Paris

France, notoriously cranky people, supposedly brilliant cooking, and even better cheese. The people have so far lived up to their reputation as cranky, standoffish, and somewhat assholes. And you know what, I think I like it.

Its hard for me to say whether they really don't speak English, or simply refuse to do so for a lousy American such as myself. But no one, and I mean no one, speaks English (besides the billions of British tourists on holiday at the moment).

While we are on the topic of languages, to me French is extremely difficult to read, understand, and would be excruciating to learn. All of the le-this and les-those, with extra letters in every word, while some are never pronounced. French, to me is not an eloquent language, nor is english. Nothing is phonetic (fonetik), much like English. Compared to Czech, where it seemed like they tried to eliminate any extra letter in a word if it didn't serve a purpose (thus, you get the crazy symbols over all of their words, that are cues for pronunciation).

The French people: seemingly unhappy, and quite cranky that swarms of tourists have decended upon their beloved, and quite beautiful, city. If there are two things they hate, those would be Americans and Tourists. Considering that I fit into both categories, it may have a negative reflection on my view of the French people. They may look at you strange, or be unpleasant. Some are not even afraid to tell you how you are messing up the world (Iraq) with your "greatest export of democracy" while feeling the urge to "police the world."

While this may be true, I felt the need to remind the anti-americans that although we are in Iraq, not everyone supports (nor has ever supported) the war. Secondly, it is always fun to remind them of the world wars, where the French surrendered with absolutely no fight and how we saved their asses. Without us, I reminded them, they would be speaking German -- or even worse, Russian.

Laughs were to be had, a pat on the shoulder, and a glass of wine later, we kept a civil and light-hearted conversation about the (somewhat less fine) aspects of life in general. Needless to say, it was a strangely amazing experience to be had. Sure they gave us one of the greatest symbols in American culture, the Statue of Liberty, as well as some of the best art and music around.

Not all is bad in France, only some of the people.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam: Its like vegas, but with more open air drug use, cheaper hookers, and the ever present danger of being ran down by half-stoned and half-drunk crazed Bikers. It's also a place, where the intoxicating aroma of weed, cheap perfume, and shame commingle into one distinct sense of fun and enjoyment. What's not to love?

The town itself is like if you mixed the neighborhoods of Chicago, with the canals in Venice, and put the entire population of Denver into an area half the size (not including tourists). That is Amsterdam for you.

Though, there is also so much more to Amsterdam than Drugs, Sex, and Techno (pretty damn crappy techno too) -- Though that is also a big part of Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum was a beautiful collection of some of Van Gogh's works (though his more famous ones reside outside of Amsterdam, and, he didn't actually do his work in Amsterdam).

There are beautiful parks to people watch. Mainly watching fashionistas ride their bikes. I didn't grab a photo of it, but on my arrival I was sitting in a park for some relaxation, when a very stylish black man (since he isn't african-american!) wearing a well tailored grey suit, with a fedora, riding a bright pink single speed bicycle.

Speaking of bikes, there are plenty of them here.

And I mean, plenty.

I wanted to go to the Anne Frank house today, but the line was nearly as long as Anne Frank's entire hidden and secretive stay in that dreary closet (too soon? I think not!).

I have clearly entered a more westernized part of Europe. Perhaps it is all the tourists, but there is somewhat of a sense of elitism here. Kind of like a Vail or an Aspen sense of elitism. This is not imbued throughout the Dutch culture, but rather I get a sense of this elitism from the fellow tourists (of which there are more than enough).

Though some of it feels a bit too surreal, a bit too fake, and not like the actual world. After traveling through eastern Europe, where there are numerous homeless -- and they let you know about it -- it is all too peaceful. Everyone is aloof, knowing that they are all too good for the young tourists. It is a much less friendly atmosphere (unless you are proudly wearing Gucci, or at the very least Dolce & Gabbana) than that of eastern Europe.

Its cheap in all the wrong ways: Hookers, drugs, and alcohol. While being all too expensive in the wrong ways: Food, Lodging, and Museums. Though, I would deeply regret it if I hadn't come here in the first place. I will probably also deeply regret not coming back (should that ever happen!). Its, I guess like Vegas, its probably damn fun every time you go, but not a place you are looking to go often.

I'll edit this post with more pictures when the internet allows.

Brussels: The Cheap Way

Brussels is a beautiful city, though it can be quite harsh on the pocketbooks of travelers. It is often the case that museums may cost 10+ Euro for admission (to only the one museum, which doesn't even hold that many attractions). A meal, depending on where you are, can cost from 15 Euro to 35+ Euro for one. So, being the cheap SOB that I am, took matters into my own hands. Yet again, preparing a somewhat homemade meal, consisting of olives, hummus, and pita bread.

Where would you enjoy such a meal, without the ambiance of bustling (or annoyance of thousands upon thousands) of tourists?

Parks are always free (except certain ones in the US, where we feel we can charge $7 or even higher for entrance). And nothing beats something that costs free dollars and free cents. That is surely the best four letter word in the English dictionary.

Though my meal was quite delicious, there are just some things that aren't included. Such as a properly poured stout, or as last night had, a Belgian tripel. I went to a pub that had over 2000 different brews in stock, and 100 on tap. It was truly remarkable, and jammed full of non-english speakers (mainly french). So it must have been good, and it was.

Today, I went to see a couple main attractions: the big Cathedral, and the European Parliament buildings. I actually went inside the church to have a look around. There were lots of stained glass windows and a bigass pipe organ.

Then I walked over to see the European Union Parliament building. For whatever reason, I didn't really get a good picture of it. But it did feature signage in for each language in the EU, which is something that we cannot say for America (we don't have an official language, but if you don't speak english at home, you're an outcaste).

Also, in the plaza between the buildings were quotes about certain (international) treaties signed in Belgium, or the EU. Most had to do with social issues, such as diminishing the numbers of impoverished, or providing a high standard of living, while also diminishing violent crimes across the country. Something that sometimes may be put in hindsight in America, that many of the fortunate take for granted, while there is an exceedingly large class of American's who know the consequences of these basic life functions all all too well.

Brussels: Waffels, Coffee, Chocolate

Ok, so there are fewer things in life that I love more than waffles, coffee and chocolate. So, Belgium was a no-brainer for me. I had to come. This morning, my dormmates, a couple of American's had to get up at 6 A.M. to catch a flight back home (the guy also gave me an ethernet cable, and his European cell phone, which I havent bought a SIM card for yet). Usually I would be quite upset by this notion, but today it felt like a good idea to catch a 7:30 train to Brussels. It was rainy, and beautiful.

It was pretty apparent, almost right away, when you were leaving Germany. The farmlands quickly became quaint old towns. Maybe because they weren't bombed to oblivion some 70 years ago. Belgium itself is some strange hybrid of France and Germany. They speak both French and German, and the cuisine is both French and German. So, although the aesthetic is clearly different from that of the places I visited in Germany, the cultural variation is far more clinal, and difficult to decipher at first glance.

I got in to Brussels, this afternoon, and quickly enjoyed a fantastic cup of coffee with a chocolate praline. Though I have yet to try any of these, supposedly delicious, waffles (with chocolate, and coffee of course).

But here are some brief pictures of the sights I saw:

There will probably (and inevitably) be more pictures at a later hour, but, I am quite lazy/tired.

Cheers!

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a cool city. Its Mainhattan, the commerce and finance center of Germany. Though it is a small city. Somehow, I have a feeling I will be back here.

I met some fantastic, truly wonderful people while I was here. Recommended to me by a friend, we met up for some drinks yesterday, and a delightful tour of the town today. Last night was pretty crazy, indeed. After dinner, we went to this bar, Aventura, which is a little Latin joint in the middle of the Red Light District. They referred to it as the SPOT. We sat there had shots of Apple Schnapps and drank some Beer while hearing tales from times past: some stories memorable, and some shameful from eras ago at the Spot.

Today was a beautiful day, great weather, and walked along the river in this cool city. Though, it is interesting that everything is closed on Sundays. And as Colleen said, you can buy a blowjob on Sundays, but you cant even buy Milk.

For that reason, Germany is quite interesting, and I like it.

Hamburg... Hamburg.

Well, I left Berlin. It was a great city, though I still have the feeling I missed so much that it had to offer. Today, I went to Hamburg. So far, from the bit I have experienced, Hamburg is a bit like the New Jersey of Germany. Jersey is the dumpster of America; dirty, gross, and overpopulated with drug-ridden rabid bums (that eye you as you walk buy and do the "I'm watching you" sign). Well, the same can be said for Hamburg, except, unlike Jersey, Hamburg has Europe's largest Red Light District.

What is extremely cool about Hamburg, though, is this is the place that nurtured one of my favorite bands from inception -- The Beatles. They played each and every night in strip clubs and brothels all around the Reeperbahn (Red Light District), perfecting their craft (and doing a damn good job of it too). There was only one Beatles museum, and it was also a "Kino, Strip Club, Museum!"

Also like New Jersey, is that in Hamburg, there are no lack of mullets. If you know one thing about me, its that I HATE anything and everything about the 1980's -- especially mullets. They make me violently ill. But, today, I saw something unbelievable. While taking cover beneath some trees during a downpour, I saw a German Mullet walking his ferret. But, if that wasn't strange enough, he was having to restrain his ferret from attacking a bunch (flock?) of ducks on the pond's edge. Probably the coolest thing I'll see in Hamburg.

What a shithole this is. But, I am traveling and seeing it so there are definitely worse things out there. Sorry I don't have pictures, but they wouldn't have been worth it anyway. The only funny/interesting sight today was for a strip club called "Funky Pussy." Why on earth they thought this was a good idea, I don't know. Just walking through the Reeperbahn made me feel like getting tested for aids, which I am going to go do right now...

Decided not to leave

Well, today I decided not to leave Berlin. This may have been because I felt as though I had left some important thing out of my sight seeing yesterday, or the fact that I couldn't find another hostel in a place I wanted to go (I'd like to think it were the former, but, it was probably the later).

Anyway, today, I moved hostels, and this one is right across from the large cathedral, and next to the TV Tower. Its in mitte, or the central part of Berlin. I wandered through town before checking in and mostly just say in coffee shops figuring out where to head next (so sorry for the lack of pictures).

After checking into the hostel, I met some fellow travelers, an American, an Irishman, and a whole lot of Swedes. The American girl told us about this underground-alternative art museum in a bombed out former communist building a few blocks away. We show up, and there were scroungy looking fellows just passed out, by the hand of a few too many pints, or more illicit materials I am not sure.

There were 7 stories to this art "museum" it was a fetid hellhole, with the stairways completely covered in graffiti. The outside of the building itself was riddled with bullet holes and war scars. Behind it was an abandoned "field" filled with shops that may not have been the most sanitary. But, they were located in the scars of what looked like old allied bombing craters. Though it may have been somewhat disturbing, unnerving, and definitely somewhere I wouldn't bring someone with a somewhat faltering immune system -- it was strangely beautiful, in a cool sort of, underground arsty thing.

As for the art, it really ranged. Some of it was beautiful, some I did not understand, and some of it was downright disturbing. I'm no art major, but really, some of this modern "art" is no more than random scribblings. Pardon me, art lovers, but I have always said when there is something that serves literally no imaginable purpose, and further, you don't quite know what it is, you can call it "modern art" and people will look at you with quirky charm (if you were the creator) or pure disgust (if you are the "unintelligent one" who doesnt know what "art" is). Not that I would know from experience or anything...

Berlin, DE

Immature, and spelled wrong, I know. But have a sense of humor. It is kinda funny. On a side note, Germany is so efficient that their showers (at least in my hostel) are motion activated. The only problem is, no matter which way the knob is pointed its scalding hot. Either that or I have been out-smarted by a shower.

Today was my day to explore Berlin. The hostel I'm staying at is great, but its all thirty year olds. Which isn't so great. But it is located in a cool part of Berlin with lots of great street food.

Street food is something, I suppose I have not yet discussed. Now, you may be saying that that pile of food looks rather vile, but looks can be deceiving. You see, that (somewhat diminished pile) of food was delicious curry-wurst. Again, you may say that sounds somewhat ill, but do not knock it until you have tried it. The other street food that is ever so prevalent here in Berlin is the Gyro and Kebap. Berlin actually has the highest population of Turks outside of Turkey, so their street-cuisine reflects this culture.

I am an incredible fan of street food for numerous reasons. The first, it is cheap. That filling meal (Berliner Beer included, good beer as well) cost me about 4,5 euro. Secondly, locals eat it, so it better be good. I follow Anthony Bourdain's rule of traveling -- if there are more than two other patrons speaking your language, leave and go somewhere else. That's what I do.

Beyond the food, I explored Berlin today, including the Berlin Wall. I visited a few remaining pieces, but these were the most fun: the East side gallery, with lots of graffiti.

This is one of the most famous pieces of Graffiti on the wall:

After the wall, and a brief stroll up Karl-Marx-Allese, I went to yet another Communist TV Tower. It is sort of a landmark for all of Berlin. I must say, the Russian communists of this century sure had some of the most ugly architecture I have ever seen. But here it is:

And, I'm not sure if this is a jab at communism, or some joke, or just plain not thought out, but it is ironic none-the-less. A Starbucks, the next capitalist symbol of the world (after McDonalds) literally right on the bottom of this communist symbol.

Beyond that I had a great day touring all of the big sights that Berlin has to offer. I think tomorrow I may travel to Amsterdam for a few days of no travel and hopefully relaxation. Much like the relaxing time I had sitting here, reading at the end of today.

Thats all the pictures I feel like posting for now. I'm lazy, shoot me.

Germany, or at least Berlin

Today was time to leave Prague. I had a great time, and fortunately I didn't see all of Prague that there is to be seen. Why is that fortunate? It just means that I will eventually have to go back. At some time. Who knows when, or how, but I just know that it has to happen.

I (finally) decided to leave the Czech Republic, for their neighbors to the north, Germany. When I think of Germany, I think of four things: Techno, (former) Nazis, Techno, and Beer. While the former may be true, something tells me that there is a lot more than meets the eye.

Sorry for the small amount of pictures, I haven't yet had time to fully explore. So if this seems like rambling, it may be.

The scenery on the train ride was magnificent. Lush farm land, backing up to dense forest. These pictures from the train window definitely don't do it justice.

In a country that has such a turbulent past. I find it amazing, even from my brief encounters with the Germans on the train, how optimistic the people are. It would be unimaginable that 60 years ago, a dark curly haired male would be having an open conversation with a blonde haired-blue eyed "Super-race" Member.

Germany, thus far, has been better than expected. The train ride through was very pleasant. We were rolling through the rich farmland throughout Germany, spotted with old farm houses, and old farm equipment. But, at the same time, we would pass hundreds of technologically advanced wind turbines. It has been very cool to see the new-meets-old part of Germany, and I think Berlin will have more of that than I can even imagine.

Zizkov

Today started off rather gloomy. Which was totally fine with me. I am all for the gloomy days where it drizzles/lightly rains all day. Though it seems as though the rain has temporarily stopped, the weather is still rather overcast.

When leaving the hostel this morning I decided to venture in the opposite direction of all of the tourists. Much to my delight, I didn't have to travel far to find a cheap and local coffee shop. The two young women (who also happened to be quite attractive, which seems to be a theme amongst Czech women) were there serving coffee and croissants. Both of which were delicious.

I then proceeded to wander town. The hustle and bustle of Stare Mesto was soon behind. I completely forgot that it was a Saturday as I roamed the outskirts of Nove Mesto, where all the locals live and hang out. The streets were completely empty, and I started to get a feel of what it may be like to live as a Czech, outside of the tourist buzz.

This part of Prag was eerily quiet. There was little traffic (both by pedestrians and autos), and the only sound that could be heard was the screeching of a bypassing train. As I kept walking, I came upon a beautiful little church.

But thats when things started to get strange. This scary little bugger started to follow me everywhere. Every corner I turned, there he was. Needless to say, I booked it out of the neighborhood, on the double.

Last night, I went to get drinks and a meal in the Czech neighborhood, Zizkov. It is relatively new and quite hip compared to other neighborhoods in Prague. Lots of young, local, Prague-ians, seemingly all with long hair or mullets. After last night, I decided to roam the streets of Zizkov, but during the day.

It is truly a beautiful neighborhood. There were cool old churches, not to mention good bars. This is also where the dance club Palac Akropolis is. Should time and stamina allow, I hope to make it there this evening. But right next to Akropolis is the tallest structure in Prague, its a Radio Tower/Communications headquarters for the Czech Republic of some kind. It looks extremely strange and for some odd reason has babies crawling up the two legs.

Thats all I have for today. I'm going to Berlin on Monday, for some sort of change. So pardon the delay!

More Prague

Today was a day, heavy on walking. So it cant be all bad right? Woke up early to take advantage of free breakfast. Thankfully, early meant early enough before swarms of tourists descended upon the entire town. It was a beautiful morning, crossing the Charles bridge, towards the Hrdicany part of Town. The weather is quite nice, in the upper seventies. But it is very humid, and quite overcast.

It was a great walk, no tourists in sight, to the Petrin Tower/Gardens. This is a tower that lies atop the hill opposite the castle. Its a communist-era Russian-inspired watch tower with views over the entire city. You can go up to the top, but I was feeling lazy or cheap -- or a combination of the two. None the less it was a cool journey. On the grounds there was a cool observatory. I know, leave it to me to find the observatory. I may go tonight for the open viewing, but it is a long journey to make.

After two sub-par meals yesterday, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Along the way, I stopped into a market to purchase bread, cheese, assorted meats, and of course a fine dark Czech beer, in this case Krusovice. Though, I must say, the highlight of the meal was a location in the middle of the gardens. All I did was eat, drink, and read Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations in these gardens. Seriously though, Nothing better.

On my way back through town, I had to stop by the communism museum. Literally, there was a communism museum. It was fairly interesting, as far as museums go. The entire town is littered with communist propaganda, and many of the bars/pubs are decorated with political posters/propaganda from the communist era. Seriously, how could you avoid the vampirish matryoshka doll.

Though it must be said: Karl Marx would be rolling over in his grave. A communist museum above the capitalistic symbolism that is the McDonalds logo. But hey, you cant win em all.

Prague, Praga, Praha

Landed in Prague today, got completely lost on my way to my hostel (which just says going to a foreign city without a map can be rather difficult), but discovered some cool things. Prague is a cool place. Lots of European tourists and few Americans. Nothing is in English (including menus) and its cool because the entire area is slowly removing itself from its communist past.

Much of the city is littered with anti-communist propaganda. Graffiti often line the streets with what looks to be anti-communist tags, while some fully support the revolutionary spirit. Maybe it is just that Che has become an icon amongst the younger generation, but even here (where real communism held until the mid-to-late 20th century) Che's imagery seems to be a repeating occurrence.

Though, it must also be said that although some of this street art may appear to be art, some just can't be taken seriously.

Beyond the grafitti, Prague is just cool. Old, things to do, cool architecture, delicious (and cheap) beer. Actually, I had Budweiser today, but it wasn't the Annheiser-Busch kind, instead, it was the original, the kind that Busch copied in America.

Castles and old buildings abound. So much to do and so little time. One more picture. I'll post more later on.