So I wanted to make this a real wiz-bang of an email since Thanksgiving is tomorrow. So, here it goes I hope you all like it. :)
When I wrote last I was in Vienna. Since then I have gone across 7 different countries, stopped in 9 different cities and spent more cash than I intended to. But it was definitely the most beat experience of my entire life. So I set off from Vienna on an overnight to Warsaw Poland. I'm not sure if it was the overnight train that was at least 90 degrees in the compartment or whether Warsaw really isn't that nice but I only stayed two hours there before I caught a train to Krakow.
Krakow is pretty cool. The whole city is pretty much under construction though so its difficult to get around. I went around the town when I got in and saw all the sights. They have the most fantastic castle there and very delicious pastries. The entire city was very wonderfully communist, and in turn depressing. No bullet holes in the walls of the buildings like Berlin, but maybe I didn't look close enough. For some reason I decided I needed to buy some aviators so I looked around. Soon enough I found the biggest mall ever. Each floor is about the size of Cottonwood mall, and there's three of them. three floors of crazy junk nobody needs. And no aviators. Maybe I didn't look hard enough. It's probably the latter. I had wanted to come to Krakow for Auschwitz. It's something people told me had to be seen in person. That night I went to bed relatively early after watching some cartoons. The first cartoons since I left the states that were in English. What a ball! haha. In the morning I hopped a train to Auschwitz. It was a sad place and what I was told was most certainly correct. It has to be seen in person. The rooms filled with discarded shoes, hair brushes, pots and pans and human hair. The gas chambers and crematoria. There was nothing abstract or circumstantial about it all. The very form, not even delving into function, simply the very form of Auschwitz and its successive camps was indeed evil. The double walled electrified barbed wire. I wont go on and get you all depressed. Not that my writing is of sufficient quality to influence emotion. But if someone ever tells you that Auschwitz is something you should see in your lifetime and see it in person, then I would believe them.
\n \nBack to Krakow. Hour and a half bus ride with two Polish guys sitting behind me kicking my seat. I wanted to turn around and call them a really bad name or maybe tell them to go jump out the window but all I could think to say was less intimidating. I got up my courage, turned around and said, "You live in Poland!" and then I turned back around, moved one seat further down the aisle and sat back down. Got \'em good. :P\n\n \nI learned that evening that a night train for over 100 euro was the only was to get to Praha (Prague) which was my next destination. Since I had heard stories that the night train from Krakow Poland to Prague, Czech Republic was notorious for having its passengers gassed and property stolen: I figured out another route. So I flew to Frankfurt Germany. Cool place. Six hour layover, and a night train to from Frankfurt to Prague only ended up costing me 80 euro. good deal. Prague.\n\n \nAh Prague. What a magnificent and amazing city. I got in around 8, slept until 12 and had a look around. I saw the crazy clock in the town center, the Charles Bridge I think its called and the town square. I also got some Christmas shopping done at the Prague market. Secrets. I stayed the night in Prague and woke up early to go see the Prague Castle. Really glad I decided to do that. The climb up the old stairs was hard but I made it to the top. The fog of Prague, it\'s a sight to behold. Pictures. The cathedral INSIDE the castle was amazing. About the size of Notre Dame in Paris and what made it extra-ordinary was that it was inside a castle. haha. cool huh? gotta see it. gotta see it. Jumped a bus to Cesky Krumlov. Met a Frenchman. talked EU economics. and arrived in a city to shame Prague, Paris, Berlin, Brussels and any of those. \n\n \nCesky Krumlov. I wish I could be there now. Minus the bed bugs. It takes about 15 minutes to walk across the main city of Cesky Krumlov but you could spend a lifetime there and never learn every street\'s secrets. And secrets they have. You could spend two lifetimes there and never have the time that I did. You could spend three lifetimes in Cesky Krumlov and well, we should all be so lucky. The first day I arrived late and pretty much went straight to bed. There were two girls staying in the dorm who were both teaching English in Prague. They were very nice. My first full day in Krumlov the Frenchman and I wandered around the city streets, admiring the uniquely painted buildings kept by magic as they were well over 300 years ago. Then we went up to the Castle. I\'m not going to tell you about the time I had with the Frenchman because the time I had with the American Girls I met the next day was far more fun! Not that the Frenchman wasn\'t entertaining. he was. slightly. only slightly. What a story. I hope I don\'t leave anything out. I\'ll try not to.\n",1]
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Back to Krakow. Hour and a half bus ride with two Polish guys sitting behind me kicking my seat. I wanted to turn around and call them a really bad name or maybe tell them to go jump out the window but all I could think to say was less intimidating. I got up my courage, turned around and said, "You live in Poland!" and then I turned back around, moved one seat further down the aisle and sat back down. Got 'em good. :P
I learned that evening that a night train for over 100 euro was the only was to get to Praha (Prague) which was my next destination. Since I had heard stories that the night train from Krakow Poland to Prague, Czech Republic was notorious for having its passengers gassed and property stolen: I figured out another route. So I flew to Frankfurt Germany. Cool place. Six hour layover, and a night train to from Frankfurt to Prague only ended up costing me 80 euro. good deal. Prague.
Ah Prague. What a magnificent and amazing city. I got in around 8, slept until 12 and had a look around. I saw the crazy clock in the town center, the Charles Bridge I think its called and the town square. I also got some Christmas shopping done at the Prague market. Secrets. I stayed the night in Prague and woke up early to go see the Prague Castle. Really glad I decided to do that. The climb up the old stairs was hard but I made it to the top. The fog of Prague, it's a sight to behold. Pictures. The cathedral INSIDE the castle was amazing. About the size of Notre Dame in Paris and what made it extra-ordinary was that it was inside a castle. haha. cool huh? gotta see it. gotta see it. Jumped a bus to Cesky Krumlov. Met a Frenchman. talked EU economics. and arrived in a city to shame Prague, Paris, Berlin, Brussels and any of those.
Cesky Krumlov. I wish I could be there now. Minus the bed bugs. It takes about 15 minutes to walk across the main city of Cesky Krumlov but you could spend a lifetime there and never learn every street's secrets. And secrets they have. You could spend two lifetimes there and never have the time that I did. You could spend three lifetimes in Cesky Krumlov and well, we should all be so lucky. The first day I arrived late and pretty much went straight to bed. There were two girls staying in the dorm who were both teaching English in Prague. They were very nice. My first full day in Krumlov the Frenchman and I wandered around the city streets, admiring the uniquely painted buildings kept by magic as they were well over 300 years ago. Then we went up to the Castle. I'm not going to tell you about the time I had with the Frenchman because the time I had with the American Girls I met the next day was far more fun! Not that the Frenchman wasn't entertaining. he was. slightly. only slightly. What a story. I hope I don't leave anything out. I'll try not to.
\n \nAfter walking around for a few good hours the Frenchman and I went back to the hostel. Hostel 99 was its name and sanitation was not always its game. A few bed bugs to be sure, but, surprisingly enough that didnt put a downer on the experience at all. That night we watched a documentary on the making of The Dark Side of the Moon. It was way chill. Then we went to bed. Well the Frenchman went to bed. I got the sudden impulse to get up and get a glass of water from the kitchen. And who should I find but two of the kindest most beautiful girls I\'ve ever had the pleasure of spending a day with. I talked with them slightly a day or so before in Prague but only in passing. We sat in the kitchen and played Uno for a while. I told them of my plans to leave the next day with the Frenchman. Stay! They said. So I did. haha. Didn\'t take much convincing.\n\n \nThe next day I went with the Frenchman to the bus station and said my farewells and my gratefuls for his companionship. I went back to Hostel 99 and grabbed some chocolate cereal. What delicious cereal! And good milk too! Everything is cheaper in Czech Republik. The angels, Katy (not Paris Katy, different Katy) and Britney, hadn\'t woken up yet. I read a new book a nice Canadian guy gave me called Neverwhere which is turning out to be really good! Where to begin? ok. So the girls woke up around 12 and we headed out for the Castle of Cesky Krumlov. The Castle itself sits atop a high cliff overlooking the city of Krumlov. At night it is all lit up and splendiforous. The city itself is lined with shops selling jewelry and all sorts of objects of wonder. Katy, Britney and I headed up the castle walk and admired the view. We took lots of silly photos along the way. In the middle of the castle, a bunch of Japanese tourists asked Katy "Picture?" "Why not she said?" and reached for the camera. Misconception. They wanted to take a picture OF her. And with her too. haha. the cutest old men, flirting with a girl who\'s smile charmed the sky. We pressed on up the Castle walk. Then we came to the gardens. The gardens are my favorite part. It reminded me of Versailles, but not nearly as grand. No these gardens were far more personal considering Katy, Britney and I were the only ones in them. Acres and Acres of hedges, neatly kept. Rows and rows of ancient trees planted in uniform precision. The trees might have seemed dead. Its just that they didn\'t have any leaves. Maybe they were dead. Maybe I didn\'t look close enough. Go play in the fountain Britney told Katy and I. So we did. There wasn\'t any water in it, but we pretend to be taking a bath in the gigantic stone fountain. Maybe in summer they have water in it. I bet they do. Still, I loved it then. It was cold so we kept moving on toward the back of the gardens. There was a pond back there. The funniest pond I\'ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. It was perfectly square. Perfectly pondish, with an island in the middle and a little boat in one corner. It was all bordered by a trim of tall tall leafless trees. We started taking bets of who would jump in first. It was so cold. haha. Nobody ended up taking the plunge, but I think Britney was pretty close at 1000 Csech dollars(approximately 50$US). Fun times. We took pictures playing in the piles of leaves someone had so careful spent hours piling up. We didn\'t make too big a mess though. We left quickly. \n",1]
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After walking around for a few good hours the Frenchman and I went back to the hostel. Hostel 99 was its name and sanitation was not always its game. A few bed bugs to be sure, but, surprisingly enough that didnt put a downer on the experience at all. That night we watched a documentary on the making of The Dark Side of the Moon. It was way chill. Then we went to bed. Well the Frenchman went to bed. I got the sudden impulse to get up and get a glass of water from the kitchen. And who should I find but two of the kindest most beautiful girls I've ever had the pleasure of spending a day with. I talked with them slightly a day or so before in Prague but only in passing. We sat in the kitchen and played Uno for a while. I told them of my plans to leave the next day with the Frenchman. Stay! They said. So I did. haha. Didn't take much convincing.
The next day I went with the Frenchman to the bus station and said my farewells and my gratefuls for his companionship. I went back to Hostel 99 and grabbed some chocolate cereal. What delicious cereal! And good milk too! Everything is cheaper in Czech Republik. The angels, Katy (not Paris Katy, different Katy) and Britney, hadn't woken up yet. I read a new book a nice Canadian guy gave me called Neverwhere which is turning out to be really good! Where to begin? ok. So the girls woke up around 12 and we headed out for the Castle of Cesky Krumlov. The Castle itself sits atop a high cliff overlooking the city of Krumlov. At night it is all lit up and splendiforous. The city itself is lined with shops selling jewelry and all sorts of objects of wonder. Katy, Britney and I headed up the castle walk and admired the view. We took lots of silly photos along the way. In the middle of the castle, a bunch of Japanese tourists asked Katy "Picture?" "Why not she said?" and reached for the camera. Misconception. They wanted to take a picture OF her. And with her too. haha. the cutest old men, flirting with a girl who's smile charmed the sky. We pressed on up the Castle walk. Then we came to the gardens. The gardens are my favorite part. It reminded me of Versailles, but not nearly as grand. No these gardens were far more personal considering Katy, Britney and I were the only ones in them. Acres and Acres of hedges, neatly kept. Rows and rows of ancient trees planted in uniform precision. The trees might have seemed dead. Its just that they didn't have any leaves. Maybe they were dead. Maybe I didn't look close enough. Go play in the fountain Britney told Katy and I. So we did. There wasn't any water in it, but we pretend to be taking a bath in the gigantic stone fountain. Maybe in summer they have water in it. I bet they do. Still, I loved it then. It was cold so we kept moving on toward the back of the gardens. There was a pond back there. The funniest pond I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. It was perfectly square. Perfectly pondish, with an island in the middle and a little boat in one corner. It was all bordered by a trim of tall tall leafless trees. We started taking bets of who would jump in first. It was so cold. haha. Nobody ended up taking the plunge, but I think Britney was pretty close at 1000 Csech dollars(approximately 50$US). Fun times. We took pictures playing in the piles of leaves someone had so careful spent hours piling up. We didn't make too big a mess though. We left quickly.
\n \nI\'m afraid that\'s all the time i have today. Its been a long week and I\'m in Rome now. Rome!!! crazy huh? I love it. If anyone wants to they can eat an extra turkey leg for me. Oh and an extra slice of pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin pie. I also love chocolate pie. Oh! And mashed potatoes too! and gravy!!! You can skip on the cranberries sauce thingy. Oh! And you could also watch Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Cuz that\'s my favorite movie right now cuz it reminds me of Ireland. And it\'s just an awesome movie. And if anyone gets really crazy they cold eat extra turkey, pumpkin and chocolate pie and mashed potatoes while watching The Lord of the Rings. That\'s what I would do. haha. Ay me.\n\n \nTad\n \nToday I would like to thank Katy and Britney and the Frenchman for being awesome and letting me syphon their personalities and enjoy their company. They made the trip worth it. Even with the Bed Bugs.\n-- Micah 7:8 \n\n",0]
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I'm afraid that's all the time i have today. Its been a long week and I'm in Rome now. Rome!!! crazy huh? I love it. If anyone wants to they can eat an extra turkey leg for me. Oh and an extra slice of pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin pie. I also love chocolate pie. Oh! And mashed potatoes too! and gravy!!! You can skip on the cranberries sauce thingy. Oh! And you could also watch Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Cuz that's my favorite movie right now cuz it reminds me of Ireland. And it's just an awesome movie. And if anyone gets really crazy they cold eat extra turkey, pumpkin and chocolate pie and mashed potatoes while watching The Lord of the Rings. That's what I would do. haha. Ay me.
Tad
Today I would like to thank Katy and Britney and the Frenchman for being awesome and letting me syphon their personalities and enjoy their company. They made the trip worth it. Even with the Bed Bugs.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Austria part 1: Tik Tok
Nov 12, 2006 10:43 PM
I don't know the next time I'll be in Austria. It's amazing here. I've never been anywhere quite like it. The buildings are ridiculously with form and function. The people here are more friendly than any others I've encountered. The water, it's pure as one could ever want. The people. The songs. The city sings. I'm in Vienna now. Jack left for Florence a few hours ago, and I just got back from the concert of a lifetime.
The concert itself was amazing. Nothing like NIN or Tool or any of that. No. This was much different. It's a deeper classical feeling. Operatic contradictions like white widows and tropical polar bears all rolled into one. There were my good friends Mozart and Strauss. And my favorite delicacies of first violinists and cellos. No no. This was nothing like I've ever seen or heard. The music itself was able to play with the mind, raising spirits and emotions with it and around it. I was hardly dressed for the occasion but I never expected to end up in a room that Mozart had once performed in, along with his sister. Words fail me.
Munich was a cool city I guess. A lot of punk kids and too much hip for me. Too much cool.
Jack and I caught a train for Vienna day before yesterday and arrived later in the afternoon. My hostel rocks by the way. It's way chill and the coolest kids are staying there. Really, the two coolest kids in the whole world are staying there. I was typing away on the computer when all of a sudden Jack comes around the corner and says, "tad I have to tell you something."
"What Jack?" I ask him.
And out of nowhere, Mike and Meg are standing there grinning like their feet don't stink. It was, to say the least, the most joyous reunion and pleasant surprising I'd had in the longest time and two thanksgivings ago. Those crazy kids didn't even know that we would be meeting up a few days later when we left them in Berlin. We talked for hours and decided today we would cruise the Wien, Austria together. I never thought I would be so happy to see someone I had only met and left not four days earlier. I'd better go meet them in the hostel though, they stayed here tonight and we're going to go to the catacombs tomorrow. And then, Who knows!?
Tad
Today I would like to thank Casey my sister for giving me the pride of being her brother. She's doing terrifically in school now, in case I hadn't mentioned it, and her volleyball team is rocking socks off all over the place. I miss you sister!
I don't know the next time I'll be in Austria. It's amazing here. I've never been anywhere quite like it. The buildings are ridiculously with form and function. The people here are more friendly than any others I've encountered. The water, it's pure as one could ever want. The people. The songs. The city sings. I'm in Vienna now. Jack left for Florence a few hours ago, and I just got back from the concert of a lifetime.
The concert itself was amazing. Nothing like NIN or Tool or any of that. No. This was much different. It's a deeper classical feeling. Operatic contradictions like white widows and tropical polar bears all rolled into one. There were my good friends Mozart and Strauss. And my favorite delicacies of first violinists and cellos. No no. This was nothing like I've ever seen or heard. The music itself was able to play with the mind, raising spirits and emotions with it and around it. I was hardly dressed for the occasion but I never expected to end up in a room that Mozart had once performed in, along with his sister. Words fail me.
Munich was a cool city I guess. A lot of punk kids and too much hip for me. Too much cool.
Jack and I caught a train for Vienna day before yesterday and arrived later in the afternoon. My hostel rocks by the way. It's way chill and the coolest kids are staying there. Really, the two coolest kids in the whole world are staying there. I was typing away on the computer when all of a sudden Jack comes around the corner and says, "tad I have to tell you something."
"What Jack?" I ask him.
And out of nowhere, Mike and Meg are standing there grinning like their feet don't stink. It was, to say the least, the most joyous reunion and pleasant surprising I'd had in the longest time and two thanksgivings ago. Those crazy kids didn't even know that we would be meeting up a few days later when we left them in Berlin. We talked for hours and decided today we would cruise the Wien, Austria together. I never thought I would be so happy to see someone I had only met and left not four days earlier. I'd better go meet them in the hostel though, they stayed here tonight and we're going to go to the catacombs tomorrow. And then, Who knows!?
Tad
Today I would like to thank Casey my sister for giving me the pride of being her brother. She's doing terrifically in school now, in case I hadn't mentioned it, and her volleyball team is rocking socks off all over the place. I miss you sister!
Germany Part 1Ö This keyboard has all the wrong keys
Nov 10, 2006 7:59 PM
Yes, itäs true, this kezboard has all the wrong keys. For instance, the y is replaced by a z. So zouäll have to excuse mz funnz lettering. also, the apostrophe is actuallz this ä or quotation marks are this Ö. Its difficult.
Yes, itäs true, this kezboard has all the wrong keys. For instance, the y is replaced by a z. So zouäll have to excuse mz funnz lettering. also, the apostrophe is actuallz this ä or quotation marks are this Ö. Its difficult.
Zesterdaz was Berlin! What a fantastic Citz! Jack and I took a walking tour of the sights and were both thorougly impressed. I saw the small remaining part of the wall itself. We also saw the Reichstag, which is actuallz called somethign else now. Iäm not quite sure what. We saw the opera house and the holocaust memorial and Hitleräs Bunker. Hitleräs Bunker is actuallz filled in with concrete now and had an apartment complex built over the top of it. haha. Also, the Bunker of his second in Command was filled in with sand. Thezäre going to wait and vote on wether or not to open it to the public. In 30 zears. Since it was Jackäs big 19th birthdaz we went out on the town. There were the two NICEST American kids stazing in our dorm room. Thez were bz far the coolest people weäve met on this trip. Mike and Meg were their names, just recentlz married and out of highschool. What crayz fun kids. We started talking and immediatelz decided that since it was Jackäs birthdaz we would make a night of it.
And so, we set off! Without anz worries, at all. First we ate at a piyya joint, which was verz good! It was the first time I had eaten at a restaurant since I left home. What an occassion. We talked the hours awaz and decided we should see Borat.
Bz far, one of the funniest movies Iäve ever seen. Zou all must see it! Once zou have seen it, zouäll realise how incredible awkward some of the scenes from the movie were, seeing as how we were in Berlin Germanz! Those same parts, Jack, Mike, Meg and I were the onlz ones in the theater laughing! Haha. Oh it was fun times. I also bought some cherrie candies that turned out to have reallz strong liquor in each one. It was gross and I threw them all out. Then we all went back to the Hostel and watched a movie and fell asleep. What fun times!
That next daz we took the walking tour and were going to take the night train to Munich but found out that on Thursdaz nights from 6 to 10 all the museums have free entrz! What sights to behold! Berlin has an entire island called ÄMuseum IslandÄ crayz huh? The most impressive museum had full scale reconstructions of some of the most amaying architectural constructions Iäve ever seen. The altar of Pergamon (I think thatäs how zou spell it). It was amaying. Also, a gigantic reconstruction of the Gates of Babzlon! Amasing to saz the least! Thez onlz had bits and pieces of the original gate. But think of it, One of the seven ancient wonders of the world towering super high into the skz! (Or into the roof of the museum in this case) It was absolutelz amaying! How awesome was it that jack and I just so happen to Be in Berlin on November the Ninth, a thursdaz, Exactlz 17 zears after the collapse of the Berlin wall. Wow. Wow. Wow.
Well weäre in Munich now, and headed for Austria and Arnold. Iäll be sure to keep zou all updated!
Tad
Sandanavia Part 2: Something a little different
Nov 9, 2006 6:03 PM
Hello Everyone!
The list of people that my emails are reaching continues to grow! Wow! And, as always, if you were added to this list by mistake or don't want to hear about my adventures anymore, just send me an email with the subject titled "remove" and you will be removed from the list.
That settled. I'm going to try something different for this email. It's more of an experiment. Because I'm lazy, and can't remember exactly what happened after Narvik and the Northern Lights I am going to tell you guys a story. It started out as one of my daily journal entries (So please don't laugh :P) and ended up being something entirely different.
Before I get started I would like you all to know that I am in Berlin on November 9th. For those of you that don't know how important a day November 9th is, Especially for Berlin. You'll just have to go and look it up.
Here we go :)
Th 11-02-06 19.21 Boden-->Stockholm
It's been one of those weekend. One of those weekends that starts on a Monday and ends with an overnight train to Stockholm Thursday. ONe of those weekends I thank God for the breath in my chest. The last few days have been what dreams are made of....EDIT
It's the night with lit houses. Singular cottages in the snowy Scandanavian landscape.
We stayed in Boden last night because the trains from Narvik were all stopped due to bad weather. The hostel was close because it was so late, but it worked out because the most wonderful hotel was open. It was modern and clean and Jack and I watched T.V. all night. The lady who checked us in gave us the most wonderful discount. From 900 Swedish Krone down to 700. For the both of us. She said it was because it was so late, but I'm certain it was because she wanted to do something nice for us. She even allowed us to stay in the rooms until five o clock the next day because that's when our train was leaving. It's amazing, the things I miss when I'm gone from home so long. Clean linen, a real bed, laughing with a friend at a T.V. show. Staying up late in a safe, non-train station, non-sub-zero environment. The smile of a familiar face.
It's one of those weekends where you want each stage of the day to last forever. When you wake up in the morning and come downstairs to see Grandpa reading the paper and drinking his coffee. When you get all bundled up and go for a walk; The sun glittering on the new fallen snow. When you want the sensation of the cold on your face and the knowledge that there's a hot cup of cocoa waiting for you at home, to last forever. When you hear the crisp crunch of snow under your feet. When you look up from the ground and although you're in an environment you've been in hundreds of times before, and you're looking at a house you've lived in and visited every Christmas of your life; you still smile because it's the first time you've seen it this beautiful. Or even if you've never been in this certain place before, but you've seen a thousand houses like it or hundreds of lakes similar to it; It takes your breath away. Or maybe even, never in your life have your adventures ever taken you somewhere anything like this kingdom of wonder, your breath is stolen by Jubilance and returned by Awe.
It's the part of the day when you come into your home from the winter beauty to a fire. You want your complete bliss as you sit in front of the Christmas tree and warm firelight and sip your hot chocolate to last forever. You wish your dad could keep reading you Christmas stories until you fall asleep. (Which often ends up happening).
And all of a sudden it's Christmas Eve and you've said your last goodnights. you take one last look at the Christmas tree, all alite. Slowly you crawl into bed. You wish that feeling just as you slide under the covers and shimmy from the sheer happiness of the evening's happenings, could last forever.
Slowly now you lay in bed. Your breath becoming steadier and steadier by the minute. It's dark but that's ok, you've spent enough nights staring at the ceiling or wall or dimly lit doorway to know what's there. You are home and fed, and it's Christmas eve! Everyone who loves you most in the world is only a wall or two away, dreaming of picturesque snow sledding adventures.
You wish the moment just before you fall asleep and the day and your life and everything is complete, could last forever.
But you open your eyes. And you're a thousand miles from home. In a country where they don't speak your language, in a bed that isn't yours. And you start to panic and get homesick and are short of breath, "I just want to go home," you scream! Deaf ears. And it's not even Thanksgiving yet. "I'm okay," you whisper to yourself. "I'm okay." Because you have a home and loved ones and in a few months time you'll be going back to them. And you're OK. And God loves you. And that's the moment that lasts forever.
Tad
For those of you that are new to my emails, at the end of each email I thank someone that either made this trip possible or deserves a thanks from me in general. You'll have to excuse my bad grammar. Which sparks this email's thank you.
I would like to thank Ms. Goessl for always supporting me as my English teacher for two years running. She always encouraged me, and supported my writing style. Thanks Ms. Goessl!
Hello Everyone!
The list of people that my emails are reaching continues to grow! Wow! And, as always, if you were added to this list by mistake or don't want to hear about my adventures anymore, just send me an email with the subject titled "remove" and you will be removed from the list.
That settled. I'm going to try something different for this email. It's more of an experiment. Because I'm lazy, and can't remember exactly what happened after Narvik and the Northern Lights I am going to tell you guys a story. It started out as one of my daily journal entries (So please don't laugh :P) and ended up being something entirely different.
Before I get started I would like you all to know that I am in Berlin on November 9th. For those of you that don't know how important a day November 9th is, Especially for Berlin. You'll just have to go and look it up.
Here we go :)
Th 11-02-06 19.21 Boden-->Stockholm
It's been one of those weekend. One of those weekends that starts on a Monday and ends with an overnight train to Stockholm Thursday. ONe of those weekends I thank God for the breath in my chest. The last few days have been what dreams are made of....EDIT
It's the night with lit houses. Singular cottages in the snowy Scandanavian landscape.
We stayed in Boden last night because the trains from Narvik were all stopped due to bad weather. The hostel was close because it was so late, but it worked out because the most wonderful hotel was open. It was modern and clean and Jack and I watched T.V. all night. The lady who checked us in gave us the most wonderful discount. From 900 Swedish Krone down to 700. For the both of us. She said it was because it was so late, but I'm certain it was because she wanted to do something nice for us. She even allowed us to stay in the rooms until five o clock the next day because that's when our train was leaving. It's amazing, the things I miss when I'm gone from home so long. Clean linen, a real bed, laughing with a friend at a T.V. show. Staying up late in a safe, non-train station, non-sub-zero environment. The smile of a familiar face.
It's one of those weekends where you want each stage of the day to last forever. When you wake up in the morning and come downstairs to see Grandpa reading the paper and drinking his coffee. When you get all bundled up and go for a walk; The sun glittering on the new fallen snow. When you want the sensation of the cold on your face and the knowledge that there's a hot cup of cocoa waiting for you at home, to last forever. When you hear the crisp crunch of snow under your feet. When you look up from the ground and although you're in an environment you've been in hundreds of times before, and you're looking at a house you've lived in and visited every Christmas of your life; you still smile because it's the first time you've seen it this beautiful. Or even if you've never been in this certain place before, but you've seen a thousand houses like it or hundreds of lakes similar to it; It takes your breath away. Or maybe even, never in your life have your adventures ever taken you somewhere anything like this kingdom of wonder, your breath is stolen by Jubilance and returned by Awe.
It's the part of the day when you come into your home from the winter beauty to a fire. You want your complete bliss as you sit in front of the Christmas tree and warm firelight and sip your hot chocolate to last forever. You wish your dad could keep reading you Christmas stories until you fall asleep. (Which often ends up happening).
And all of a sudden it's Christmas Eve and you've said your last goodnights. you take one last look at the Christmas tree, all alite. Slowly you crawl into bed. You wish that feeling just as you slide under the covers and shimmy from the sheer happiness of the evening's happenings, could last forever.
Slowly now you lay in bed. Your breath becoming steadier and steadier by the minute. It's dark but that's ok, you've spent enough nights staring at the ceiling or wall or dimly lit doorway to know what's there. You are home and fed, and it's Christmas eve! Everyone who loves you most in the world is only a wall or two away, dreaming of picturesque snow sledding adventures.
You wish the moment just before you fall asleep and the day and your life and everything is complete, could last forever.
But you open your eyes. And you're a thousand miles from home. In a country where they don't speak your language, in a bed that isn't yours. And you start to panic and get homesick and are short of breath, "I just want to go home," you scream! Deaf ears. And it's not even Thanksgiving yet. "I'm okay," you whisper to yourself. "I'm okay." Because you have a home and loved ones and in a few months time you'll be going back to them. And you're OK. And God loves you. And that's the moment that lasts forever.
Tad
For those of you that are new to my emails, at the end of each email I thank someone that either made this trip possible or deserves a thanks from me in general. You'll have to excuse my bad grammar. Which sparks this email's thank you.
I would like to thank Ms. Goessl for always supporting me as my English teacher for two years running. She always encouraged me, and supported my writing style. Thanks Ms. Goessl!
Scandinavia Part One: On the track
Nov 6, 2006 12:05 PM
If my memory serves I left all of you in Paris. What a wonderful place to leave so many people. But I'm afraid that only a few of you know French, so I'd best bring you to Brussels. And away we go.
After Paris Jack and I took a night train to Frankfurt Germany. It was odd and circumstantial and we only spent one night there. It is , more appropriately called Bankfurt. Which makes sense considering Frankfurt is the financial center of Germany.
From Bankfurt we took a train to Brussels. What a wonderful place! And boy can they make waffles! It's like I'm here and there's chocolate and goodies and friends! We didn't spend any time in Brussels because we had to be on our way to Kristina's house. Kristina is a friend of my father's from his Up With People Days. Up With People is a non-profit organization that tours around doing community service and performing shows promoting unity. Jack and I stayed at Kristina's house for a few days.
The first day I went in to the university town near Kristina's house. I got my first Belgian waffle. They call them Brussels Waffles.
The next day Jack and I went in to Brussels for all the touristy stuff. We saw the Grand Place, got waffles, chocolate, frites (french fries, which are actually from Belgium). I ate all day long. It was wonderful.
The day after that, Jack and I headed off for Copenhagen. Jack had the best idea to go as far north as our Eurail passes could take us. Which turned out to be Narvic, Norway! We stayed a night in Copenhagen and saw the sights and grabbed Shawarma sandwiches. Two traveling travelers can subsist for quite some time solely on Shawarma sandwiches. An odd goings on was going on in Copenhagen. I couldn't figure out what the hustle and bustle was for. Quite some event was a foot. There was a giant setup being set up in the town center. Turns out the events were all for the European MTV awards.
That next day was sometime during the week that was before this one. We tried to get to Stockholm, but apparently on Sunday everybody in Sweden goes back to Stockholm. Which means you have a few million people using the rail system all headed the same place we were. So much said, Jack and I ended up spending an extra night in Copenhagen. Shawarma again.
We woke up on Monday and headed for Malmo, the jumping off point to Stockholm. A few hours later we were both on a train headed for Narvic. I was so happy to wake up the next morning on the train and see snow! Snow is meant to be seen, and cherished. Snow is cold and white and wonderfully delicious. I was extra careful on this trip not to waste all the sights to be seen. I spent hours staring out at the arctic landscape. It wasn't nearly as barren as I thought it would be.
We arrived in Narvic at 1 in the afternoon, only 20 some even hours since we left Stockholm. Narvic , Norway has to be the coolest Norwegian town I have ever been to. The Norwegian fjords, by the way are everything anyone has ever told you. Unless they told you that by drinking water from the fjords you gain infinite wisdom. In which case the Norwegian fjords would not be everything anyone has ever told you, but merely almost everything anyone has ever told you. Those dark blue waters. Those vast cliffs, falling, tumblin' into the ocean. The deadly beautiful cold they are stocked up on. So blue, almost black. Black and blue waters. Never waste a moment that could be spent experiencing something beautiful. Sweden and Norway were that experience, and for me an emotional one.
Jack and I spent the night in the nicest Hostel yet. Not that there were hordes of diverse people there, just that we had a balcony. And a kitchen. And a T.V. And very nice showers. And big comfy Down comforters. Duvets. Why is it a guy like me knows what a Duvet is?
I spent several times that night running outside to see if I could catch a glimpse of the Aurora. Around eight I started losing hope. Then this guy came into the T.V. room and said the lights were in their full glory. At first, I stepped outside and though there was a strange line of clouds stretching across the sky. But then the cloud began to dance. And dance it did! Changing green. Then this wonderful green cloud took on a more Northern light look.
If there's any other way to describe the Aurora Borealis without being surreal I'm not sure what it is. I guess we'll take a ride on a surreal boat for a while. It's time to set the scene. It's oh so cool. Slow at first, and then setup for the grand finale. Snow and ice cover the streets where you stand. You can't feel the first toe right of your big toe. Later tonight you'll have to massage feeling back into it. There are arctic houses all around. Arctic houses do not differ so much from other houses around the world, except from their location. So here you are! You've made it! Thank God. Really, thank God or thank something or someone, because it would have been impossible for you to get here on your own. I thanked God. It's been dark since three o clock this afternoon. The sunset lasted for at least an hour. The sky is very dark. Very black, a few stars are shining, but what are stars compared to the sight you're about to see. Now stare up at that black sky. Maybe you imagine constellations. I imagined infinity. Are you ready? Now, Imagine butterflies. Now, Imagine those butterflies lose their bodies, to blackness. Don't lose me now. So, bodiless butterflies flapping around the arctic sky. Giant butterflies. If you will, and please do because it will be well worth your time, imagine that these amazing creatures' wings have turned into vertical rays of sunlight. These rays are of various lengths and sizes. Take a break, maybe grab some popcorn and a coke cuz it's about to get crazy in the Northern skies. Ready? Bam! Just like that the butterflies and their divine wings start to dance. The light of their wings turns the most irradiate green. A dark, sometimes bright, haunting and somehow celestial green. They obeyed no laws of physics I'm aware of, they just danced in circles. Dancing butterflies? It's true. Maybe sometime some of you will get a chance to head up to the arctic circle and catch some rye in the northern sky. It's a great thing to see. If I learned one thing that night, it's that a beautiful moment should never be spent doing anything other than taking part in it. Unfortunately now we have to get off the surreal boat, and go back inside the Hostel. It's -15c, and I can't feel my face from staring at the lights for so long. Never have I slept with a greater feeling of life than that night I spent in Narvic, Norway.
I don't remember having any dreams that night, but my journey was far from over.
If my memory serves I left all of you in Paris. What a wonderful place to leave so many people. But I'm afraid that only a few of you know French, so I'd best bring you to Brussels. And away we go.
After Paris Jack and I took a night train to Frankfurt Germany. It was odd and circumstantial and we only spent one night there. It is , more appropriately called Bankfurt. Which makes sense considering Frankfurt is the financial center of Germany.
From Bankfurt we took a train to Brussels. What a wonderful place! And boy can they make waffles! It's like I'm here and there's chocolate and goodies and friends! We didn't spend any time in Brussels because we had to be on our way to Kristina's house. Kristina is a friend of my father's from his Up With People Days. Up With People is a non-profit organization that tours around doing community service and performing shows promoting unity. Jack and I stayed at Kristina's house for a few days.
The first day I went in to the university town near Kristina's house. I got my first Belgian waffle. They call them Brussels Waffles.
The next day Jack and I went in to Brussels for all the touristy stuff. We saw the Grand Place, got waffles, chocolate, frites (french fries, which are actually from Belgium). I ate all day long. It was wonderful.
The day after that, Jack and I headed off for Copenhagen. Jack had the best idea to go as far north as our Eurail passes could take us. Which turned out to be Narvic, Norway! We stayed a night in Copenhagen and saw the sights and grabbed Shawarma sandwiches. Two traveling travelers can subsist for quite some time solely on Shawarma sandwiches. An odd goings on was going on in Copenhagen. I couldn't figure out what the hustle and bustle was for. Quite some event was a foot. There was a giant setup being set up in the town center. Turns out the events were all for the European MTV awards.
That next day was sometime during the week that was before this one. We tried to get to Stockholm, but apparently on Sunday everybody in Sweden goes back to Stockholm. Which means you have a few million people using the rail system all headed the same place we were. So much said, Jack and I ended up spending an extra night in Copenhagen. Shawarma again.
We woke up on Monday and headed for Malmo, the jumping off point to Stockholm. A few hours later we were both on a train headed for Narvic. I was so happy to wake up the next morning on the train and see snow! Snow is meant to be seen, and cherished. Snow is cold and white and wonderfully delicious. I was extra careful on this trip not to waste all the sights to be seen. I spent hours staring out at the arctic landscape. It wasn't nearly as barren as I thought it would be.
We arrived in Narvic at 1 in the afternoon, only 20 some even hours since we left Stockholm. Narvic , Norway has to be the coolest Norwegian town I have ever been to. The Norwegian fjords, by the way are everything anyone has ever told you. Unless they told you that by drinking water from the fjords you gain infinite wisdom. In which case the Norwegian fjords would not be everything anyone has ever told you, but merely almost everything anyone has ever told you. Those dark blue waters. Those vast cliffs, falling, tumblin' into the ocean. The deadly beautiful cold they are stocked up on. So blue, almost black. Black and blue waters. Never waste a moment that could be spent experiencing something beautiful. Sweden and Norway were that experience, and for me an emotional one.
Jack and I spent the night in the nicest Hostel yet. Not that there were hordes of diverse people there, just that we had a balcony. And a kitchen. And a T.V. And very nice showers. And big comfy Down comforters. Duvets. Why is it a guy like me knows what a Duvet is?
I spent several times that night running outside to see if I could catch a glimpse of the Aurora. Around eight I started losing hope. Then this guy came into the T.V. room and said the lights were in their full glory. At first, I stepped outside and though there was a strange line of clouds stretching across the sky. But then the cloud began to dance. And dance it did! Changing green. Then this wonderful green cloud took on a more Northern light look.
If there's any other way to describe the Aurora Borealis without being surreal I'm not sure what it is. I guess we'll take a ride on a surreal boat for a while. It's time to set the scene. It's oh so cool. Slow at first, and then setup for the grand finale. Snow and ice cover the streets where you stand. You can't feel the first toe right of your big toe. Later tonight you'll have to massage feeling back into it. There are arctic houses all around. Arctic houses do not differ so much from other houses around the world, except from their location. So here you are! You've made it! Thank God. Really, thank God or thank something or someone, because it would have been impossible for you to get here on your own. I thanked God. It's been dark since three o clock this afternoon. The sunset lasted for at least an hour. The sky is very dark. Very black, a few stars are shining, but what are stars compared to the sight you're about to see. Now stare up at that black sky. Maybe you imagine constellations. I imagined infinity. Are you ready? Now, Imagine butterflies. Now, Imagine those butterflies lose their bodies, to blackness. Don't lose me now. So, bodiless butterflies flapping around the arctic sky. Giant butterflies. If you will, and please do because it will be well worth your time, imagine that these amazing creatures' wings have turned into vertical rays of sunlight. These rays are of various lengths and sizes. Take a break, maybe grab some popcorn and a coke cuz it's about to get crazy in the Northern skies. Ready? Bam! Just like that the butterflies and their divine wings start to dance. The light of their wings turns the most irradiate green. A dark, sometimes bright, haunting and somehow celestial green. They obeyed no laws of physics I'm aware of, they just danced in circles. Dancing butterflies? It's true. Maybe sometime some of you will get a chance to head up to the arctic circle and catch some rye in the northern sky. It's a great thing to see. If I learned one thing that night, it's that a beautiful moment should never be spent doing anything other than taking part in it. Unfortunately now we have to get off the surreal boat, and go back inside the Hostel. It's -15c, and I can't feel my face from staring at the lights for so long. Never have I slept with a greater feeling of life than that night I spent in Narvic, Norway.
I don't remember having any dreams that night, but my journey was far from over.
Where to begin?
Nov 5, 2006 4:07 AM
I'm trying to figure out where I left off. The last email I sent I think I was in Paris and that was quite a long time ago. What has Tad been up to? What is he spending all his parents money on? How many people has he met, and did he ever make it out of that terrible snowstorm in Stockholm yet?
All those questions and more will be answered tomorrow, when I haven't been riding trains for 46 hours straight. I'll give you guys some pictures to look at while you're waiting though
http://picasaweb.google.com/AtrumUrbanExile/Teaser
Tad!
I'm trying to figure out where I left off. The last email I sent I think I was in Paris and that was quite a long time ago. What has Tad been up to? What is he spending all his parents money on? How many people has he met, and did he ever make it out of that terrible snowstorm in Stockholm yet?
All those questions and more will be answered tomorrow, when I haven't been riding trains for 46 hours straight. I'll give you guys some pictures to look at while you're waiting though
http://picasaweb.google.com
Tad!
A Snowstorm!
Nov 2, 2006 7:36 AM
Hello Everyone!
Hello Everyone!
This just gets better and better! Night before last I was standing in the middle of a street in Narvic oggling at the Northern lights. Now I'm stuck in Boden because of a giant snowstorm that stopped all the train traffic! Will I ever make it back to Brussels by Saturday, just in time for the premiere of the European Up With People? Will I be stuck in Northern Sweeden for the rest of my life and have to live as a snowshoveler? Who knows? The suspense is killing me. really. I do however, have a very special treat that includes amazing pictures of the far far North. When I get back to Brussels....::sigh::
I'm in Narvik, Norway!
Oct 27, 2006 9:23 AM
Hey guys!
Jack and I took a gamble and made it to Narvik, Norway! It's amazing here. Amazing and cold. Wowee. I'll let you guys look on a map and find out where Narvik is. It took a twenty hour train ride just to get here, and it was well worth it. I'm going to go outside and see if I can catch a glimpse of the famous Aurora Borealis! I'll make sure to catch you guys up on how I got here when I get back to Brussels.
Tad
Hey guys!
Jack and I took a gamble and made it to Narvik, Norway! It's amazing here. Amazing and cold. Wowee. I'll let you guys look on a map and find out where Narvik is. It took a twenty hour train ride just to get here, and it was well worth it. I'm going to go outside and see if I can catch a glimpse of the famous Aurora Borealis! I'll make sure to catch you guys up on how I got here when I get back to Brussels.
Tad
New Pictures!
Oct 27, 2006 9:23 AM
Hey guys!
Just wanted to let you know I added another photo album with all my new pictures of Paris and Frankfurt and Belgium and some other places. Go ahead, check it out! You can also leave comments on the pictures themselves, if it so moves you to do so. I miss you all!
http://picasaweb.google.com/AtrumUrbanExile
Tad
Hey guys!
Just wanted to let you know I added another photo album with all my new pictures of Paris and Frankfurt and Belgium and some other places. Go ahead, check it out! You can also leave comments on the pictures themselves, if it so moves you to do so. I miss you all!
http://picasaweb.google.com
Tad
Hey Guys!
Oct 26, 2006 9:33 AM
I just wanted to let you know, I've deleted my old photo album. It was only a small piece of the first part of my trip. Instead I have replaced it with the far superior Full Length Feature Album. All 188 super awesome photos can be found by following this link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/AtrumUrbanExile/FullPicturesFromTheFirstPartOfMyTrip
And if it's not actually a link, then just copy and paste the url.
I also wanted to tell you all that I love hearing from you! I know I'm out and about seeing and doing things, but I know you are too! So keep those emails coming because I love to hear what your all up to.
Tad
I just wanted to let you know, I've deleted my old photo album. It was only a small piece of the first part of my trip. Instead I have replaced it with the far superior Full Length Feature Album. All 188 super awesome photos can be found by following this link:
http://picasaweb.google.com
And if it's not actually a link, then just copy and paste the url.
I also wanted to tell you all that I love hearing from you! I know I'm out and about seeing and doing things, but I know you are too! So keep those emails coming because I love to hear what your all up to.
Tad
France part 2: City of Lights
Oct 22, 2006 2:52 PM
Wow. What an awesome adventure! Sorry about my last email being so short, I didn't have much time left and the keyboard I was using wasn't so great. But now you all get to hear about what I wonderful place Europe is and add France to your list of places you have to go before you think anywhere else is more important.
It's truly amazing here. I was walking around Versailles yesterday and I thought to myself "How odd and incomplete would it have been if never, not once in my life, did I ever visit this amazing place. And how odd is it going to be when I ask someone the question 'have you ever been to Versailles?' and the answer comes out a regrettable 'no'." Constantly I am confronted by people travelling who's very soul seems to be set on the fact that the places they go and the people they meet are more than simply "travelling companions" or "vacations". Travelling musicians in particular are very nice and the most genuine people I've ever met. I don't' remember if I told you all about the Hungarians Jack and I met in Holyhead before we caught our ferry to Dublin. They were so kind, and so warm.
There's a lot out there, and it's all part of the world we live in.
Gosh, my last email before last seems like it was forever and a country ago. I'm pretty sure I left off in Killarney.
Jack and I stayed in Killarney that night and then caught the bus slightly north up to Dingle. Dingle Town is very nice and quaint. We stayed the night in a very hip hippy hostel called the "Rainbow Hostel". The next day Jack and I climbed the hill behind the hostel. The day after that we hung out and started to plan our trip on the continent. It was good we took a day off because that night we met Bjorne from the Netherlands. What a great guy! We got to talking and the subject of cards came up and he mentioned that he was a veteran of Texas Hold 'em. So we got up a game, and had a good time. Even though I felt like I robbed him blind when I beat both he and Jack. A four euro victory for the books. woohoo! Then we got to talking even more and Bjorne mentioned that he was driving to Cork the next morning to pick up a friend from the airport. Jack and I didn't realise it at first but we soon came to our senses and remembered that we were going to Cork tomorrow too! So Bjorne, Jack and I all set off to Cork on one of the most beautiful and scenic drive yet. On the way the Netherlander told us all about his homeland and the do's and don't's of Holland.
Jack and I stayed one night in Cork, didn't do much sight seeing, tried to catch a bus to Rosslare to take the ferry, the bus station caught on fire so we had to take the train, and ended up spending the night in Dublin. I'm not sure how we missed Isaac's hostel the first time we went to Dublin. It was far better than the eastern Bloc'ish hostel we stayed in the first time. Jack and I got up in the morning and caught the train to Rosslare. Jack got off the train in Wexford to find us a hostel for the night and I continued on to the harbour to buy our ferry tickets. It's a good thing too because the ferry sailed the next day and prices on tickets almost double for the day of sail! The hostel in Wexford had nice rooms, and a smallish kitchen.
Wednesday we sailed for France!
Like many Irish before myself I couldn't help but feel the rush of going to a new land, with new adventures. And new adventures did we find! The ferry was nice enough and took only a modest 19 hours. It was the size of a small cruise ship, and the trip brought back memories of my cruise with my grand parents and family in my eighth grad year. Ah nostalgia.
And then, France! I wasn't sure before I came here if I would be able to tell the difference between France and anywhere else I have travelled (as far as houses and plant life and whatnot are concerned) but I can. With all the WW2 video games that I have played, the names of French towns suddenly come back to me Carentan and many more. As Jack and I rode the train to Bayeux I began to recall the way the farmhouses are laid out as well as the undulation? of the ground and hills. I could almost see Axis and Ally troops sneaking through the forests, thousands of miles away from the countries they were defending, not even a mile away from the country they were trying to liberate. It was touching to say the least. There is so much history every where I look.
Jack and I spent the night in Bayeux and would have taken a bus tour of the Normandy beaches had it not been outrageously expensive. Another day I'll come back and see them. It's the past of it all that gets me. The next morning we met Katy and found out she was headed to Paris as well.
That night Jack, Katy and I saw the sights of Paris! And what sights they were! The Eiffel tower is amazing, as well as the Arc 'de Triumf, the Louvre (which we didn't actually go into until today) and Notre Dame(which rocks). I think Paris is the kind of place that is visited once in passing and then a second time with one's significant other. If only to share the splendor of the City of Lights. But I can't say for sure.
As I said earlier, yesterday we went to Versaille. A place of grandeur and excess, and the epitomy of wealth. I was most impressed by the Grand Canal and all the crew teams that practice on it.
This morning Jack, Katy and I went to the Louvre(which is a necessity for every good tourist as I may be) I haven't seen Jack or Katy since because I got lost in it(the Louvre) but I hope to meet them back at the hostel soon. Our hostel is ok, btw, but has no kitchen :( oh well. And now I take my leave for Brussels. I hope :).
Love,
Tad
Today I would like to thank Katy for Interpreting for us and making Jack and my French language barrier not big at all.
Wow. What an awesome adventure! Sorry about my last email being so short, I didn't have much time left and the keyboard I was using wasn't so great. But now you all get to hear about what I wonderful place Europe is and add France to your list of places you have to go before you think anywhere else is more important.
It's truly amazing here. I was walking around Versailles yesterday and I thought to myself "How odd and incomplete would it have been if never, not once in my life, did I ever visit this amazing place. And how odd is it going to be when I ask someone the question 'have you ever been to Versailles?' and the answer comes out a regrettable 'no'." Constantly I am confronted by people travelling who's very soul seems to be set on the fact that the places they go and the people they meet are more than simply "travelling companions" or "vacations". Travelling musicians in particular are very nice and the most genuine people I've ever met. I don't' remember if I told you all about the Hungarians Jack and I met in Holyhead before we caught our ferry to Dublin. They were so kind, and so warm.
There's a lot out there, and it's all part of the world we live in.
Gosh, my last email before last seems like it was forever and a country ago. I'm pretty sure I left off in Killarney.
Jack and I stayed in Killarney that night and then caught the bus slightly north up to Dingle. Dingle Town is very nice and quaint. We stayed the night in a very hip hippy hostel called the "Rainbow Hostel". The next day Jack and I climbed the hill behind the hostel. The day after that we hung out and started to plan our trip on the continent. It was good we took a day off because that night we met Bjorne from the Netherlands. What a great guy! We got to talking and the subject of cards came up and he mentioned that he was a veteran of Texas Hold 'em. So we got up a game, and had a good time. Even though I felt like I robbed him blind when I beat both he and Jack. A four euro victory for the books. woohoo! Then we got to talking even more and Bjorne mentioned that he was driving to Cork the next morning to pick up a friend from the airport. Jack and I didn't realise it at first but we soon came to our senses and remembered that we were going to Cork tomorrow too! So Bjorne, Jack and I all set off to Cork on one of the most beautiful and scenic drive yet. On the way the Netherlander told us all about his homeland and the do's and don't's of Holland.
Jack and I stayed one night in Cork, didn't do much sight seeing, tried to catch a bus to Rosslare to take the ferry, the bus station caught on fire so we had to take the train, and ended up spending the night in Dublin. I'm not sure how we missed Isaac's hostel the first time we went to Dublin. It was far better than the eastern Bloc'ish hostel we stayed in the first time. Jack and I got up in the morning and caught the train to Rosslare. Jack got off the train in Wexford to find us a hostel for the night and I continued on to the harbour to buy our ferry tickets. It's a good thing too because the ferry sailed the next day and prices on tickets almost double for the day of sail! The hostel in Wexford had nice rooms, and a smallish kitchen.
Wednesday we sailed for France!
Like many Irish before myself I couldn't help but feel the rush of going to a new land, with new adventures. And new adventures did we find! The ferry was nice enough and took only a modest 19 hours. It was the size of a small cruise ship, and the trip brought back memories of my cruise with my grand parents and family in my eighth grad year. Ah nostalgia.
And then, France! I wasn't sure before I came here if I would be able to tell the difference between France and anywhere else I have travelled (as far as houses and plant life and whatnot are concerned) but I can. With all the WW2 video games that I have played, the names of French towns suddenly come back to me Carentan and many more. As Jack and I rode the train to Bayeux I began to recall the way the farmhouses are laid out as well as the undulation? of the ground and hills. I could almost see Axis and Ally troops sneaking through the forests, thousands of miles away from the countries they were defending, not even a mile away from the country they were trying to liberate. It was touching to say the least. There is so much history every where I look.
Jack and I spent the night in Bayeux and would have taken a bus tour of the Normandy beaches had it not been outrageously expensive. Another day I'll come back and see them. It's the past of it all that gets me. The next morning we met Katy and found out she was headed to Paris as well.
That night Jack, Katy and I saw the sights of Paris! And what sights they were! The Eiffel tower is amazing, as well as the Arc 'de Triumf, the Louvre (which we didn't actually go into until today) and Notre Dame(which rocks). I think Paris is the kind of place that is visited once in passing and then a second time with one's significant other. If only to share the splendor of the City of Lights. But I can't say for sure.
As I said earlier, yesterday we went to Versaille. A place of grandeur and excess, and the epitomy of wealth. I was most impressed by the Grand Canal and all the crew teams that practice on it.
This morning Jack, Katy and I went to the Louvre(which is a necessity for every good tourist as I may be) I haven't seen Jack or Katy since because I got lost in it(the Louvre) but I hope to meet them back at the hostel soon. Our hostel is ok, btw, but has no kitchen :( oh well. And now I take my leave for Brussels. I hope :).
Love,
Tad
Today I would like to thank Katy for Interpreting for us and making Jack and my French language barrier not big at all.
Holy Cow I'm in Paris!
Oct 21, 2006 8:21 AM
I don't have much time but I'm in Paris! Can you believe it!? And it's wonderful! what a wonderful wonderful city. except that I don't speak french. But that's ok cuz Jack and I met this really awesome girl from california who's going to college in Boston and she speaks french very well, so she took us around Paris yesterday! what a treat!
Tad
I don't have much time but I'm in Paris! Can you believe it!? And it's wonderful! what a wonderful wonderful city. except that I don't speak french. But that's ok cuz Jack and I met this really awesome girl from california who's going to college in Boston and she speaks french very well, so she took us around Paris yesterday! what a treat!
Pictures! (and movies too!)
Oct 12, 2006 6:32 PM
So, after long and ingenious computer working skillz I've managed to upload a few select pictures from my wonderful journey. They can be viewed at
So, after long and ingenious computer working skillz I've managed to upload a few select pictures from my wonderful journey. They can be viewed at
I also have 3 short videos I took that are availabe for 7 days to download from
Happy viewing!
Love,
Tad
Ireland, It's mine Part 2: There can only be one Highlander!
Oct 11, 2006 5:49 PM
Oct. 5 I spent all day cooking delicious food from a bunch of very friendly Italian guys. They're all looking for work and when they're not looking for work they're making delicious food. It's the funnest time I've had yet. Jack and I went exploring on the coast and it was wet and rainy and very very awesome. Very beautiful. The vast expanse of grey water and it's impending grandeur. I loved it all.
Oct. 5 I spent all day cooking delicious food from a bunch of very friendly Italian guys. They're all looking for work and when they're not looking for work they're making delicious food. It's the funnest time I've had yet. Jack and I went exploring on the coast and it was wet and rainy and very very awesome. Very beautiful. The vast expanse of grey water and it's impending grandeur. I loved it all.
That night was spent dreaming and reading. That was Thursday. What a day!
What even a more awesome day was Friday.
Friday Jack and I woke up and headed off to the Aran Island of Inish Mor. I think that's how you spell it. Jack and I both agreed that Inish Mor was the Ireland we had come to see. Miles of walls built from rocks that had been pulled by hand from the ground. From the tallest point on the Island it looked like a green checkerboard sprinkled with rice. Rice being the sheep that Inish Mor is famous for. Aran Sweaters! Irish Wool! We hiked all day and joked about Dane Cook's take on that lady who got hit in the head by a tire at a car race. From the lookout point up on the highest point Jack and I descended to the raging sea beating constantly on the most amazing cliffs I've ever seen. What a scene it was! I felt like I was in a movie. Which has become quite a normality here in Ireland. We then saw the oldest Celtic fort ever! But not really. It was built around 2000 B.C. I am Tad's inability to comprehend expanses of time greater than about 18 years. What a truly wonderful place. Since Jack and I were working cleaning the hostel in the morning in order to pay for our lodging, we figured to stay another day.
Saturday, what a crazy crazy day.
A group of Germans came to the island to stay in our hostel. And then another group of Germans came to the island to stay in our hostel. I liked the second group better. The first was odd, and not too talkative. We all stayed up late speaking of philosophy and politics and music, and everything that makes life the way it is. It was so nice to talk with them and learn about Germany and how they see things.
Sunday, the Travel Day.
Sunday we worked in the morning and missed the 12 o'clock ferry so we had to stick around until the 5 o'clock ferry. We came back into Galway around seven and made dinner and crashed.
Monday we took a Bus to Killarney, which is where I currently reside. The hostel here is called Neptune's and has a great mural of the god of the ocean himself painted on it's side. Jack and I have been here three days already and boy has it flown by! When we first came in, there was no looking about, we simply went to bed.
Tuesday, Castles abounded!
The national park here in Killarney is very different from the national parks of the states, but it is nice none-the-less. Paved roads everywhere, and fences everywhere as well divide it from the national forest and parks from home. Jack and I slept in and set off towards Ross Castle on the coolest lake ever! It was really gorgeous and I'm currently in the process of putting together a slide show or something so you guys can see all the pictures I've been taking of myself. And a few of the scenery.
Today, today is Wednesday.
This morning we rented bikes and set out for the most beautiful view in Ireland. Well, the bike shop guy said it was the most beautiful view in Ireland, and I'm semi-inclined to agree with him, except that there was no ocean. Then Jack and I biked to Mount Torc. More of a hill really, but half way up we were confronted by an impenetrable fortress of plants. I think Jack called them, and I know I'm going to butcher this, "Rhododendron"? something like that. Just got back in to town and thought I'd let you all know what I've been up to for the past few days.
Miss you all dearly,
Tad
Today I would like to thank my two beautiful and wonderful sisters. They have been the best sisters a guy could ask for and their often upbeat attitudes have brightened my darkest days. I love you both.
Ireland, It's mine: Part 1
Oct 4, 2006 9:31 PM
Allo All!
Allo All!
What's to say?
Monday I met Jack in London. And what a meeting it was! I woke up at 4:15 to get on the bus to London on Sunday. Little did I know that the buses in Cambridge on a dark and cold early Sunday morning only begin to run at 9. So I had a long walk ahead of me to the train station and my train, which actually turned out to be a bus, station at 6:15. A pleasant enough journey landed me in London. I had ridden the subway system before there but I learned it was much cheaper just to buy a day pass. The underground proved to be very cheap after that!
Walking into the lounge area at the Victoria Astor hostel in London I saw Jack. kicking him nicely I said, "stupid bloody American" and we caught up the rest of the afternoon. We also got to see all the sights London tower and bridge and all, and got to sleep. We woke up in the morning ate breakfast and headed out for what we hoped would be a days journey to Dublin.
24 hours later we arrived in London. The trains were delayed again and again and we were very tired by the time we got there.
Dublin is a nice place with lots of drunk and crazy people. Swear words and waving fists at careening buses were not easy to miss. Later that night, which was Tuesday, we sat down for a pint at the something something Pub. I can't remember the name but it was very famous and probably important.
Our hostel however was less than desirable; with bloody lights in the room from all the flies that met their maker, holes in the floor; laundry hanging out the window to dry and warped and wooded stairs. I definitely felt like I had stepped into the eastern bloc. It was good to get a nights rest though.
Today we arrived in Galway. Our hostel here is heaven. I am completely happy. The people are some warm in Ireland and the land is at least as beautiful. At heart I know I came from here, some time. We're about to head to a ska concert and it should be loads of fun.
Love,
Tad
Adventures in the U.K. part 4: The Awakening
Sep 29, 2006 12:42 PM
Hello All,
I haven't sent out a mass email in a while because I spent my Internet budget for the last few days on a box of delicious chocolate chip cookies! :)
I left off last time when I was in Oxford. Now I am in Cambridge. I like Cambridge more than I like Oxford but I didn't really spend too much time in Oxford.
I got in to Cambridge in the afternoon some time, and set off to find where I was going to sleep. The Hostel had some room, but it was just over £20 per night and the campsites are about a quarter of that so I'm sleeping in a tent again. It's a very nice tent though. But there's always one or two ants that seem to be able to get in. I've never once gotten wet from the rain even though it rains nearly every day.
Wednesday I met up with Owen, a traceur (parkourer) here in Cambridge and we trained all morning. I tripped my feet jumping over a rail and slammed down onto a brick flower bed. My leg went bum and I couldn't train at all the rest of the day. Oh well. At about 11 we met up with a guy named Tim, or Tom, something like that. People here talk funny. He's a Traceur on the Urban Freeflow team, which I'm personally not to fond of but he's an OK guy. A breaker as well, or break dancer, as they call them here. I learned more about parkour as an ability to know one's own body and move through one's environment.
Yesterday I just bummed around town and read in the park, and ate my bread and meat and cheese. I spent a few hours in the Christian Science reading room catching up on my world events.
Today I'm walking around again, continuing to plan my itinerary for when Jack gets here and we hit the main land. Like a tornado. That rides trains. and stays in hostels.
Sorry it was so boring but I had to make sure you all know I'm still alive. I'm going to start thanking people or groups of people that contributed to my being able to make this trip possible at the end of each email. Let me know if you want to be removed from this mailing list. I won't be offended. :)
ta ta for now, Thanks for reading!
Tad
Today I would like to give thanks to my parents. They have always supported me and encouraged my will to travel. They are not only my financial backing but also a spiritual support team there for me 24/7. I Love you both very much.
Hello All,
I haven't sent out a mass email in a while because I spent my Internet budget for the last few days on a box of delicious chocolate chip cookies! :)
I left off last time when I was in Oxford. Now I am in Cambridge. I like Cambridge more than I like Oxford but I didn't really spend too much time in Oxford.
I got in to Cambridge in the afternoon some time, and set off to find where I was going to sleep. The Hostel had some room, but it was just over £20 per night and the campsites are about a quarter of that so I'm sleeping in a tent again. It's a very nice tent though. But there's always one or two ants that seem to be able to get in. I've never once gotten wet from the rain even though it rains nearly every day.
Wednesday I met up with Owen, a traceur (parkourer) here in Cambridge and we trained all morning. I tripped my feet jumping over a rail and slammed down onto a brick flower bed. My leg went bum and I couldn't train at all the rest of the day. Oh well. At about 11 we met up with a guy named Tim, or Tom, something like that. People here talk funny. He's a Traceur on the Urban Freeflow team, which I'm personally not to fond of but he's an OK guy. A breaker as well, or break dancer, as they call them here. I learned more about parkour as an ability to know one's own body and move through one's environment.
Yesterday I just bummed around town and read in the park, and ate my bread and meat and cheese. I spent a few hours in the Christian Science reading room catching up on my world events.
Today I'm walking around again, continuing to plan my itinerary for when Jack gets here and we hit the main land. Like a tornado. That rides trains. and stays in hostels.
Sorry it was so boring but I had to make sure you all know I'm still alive. I'm going to start thanking people or groups of people that contributed to my being able to make this trip possible at the end of each email. Let me know if you want to be removed from this mailing list. I won't be offended. :)
ta ta for now, Thanks for reading!
Tad
Today I would like to give thanks to my parents. They have always supported me and encouraged my will to travel. They are not only my financial backing but also a spiritual support team there for me 24/7. I Love you both very much.
Adventures in the U.K. Part 3: Route 45
Sep 25, 2006 3:18 PM
Hello all!
And if you have recently been added to my mailing list, I'm sorry for inflicting my heroic stories on you. And I'll try to catch you up, and maybe fill in some missing cracks.
Last week was sooo much fun! I stayed my first night in London and saw all there was to see there. Which is lots of people and even more of my money. What's your money doing in London Tad? recirculating.
Then I headed off the Salisbury. Salisbury has three things. 1: a very pretty town and lots of very nice people. 2: One of the only cathedrals built in a single architectural style (classic Gothic), because it was built so quickly, with a several little old tour guides; one of which has big bushy eyebrows and spiders that like to get tangled in them. and 3: Stonehenge.
I walked to Stonehenge, a 16 mile trek all together, but very worth while. It was amazing hiking to Stonehenge because you really get a feeling for what it was like to approach the site over the rolling English hills. If you can, imagine I'm saying all of this in an English accent. That's better. I set off towards Stonehenge with only the slightest idea of where I was headed. All I knew was there existed a small arrow at the top of my map that said, "To Stonehenge" so, I followed my instincts and kept my head about me. After I had been hiking for about a half hour I saw a sign that had a symbol of a bike and the number '45' under it. I remembered that one of the maps I had seen back at my camp ground, had a trail labeled 45 and had been going in the general direction of Stonehenge. So, I went with it. Four hours later I saw those giant pillars of rock jutting out of the ground in front of me. What an adventure!
For food I buy rolls, meats and cheeses at the grocery stores and build my own sandwiches whenever I'm hungry. One morning I wanted some eggs but had no way to cook them. Sooooo I shook them up in my nalgene and drank them. bleh. Next time I ever suggest it, remind me what a stupid idea it is. England is gorgeous! For the most part I've been staying at Camping and Carravanning sights, which are very nice.
Sunday I headed off to Oxford, which is where I currently reside. Oxford is a nice tourist ridden town with like ninety billion universities. Apparently over here it's called a vacation to come and watch people learning. It's funny because most of the museums here are free while you have to pay to get in to see the Universities. I'm still trying to get in contact with a Professor and his wife that are friends of friends but they have yet to email me back. Oh well.
I've arranged to go parkouring with some UK chaps on Wednesday in Cambridge and I can't wait!
That's all for now
Tad
Hello all!
And if you have recently been added to my mailing list, I'm sorry for inflicting my heroic stories on you. And I'll try to catch you up, and maybe fill in some missing cracks.
Last week was sooo much fun! I stayed my first night in London and saw all there was to see there. Which is lots of people and even more of my money. What's your money doing in London Tad? recirculating.
Then I headed off the Salisbury. Salisbury has three things. 1: a very pretty town and lots of very nice people. 2: One of the only cathedrals built in a single architectural style (classic Gothic), because it was built so quickly, with a several little old tour guides; one of which has big bushy eyebrows and spiders that like to get tangled in them. and 3: Stonehenge.
I walked to Stonehenge, a 16 mile trek all together, but very worth while. It was amazing hiking to Stonehenge because you really get a feeling for what it was like to approach the site over the rolling English hills. If you can, imagine I'm saying all of this in an English accent. That's better. I set off towards Stonehenge with only the slightest idea of where I was headed. All I knew was there existed a small arrow at the top of my map that said, "To Stonehenge" so, I followed my instincts and kept my head about me. After I had been hiking for about a half hour I saw a sign that had a symbol of a bike and the number '45' under it. I remembered that one of the maps I had seen back at my camp ground, had a trail labeled 45 and had been going in the general direction of Stonehenge. So, I went with it. Four hours later I saw those giant pillars of rock jutting out of the ground in front of me. What an adventure!
For food I buy rolls, meats and cheeses at the grocery stores and build my own sandwiches whenever I'm hungry. One morning I wanted some eggs but had no way to cook them. Sooooo I shook them up in my nalgene and drank them. bleh. Next time I ever suggest it, remind me what a stupid idea it is. England is gorgeous! For the most part I've been staying at Camping and Carravanning sights, which are very nice.
Sunday I headed off to Oxford, which is where I currently reside. Oxford is a nice tourist ridden town with like ninety billion universities. Apparently over here it's called a vacation to come and watch people learning. It's funny because most of the museums here are free while you have to pay to get in to see the Universities. I'm still trying to get in contact with a Professor and his wife that are friends of friends but they have yet to email me back. Oh well.
I've arranged to go parkouring with some UK chaps on Wednesday in Cambridge and I can't wait!
That's all for now
Tad
Adventures in the U.K. part two: No Room in the INN
Sep 22, 2006 10:10 AM
I know it's only a day later but I didn't quite finish yesterday, and I have quite alot of time to kill before Jack gets here, so here we go, "Adventures in the U.K. part two: No Room in the INN"
I know it's only a day later but I didn't quite finish yesterday, and I have quite alot of time to kill before Jack gets here, so here we go, "Adventures in the U.K. part two: No Room in the INN"
So I finished up my long day in London walking around and seeing all the sights. I finally made it to Dali Universe. Which, I'm sorry to say, I was not impressed with. They had a good deal of his sculptures and probably a hundred or so of his scketches and such and such, but the exhibit did not have a single painting. I admire his paintings most so this came as a dissapointment. I did however get a greater feel for what a good artist he was but that's about it.
Then to finish up the day I took a train to Salisbury intent on seeing stonehenge. The Youth Hostel there had no room so I had to walk 30 minutes out of town to find the nicest campsite ever. They have really nice showers and a laundry room and all that good stuff. I've been staying there the past few nights. I saw the Salisbury Cathedral which was very impressive yesterday and today I intend to walk to Stonehenge.
That's about it I guess. Until part three,
Tad
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