Berlin: revelations

So I figure that once I leave Berlin, I won't have much of an opportunity to blog. Unless I find a cheap internet cafe, which is completely possible. But just in case, I want to update you all on me. I mean, I've told you what I'm doing... But here's the no holds barred truth about me at the moment.

For anyone who really knows my writing, this move will be completely predictable, but I shall open with a quote that has really stuck with me in the past few weeks.

''I think I've discovered the secret of life - you just hang around until you get used to it.''
-Charles Schulz

For as long as I can remember, this trip was something I've dreamed of doing. I was 100% certain that I was prepared to be in Europe, on my own, seeing what there was to see. That was my first mistake. I know that I am a social person. I love my family. I love my friends. And I underestimated the difficultly that comes with leaving those you love behind to venture out on your own. I suppose on some level, I knew the homesickness would hit. It was the magnitude of it that I did not expect. You don't realize how much you miss something that you normally take for granted. For me, the biggest thing was being able to see a familiar face. I mean, I was lucky enough to know people in London, but when I hit Bruges, it hit me back. I was alone. 100% on my own. I had no one to turn to. My closest contact was 8 hours away. And I panicked.

Then came obstacle number two. And I think this trumps many things I have found difficult in my life. And what was this monumental battle? I have now lived one entire month under the same roof as my father. For those of you who know me, you understand that this is not something I am comfortable with. I am literally hanging onto the last wisps of my sanity. Mother, I beg of you, as a joke or not, please don't ever compare me to him again. As pissed off as I have always been at him, I figured, ''Hell, I want to make this right. Even though I'm not the one who should be making the effort, I will.'' Easier said than done ladies and gentlemen. Why I thought this would be a good idea, I have no idea. Now, I've heard all the ''devil's advocate'' speeches on this subject, and I will tell you now, my experience in the last month has quashed anything you could possibly say to make me like him. I simply cannot stand having to defend myself at every moment, watching what I say as to not set him off. I am done.

Now, you must understand, my father's (much younger) wife, Frauke, is awesome. We get along really well, and have developed quite the ability to play off each other's brand of humour. That said, I will never fathom why she is with him.

Another thing that really hit me hard is realizing that there is a whole world out there. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't a sheltered child. I understood that there were other continents and blah blah blah. What I mean, is that until I set foot in Europe, it had always seemed like this mystical place... It was a fairy tale to me. And now, as I sit in Berlin, the fairy tale has come crashing down to earth. Don't get me wrong, Europe is incredibly different than Canada, but it is just another place. There are still men that shout obscenities at beautiful girls, there are still girls that dress scantily to feel beautiful and there is still a media circuit that plays off of these things to make millions. There are still malls (though fewer, they are beginning to crop up more and more) and there are still fast food restaurants. These are obviously not the only similarities, but they changed my view on things. I kind of had this bizarre belief that North America was influenced by Europe, but the Americanization that see all around me is somewhat surreal. The USA is tightening its grasp on Europe, just as it has on Canada. Now, I'm not going all political, and I have no spat with the USA. These are just observations.

And of course, as it always does in our fine world, my whole trip boils down to money. To say that Europe is expensive is an understatement. I am going to be so incredibly dirt poor when I enter university... Oh lord. Anyways, thank god for my mother otherwise I'd probably be out hawking my belongings in exchange for food. Being a girl definitely has its perks when it comes to buying drinks but that's about all you can pawn off on other people. (I mean, hypothetically you could get a man to buy you more... But I'm not going to get into that.) I figured I was prepared. Wrongo!

Coming into all of this, I thought I knew who I was, and on some level, I did. But there were parts of myself, my humanity that I hadn't ever really noticed. I am breakable. Its something we all underestimate in ourselves. We can be hurt. As much as we deny this fact, it's true. I will admit, as an 18 year old girl, I came here thinking that I would meet some handsome European man and he would sweep me off my feet. Instead, I ended up losing out to a younger girl (odd considering I am most definitely not that old), being hit on by a guy I thought was okay with being my friend and being humiliated by someone I thought I could trust. But these are the things that teach us. And I'm okay. Yes, it hurt, but I am a more aware person because of it. And I know that I am still young. I have my whole life to fall in love and all that. I'll get to that when I'm ready.

I've never felt more vulnerable than in the past two months. Depending on yourself is a learned skill. Don't get me wrong, I've always been independent, but to a point. I always had someone to fall back on. Here, I am completely responsible for anything I do. I have no one to back me up, nothing to grab onto when I'm feeling alone. But that's okay. It's good.

I won't deny, I've seen some amazing and horrifying things. I've met incredible people and done some things that others never will. I won't deny, I'm 18, so partying was high on my priority list for this trip. Realistically, I've hit a few clubs, drank a little too much on a few occasions and thats it. There is so much more to see than the inside of a bar or club. Hey, some of them are pretty damn cool, but so it standing at the foot of a bombed out church that people come from around the world to see.

So to those young people, girls especially, who want to see Europe before school, I say ''Go for it.'' But go cautiously. Expect the unexpected and plan to struggle. It is an incredible experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. But it changed me. Not durastically, but in the subtle ways maybe only I notice.

More to come.

the grand plan.

Okay boys and girls. Here it is.

On March 10th, Sofia Rico and Tanisha Holmes are coming to Berlin to party like rockstars for two days. So, I decided to stay on board and fly out the day after they leave.

That puts us at:
March 12th.
-I am planning to fly from Berlin to Basel, Switzerland to visit Heidi if time and money allow.

March 15th.
-Take a train to Geneva and then fly to Florence, Italy.

March 17th.
-After exploring Florence for a day and a half, I shall grab a bus to the hilltop city of Volterra, Italy, one hour outside Florence.

March 28th.
-Bus it back to Florence.

March 29th.
-Fly from Florence to Dublin, Ireland.

April 3rd. ??
-Fly from Dublin to London, England.

April 4th. ??
-Fly home.

So now, I know that this cuts the trip short by two months, but there are a number of things bringing me home. Seeing as I have never been away from home for more than 2 weeks before, at the two month mark, I am holding up pretty well, but I am ready to see a familiar face again. There is also a siren call. Plus... Mom and I are now offically doing trip to Arizona and New Mexico from April 10th to the 19th. Exciting right!?! Plus, in all honesty, I miss my friends. I miss my family. It'll be good to be home.

Just thought I'd include this picture of my favourite bar manager and bartender EVER! Christian and Lutz.

Warsaw & Oswiecim

Alrighty. This is going to be a long one. So make yourself a nice cup of tea and get comfortable.
I am now back in Berlin after a week-long adventure in Warsaw and Oswiecim, Poland.
Sunday: To start the trip, I took the train from Berlin to Warsaw... Let me paint you this mental picture. Me, on a train, at 6:30am, sick as a dog, for 6 hours... Yummy! It was not pleasant. But, I survived. I was greeted at the train station by Jurek (my father's wife's sister's boyfriend's father) and he took me to my hotel and gave me a basic understanding of the area. I then explored a little bit on my own, went back to my hotel room (which by the way, was fabulous) and crashed. I slept like a rock.
Monday: This was the one and only morning that I slept in. I felt like death. It was extremely crappy. But, I forced myself out of bed and onto the streets of Warsaw. Just a general observation, most of the men I saw, were very... Forward. They are not afraid to tell you what they would like to do to you. This isn't all men... But quite a few. So anyways, I did a fairly in depth exploration of the immediate area of the hotel and train station. That night, I wanted nothing more than to be in bed. So I grabbed a light dinner at a small cafe and turned in early.
Tuesday: I was early to catch my train to Oswiecim at 8. Another wonderful 5 hour train ride later, I was in Oswiecim (commonly known to as Auschwitz). I dropped my bags at the local hostel (in a locker, just to be safe) and went straight to Auschwitz. To say that it was difficult is an extraordinary understatement. The impact of such an experience really is life-changing. I can't accurately express the range of emotions I felt as I walked through. The one thing that really caught me off guard was the lack of respect some people have when they are in such a place. I encountered a group of boys close to my age and they decided it would be funny to imitate the inmates. It made me sick. Of course, the majority of people are very aware of their behaviour in such a place, however, I couldn't get over those boys. So, me being me, I made a few snide remarks on their age / behaviour ratios and went on my way. Being from North America, they understood me perfectly. Now, I would love to be able to say that I took lots of pictures, but something in me was vehemently opposed to doing so. I just don't think that it is appropriate to take pictures of something like that. No image can accurately display the feelings that one gets when Auschwitz. So I apologize. I simply could not do it. After that day, I went back to my hostel, and spent a good deal of the night thinking about human nature and the ability of a person to infilict such suffering onto another. I came to no startling conclusions.
Wednesday: Up early once again. Onto Birkenau... Like Auschwitz, I really don't know what to tell you. There is really no way for me to put into words what it was like. I found myself spending a great deal of time questioning my own personal nature and drive. On some level, all human's have the ability to torture others. The big difference in people is whether or not they choose to use that ability. We are all capable of 'evil' deeds. It is how we choose to deal with this part of us that sets us apart from the monsters of society.
Thursday: After breakfast at a tiny cafe, I hit the train station to go back to Warsaw. Once there, I walked to 'Old Town,' the historic part of Warsaw. Though it was beautiful, I was still in self-examination mode so I didn't really appriciate is as much as I should have. Then it was back to the hotel for some room service and bed.
Friday: Jurek recommended the Polish Rising Museum, so off I trecked. It reminded me a great deal of the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. The feeling was very similar. It was a nice day.
Saturday: Party day! At breakfast, I met Jolene and Marissa, two oil god's daughters from Calgary. They were doing a shopping day nad invited me along. Needless to say I didn't buy anything, but we had a good time. And that night, where better to celebrate than a Polish go-go club? The tequila was flowing and by the time we made it back to the hotel, it was somewhere around 4am.
Sunday: Tequila aftermath + 6 hour train ride = crappy x10354651684518615468. But, I made it through.
So I am in Berlin, planning my next move.
Oh, and by the way, I just recieved my acceptances from Ottawa. One for a major in criminology and one for a major in psychology. Hm... Now I have to decide...

Berlin: bike tours!

So. It has been three days since my mighty bicycle trip around Berlin... Or is it four? Oh well. The point is, my ass is still sore. I woke up that morning to the wonderfully annoying sound of my cell phone, which just happened to be all the way across the room. Yay! So, upon picking up the wretched little thing, I was invited on a bike tour of Berlin by a friend, Daniel. Now, who could resist? Now, normally, the answer to that question would have been a resounding 'ME!' due to my incredible ability to be a horrid bike rider. But, in the spirit of being adventurous, I said yes. Challenge number 1: Finding Daniel's house. Luckily for me, I didn't get lost. Challenge number 2: Actually riding the bike. Yipee. So, after a slightly iffy start, we were off, weaving through traffic like maniacs, as I watched my life flash second by second before my wind burned eyes. Okay. Maybe thats exaggerating a little, but the traffic was... Scary to say the least. So. We did all the Berlin-ish things one can do... Ate curry-wurst, drank coffee, vistited design stores with all intentions of buying everything and shipping it home to decorate my non-existant apartment... It was great. And tiring. So after dinner, games and a movie, I made the epic journey home (in the rain)... And got hopelessly lost. At 2 in the morning. It was lovely. Anyways, made it back to the apartment and crashed. A good day by most standards.

So tomorrow morning I am off to Warsaw, Poland... I'm making a two day trip to Krakow and Oswiecimto visit Auschwitz-Birkenau... So that'll be intense. I'll keep you updated.

Berlin: pool hall junkies and flea markets

So this Sunday, I ventured to a flea market... Love at first sight. There was some pretty awesome stuff. A lot of junk, but amidst it, some neat little items. I bought a pair of pants that aren't really pants, but... Yeah. Anyways. We had a pretty low key weekend, which was nice.
And last night I ended up spending most of the night in a pool hall (until 2:30 am to be exact) so needless to say I'm a little tired today. I can now say that it is a proven fact that I am terrible at pool. Luckily, I was playing with someone who will only rub my blatant lack of coordination in my face for a short time before moving on.

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.

the countdown begins...

There are officially 11 days left until I take off!! I can't wait!! I guess it'll be bittersweet as I will miss everyone here at home, but this is something I must do for myself. So thus far I have plans for London on New Years. Mr. Simon Burns and I shall impact London in such a way as it has never seen!! It'll be a good time. Hopefully I shall get to see Talya and Will as well... Party!!

home for a rest...

So I have been home for little over four weeks now. Going stir crazy! But I guess it's good in a way. I have a feeling that I'll feel slightly overwhelmed when I end up overseas. But I think I'll be okay...
So here are the plans thus-far. I'll be flying somewhere on December 29 (where I have no idea, bit I'll figure it out at some point) and spending New Years Eve with Talya and Simon! Yay! Two of my favourite people! I was supposed to be in London... But life happens right? Thats somwthing I can handle. Anyways, I have a feeling that these festivites will be taking place in Switzerland. So therefore, I believe the next intelligent step would be to visit family friend Heidi. Seems logical.
Anyways, just thought I'd update on my lack of activity at the current moment.
47 days and counting...

Vancouver: week 2

I am now sitting in the comfort of my very own home, returned safely from Van-city. I spent the last three days sleeping, ergo the lack of a post. But here I am. Better late than never right? I now have two and a half months of stagnant, localized life to undergo before my European extravaganza begins. How will I survive? It'll happen, fear not, though I have been home alone for two days and am already slipping slowly into insanity...
But, you care not about my declining mental well-being. The last week. Well, we hit up the Sunshine Coast which was absolutely breathtaking. We went for a drive on the coast, stopping at beaches and piers. It was stunning. But for me, the best part was waking up every morning (or afternoon if you want to be accurate). I'd open my eyes and there was a bay, leading to the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by mountains, clouds touching their peaks. It doesn't get much better than that. The return trip from the coast was quite exciting, considering the amount of stuff I was helping the boys carry. They decided to some of their stuff from their parent's house to their apartment. Don't get me wrong, I had no qualms against helping them. We just got some pretty awesome looks on the ferry... And the bus... And the Skytrain. Haha. Collectively, we had a Guitar Hero guitar, a bag of random objects (ie. computer hardrive, lamp and other such wonders), a keyboard and a food processor.
After than grand adventure, I had one full day to kill before my flight took off. So, what better way to kill time than to get ink'd??? I packed my bags, had some breakfast and then went out to get my very first tattoo. Exciting right? I thought so. It's nothing big, but it has meaning. Which is what is important. I now will live the rest of my life with my mother's initials and a claddagh tattooed on the inside of my right ankle. For those of you that don't know, a claddagh is the Irish symbol for loyalty and love. So, a worthwhile investment for me. I was expecting waaaay more pain than I underwent. Waaay more. At first I was scared that this inkage would put me off of getting future works of art placed on my canvas, but alas, that is not the case. I am for sure 100% going to invest in more ink. I love the self expression of it all. Beauty at it's most intelligent. To be able to literally wear your heart, thoughts, beliefs... All on your skin, in your flesh. I know not everyone sees it that way, and to each his or her own. That is simply my view on the topic.
So, I am now home, considering the whole idea of work. You know how it is. I shall keep you in the loop.

vancouver: week 1

So I've officially spent an entire week in Vancouver, BC! The first day was mostly spent sleeping to get over the semi jet-lag. The next night I learned the ways of the Skytrain traveler and have been a wayward wanderer ever since! For me, Vancouver is kind of an accumulation of the numerous cities I've been to. Each street reminds me of somewhere. There are certain corners in the Robson St. area that remind me so much of Ottawa it's amazing. Commercial Drive on the other hand is Montreal for sure, with the little cafes at every corner and the live music as you walk down it at night. On of the most startling things for me coming to the city, is realizing how kind the people of Vancouver are. It's not one in every few. Anyone I've talked to has been absolutley awesome. Helpful as anything and more than willing to point this wanderer in the direction needed.
It's now about 11:40pm here, making it 2:40am at home for me. It's strange talking to friends back in Ontario and realizing that it's actually morning for them. Then I feel bad for keeping them awake! It's strange not being home, but at the same time, its very cool, being able to do as I please in a completely different place... Anyways. I shall now be getting to bed.