Last Roll

This is the roll that I tried to develop in Madrid and almost lost it. My new friend Linnea and Jolanda picked it up for me and just emailed it to me. Enjoy:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11194305@N05/

Second to Last Roll

There is one more roll that has more of my Italy pictures. I will hopefully have those soon. In the mean time:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11194305@N05/

The End

So friends, family, and songbirds my trip is winding down fast. Faster than I have expected. I am at my last hostel, and am flying out tomorrow morning. My adventures are ending. I appreciate you all coming along with me. The comments on the blog and just knowing people were reading were a reminder I have many people all over who love me. That came in useful, for times in like Prague which were cold, rainy, and lonely.

I do have two rolls of film that you have yet to see. I will get them up here soon. I am also putting a book together that I have designed in my head already. So, also look out for that.

In case you weren't counting you have tracked me through nine different countries: Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, France, Italy, The Vatican, and Spain. You have also tracked me through thirty-three different cities:
Bruxelles (BE)
Gent (BE)
Amsterdam (NL)
Texel (NL)
Kassel (DE)
Greifswald (DE)
Berlin (DE)
Praha (CZ)
Muchen (DE)
Freiburg im Breisgau (DE)
Weil am Rhein (DE)
Basel (CH)
Geneve (CH)
Vesancy (FR)
Vicenza (IT)
Thiene (IT)
Cogollo del Cengio (IT)
Tresche Conca (IT)
Asiago (IT)
Bassano (IT)
Venezia (IT)
Firenze (IT)
Roma (IT)
Riomaggiore (IT)
Manarola (IT)
Corniglia (IT)
Vernazza (IT)
Monterosso al Mare (IT)
Pisa (IT)
Madrid (ES)
Barcelona (ES)
Cerbere (FR)
Paris (FR)

Thank you to all who have read. Looking forward to seeing all of you soon.

JOEL

Paris

I got into Paris early this morning. My first priority was to ditch my pack for the day. My second priority was to hit up the Eiffel Tower area before the tourists hit it. I did manage to do this, but as I was leaving I was being overtaken.

My next stop was the Musée Jacquemart-André, which came highly recommended from my friend Susan who I visited in the Geneva area. I made the hard decision to skip the Louvre, and boy I am glad I picked this one instead. It was spectacular! It was couple of amateur art lovers who built their collection and estate and then left it to the State in their will. Now it is on public display, for almost 100 years now. So, with the audio guide, you walk from room to room hearing about their collection and the story of their lives and how they used the rooms. Most of the rooms I was in I was alone! So, this was a lot better choice than the Louvre considering the short amount of time I had. I will save it for another trip.

Next, I hit up a market for some snacks and found a beautiful park for lunch and a nap. I saw the Notre Dame (not Chartres) and the Pompidou Center.

I hoped another train. I am in Brussels for the night and am flying out tomorrow morning.

JOEL

Cerbere, France

My overnight ticket from Barcelona to Paris had short layover in the border/coastal city of Cerbere. I was getting rapidly sick of the city life and a day on the coast sounded wonderful. So, I headed out of Barcelona earlier then planned and arrived in the afternoon.

Of course the train station had lockers but had closed them down for security reasons. So, I had nowhere to ditch my pack. I ended up heading for the beach pack and all. I quickly found the very small center of town. I started heading up the mountain outside of town and found a path leading down to the water. I found a slip of crystal clear blue beach with only a couple of other friends on it. I enjoyed multiple swims and just laying out. It was wonderfully relaxing. The Mediterranean seems incredibly concentrated, at least that portion, I was floating like descriptions I have heard of the Dead Sea.

My train to Paris was better than my last over night train. I actually had a reclining seat and I slept!

JOEL

Spanish Cooking Class

I caved last night and did my first thing that is catered to tourist. No I did not do a bright red double decker bus tour. I saw a poster in my hostel for a group doing a cooking class three nights a week. It caught my eye and it seemed like a way I could be social in Barcelona since I wasn't really meeting people in my hostel.

All the courses of dinner were deliciously explained how to prepare them and their history. We started with Sangria, which we continued to make jug after jug throughout dinner (A Canadian and I taught the Aussies and New Zealanders at our table the word pitcher, they kept thinking we were saying picture.

Next came some tapas, gazpacho, and paella. The woman leading the class had been vegetarian for 10 years, so she made a separate little pan of paella for those three veggies in the class. She said she always caters to the veggies, even if there is only one.

I am heading up to the coast of France sometime this afternoon. To the town of Cerbere. It is a coastal town where my overnight train to Paris is leaving from.

Coming quickly to an end. See many of you soon.

JOEL

Barcelona!

I had a pretty painful overnight train from Madrid to Barcelona this morning. But, I was able to check into my hostel this morning and take a shower which has been nice.

I was in a cabin that held 8 people, and there were 8 in there. I had to escape. I ending up spending the night in the loud, bright, reeking of fried food dining car. I got small spurts of sleep. It was glorious.

I have a full day ahead of me exploring all that Barcelona has to offer. Tomorrow at 5pm I hop another overnighter to Paris. Hopefully that will go better.

Adios.

JOEL

Madrid

Yes friends. I have made the jump over to beautiful España. Madrid is a gorgeous city with an extravagant metro system, beautiful parks and piazzas, wonderful museums, tones of character, and delicious food.

I got in and found my fairly nice hostel. I connected with Anne at my hostel, her friend that was also for New Zealand headed out for the evening last night. We did some walking and ended up at Irish pub somehow, but then made it to a more Madrid kind of place and drank a delicious pitcher of Sangria.

Today I explored Parque del Buen Retiro with two other friends from my hostel from Australia, Luke and Georgia. We had blast walking around this massive park in the middle of the city. We then hit up the free day at the art museum, Reina Sofia.

I also made a stupid mistake that I don´t feeling like getting into too much. I dropped off my roll of Italy at a one hour photo. I did not get back to it until 4pm today, and they closed at 2pm! The problem is I am leaving tonight. Two additional friends that I know made because of the situation are saving me, I found them at my hostel. I gave them all the info and they are picking the photos up for me. Needless to say, the photos of Italy will be delayed in getting up here. I am very very bummed because I wanted to see them so bad.

Alright, that is all I have time for now. I am heading out. I am doing an overnight train this evening to Barcelona! You will hear from me there.

Adios.

JOEL

Tips, Elbows, and Taps

From Cinque Terre, I took a train to Pisa. I had a short time in Pisa. About a half an hour to literally run to the Duomo to the see the tower and then run back to the train station. I had an 11:25am flight to catch from Pisa to Madrid.

I was flying a new airline, Vueling, which does not have the most space on their planes, probably because most of their flight are under two hours, some only minutes. I really wanted to hit up Spain, but did not like the idea of long train rides up the Italian and French coasts. I simply did not have the time or sanity for the train. So, I scooped up a cheap plane ticket.

Tips, Elbows, and Taps. These are the nicknames I gave to those in the seats around me. I had a running commentary in my head for the entire flight and would talk about my new ¨friends.¨ The man that I nicknamed Tips was for some unknown reason trying his hardest to recline his seat. The amount of reclining he was getting in now way could of made him more comfortable, unless he was getting comfort from comfort bank that was slowly depleting. Then we have Elbows, the lovely woman next to me who maybe was mistaking me pulling far away from her as non verbals for shove your elbows into my arm. Then there was Taps, which was the boy next to Elbows hitting is seat repeatedly which would vibrate the row of three seats. The baby kicking the seat behind me also coined the nickname Taps.

I survived the flight. I am now enjoying España!

JOEL

Riomaggiore

I am back. I am still alive and the journey keeps going. The internet access in Cinque Terre was no too accessible, so that attributes to the lack of updates.

The hostel I stayed in was in the first of five villages that make Cinque Terre. The first village, Riomaggiore, is stunningly beautiful along with the other villages. I don't think you could call the place I stayed in a hostel, I would call it more a private ocean side Villa house.

After some hard late and missed trains coming from Roma, I made it to the hostel office in downtown Riomaggiore. The woman took me and two other fellow backpackers up winding little streets and stair cases for what seemed forever with our heavy packs. After being out of breath and sweaty she brought us to this house overlooking the brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean. It was the most amazing place with a beautiful terrace. Don´t worry I took many pictures.

After our trek up the mountain, my two newly bonded friends (Tracy and Pete) and I decided we were in for some showers and then wine. We found some wine and explored the streets of Riomaggiore. Found some delicious eats. After an evening on the town, we grabbed a bottle of wine and headed up to our terrace and sat with fellow backpackers on our killer terrace from UK, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, and Denmark.

We slowly got our stuff together, consumed some espresso, and were hiking by noon. The villages of Cinque Terre were once extremely excluded and self-sufficient. They were once only accessible by foot or boat. So the villages were not built with roads. Much of this character remains in the villages today. The mountains are covered with grape vineyards and gardens that have been gouged into the mountain side. You can hike the trail that connects the villages that was built ages ago. Words cannot describe the beauty. I was kicking myself sooo hard for not planning a longer stay. If you travels do bring you to Italy, this without any doubt in the world must be one of your stops.

Our hike brought many adventures: wine tasting at a wine co-op, a swim in the Mediterranean, stop for dinner in the last village, a train ride return to Riomaggiore, and many adventures in between.

My Cinque Terre travel buddies, Pete and Tracy, were perfect people to run into. It made the experience unforgettable. Both of them are Architecture students at University of Oregon, so a visit to Eugene will be in the works very soon. 75% of our conversation had some thing to do with architecture or design. It was great. They were eating up the buildings in Cinque Terre.

JOEL

Cinque Terre

Thank you for those who played ''Where is Joel stopping next?'' (My father was correct, nice work Papa J) I am jumping on a train to Riomaggiore in a couple of minutes. I am heading up to the five villages of Cinque Terre. Google it for a preview of where I am going.

Can't wait to escape masses of tourists and do some amazing hiking on the coast. You should here from my soon, unless I am too busy soaking up the coast.

JOEL

I will miss you Fiesta Terrace...

This is the hostel I have spent the last two night in. Probably one of the most awkward experiences in a hostel. Definitely the most random hostel every. I guess if you are up for an adventure, you can stay there when in Roma.

So, the other night I unlock the door of my room, number five, and immediately see a woman lying in my bed and three other women in beds also. Some of my stuff was moved to the last remaining bed. There is a small pathway to navigate the room between all five beds. My entrance brings immediate giggles as the four women wait to hear what language I introduce myself in. In a couple of minutes, they get out like 20 questions, while I get out two. I find out the are all Hungarians from Budapest and are all 20. Between their one question each, I manage to sneak in a question.

The experience with my four new friends was most enjoyable. They were fun people to talk to and my alarm clock in the morning. At the end of our long day of hiking the city we met up for wine on the terrace of the wonderful Fiesta Terrace.

I set out rather early. Found a great place, per the recommendation of my new friends, for a cappuccino and chocolate croissant for a sweet 1.40€. After getting my caffeine and sweets charge I headed to the Coliseum, The Arch of Constantine, the ruins around there, Trajan Column, Pantheon, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. There was many sights also mixed in there. Despite the obnoxious tourists with their loud voices and flashing cameras, I did make an extended stop in the Pantheon and Sistine Chapel, it was hard not to. I found a spot on the wall at the Pantheon and gazed up at the magnificent dome for quite some time.

I have to admit, the use of my iPod helped me survive the tourist yesterday. I needed it to drown them out. I listed to all of Sufjan Steven's Seven Swans as I soaked up the ceiling of Michelangelo's magnificent work.

My travels in Roma have come to an end. Need to catch a train...

JOEL

Roma

Arrived in Rome. I am in the most random hostel yet, Fiesta Terrace Hostel. It is a couple minutes away from central station, so that really is the main bonus. I don't think I can begin to explain the randomness. I am beginning to see the difference between hostels that exist to make money and those exist to be a service to travelers.

I have a day of exploring as many sites as possible tomorrow: Pantheon, Coliseum, Sistine Chapel, etc. My next stop on my itinerary I will leave a mystery. Are there any guesses at the mystery spot? Let's play where is Joel landing next.

JOEL

Firenze

I got into Florence late last night. I walked a couple neighborhoods. Found a cheap eat and beer (a Doner, with falafel, not the most high quality eats but filling).

So, it is Monday today. Don't come to Florence for one day and make it a Monday. Mondays almost every Museum closes. So no Uffuzi. No David. No anything. Ah well, I guess it will be an excuse to get back here someday.

I did walk much of the city today. Ate a calazoni. Now I am ready to say good bye to Firenze. I am jumping a train to Rome in an hour. First I am going to hit up happy hour at:
www.thejoshuatreepub.com/

Cheers.

JOEL

Venezia = Tourists

I got into Venice in the early afternoon on Sunday. It was not lacking tourists at all. The tourist population was almost as bad as Prague or possible worse since it was concentrated on an island. I enter the city with not much of an itinerary. I didn't have any reservation of a place to stay last night. I made some attempt to find a place on the island that showed to be impossible. I made some phone calls to hostels in Florence, my next stop. I connected with one that said they had some open spots, but could not reserve over the phone. So, I just had to jump a train and take my chances. (I ended up snagging the second to last spot in the hostel once I got in at 10:30)

So, I walk the streets/waters of Venice for the afternoon. Had a full delicious meal, and the jumped a train to Florence to escape the tourists.

JOEL

Tresché Conca

From Vicenza I took a short train to Thiene where Paola, Nichola, and their son Joshua (5 years old and super cute) picked me up. This is the family that my father connected me with in order to see the area where my Grandpa Panozzo's family is originally from. The town where Panozzo is a common name to see on buildings and most of the tombstones in the cemetery have Panozzo on them.

We first stop near the train station for a quick drink. We had some Spritz Macchiato, which is a type of wine mixed with sparkling water and a orange slice and ice tossed in. Very delicious. Also, it is nice in Italy you get some type of snack with your drink, like chips, olives, or something.

Our next stop was their home for lunch. We had some delicious gnocchi followed by some espresso with grappa and fruit. Our next stop was in Cogollo to visit Paola's mother. Then it was up to the mountain where I took my first in Tresché Conca. We saw stop in the location of where my great grandfather lived, and then headed over to the location where his wife lived. Pictures are coming soon.

We stopped in at Paola's aunt house, Nicholina. This is where we hooked up with Paola's sister, husband, and two children. All of us then took off for Asiago, yes the origin of the type of cheese. We walked the streets and later realized our hunger, which brought us to the pizzeria of another family member, but I do not remember the connection.

After pizza and drinks our journey ended in Bassano, a lively hipster city full of young people out on the town. It was very exciting city and I would like to make it back there someday for a night out. I recommend it. Our night ended with a stroll through town and a stop for some gelato.

JOEL

Vicenza

I am going to try to recap now that I have a chance. I traveled from Geneva area to Vicenza on Friday. I made a stop in Vincenza because it was near to my next connection. The city was basically dead, not much going on. Most Italians are on holiday during this period in August, so many of the businesses were closed. I was able to find an open hostel, although quite dead and bland. This ended up benefiting me because I received a dorm room all to myself. It was nice to have my first peaceful hostel experience. Typically it is a room full of people snoring, people coming in at 4am, and light turning on. Ah hostels...

My dinner in Vicenza was eventful. I sat down to next to these delightful women from Northern Germany. There were not so delighted with there meal. The were served on cracked plates and were trying to convince the waitstaff for a discount. We started talking, because my order was not take for like 30 minutes. The took a train to Munich and then were slowly making their way to Venice. They were literally walking the whole way. They said they averaged about 20 km a day. I was quite impressed that these women twice my age were showing me up and my lame train taking.

JOEL

Venezia

I just arrived in Venice. I have had exciting travels over the last couple of days. With a stop in Tresché Conca, where my father's father family is originally from. I am stuck in an internet cafe and am ready to explore the streets/waters of Venezia, so stories of my travels will be coming soon.

JOEL

Crossing the Border: Italia

I left my now good friends Susan and Tom this morning. They were wonderful and were almost like my personal taxi service taking me to and from the train station, into town, picking me up from my hike, everything! I had a hard time leaving them this morning.

I arrived in Vicenza, Italy this afternoon. Found my hostel, which is quite empty and bland. This is ''holiday'' time in Italy, so everyone is on vacation and the city is empty and many businesses are closed. This is leaving me quite lonely and missing social interaction.

Since everything is close, it took me a while to find an internet cafe. I found one full of adolescents yelling back and forth at each other as they played a synchronized killing game. I cannot get my headphones loud enough!

I leave Vicenza tomorrow morning. I am meeting up with a family member, Paola, that my father connected me with. She is going to take me to Treschè Conca tomorrow, which is where my father's father family is originally from. I have been looking forward to this for many years. So, hopefully I will have good stories and pictures to share with you soon.

Please post a comment and a virtual hug. I miss you all.

JOEL

Roll from Geneva

I am spoiling you all with tons of photos. Here is the roll from my adventures in the Geneva area, and two pictures from Freiburg.

Tah dah...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11194305@N05/

Vesancy, France

My wonderful hosts, Susan and Tom, currently reside in Southern France. Their home is seated above Geneva, Switzerland and overlooks the lake, city, and countryside. The have a small cabin directly behind the house that has a bed, some bookshelves, and the old cabin smell. I made this my home last night and will be my home until Friday morning.

Last night we had dinner and wine on the front porch area and overlooked the city and Swiss Alps. Throughout dinner we continued to get clearer view of the Alps as the sun set on them with vibrant colors. I don't think I want to move out of my cabin before Friday.

Susan and Tom gave me a map of the area and sent me out on a day hike. I picked up a forest road trail across the meadow behind the house and headed up the mountain. My first real stopping point was Le Turet at 1375m. It was a portion that jetted out of the mountain and gave me a spectacular view worth the hike up. I was able to see a large portion of Lake Geneva and all of the city. Also from this point I was able to see the yearly bike race heading up the mountain. I watched the leaders and the large pack behind them wind their way up the mountain. I at my bread and cheese at Le Turet and continued on. I made it to the ski resort city of Col de la Faucille, and was returned to civilization. Previously, I did not encounter another human being.

My next destination was the peak of Grand Montrond. I worked my way up for another spectacular view. I stopped here for a snack and headed back towards Col de la Faucille, which is one of the few passes to make it from Geneva to Paris through the mountains. I called Susan and she came and picked me up. She offered this so I wouldn't have to back track all of my steps back down. This was very nice, because I was exhausted and so was my water supply.

One of the best days of hiking I have ever had. Susan just said I did 3000 vertical feet from where I started. I took a decent amount of pictures, and I hope to get them up here soon.

JOEL

Arrived in Geneva

Just got into Geneva. I am staying with Susan and Tom (connection through Phillis and Michigan Peaceworks). They live just outside of Geneva in France. I have my own small cabin to myself. I am here until Friday, and I am so excited to do some hiking!

I am alive and well. I hope you are the same.

JOEL

Freiburg was Beautiful

It was so great to get to a smaller less tourist populated city. Freiburg is about the equivalent size to Ann Arbor, and is also home to a large university.



Phillipp was my host for my Freiburg experience, and I couldn't of asked for anything more. It was nice to spend a night outside of a hostel and hang out with real people. In the afternoon when I arrived I set out to hike the mountain that is basically downtown. There was an eifel tower like structure at the top that I climbed for a spectacular view of the city, picture to come. The streets are lined with flowing water. Instead of having pipes underground there is rushing water through most of the streets, open air, and about two feet wide. I am sorry to say, but the character of Freiburg beats Ann Arbor hands down. This is the first city I was really taken by, I am ready to move out there.



We hit up a student hot spot for dinner, called Schlappen, which means old shoes. I was introduced to Flammkuchen and had a Radler, beer with sprite/lemonade. After dinner Phillipp tossed me an old pair of futbol shoes with one of the soles half off and a pair of damp socks. We played indoor futbol most of the evening. I did my best to pretend to know what I was doing. I think I failed.



After futbol and showers we headed back to Schlappen for my first Absinth experience. That is all I am going to say. Our next stop was the local watering hole across the street from Phillipp's, for some Kolsch beer, which is local to Phillip's hometown. The friends I was with, being regulars, we were immediately give two from the friendly barkeep. Our next stop was bed.

More to come...

JOEL

I

More Pictures!

I got another roll developed today in Freiburg. Drum roll please...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11194305@N05/

Freiburg im Breisgau

I have a really hard time trying to focus on posting stuff when I just get into a city. I just got into Freiburg, Germany and came from Munich this morning. I would rather be hiking around the city then in front of a computer, so this will be short.

I met up with a friend of a friend of a friend in Freiburg here for a free place to stay and people to hang out with. All is well so far. I am heading out now. One of my stops should be a one hour photo, so I can build the suspense for more photos.

JOEL

Walking the Streets of München

I just got a much needed shower in my hostel in Munich, A&O City Hostel. Best water pressure and temperature yet! It appears to be a renovated hotel, so the rooms are quite quaint and roomy. All for only 11 euro.

I spent the day with Scuffy and Silvi roaming the streets. I made an early request to avoid as many tourists as possible, because I was still burnt out on tourists from Prague. We had a delicious lunch with live music included. We saw a couple tourists sites and then headed for the English Garden. An amazing place for the size city it is in! There was actually surfers on a portion of the river. We plopped down next to the river to take some time to relax. Ate a bag of Haribo gummy bears. I consumed my first Bavarian beer and pretzel. We also snuck in some ice cream in there too. Overall, a stellar day.

Tomorrow morning, I am heading out to Freiburg, which is nestled in the Black Forest of southwestern Germany. I plan to do some hiking and taking in the sights of the small university town. Thanks to my new friend Bernhard, he hooked me up with a friend in Freiburg to stay with.

You should hear from me next from the Black Forest. I just finished a roll of film today. More pictures soon.

JOEL

München

I arrived in Munich this morning. I survived my overnight train from Prague. That wasn't too painful, just a little.

I need to jet. I am meeting up with Sascha's friend Scuffy. I will report soon about our adventures today.

JOEL

Raining in Praha

I got into Prague yesterday evening. I was welcomed by a nice shower. My hostel, Hostel Advantage, is not that much of an advantage. There was a sign in the bathroom excusing the poor water pressure. They blamed it on poor renovations and said it would be fixed ASAP, the sign looked like it had been on the door for months, possibly years. I experienced the poor water pressure myself and grabbed some dinner and a local brew. Despite the continued showers I ventured out for a night walk.

Today I almost killed multiple tourists. Prague is full of them, too many of them. I really can't take it anymore. Today:
- Brewery Tour: Staropromen
- Lunch: Bohemia Bagel
- Trek: The Praha Castle
- Church: St. Nicholas

That was basically my day. I am heading out for a bite to eat at the renowned vegetarian place: Radost FX Cafe. Then a quick shopping trip before I catch my overnight train to Munich.

You should hear from me in Munich tomorrow.

JOEL

Berlin > Prague

The Czech Republic is calling me, and so is my morning cup of coffee. So, I need to jet. Enjoy the pictures.

Finally Fotos!

Finally here by popular demand, a fair amount of photos. Finding a one hour photo in Berlin was taking on a challenge bigger than your mind can comprehend.

Drum roll please...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11194305@N05/

Berlin

Arrived in Berlin a few minutes ago. I am staying with Sascha and his parents until Friday morning. I barely made it through the door before his mother was demanding for my laundry. His parents are the sweetest and sincere people. It has been nice to spend time with them. I wish I knew German so I could chat more with them.

Sascha and I departed from his beautiful university town of Greifswald this afternoon. Yesterday I had the pleasurable experience of going to the Mensa (cafeteria). I had the vegetarisches dish, which was burnt Gnocchi and canned veggies, yum. Afterwords, I followed Sascha and his two friends, Paul and Julia, to the hospital. The three of them gave blood for a sweet 20 euro, and more cafeteria food, but this time it was free. I could not participate because I was a dirty American. I took pictures of this experience I am hoping to develop the roll tomorrow and then get some photos up here. I know you are eagerly awaiting them.

Dinner time. I miss you all, but not the states.

JOEL

Greifswald, Germany

I arrived in the university city of Greifswald where my good friend Sascha is studying. The university is 551 years old. We are suppose to see more of campus tomorrow. Last night I met Sascha's enjoyable friends and we spent the evening at the student run club on campus, MensaClub.

Sasacha's parents and his brother gave us a wake up call at 9am. We were off for a day at the beach on the Baltic Sea. Sascha's friends got to sleep in and joined us in the afternoon. Tonight I had my first experience with black noodles. It was interesting and somewhat good.

In Greifswald the next couple of days. I hope to get some pictures up here soon.

JOEL

Documenta 12

I made it into Kassel, Germany and made my first steps on German soil. I arrived into the small beautiful town at 5pm. I made my way to the city center. The roomshare I had for the evening was just off the center circle in an amazing location, close to everything. I got a student evening ticket for Documenta, which would allow entrance into multiple museums. I had two hours and an empty stomach. I made it through the first museum and through half of the second, but my stomach was screaming too loud. My standards were low for a restuarant choice. So, I ate some mediocre noodles because it was close.

Documenta has been going strong every for years. This season is the 12th. Very enjoyable. Put it on your to do list for 2011.

JOEL

Clubbing in Amsterdam

Thursday I spent the day in Amsterdam. Did some walking around the city. Used my Strippen Kaart on the trams. Spent an hour or two at the Heiniken Experience. Back to the hostel for a shower and nap.

Unfortunately I missed a 'fashion show' in the cafe of the hostel. I wish I could tell you more about it. They were also serving free spaghetti. Who knew high fashion and speghetti went together? I went downstairs to the cafe thinking I would just hang out a while before getting a real night sleep. Instead I started talking with the hostel staff, and the next thing I knew I was factored into the plans to leave at 1am for some clubbing.

We had a wonderful time and were kicked out of the club at 4am. We were not ready for the night to end, so there was much debate what to do next. Since everything seem to be closed, we headed back to the hostel for a couple rounds of papas fritas (fries) and mayo. Yum.

My head hit the pillow at 7am and the sun had risen. I woke up at 10:15. Jolted out of bed and ran to central station to catch my train to Kassel.

Kassel, Germany

My friend Karin in Brussels strongly recommended the Documenta Arts Festival in Kassel, Germany. It happens once every four years and supposedly spectacular: http://www.documenta12.de/

I have made my train reservation for my maiden voyage to Germany. I am leaving tomorrow morning. The festival website has an area where local people can place an ad to have festival goers "rent" a room. I was able to secure a place for tomorrow night, so Documenta here I come.

Saturday morning will bring me a nother train ride to Greifslwald, Germany. This is where my good friend Sascha is at university. I am going to be spending the next week or so with him. I am planning on having frequent internet access, so you will hopefully hear all of the crazy adventures with Mr. Sascha Eisenchink.

Good night my friends. Hope your journeys are bringing you joy.

JOEL

Texel (pronounced tes-sel)

I have this trusty mammoth sized Lonely Planet guide, called Europe on a Shoestring. It made a recommendation to take some time off the beaten path and head out to an island where there is a national forest, seal rescue, and a place where just the Dutch know about and go on holiday to. Texel is about an hour north of Amsterdam. A train ride, a bus ride to the ferry, a ferry ride, and bus ride when on the island. This all sounds wonderful right? Well, it would of been wonderful if I would of secured a hostel reservation before leaving for this island. I was unable to contact the only hostel on the island by phone before leaving so I just sent them and email and took off.

I arrived at the StayOkay on Texel to hear they are completely full. I started begging, but the girl didn't really care. I don't think she realized what kind of situation she was putting me into. Once hearing this news I had the option of either turning around and heading right back to Amsterdam to get a hostel there without seeing any of Texel, or I could start walking around this island looking for a hotel for at least 100 euro if I did indeed find one if available. One of the hotels I walked in, Den Burge Hotel, and found a friendly face while I was in stress out mode. I met Sarah, she began calling around to any available option on the island because her hotel was full. After a good half hour of calling trying to find something, her final resort was sending me to De Koog, a costal vacation host spot on the island. She said there people have these wooden shacks on the beach they store their stuff in, and I could maybe break into one. I asked for a beer. She gave me one on the house and sent me on my way.

I arrived in De Koog, decided it probably wouldn't be the best idea to break into a shack. So, I decided to jump into the ocean for an hour and forget about the conundrum before me. The water was wonderful! After the swim I headed into De Koog for some dinner and a local brew, that I believe was brewed somewhere on the island. I headed back to the coast, watched the sunset, I then walked down the shore and found the most secluded spot up on the dune I could find and curl up with what layers I had. (Sorry mom, I survived, I am still alive, don't worry). I had a rough time getting to sleep eventhough I had almost walked most of the island earlier that day. The coldness, wind , and dampness set in. I think I got in about an hour of sleep at this point. I then head voices and they started heading towards me. It was three quite drunk Dutch guys camping. I asked them to speak English and tried to explain what I was doing there. They just laughed at me. They invited me back to there campsite to sleep there, but it was 4am and I had almost gotten through the night, besides I don't know if they were even going to be able to find their campsite in the state they were in.

So, I survived the night. I got back into Amsterdam this morning. I went to the Heniken Experience, the only "museum" you will leave buzzed. I am staying at Shelter City, which is the sister hostel to Shelter Jordan that I stayed in on Tuesday.

More to come...

JOEL

Island of Texel

I am leaving Amsterdam and taking off for the island of Texel. Google it. I am going to try to stay at the Stay Okay hostel on the island there tonight. I was unable to connect with them by phone, so I just sent them an email. Hopefully I can make a reservation when I show up this afternoon.

Alright I am off. Time up on internet.

JOEL