A Few Quick Pics in One Post

I hung around until it got dark waiting for the lights to come on for this shot of the Eiffel Tower. This is the only landmark I ascended but did so in an elevator - it was required either due to the rain or my advanced years. The middle pic is of the Musée du Louvre in Paris. The second pic from the top is of the Geneva Jet d'eau. A water spout that shoots 500 liters of water every second to a height of 140 meters. I found that it created its own weather system as it was calm and sunny all around until I approached the spout where the wind gusted and the air got cold. I spent one day in Geneva, Switzerland while my good friend Magnus took an exam at his law school in Lyon. The top pic is of the jet d'eau again but this time from atop the (you probably guessed it) Cathedral in the old town portion of Geneva.

I Have a Hunch

This pic also comes from Paris and is taken after an ascent of a ridiculous number of steps to the top of the tower of Notre Dame Cathedral. Whew!

On Top of The Arc de Triomphe

This pic comes from Paris atop of the Arc de Triomphe with the Eiffel Tower in the background. I never found a landmark that I hesitated to climb to the top of. How else could I stay in such great shape?

My Feet Are Finally Beneath Me, Again

He He, All

It has been over a week since my last post but I am sure most of you have lost interest in my blog by now since I am home again. I think I may keep this blog around for a while and may throw something up from time-to-time but I guess all of the exciting stuff is over. I haven't got my head slammed in a bus door in a while and there are no nude beaches to be found (easily) here in Minnesota. I arrived home, exhausted on Friday, June 15th after a sleepless night in London due to my stay at the "Roach Motel" also known as Piccadilly Backpacker's Hostel. Life is slowly getting back to normal but I already miss my days on the road - it was GREAT fun. I got to see old friends and made some new ones along the way. All of my European friends have an open invite to visit me here in Minnesota anytime. Even if you get to the US look me up and I will try to connect or at least be a resource for you.

I will throw up a few final pics from my journey with this post and say a little about each. They are in no particular order but you might find them interesting. The first pic comes from early in my trip as I visited Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard.

More To Come . . .

Hello - if anyone is still with me I plan to add a few pics and final comments in a day or two. I've been busy getting my feet under me again since arriving home. I need to get all pics loaded onto my home computer and will make a final (trip related) post in a day or so. Of course everyone knows, by now, that I live for comments on this blog :)

Timaaay

Happy to be Home

Hey All,

I will be brief since I am off to bed shortly as I am exhausted from the lack of sleep in London and the long trip home today. Not that anyone should hold their breath but in a day or so I will post a few more pics and add my final, final thoughts. For now it is good to be home - my bed is looking very inviting.

Timaaay

London Calling - HELP

Well, I am back in the hostel internet room - it is a bit past 3:00 AM and I need to be on my way back to the airport by about 9:00 in the morning. You're thinking why isn't Timaaay in bed, right? I am not only thinking, but wishing that as well. As it has turned out - my last night in Europe has turned into my worst. After I finished my last post (London Calling, Part Deux) I was off to prepare for bed. My room at the hostel is quite simple and, simply filthy. As I brushed my teeth I noticed something crawling on my bed which I had made earlier with the fresh linens the hostel provides. That something was followed by many more "somethings" which I think were a sort of bed bug. I always envisioned that they were small and hard to see but these guys were the size of wood ticks. It's not just that I am in the cleaning business that this freaked me out - I was afraid for my health. I visited the front desk and inquired about changing to another room (not that this would give me any comfort) but learned that the place was full - no room at the inn. They were nice about it, apologetic, and offered to refund my 44 pounds ($90.00) and said I could spend some time in the TV room but suggested I leave my backpack with them for safe keeping. I checked out the TV room but it consisted of wooden benches with perhaps 50-75 large, extremely dirty throw pillows. I couldn't do it.

Next I decided to walk around the streets (in a light drizzle) to try to stay awake and observe the night life. This lasted only about 1/2 hour before I returned to the relative security of the hostel. I was scared to death to be on the streets. At this time of night, it seems, that the underbelly of London society comes out of their holes. One person was scarier than the next. I was carrying all of my important possessions (camera, passport, flight information) in my, ever present, messenger bag. I was approached by no less than 12-15 drunks asking me mostly things I could not understand. Some offered me rides in invisible taxi's. One black man hanging out with his gang spit at me from a distance of about 5-6 feet attempting to hit my shoe. I did nothing to instigate this action - just passing by. He looked at me, made eye contact and spit :( I scurried back to the hostel as fast as possible taking the other side of the street as I passed the "spitter". He missed my shoe "the loser".

In the end this will be a small bump in the road and another life lesson. For now, my back is beginning to hurt from the heavy pack, lack of sleep, and sitting up the whole night. I hope to get a shower in the morning but am not even sure this is a good idea - can you even believe this is happening? I will need to remind myself of my favorite philosophy for living. There are no bad experiences in life ~ only bad events.

I know this post is long but it is keeping me good company as I don't know what else to do to stay awake and wait for the sun to come up. It is going to be a VERY long flight home on Friday. It is really hard to think of a worse possible ending to such a wonderful adventure as I have been on. I know there are many things that would be worse so am pleased to be safe, healthy, and light years better off than everyone I encountered on the streets of Piccadilly Circus tonight.

You probably wonder how a guy like me ended up in this situation in the first place. I'm a neat freak, right? I didn't know much about hostelling prior to this trip. I wanted to save some money by not staying in hotels since I was traveling for a month and knew I would have many expenses along the way. I thought staying in hostels might be a way to meet fellow travelers (which did happen in Nice). I have learned that not all hostels are created equally. I will have to really think this through before doing it again (hostelling).

Okay, this is far too long so I will sign off and try to find some other activity to keep me awake - but this will be difficult. By the time most of you read this I will be somewhere over the Atlantic or maybe at home already. Thanks again for traveling along with me through this blog. Goodnight from my London nightmare.

Caio,

Timaaay

London Calling . . . Part Deux

Well, here I am back where it all began. I arrived about an hour later than planned due to some control tower issue at Berlin Schonfeld Airport. The pilot also warned us that the takeoff would be rough due to the poor condition of the runway - of course I found this as reassuring as when the dentist says - "this is only going to hurt a little". The airport used to be in East Berlin and has not gotten a lot of upgrades since the end of the Cold War.

Anyway, I am back in London and at the same hell hole of a hostel as my first stay. I am actually retyping this blog post from memory as the computer kicked me out right as I tried to upload my post. I can't complain though as I was scamming some free time from the prior user rather than use the one hour pass that I purchased - a very bad idea since an hour would have been more than enough. You can all be happy though as I was finishing my post by "waxing philosophical" about my thirty-day journey.

I am glad to be returning home tomorrow and look forward to a shower and a good nights sleep in my bed. As with everything else, though, it will be bitter sweet. I feel like I rushed through this trip and was only able to spend brief periods with each of my old friends (and the new ones I encountered). With a little effort I hope these friendships will grow and last for years to come. All are invited to come and visit me in America. Likewise, I have been invited by Till, Julia, and Till's family to come spend the Christmas holidays with them in the Black Forest. This sounds very appealing and a magical place to spend Christmas.

I learned a lot on this trip and at times needed to be McGyver like resourceful. I had my head slammed in a bus door, got lost more times than I can even count, and avoided disaster one night when I was lost and ended up sliding into an asphalt version of third base (hands first). The scars are mostly healed by now but the memory (what little there is) will last for a long time.

There were times of great joy coupled with times of sadness, loneliness, and isolation. Some of the sites I visited were exciting and beautiful while others (Auschwitz and a Polish war museum) brought sadder emotions. I am thrilled to have visited old friends again and for making new one's along the way. This will not be my last visit to Europe. There is much to see and experience yet and, of course friendships to nurture.

It's late (1:20 AM), I need to be up early for a long day of travel, and this internet room at the hostel is not a very peaceful place. I am saying goodnight and goodbye from London.

Caio,

Timaaay

The Brandenburger Tor

Regrettably I am not in this pic because I was afraid to hand off my camera to a stranger and then stand a distance away to get the gate and me. Actually, I have had great success with getting complete strangers to take my picture. Frequently they ask for copies - they must believe I am some sort of American celebrity. Must be a vibe I give iff,

Thats all the time I have to post today. Will try to do somethong from London tonight or will do some sort of a wrap up from my home computer over the weekend. For those who have traveled along with me - I hope you enjoyed the blog. I have no idea how many actually looked at it since comments were not manditory - I wish they were because when traveling alone like I have - it is always fun to read small notes from home. If you have not left a comment it is not too late. Get busy.

Oops, this is the wrong pic of the gate. I intended to post the view from the front (not the back and with the construction crane within view. Oh well, this is the best I can do for now. Gotta fly.

Bye from Berlin

At The Reichstag

Hallo Again,

Just a short note of explanation. This is, of course, me standing in front of the German Reichstag which is the seat of government like our Senate. I am sure most of you knew that but, for the uninformed...

The next pic I will put up is with me at the top of the glass dome which crowns the Reichstag. Great views of all of Berlin from this vantage point.

Caio.

Timaaay

All Is Secure At Checkpoint Charlie

Hallo from Berlin,

Well now I am really in the final hours of my travels. I will depart Berlin early this evening by EasyJet to London, Gatwick. I will spend the evening getting some fish n chips and likely wash that down with a cold (you probably guessed it) beer. I want to make it over to the London Tower and Bridge if I have the energy.

From Berlin, I am pretty exhausted. The journey began to wear on me several days ago (about Praha). I have done a lot of walking here in Berlin but not really any spectacular pics to show from it. I will post a few now but they are not the best. Note to self - the next time I do an adventure like this plan to stay in one city long enough to get acclimated. I have found that wherever I have traveled I become relatively comfortable with the area and public transportation system usually by about day three. Therefore, I struggle with getting lost and putting uneccessary miles on the feet.

Okay, the pic with this post is of me helping to guard the West from my post at checkpoint Charlie. God save the Queen.

A Sad Tribute

I am in the rail station in Praha awaiting my train to Berlin for the next to final leg of my journey. As I was checking my emails I learned that my dear cousin Mary Ann died over the weekend after a long and couragous battle with illness for much of her life. I am so sad to hear this news and right now feel very alone and isolated. Mary Ann was very special to all in our extended family.

I regret that due to my travels I am unable to attend the memorial services but will be there in spirit. I hope that all who may read this blog entry will keep Mary Ann in your heart and perhaps say a little prayer for her. This news changes the tone of my travels and reminds me again of the things that are most important in our lives - friends, family, and those relationships that we hold dear.

So long from Praha as I journey over to Berlin for a few days. It will be nice to go home on Friday to relax and spend time again with those who are close to me.

Tim

A Lifetime Ago In Tuebingen

It seems already like a lifetime ago when I stayed with Till and Julia in Tuebingen. This pic is, of course, taken while drinking some beers with friends. What? You'd expect anything less from a global goodwill ambassidor? In this pic you will see me, Andi (a good friend met in Dubrovnik ~ he is the one that helped me add "yes...yes...yes" to my pattern of speaking), Till (you know already as my host in Tuebingen), and Tobi (the chick magnet and a very close friend of Magnus).

Well that will be all of the posts for today. So long for now as I am off to rest and get ready to drink some cold Czech beer tonight ~ at these prices you'd be surprised how thirsty I get.

Caio,

Timaaay

My Polish Friends

Okay, back to happier memories of my travels. This pic is of me and my old (and new) Polish friends. From left to right is Simon (some sort of secret agent 007 :), Pawel (my close friend met in Dubrovnik and my host for three days), Anna (a sweetheart of a person), me, and Marcin (who seems to enjoy beer as much as I do).

Nostrovia to them all!

Another Difficult Post

Excuse the change in direction but I want to share this photo with you. It was taken during my visit to Auschwitz the other day. I think the picture speaks volumes about the kind of day I had. As an interesting aside, I should add that I have never sighed so much. It was involuntary and I caught myself doing it throughout my visit.

By the way, if you don't know this you can click on any photo in my blog and it should become full screen size for you to view.

On Top of The World (Castle)

This pic is taken from the top of the tower at Saint Vitus Cathedral within the walls of the Prague Castle. I counted the steps on my way down the never-ending spiral staircase ~ 286. I am actually afraid to get on a scale when I get home. I must be down 10 pounds from all of the walking, hiking, and climbing. This is quite a feat considering my penchant for beer and the great food I have been eating. Maybe some of my dear friends and family will prepare some good meals for me when I return. I will trade entertaining stories for good food:)

By the way, this pic shows the Charles Bridge below. It looks pretty close but I used extreme zoom on my camera to capture this detail. I was 286 steps plus some distance from it (great camera ~ better photographer).

Guarding The Castle

Well, I shall keep my day job but this isn't a bad gig either. The pay is not so good but the beer is still cheap.

Dazed And Confused

Hey All,

Well here I am in Prague looking all dazed and confused. Last night was a late one as I toured many of this cities hot spots. I am lovin' every minute here in Prague (Praha). The city is beautiful, I find many who speak English, and the beer is EXTREMELY cheap and EXTREMELY good. The Czech Republic is known for it's beers and my favorite (I have many but can only remember the name right now of one) is Pilsner Urquell. Of course, we have this in the States but here it is cold and fresh from the tap. The cost in Czech is 35 Crowns per pint ~ in US dollars that equates to about 1.60 (dollars).

Today I took the Metro across town and hiked up to the Prague Castle which is one of the two most famous landmarks of Prague. It is HUGE and beautiful with a Cathedral inside the walls where numerous saints, kings, and other dignitaries are buried. I also walked across the famed Charles Bridge (where today's pic is from). The castle is visible in the background.

I will post several more pics right now since this is an excellent internet cafe and the compuer is the fastest I have ever used. Then I am off to rest, clean up and begin another adventure tonight.

Bye from Praha

Czech Me !

Hey, Hey from Praha.

I arrived here safe, sound, and somewhat rested this morning at 7:00 AM. For the first time in my life I have been happy with being 5' 8" as the sleeping berth on the train just fit me, although since I arrived just prior to departure I wound up on the top of three bunks - quite hot to sleep.

I was pushing it to get to the train because I stayed til the last minute to see/hear the concert in the square in Krakow. The concert was classical music but by a very famous and popular conductor. The place was mobbed by young and old, alike.

I got off the train and, since I speek no Czech it was difficult right away. I found my way from the station in the approximate direction of the city center. I had no lodging arranged so needed to find an internet cafe. I came upon a McDonalds and being hot, hungry, and frustrated decided to break my rule and eat something there. It serves me right that this was the first time on my journey that I was sick after eating.

I found a nice hotel for a reasonable price and moved in. Cleaned up and hit the street. My first order of business was a haircut. I got a great haircut for the equivilent of six US dollars. Washed, shaved, the works. I was only a little un-nerved by the fact that they don't sanitize the combs and clippers between clients - but I did get a wash when I was done.

Next order of business was a late lunch. A fantastic meal including two Pilsner Urquell's, a kebob of beef, pork, chicken, onion and the BEST potato dish I have eaten in a long time - all for about 10 US dollars. The city (what I have seen) is beautiful and so (from what I have seen) are the women. I think I could live here for a time.

Okay, I am on my way to visit the old town and will save the Castle and Charles Bridge for tomorrow. I am here through Sunday and head to Berlin for a few days on Monday.

By the way, I got my pics put onto a DVD so it will not be a problem to post some pics tomorrow or when I get some free time. And, a last thought. There still seems to be a lack of comments. Do some of you know how this works? Click on the comment link at the bottom of any post and say hey or something. It is always fun to read what you have to say - you can also read the comments - that's what they are there for. Now I am sure to hear from Raheeb again:)

Caio,

Timaaay

Arbeit macht frei

"Arbeit macht frei" is written as an inscription over the main gate of Auschwitz and cynically means "work brings freedom". A more false statement has never been written. Today was a dark day in my travels - there will be no humor in this blog post. I learned more today than I ever could have imagined. I was horrified by what I saw. The day began with blue skies and sunshine in Krakow but shortly after my arrival at Auschwitz the skies darkened, it thundered, then rained. It was somehow strangely appropriate for my visit to this place of so much carnage.

I spent four hours walking the grounds and touring barracks and other facilities including the gas chambers, crematoria, and the Execution Wall. I also visited the Birkenau camp which seemed to dwarf Auschwitz in size and perhaps in reputation. It was simply unbelievable to me the barbarism that man is capable of. In all of my studies I never fathomed how bad this place was.

The point was driven home by hundreds of photos of Poles and Jews that lined the walls of baracks after baracks. They all died at the hands of Hitler's army and police. Their expressions were all the same - sunken eyes and expressionless except for their closed lips that were not in a frown but rather a look of despair. The photos will haunt me for a long time. If I still did not grasp the magnitude of this genocide - the point was further driven home by the displays of personal possessions that were taken from the victims. There are walls of displays 8 feet high and some go on for 40 feet on both sides of the hallway. They are probably 12 feet deep. Each display is filled with personal affects - shoes (first adult, then children's), a mangle of eyeglasses, suitcases with the victims' names and addresses still on them, toiletries (hair and shaving brushes, toothbrushes). Pots and pans and the most unimaginable of all - prosthetic limbs - piles of them taken away from the innocents before their slaughter.

I will remember this day the rest of my life. I think every human being should visit this place to gain a full appreciation for the atrocities that occurred only 62 - 68 years ago. These places really seemed as though they were from a bad Hollywood horror film - but they are real. I was struck by the simple nature of the monument that was established near the sites of the crematoria at Birkenau. It seemed that the shrine should have been larger than any other - taller than the Washington Monument and other similar tributes. Then it hit me that the entire place represents the memorial. It is well preserved and hallowed grounds. My fellow visitors were for the most part very respectful and quite. Most looked, like me, ready to cry at any moment. I don't think it is possible to come here and not be affected in this way.

I apologize for the somber nature of this post but I think you will appreciate it. I am in my last hours in Krakow (where coincidentally it is blue skies and sunshine again). I need to be on my train to Prague in about one hour so will say so long for now. I want to try to see some of the concert in the square before I go - it has been much anticipated by everyone here as it is the 750th anniversary of the founding of Krakow.

I will post again in the next day or so from Praja.

"Ouch - that's gonna leave a mark"

No pic update tonight as I am tired and at a hostel in Krakow - great free computer but I am not sure I can upload pics. This may not happen again until I get back to Berlin.

I had an interesting experience (that some of you may find funny) while in Warsaw. I was returning from touring the Palac Wilanowie on a bus. I was watching for my stop and tried to peer out of the door to be sure. I had my I-Pod on, sunglasses, the whole tourist thing when "bam" the bus doors slammed on my face. I was stunned for a moment and while feeling my face for blood noticed that my Oakly sunglasses were missing a bow. I looked on the floor then saw an old woman outside the bus pick it up from the sidewalk. She was attempting to hand it to me as the bus door slammed shut and we sped off. I was not a happy about this (and quite embarrassed). At the next stop I got off, crossed the street and caught the next bus back. I searched the ground, two trash cans, then spotted the bow laying on a light pole box. The lady was gone but very thoughtful. I was able to repair the glasses - good as new and there was no blood - just my bruised ego.

I had a great time in Warsaw and stayed very comfortably with my friend Pawel. On my last night three of his friends (Simon, Anna, and Marcin) joined us for dinner, beers, and many laughs. I left Warsaw this morning and will miss hanging around with Pawel and his friends. We had plans to smoke some shisha but never got to it. For Zach Dziura who asked - shisha is (as far as I know) a totally legal tobacco product. It is usually flavored - so far I have tried cherry and coconut. I love this stuff as it is INCREDIBLY relaxing and VERY smooth. I plan to purchase a pipe and will bring it out for after dinner entertaining. I feel like a rag doll after smoking this but it passes pretty quickly and has no negative side affects. (I hope every parent doesn't hate me for this endorsement).

I am in Krakow right now arriving by train (2 H, 40 M) this afternoon. I spent the afternoon and evening checking out the "old town". It is awesome. They are celebrating the 750th anniversary of their founding so there is much going on - concerts in the square, etc. Tomorrow I am taking a bus to visit Auschwitz which I expect to be a very moving experience. I need to check out of my hostel before I go because I am on an overnight train Thursday night to Prague. I leave at 10:24 pm and arrive in Praja the next morning at 7:00 AM. I am in a sleeper with six bunks so this will be interesting. I think I will remain in Praja (as it is spelled here) Fri, Sat, Sun and return to Berlin on Monday for the final few days of this adventure.

Everyone reading this please say a prayer for my beloved cousin Mary Ann who is in grave condition I am told. She is one of the best people you could ever know. I continue to light candles all over Europe.

Bye for now. In about 36 hours it will be "An American in Prague".

Timaaay

No Pics Now But Greets From Warsaw

Hey All,

I arrived in Warsaw yesterday (Sunday) and was met at the train by my friend Pawel. We got situated then went to Holy Mass last night at his church. The Arch Bishop presided and it was quite interesting. Enjoyed cold beat soup and pierogi for lunch and washed it down with a rye (bread) beverage. Today I spent several hours touring a war museum related the Warsaw's total destruction by the Nazi's (first) then the Russians (second). This was an eye opener for me and very sad to observe. Tonight we had dinner that included an apetizer of Tartar (seasoned raw herring). I am still waiting to decide how it will sit for me but glad for the experience.

There was also a bittersweet moment in Tuebingen as Julia's grandfather died during my stay. I felt I should leave sooner to give space to Till and Julia but they convinced me to stay and we all enjoyed the time together visiting the Black Forest and Till's parents. Till's parents treeated me like I was family and have invited me to return and spend a Christmas with them in the Black Forest. The hospitality that I am experiencing is hard to communicate on this blog. I can say though that I am forming long-lasting relationships that I suspect will grow stronger with the years.

Okay this is all for now. I could go on but I am tired and yyou may be bored by now. I will depart for Krakow in a couple of days and for my visit to Auschwitz. Then I go to Prague and will soon be in the homestretch. A little tired now and will go to bed early because tomorrow will be another day of touring Warsaw.

Bye for now.

. . . and the witch said

"Timaaay, get back in yer cage til yer fat enough to eat". I am in the middle of the Black Forest home of the fairy tale Hansel and Grettel. This place is incredible like something out of Lord of the Rings. Fabulous scenery. Staying at the home of my friend Till's parents. They are wonderful to me and invited me to ask my niece Kara to do an exchange with their daughter Eva - a sweet girl of 15. I am waiting for a reply from Kara.

Anyway, I am off to Berlin very early in the morning at 6 bells and arrive at about 12:30 in the afternoon. I am there overnight then off to Warsaw for about three days. Then I am going to Krakow enroute to Auschwitz. From there it is a short train ride to Prague for about three days then back to Berlin for four days. May hook up with Till's other sister who lives in Pottsdam for some touring around castles and such. I fly to London to overnight on 6714 and then home to US (and my bed) on 6/15. Note to self - never travel to Europe again without an umbrella. Finally bought one today after having a wet head for much of the last 7 days. This has not slowed me down except maybe in the beer department.

Bye for now. Remember to scroll down and click older posts since I put a lot up yesterday. And if you have not left any comments yet - do so soon.

Timaaay