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.