Berlin: heavy metal?

Sooooo... I have officially attended my very first heavy metal concert. And let me tell you, it was an adventure. Daniel called and asked if I'd like to go so of course, I said yes. I think the reason I said yes was to go in Natalia's honour... (I'm bringing you home my ticket stub dahlin'). We met Nico at a bar before hand and then continued to the ''concert hall.'' The line-up for the night? Cannibal Corpse followed by Children of Bodom. So my only question (that I never actually asked) was: isn't a bodom something you make coffee in? Or is that a bodum?? Hehe. Anyways. I was lucky that Daniel and Nico are both fairly big guys, because when Nico decided it would be a good idea for me to get out in the middle of the mosh pit, they were the only things keeping me from being crushed. So, after one round of that, I decided I was head-banged out and retreated to the back. Now, as a fairly well rounded musical person, I can see the intrigue in the music. It wasn't half bad. Once we left the concert hall (I'm not going to go into specifics) we hit a bar, had a beer and then made our way home. All in all, it was a pretty decent night.

As for travel plans... I have now booked my train tickets to Warsaw and back to Berlin. I'll be there from February 8th to the 15th. I am staying with Paul's sister (who speaks English!!) sp that should be fun. Then I'm thinking I'll do some more travel in Germany or to Switzerland. One step at a time...

Berlin: music ...

So, I have had a lot of time on my hands lately and have therefore been putting it to good use exploring music. It's incredible how many European bands I have never heard of. Well, maybe it's not. I do after all live in Minden. I consider myself fairly musically well rounded, and here I am expanding my horizons. These are the ones that I knew, but didn't really know.

Discovery numero uno: As anyone who knows me can tell you, I am mindly infatuated with Tom Waits. I was familiar with the song Rosy's Arms, however I really never sat down to listen to it carefully. So a few days ago, I rented a French film called Prenom Carmen by Jean-Luc Godard. First off, if you can get your hands on it (it was made in 1983), do it. Secondly, Rosy's Arms plays over a beautiful scene and it caught me off guard as I listened to it. So, when I finished the film, I played it several times. It is painfully beautiful. Even if you aren't a Tom Waits fan, listen to the lyrics.

2: Neil Young. I was a hater. No joke. Couldn't stand him. And then, once again, I actually listened to him. Brilliant. Though The Painter remains my favourite Neil Young song, Ambulance Blues runs a close second. It has obviously taken me years to get past his voice, but it something that grows on you. Never thought I would say that.

Trois: Veedon Fleece & His Band and The Street Choir by Van Morrison. I've always loved Van Morrison. TB Sheets is right up there among my favourite albums ever, but these two albums blew me away. His Band and The Street Choir came out in 1970 and Veedon Fleece in 1974 so both are in his earlier work. I think the one song that stands out the most for me from Veedon Fleece is Linden Arden Stole the Highlights. The story is amazing and only Van Morrison could romanticize something of that gravity.

4: Tracy Chapman baby!! Once again, I've been a Tracy Chapman fan for a long time, but the collection here at the house is phenomenal. She's just epic. There is no other way to descibe her.

5: Classical Music... I've always liked it. But it wasn't until I sat down with Debussy's Collection by Ronan O'Hora. It really is stunning.

So that is the extent of my music review today. Now onto books? Nah. Another day.

Anyways. I am currently organizing my trip to Warsaw. I believe the tickets are to be purchased on Friday. Yay!

sometimes you just have to believe in something...

So I just looked out ''my'' bedroom window... And this is what I saw.

and a magpie's wings; and tie 'em to your shoulders and your feet...

Today was probably the most emotional day so far for me. I ended up visiting Sachsenhausen, a WWII concentration camp just outside of Berlin with Frauke's parents. There are really no words to accurately describe such an experience. But here goes.
I used to believe that the term ''deafening silence'' was a serious cliche... It's amazing the effect one day can have on such beliefs. As you approach the gates holding the infamous saying ''arbeit macht frei'' (work makes you free) you begin to prepare yourself psychologically and emotionally for what you are about to see. But there is no preparation. You step through with the knowledge that thousands took those same steps and would never again see the outside world. To be able to walk so freely in and out feels wrong. Many of the barracks are no longer standing, but as you stand in the open area, you feel so enclosed, so trapped. And the silence. Everyone fears speaking in such a place as there are no appropriate words. And thus the silence encases you. Each step you take, you become fully aware that someone most likely died right where you stand, so you fear standing in one place to long.
There is a weight on your soul in any place like this. I stood before the monument in the centre of the camp and thought to myself, ''Here you are, all of 18 years old. So young and so dumb.'' We all think we are so smart, basking in the glory of how easy our lives have become. But how often does it cross our minds that there is a cost to all this freedom. I stood in front of the clothes of a 16 year old boy. He died there in 1944 because he had no food. And I couldn't help but thinking, ''Maybe he never kissed a girl. Hell, he'll never get to have sex.'' Such trivial things to think, yet look at the emphasis put on such things in today's society. But then it hit me. He died of starvation. It is still happening in our world today. Of course it is not in the same circumstances. But we feel such pity, such grief for those who were forced, so to speak, to stave to death, yet now we let it happen all on it's own because we are simply too lazy to acknowledge it. What the hell does this say about us?

Berlin: more pictures

So, while exploring Berlin, Frauke and I ended up in a fantastic artist village...

In a huge courtyard, every wall you look at has some insane graffiti.

... to all and to all a goodnight. This is on the side of an old bus.

Just some of the cooler stuff on the walls.

A semi-shot of the bar in the village. At night there are bonfires and drinks all around.


The body of an old plane. Apparently it used to be stuck in the ground but it has obviously been extracted.

More graffiti.

My personal favourite just because the shape of the building is already so cool.

Scrap pipes and such. All of this will at some point be turned into sculptures.

Some crazy mechanical graffiti.

The handmade barstools.

A lovely giraffe sculpture that just happens to be eating the tree.
Just a cool building that I saw while wandering.

I have a strange fascination with trees... Obviously.

The most odd tree I have seen thus far.

A van (that still runs) in the village.

Berlin: once upon a time...

So. Here it is. I'm feeling a little... Frozen. I'm kind of here in my little semi-comfort zone, unsure of my next step. Right now I am just trying to refocus on why I am here and what I am hoping to gain from the trip.
I've always prided myself on being very level-headed and comfortable with who I am. That isn't about to change. But there are things about who I am that I am starting to question. I used to think that I am happy with my own company. Well, there is no better way to test that theory then to stike out on one's own on a different continent. Right? So here is where I am on that. I didn't realize how lonely it gets. I don't mean immediate contact with other people. I mean being able to reach out to someone at anytime. The limitations on phones and such... It's strange more that anything.
Then there is the topic of safety. There hasn't been a time that I felt as if I was in danger or that something bad was going to happen. However, the feeling of impentitrable safety is gone. There is a possibility that something could happen. Not that I think it is (don't freak out Mom). It's as someone has taken a filter off of my world. The bad can get at me. If I let it. Note to self: don't let it.
So I realize that at the moment I sound a little bit looney. Hehe. Well, who knows, maybe I am.
Soooo... I'm thinking that the next item on the adgenda is a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp in Oswiecim. Frauke's sister's boyfriend has a sister in Warsaw so I'm thinking that I'll head there for a few days and then to Oswiecim.
Anyways. Off to dinner.
Ciao.

Berlin: pictures

So here is just a little tease of some of the shots I have so far...

Berlin: telephones & wine

So, today was basically dedicated to tourist-like activities... For example, picture taking. I got some really beautiful shots. I shall post them a little later on as I am waaaaay to lazy right now. How ever, if you go back and look at my London post, I shall put up some shots and videos of New Years Eve. My cell phone now works all over the place, though it is now more expensive to talk on. The number you ask? 49.30.152.266.86207 I think that should work. I haven't exactly got the European phone number structure down pat just yet. Anyways. It is a little bit dangerous walking on the sidewalks and whatnot right now as they are all slightly icy. But as a hearty Canadian, I am of course well adapted to catching myself mid fall, more concerned with not bruising my arse than throwing out my back. I was today introduced to hot wine with a shot of rum and various other additives (honey, cinnamon and whatnot). Quite wonderful on a cold day... Though it does make you mildly dozy. Anyways, I am now going to see about those pictures and such. Cheers.

In the words of the mighty Colin Farrell: Fucking Brugge.

Honestly, I would never have believed that one could fall in love with a place in such a short time. Once you are past the major shopping/tourist streets, Brugge is a stunning place to be. Brugges' ancient architechture has been preserved brilliantly and that in its self is a wonder to see.
As many people may know, In Bruge recently came out starring none other than Colin Farrell. In the film, Brugge is portrayed as somewhat of a fairytale town with nothing to do if one doesn't enjoy sightseeing. However, in our wonderful modern day, Brugge is Belgium's top tourist attraction. The streets are pack day and night with wide-eyed forigners gapping at the spot where Brendan Gleeson's character tragically fell to his death in order to warn our brave hitman Colin of Ralph Finnes' intent to kill him. Fortunately for me, no such events occured while I was there.
Mostly my two days were spent wandering the canals and exploring the more historic venues. I visited a sacred church and thus, was unable to take pictures. Though I am not a religious person, one cannot help but feel an inkling of some higher being while in a place like that. Simply seeing the look on people's faces while they worship is enough to make you want to confess your deepest darkest secrets.
I was also lucky enough to catch a 'cheap day' at a Salvador Dali exibit which is actually at the foot of the tower from which our heroic Mr. Gleeson threw himself. Though I don't know too much about art, I have always been enthralled with Dali. It could be his midly pornographic imagery, who knows. But I think it is his surrealist view of the world. The most amusing part the whole thing was watching human actions. An American couple decided it would be a good idea to bring their two younger children (somewhere in the ballpark ages of 8 and 12) into the gallery for some 'culture.' However, when the children begain to point out the many phallic images in Dali's works, it was all the parents could do to rush their children out, eyes covered. I figure, the kids are going to see such things one way or another. Why not let it happen through art? Then again, I am not a parent.

I stayed the night at a hostel called Charlie Rockets. Now, overall, it's not a bad place. However when one of your dormmates has horrid gas and the other talks in their sleep, it is a recipe for serious lack of sleep. Thank geebus for iPods and covers that can be pulled over one's nose.
My father, bless his soul, decided to drive from Berlin to Brugges to pick me up... Well. Poor guy drove for something like 9 hours to get to Brugges, picked me up and then turned around to go back. Unfortunately, my horrid sense of direction got us turned around in the Netherlands for about 3 hours. That was an adventure and a half. So, once we were back on track, it began to snow. Now, you must understand, this is the first snowfall like this that Germany has seen in 10 years. I kid you not, I brought it with me. It got the point where I was literally counting kilometers. 476...365...220...190! It was intresting to say the least. But we made it in one piece. Needless to say, today was a wasted day. The most productive thing I did was have a bath in the swimming pool-size tub that they have here.
So, here I sit, not as homesick as before, well rested, sipping my tea and hopefully entertaining the pants off of you folks. Or not. Its okay, you can keep your pants on. Really.
Anyways, I am off to indulge in some food.

Hmmm....

So I posted a blog from London and it seems to have disappeared. Strange. So I'll bring you up to speed. I just spent four days in London, England. Got to see Will and Simon which was a kick. My first full day was basically spent waiting. Then, I was so tired, I just went to bed. The second day, Will took Simon and I on a tour of Soho and Brick Lane. We had a pretty awesome time just poking in and out of little bookstores and pubs and whatnot. That night, we went to the famous Madame JoJo's which is a drag club in Soho. Being the night before New Years and all, there wasn't a performance, but regardless, we had a wonderful time. So New Years Eve morning was gone since I was basically in recovery mode from the night before. So, out we went for breakfast at 2:00pm and then got ready for the night. I ended up heading to the Embankment across from the London Eye. The streets were packed. I don't think I've ever seen so many people. It was sheer insanity. Anyways, there was a live DJ and a lights show on the building across the Thames. At midnight, they showed possibly the most beautiful fireworks display I've ever seen. No television feed could do it justice. I was most definitely awestruck. So my final day in London was spent poking around various places and that night, Simon and I walked though Whitechapel, the infamous hunting grounds of Jack the Ripper... Spooky...

Brugge

Hey hey folks. So here I am in Brugge, Belgium. I got in this morning after a night on a ferry across the English Channel. It was fun despite my brief bouts of sea sickness. I suppose I'm not one to be a on a boat for an extended period of time. Anyways, Brugge really is beautiful. The architechture is beautiful and it literally has cobblestone streets. I'm going to see if I can catch the tour of the canals today sometime. Should be awesome.

So my plans have changed a little bit. I'm thinking that tomorrow I'm going to grab a train to Berlin and spend some time with my father so I can really get my feet on the ground. And what brought this on you ask? Well, to tell you the truth, I'm really missing home right now. I guess it's just being by myself for the first time that's doing it. So, I'm going to see how it all plays out and go from there.