by, mine looks like a foot.
Yesterday we saw Beethoven's house and walked where he liked to. Otherwise we've just been hanging out playing Skip-Bo (and Uno).
3.1.10 Zürich, Switzerland
I'm at my host's apartment now. Got in fairly late last night, chatted a bit, then went to bed. Today we went on a two hour trolley tour of Zürich, then to the National History Museum. There was a photography exhibition there, it cost 10 francs but I wanted to go. There was one about Swiss history through photography, and another about important people/events of 2009. I need to go to more photo exhibitions because it inspires me to become better at it. I've gotten at least two worthwhile pictures on my trip, haha.
4.1.10 Paris, France
I'm very excited to explore Paris, but also can't WAIT to get back 'home', day after tomorrow, day after tomorrow...I stopped in Bern, Switzerland today, I really enjoyed it. I rented an iPod that guides you on a walking tour, it's a midieval town, really cool, and they had a bear pit. The ride to Bern was only an hour, then an hour to Basel where I transferred. Then it was supposed to be three hours something, but the train stopped at the first station fro an hour, moved a bit, then stopped for almost another hour. I was on a train from 3 to 9:30. Got to Roberto's around 10:30, he's going out to celebrate with his girlfriend, so he's just leaving me the keys and I get his bed. So tired, collapsing now...
5.1.10 Paris, France
Paris has left a very bad impression on me, absolutely no desire to come back ever again. Couldn't find the train station this morning, wandered around completely lost for an hour. Finally found it but was already in a bad mood. Then some guy introduced himself and volunteered to show me around the city, dunno why I said yes, I just wanted to be alone. I feel guilty that I was in such a bad mood and he was so sweet. We went to his sister Rose's hair salon, Moulin Rouge, the Eifel tower, Notre Dame, and Versailles. We did a lot of wandering, my feet haven't hurt this much the whole trip. Then I went back to Roberto's and had dinner (aka doritos and milk chocolate digestives). Since then I've tried to use the computer but it's old and doesn't like the internet, I did Skype with Mike, Dad, then Mom though. Not a fan of Roberto's roommate, I just used the bathroom and someone had left it full of crap, I used it, flushed, and it wa so clogged it overflowed, I plunged it, and left. Awhile later his rommate and friend come and said 'I want to show you something', and proceeded to show me the crap still stuck on the toilet, I said it was already like that when I got there and he implied that I was lying and showed me how to clean the toilet. It's not like it's a wonderfully fancy place either, it's old and dirty and the sink doesn't even work, you have to wash your hands and brush your teeth at the bathtub. What a freakin jerk, I can't wait to leave this place. Of course Roberto said he would be home at 9:30, later changed that to 10:50, meanwhile it's 11:30 and he's still not here. I need to check train times before I go to bed, and I don't even know where I'm sleeping, I'm fine with sharing a bed but I dunno if he (or his gf) is OK with that. I just want to go home!
6.1.10 Lille, France
Half an hour to kill before my train to Calais, only took an hour to get from Paris to Lille. OK, so I don't hate Paris AS much anymore, in fact. Roberto came home very late last night. I just went right to bed after I used his computer, was exhausted. But of course we stayed up even later chatting, since he hadn't been around the whole time I was there we never got properly acquainted. He's really nice and interesting and hopefully we'll meet again somewhere someday.
Calais, France
My ticket said to check-in before 4:20, even though departure isn't until 5:05. It's only 3:45. There's a bus outside so I think first we take a bus, hopefully at 4:20. I got here really early, I've been here awhile. I only have a couple pages left in my book, I'm saving them, don't want to finish. I hate finshed a good book, but luckily I have another good book waiting for me in London. There's a really cute baby a couple seats down from me, in a bear suit to keep warm. A couple other people have arrived, I was waiting alone before so that's nice.
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