5:00 pm
I'm getting into that complacent mood again. Just sitting around at the Kays without a care in the world. I'm feeling a lot of anxiety towards going to Berlin and Poland. Such a challenge once again. I'm glad I at least had the chance to recharge my batteries -- my body's as well as my shaver's!
11:10 pm
I'm at the Fulda Banhof waiting for the 11:32 to Berlin. On the road again. What a nice visit I had with the Kays. I miss them! I'm feeling anxious again. My stomach's bothering me -- or was it Lark's cherry pie? My sleeping berth reservation says car 699, but the sign here says there is none. There's a 299. Hope it's not a problem. Just what I need! It's coming from Frankfurt, so it'll be packed. It was fun playing Dr. Mario with Lark and Rhys. What a buzz. Good-looking guys on base! We went to the Volksfest for a while. Not very big, but the kids loved it. It was a nice day today. I went out to the park with the kids earlier. I'm starting to have doubts about quitting my doubts about quitting my job and traveling extensively. I'd have to do it with someone, I think. Someone who's very free-spirited. Must keep a positive attitude towards it. It can be done. This is a very quite station. I can't see anyone else. Very eerie. I wish I had filled up my wineskin with water before leaving. Everything's closed here. I tried calling Becky, but the MCI number has been busy. Probably a lot of GIs calling home. I hope everything's okay with Dingo. I try not to worry -- actually, I rarely think of it! Just when I see other dogs. Ten minutes until the train's here.
Sunday, June 30, 1991
Saturday, June 29, 1991
10:15 pm
Very cold, but it didn't rain today! I actually had a hot breakfast -- bacon and eggs. It's been a weird day. Surrounded by all these English-speaking people. American stores on base. Very strange after the past week. And knowing that I have three more weeks of traveling left! We spent the day doing some shopping. Stopped by the Volksfest to get a pizza. The other pizza place was closed and they were delivering to the Fest. So we went there against Lark's protests. They were out, so we waited. And froze. Then we came home and had pizza and Pepsi. All for tradition. Then tonight we went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II. Strange day. Tomorrow night I'm going to Berlin, then on to Poland!
Very cold, but it didn't rain today! I actually had a hot breakfast -- bacon and eggs. It's been a weird day. Surrounded by all these English-speaking people. American stores on base. Very strange after the past week. And knowing that I have three more weeks of traveling left! We spent the day doing some shopping. Stopped by the Volksfest to get a pizza. The other pizza place was closed and they were delivering to the Fest. So we went there against Lark's protests. They were out, so we waited. And froze. Then we came home and had pizza and Pepsi. All for tradition. Then tonight we went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II. Strange day. Tomorrow night I'm going to Berlin, then on to Poland!
Friday, June 28, 1991
2:45 pm
All I needed was a tea. Nein, nein. Tee ist kaput! Great. Guess what? It's raining again. Surprise! I'm at the Deutches Museum. It really is pretty cool. Science and technology stuff. A lot of hands-on physics and chemistry experiments. A rather small section on radio and TV, and many stations weren't working. And much of it is in German only. The photography area was very good. Showed the developing process. Had some great optical illusions, too. This is a huge place. It would take several days to go through it all. And I'm tired and achy already. I didn't see Neil this morning. Actually, I did -- as he was leaving. I don't know if he saw me, but I decided not to pursue the issue. It was nice spending a couple of afternoons with him. Last night, I thought (a lot, since I couldn't sleep) about quitting my job and traveling. Either with a video camera or without. I wonder if I could manage an under-26 Eurailpass. That would help a lot. I need to pursue it immediately upon my return if I'm to do it. Otherwise, I'll fall into that horrible everyday trap of monotony. I need to convince Matt or Jenny or Neil or someone to come with me. I'd need to sell or store my things and find a home for my dog. It can be done, you know. But then again. There are these lonely times I'd have to worry about. I've met people so far, but you never know what tomorrow will bring. Every day is a struggle as well as an adventure. That just about sums up this type of traveling. I just wish the weather would clear up! Maybe I could work until November and spend the winter in Spain and Portugal. Then really travel through Europe! Maybe I could work something out through work. Yeah, an exchange thing. That's it!
6:45 pm
Life is so wonderful! I've just met a wonderful 85 year old woman from Chicago while on the train to Fulda. She's Maude from Harold and Maude! I heard her speaking German-English to a couple on the train -- and I could actually understand what she was saying. When they went to dinner, we began talking. She told me dozens of stories. All about Polish and German history. About what to do in Krakow -- although she's never been. She and her husband are art aficionados and she's so knowledgeable about so much history. She talked about how the Russians love Peter the Great, she talked of Nicholas and Alexandra, Polish counts, German nobility. Then we talked about Bush. She says Hell's to good for him. She compared the Gulf War to W.W.II when Roosevelt gave Berlin to Stalin. She's so sure of her facts! She had on a sharp black outfit with a flowered skirt and a wonderful black beret. A silver pendant hanging from her neck. When I told her I was of Polish stories. In 1917, a Polish count came to Chicago to raise funds for W.W.I. She described him as tall and handsome. In 1939, she was on the St. Lawrence River on the Chicago tribune yacht -- she was a journalist -- when a small Polish submarine surfaced. The crew had escaped after the Nazis invaded. They were beautiful in their naval uniforms. Before she left, she said that meeting me was her third "Polish story" -- 1917, 1939 and 1991! We had started talking about the Gulf War and how Europeans view Americans. I expressed my views, so similar to hers, about how Americans are so impressed with personality and not substance. How universities are no longer centers for independent thinking. She was impressed by my views. She asked how old I was. She said she had not, in 7 years of coming to Europe and meeting young Americans, ever met someone like me -- who is willing to listen and can express my views. She asked if I had something in my background that caused me to be "detached." I told her no, my father wasn't an intellectual or anything, but he was involved as an outsider on the inside of politics. She knew of Hamtramck. She loved the story. I added that my dad raised 7 kids alone and she said I must write his story and send it to Reader's Digest. They'll know what to do with it. I didn't even mention his veteran's activities. Maybe she's right. She's really got me thinking. It would be a wonderful tribute to my dad. What a remarkable experience it was to have met her! We agreed that it was more than chance that we met -- it was destined. She said this was the reason she came to Europe. To meet me and encourage me. I have to agree. This is exactly what this kind of traveling is all about. Taking risks, being alone, meeting people by chance, learning, growing. Being inspired! She is an inspiration! What a wonderful life she's led. How many lives has she touched? I don't even know her name, but she's an important factor in my life. She was so positive, so encouraging. Everyone needs to know someone like her. She says it's the people like my dad, not politicians, who will change the world. Tears came to my eyes. Was it because of the memories of my father or because of meeting this wonderful woman? Life is wonderful! The German countryside is marvelous. Trees all around, rolling landscape, beautiful little villages centered around a church. There is, of course, too much rain! I guess traveling First Class isn't so bad after all. I can meet interesting people anywhere. You just have to make yourself available. I guess I should've mention the German fraü who was making faces all the time "Maude" was talking to her husband. When she left, they both rolled their eyes and I chimed in "quite a character." But I say in such a positive, complimentary way. People like her make life worth living. How ironic that I meet her on the way to see Lark -- one of my earliest eccentric influences! It all fits! It really does.
10:50 pm
Back home again. that's what it feels like anyway. I'm at the Kays' in Bischofsheim. It really is just like I saw them last week -- not last year. Even their house seems the same, because it's the same furniture. We went to McDonald's in Fulda. Everything's so Americanized there because it's near another base. Pretty weird after hanging out with foreigners for a week. It's really culture shock. I forgot what it can be like staying with 3 kids. It's hard for me to stay so pumped up. On the ride home, we saw a great rainbow! We stopped and took pictures of Rhys and Saira chasing it! A.J. is so big. He was only six months old when I saw him last! He has Rhy's eyes. My left knee and right Achilles' tendon really hurt. I feel so old. Oh, I forgot. "Maude" said she felt ten years younger after talking to me.
All I needed was a tea. Nein, nein. Tee ist kaput! Great. Guess what? It's raining again. Surprise! I'm at the Deutches Museum. It really is pretty cool. Science and technology stuff. A lot of hands-on physics and chemistry experiments. A rather small section on radio and TV, and many stations weren't working. And much of it is in German only. The photography area was very good. Showed the developing process. Had some great optical illusions, too. This is a huge place. It would take several days to go through it all. And I'm tired and achy already. I didn't see Neil this morning. Actually, I did -- as he was leaving. I don't know if he saw me, but I decided not to pursue the issue. It was nice spending a couple of afternoons with him. Last night, I thought (a lot, since I couldn't sleep) about quitting my job and traveling. Either with a video camera or without. I wonder if I could manage an under-26 Eurailpass. That would help a lot. I need to pursue it immediately upon my return if I'm to do it. Otherwise, I'll fall into that horrible everyday trap of monotony. I need to convince Matt or Jenny or Neil or someone to come with me. I'd need to sell or store my things and find a home for my dog. It can be done, you know. But then again. There are these lonely times I'd have to worry about. I've met people so far, but you never know what tomorrow will bring. Every day is a struggle as well as an adventure. That just about sums up this type of traveling. I just wish the weather would clear up! Maybe I could work until November and spend the winter in Spain and Portugal. Then really travel through Europe! Maybe I could work something out through work. Yeah, an exchange thing. That's it!
6:45 pm
Life is so wonderful! I've just met a wonderful 85 year old woman from Chicago while on the train to Fulda. She's Maude from Harold and Maude! I heard her speaking German-English to a couple on the train -- and I could actually understand what she was saying. When they went to dinner, we began talking. She told me dozens of stories. All about Polish and German history. About what to do in Krakow -- although she's never been. She and her husband are art aficionados and she's so knowledgeable about so much history. She talked about how the Russians love Peter the Great, she talked of Nicholas and Alexandra, Polish counts, German nobility. Then we talked about Bush. She says Hell's to good for him. She compared the Gulf War to W.W.II when Roosevelt gave Berlin to Stalin. She's so sure of her facts! She had on a sharp black outfit with a flowered skirt and a wonderful black beret. A silver pendant hanging from her neck. When I told her I was of Polish stories. In 1917, a Polish count came to Chicago to raise funds for W.W.I. She described him as tall and handsome. In 1939, she was on the St. Lawrence River on the Chicago tribune yacht -- she was a journalist -- when a small Polish submarine surfaced. The crew had escaped after the Nazis invaded. They were beautiful in their naval uniforms. Before she left, she said that meeting me was her third "Polish story" -- 1917, 1939 and 1991! We had started talking about the Gulf War and how Europeans view Americans. I expressed my views, so similar to hers, about how Americans are so impressed with personality and not substance. How universities are no longer centers for independent thinking. She was impressed by my views. She asked how old I was. She said she had not, in 7 years of coming to Europe and meeting young Americans, ever met someone like me -- who is willing to listen and can express my views. She asked if I had something in my background that caused me to be "detached." I told her no, my father wasn't an intellectual or anything, but he was involved as an outsider on the inside of politics. She knew of Hamtramck. She loved the story. I added that my dad raised 7 kids alone and she said I must write his story and send it to Reader's Digest. They'll know what to do with it. I didn't even mention his veteran's activities. Maybe she's right. She's really got me thinking. It would be a wonderful tribute to my dad. What a remarkable experience it was to have met her! We agreed that it was more than chance that we met -- it was destined. She said this was the reason she came to Europe. To meet me and encourage me. I have to agree. This is exactly what this kind of traveling is all about. Taking risks, being alone, meeting people by chance, learning, growing. Being inspired! She is an inspiration! What a wonderful life she's led. How many lives has she touched? I don't even know her name, but she's an important factor in my life. She was so positive, so encouraging. Everyone needs to know someone like her. She says it's the people like my dad, not politicians, who will change the world. Tears came to my eyes. Was it because of the memories of my father or because of meeting this wonderful woman? Life is wonderful! The German countryside is marvelous. Trees all around, rolling landscape, beautiful little villages centered around a church. There is, of course, too much rain! I guess traveling First Class isn't so bad after all. I can meet interesting people anywhere. You just have to make yourself available. I guess I should've mention the German fraü who was making faces all the time "Maude" was talking to her husband. When she left, they both rolled their eyes and I chimed in "quite a character." But I say in such a positive, complimentary way. People like her make life worth living. How ironic that I meet her on the way to see Lark -- one of my earliest eccentric influences! It all fits! It really does.
10:50 pm
Back home again. that's what it feels like anyway. I'm at the Kays' in Bischofsheim. It really is just like I saw them last week -- not last year. Even their house seems the same, because it's the same furniture. We went to McDonald's in Fulda. Everything's so Americanized there because it's near another base. Pretty weird after hanging out with foreigners for a week. It's really culture shock. I forgot what it can be like staying with 3 kids. It's hard for me to stay so pumped up. On the ride home, we saw a great rainbow! We stopped and took pictures of Rhys and Saira chasing it! A.J. is so big. He was only six months old when I saw him last! He has Rhy's eyes. My left knee and right Achilles' tendon really hurt. I feel so old. Oh, I forgot. "Maude" said she felt ten years younger after talking to me.
Thursday, June 27, 1991
7:30 pm
Some of the characters I've met: Sue, an Australian who is traveling around the world for 3 years. She's hitting every continent and will work for a time in the U.K. and the States. She was one of the "Hofbraühaus-ers." Scotty, from New York, attends Webster University -- with campuses in London and the Netherlands. He's traveling between semesters. He plans to travel in a musical circus-like troupe through the USSR and China. Veronica, from Houston, is traveling through Germany with Britta, from Mainz. Their fathers met in WWII and the families have remained close. Greg, from St. Louis, travels to wherever he can get a cheap night's sleep. We were all at the Hofbraühaus last night. What a rowdy place. One liter steins (3 cans equivalent) for DM7.90. Not cheap, but huge -- and fun. The waitresses really do carry 10 of them at a time! It's a fun place, but probably 80% American. The real fun was getting back to the hostel. Greg passed around a hash joint. After I hit it, he said, "This is Europe. You don't take just one hit!" So I took another. I was flying. Somehow we all made it back. Of course we didn't pay for the U-Bahn. Nobody does. Or so he said. Greg was teaching Britta to say, with her German accent, "Y'all come back now, y'hear?" and "Yo bitch, two more beers." I'm glad I went. A few of us stayed up and talked in the hall until 1:30 am. I called Matt, too! I'll bet he enjoyed it. I do wish Neil had come. He's not really the party type. Quite by chance, I ran into him on the way to the train station this morning and he came to Dachau with me. It was a terribly cold and rainy day. Appropriate for the setting, though. It was a very intense tour. I'm so glad Neil was there. I enjoyed spending the day with him. I wouldn't mind spending the night with him, too. I kept dropping hints. I asked if he had seen "Bent" about two gay men in Dachau. I commented on and took a picture of a gay memorial. No response. We spent an hour together waiting out the pouring rain -- in a crematorium. Very surreal. But it was so romantic with the rain and all. I wish something had happened. But we still had a good time. I love his smile! I'm in the dining hall now -- after a nap and a shower. I hope he comes by. I'm not sure what I'll do tonight. People are staying in. It's cold and wet. I'd like to just go wander around some more. I think I'll go to the Deutches Museum tomorrow. Science and Technology. I might go to Oberammergau also/instead. I'll be at Lark and Joe's tomorrow. So many decisions to make. Poland? Prague? Vienna? Greece? I need 9 months like everyone else!
Some of the characters I've met: Sue, an Australian who is traveling around the world for 3 years. She's hitting every continent and will work for a time in the U.K. and the States. She was one of the "Hofbraühaus-ers." Scotty, from New York, attends Webster University -- with campuses in London and the Netherlands. He's traveling between semesters. He plans to travel in a musical circus-like troupe through the USSR and China. Veronica, from Houston, is traveling through Germany with Britta, from Mainz. Their fathers met in WWII and the families have remained close. Greg, from St. Louis, travels to wherever he can get a cheap night's sleep. We were all at the Hofbraühaus last night. What a rowdy place. One liter steins (3 cans equivalent) for DM7.90. Not cheap, but huge -- and fun. The waitresses really do carry 10 of them at a time! It's a fun place, but probably 80% American. The real fun was getting back to the hostel. Greg passed around a hash joint. After I hit it, he said, "This is Europe. You don't take just one hit!" So I took another. I was flying. Somehow we all made it back. Of course we didn't pay for the U-Bahn. Nobody does. Or so he said. Greg was teaching Britta to say, with her German accent, "Y'all come back now, y'hear?" and "Yo bitch, two more beers." I'm glad I went. A few of us stayed up and talked in the hall until 1:30 am. I called Matt, too! I'll bet he enjoyed it. I do wish Neil had come. He's not really the party type. Quite by chance, I ran into him on the way to the train station this morning and he came to Dachau with me. It was a terribly cold and rainy day. Appropriate for the setting, though. It was a very intense tour. I'm so glad Neil was there. I enjoyed spending the day with him. I wouldn't mind spending the night with him, too. I kept dropping hints. I asked if he had seen "Bent" about two gay men in Dachau. I commented on and took a picture of a gay memorial. No response. We spent an hour together waiting out the pouring rain -- in a crematorium. Very surreal. But it was so romantic with the rain and all. I wish something had happened. But we still had a good time. I love his smile! I'm in the dining hall now -- after a nap and a shower. I hope he comes by. I'm not sure what I'll do tonight. People are staying in. It's cold and wet. I'd like to just go wander around some more. I think I'll go to the Deutches Museum tomorrow. Science and Technology. I might go to Oberammergau also/instead. I'll be at Lark and Joe's tomorrow. So many decisions to make. Poland? Prague? Vienna? Greece? I need 9 months like everyone else!
Wednesday, June 26, 1991
6:50 pm
I met this really cool, cute guy from Birmingham, England. I love the way he says, "It's amaizing," "really brilliant" and "dair" (dear -- expensive). I love foreigners! He's a roadie for bands. How cool! We went around Munich today and talked about this and that. Then we stopped at the Hofbraühaus and talked music over a couple of beers. We talked about Talk Talk, The The, David Byrne, Brian Eno, Billy Bragg, Morrissey. How fun! He's a really nice guy. I hope he goes out tonight. He's traveling to Nuremberg and Prague next. Then on to the French Riviera by September. He's very good-natured, too, considering I got us lost several times. Oh, his name's Neil. Last night, I did wait until the 12:50 train. And I almost didn't get on because it looked full. (Stupid!) I have a First Class ticket. I can kick out those 2nd Class moochers! So I did. I didn't get a whole lot of sleep. Next time, I'll take a couchette. It took me a while to get situated at the Banhof before I headed over to the Youth Hostel. Had to wash up, shave, change clothes. All this in a disgusting toilette that I paid DM.30 for. Stupid! I should've done it on the train. So I got to the YH at 9:15 am. It didn't open until 10:00. That's when I met Neil, though. And a bunch of Canadian girls. Then I discovered that I had left my hostel card at Mainz, and this one had a 26 year-old age limit. I was pissed, but luckily I was able to buy one and they let me in without verifying my age. Cost me an extra DM30 ($20), though. Didn't find Scott until this evening. That's okay. I'd rather go out with Neil. If he's going. Oh, it was a beautiful, sunny, hot day for a change. But it rained in the late afternoon. Hope it holds off. I'm really thinking more about Warsaw, Krakow and Prague. Everyone is doing it! But I'm spending so much already! But it's cheap there! More decisions. I think I'm going to Dachau tomorrow. I should go call Lark right now!
Tuesday, June 25, 1991
9:00 am
On the Rhine River cruise. Too bad it's overcast. If it's too dreary, I may get off in Koblenz. I did stay at the Jundenherberge in Mainz. I met a guy named Scott from Louisville and Patrick from Sherbrooke, Quebec. We went into town last night and celebrated the Sommersnacht (or something) with thousands of others. Then it began to rain. And rain and rain. No coat this time. We all got so soaked, but it was definitely fun. Scott can be a real ugly American sometimes. But mostly, he's just assertive. I should take lessons. Anyway, I thought Mainz would be a sleepy little town and I would take it easy and get to bed early. Hah! We got on Bus 22 to go back to the hostel, but it was going the other way! We found out when it came to the end of the line and the driver told us to get out. He was pretty nice, though, when he figured out we were totally lost! He called us a taxi. Cost us DM2.50 each to take a bus to a taxi that cost DM23. We managed to get back to the hostel by closing time, though.
2:30 pm
The weather has improved somewhat. So has the company. I joined a trio of sorority girls playing cards. They're from Indiana University. It's so much nicer to meet up with people. Makes time pass -- not really faster, but better. The scenery along here really is beautiful. Castles all over the place! And cute little towns, as well as very touristy towns. This was such a good idea. My feet and knees are aching so bad. It's nice to have a day off. I'm thinking about going to Warsaw. Yes, Poland! Both Scott and this girl, Katie, are going. You no longer need a visa, so I could do it. Scott says it's so cheap, but I don't know. Man, wouldn't that be great? I should call Auntie Ann and find out where my relatives are! I'll think it over when I'm at Lark's. I could easily do it by cutting down Berlin and Venice to one day each. May be worth it! I hate having money be a determining factor, but I'm running so low. I'm spending too much. You know, people think that a month traveling is a lot, but I've met so many people traveling much longer. Two women from Australia have round-the-world airplane tickets (with four stops allowed) and are spending five months traveling. Scott is traveling three months, then will stay on in London working for 6 months. Patrick is traveling for an entire year! He'll be working in France picking grapes in September, then going down to Spain and Portugal for the winter! What fun! I could do that, you know. What an incredible experience it would be. There's so much more to life. Too many experiences waiting to be tried. I've got to learn some other languages. German would be helpful right now! That would make things even better. Why can't I be a linguist when I grow up? A traveling video linguist. Really, though. There are so many stories to be told from around the world. So many people, so many cultures, so many lifestyles.
6:00 pm
I'm so glad I made the decision to take the entire trip from Mainz to Cologne. Just the Koblenz-Cologne part can't compare! We're nearing the end of the day's voyage. Playing a bit more euchre and laughing about the Australians. These two Australian girls who I talked to earlier have just been sitting and writing for 9 hours! What could they be writing about? Not us, I'm sure. This was a wonderful, relaxing day. No hurry, no concerns. Just sitting and watching and taking it easy. A true vacation. I hope my feet and knees have recovered. Ashley, Katie and Paula are pretty fun. Still the sorority type, but cool. I'm glad they "took me in." I could've spent the whole day with the Australians instead! There's this great hotel on a cliff near Bad Godesberg. I'll have to go there when I'm rich!
11:15 pm
Such a wonderful day. We wandered around Cologne from 7 - 10 pm. Not much to do here. The cathedral is incredible, though. When you walk out of the train station, it looms above you. Not much pubbing going on, though. Not like Mainz, which was a party town last night. There were these two guys dressed as a bride and groom walking on stilts through the rain-soaked crowd. Anyway, now I'm at the Banhof waiting for an overnight to Munich. I don't think I can take the 11:36 because it only has sleeping cars and I'm too cheap to get one. The next train's at 12:48. I'll wait. I'm not tired anyway. I really haven't been tired much -- except after smoking!
Monday, June 24, 1991
1:00 am
I am not leaving this hotel again tonight! I called Matt, Eli and Richard! Yay! We were 6000 miles apart and still together. Yay! I guess it was 6:30 pm there. I told them I'm stoned in Amsterdam in the pouring fucking rain! Anyhow, I did try to go back to the C***ring. I walk by a cool bar on my street playing Bob Marley. I hesitate. I say, "Nah. Go on." So I walk ... in the pouring fucking rain!! I get not very far and turn back! "Give up," I say. "Go back to the Bob Marley." So I did. I had a drink. The place was full of locals -- speaking that Dutch stuff. The waitress was so loud! They were all talking and laughing. Me and this old guy were singing along with "Redemption Song." No barriers. So I'm sitting there, thinking that I have to go back to this other bar! I go out again. I walk and walk and walk in the P.F.R! I get lost AGAIN! I'm in the scary Red Light District. No map this time! I said get me out of here. I retraced my steps and got the hell out of that area. I mean, it was this dark, rainy, deserted street. I'm just toolin' down there with the word "Tourist" across my forehead! I was SCARED! I was PISSED! I was HIGH! I was LOST! I was the Little Match Girl! It was destined to happen -- found by Amsterdam police the next morning, his last match -- no, his Hamtramck lighter -- snuffed out by the rain. Vhat a country!
1:20 am
I'm trying to set my travel alarm clock, but it's fucking up. It keeps ringing when I turn it to "set alarm." I hope the neighbors aren't home! I'm still stoned. Now I'm thinking I should stay another day. I just wish the weather were nicer! I wouldn't mind staying. It's safer. It's a scary world out there! But I can do it! I RULE!
1:25 am
Traveling is so hard! You have a million decisions to make! I thought it'd be a vacation without a care -- without decisions. But there are so many! Where do I stay? Should I leave today? How will I pay for this? Should I buy that? Can I carry it? So much going on. Like in the square at the Dam. A great place.
11:30 am
Now this is the way to travel. First Class in a compartment by myself. Of course, I won't meet anyone this way! Perhaps I'll ride in 2nd class occasionally, but I do enjoy this time alone, watching the Dutch countryside. I'm on the way to Köln. I'll spend the day there, hopefully take a cruise on the Rhine, and take a night train to Berlin. Didn't write about Saturday night. I went to the April Bar, ran into Eamon and his Dutch friend, Jan. We drank and talked. Went to the Exit Bar and drank and talked. Eamon left at 3, then Jan and I danced a bit. Then I went home at 5:00 am. It's too bad I didn't see Eamon last night to get his address in London. But he'll be in Barcelona when I'm there. Who knows?
1:30 pm
Well, I had a bit of an adventure there. I got off at Duisdorf instead of Köln. Gotta keep an eye on the watch. Luckily, there was another train in 20 minutes. Nice little visit!
5:45 pm
On the train again. On the way to Mainz. I found out that I need to start in Mainz if I want the entire 9 hour Rhine cruise -- downstream. So I spent 2 hours in Köln and off again. I hope to find the Youth Hostel in Mainz. It's lovely looking across the river. An occasional castle is passed. Must look even better by boat. I hope the weather is like this tomorrow -- warm and partly sunny. Much better than Amsterdam! I really enjoy having this time to sit and think and write. In the midst of beauty.
I am not leaving this hotel again tonight! I called Matt, Eli and Richard! Yay! We were 6000 miles apart and still together. Yay! I guess it was 6:30 pm there. I told them I'm stoned in Amsterdam in the pouring fucking rain! Anyhow, I did try to go back to the C***ring. I walk by a cool bar on my street playing Bob Marley. I hesitate. I say, "Nah. Go on." So I walk ... in the pouring fucking rain!! I get not very far and turn back! "Give up," I say. "Go back to the Bob Marley." So I did. I had a drink. The place was full of locals -- speaking that Dutch stuff. The waitress was so loud! They were all talking and laughing. Me and this old guy were singing along with "Redemption Song." No barriers. So I'm sitting there, thinking that I have to go back to this other bar! I go out again. I walk and walk and walk in the P.F.R! I get lost AGAIN! I'm in the scary Red Light District. No map this time! I said get me out of here. I retraced my steps and got the hell out of that area. I mean, it was this dark, rainy, deserted street. I'm just toolin' down there with the word "Tourist" across my forehead! I was SCARED! I was PISSED! I was HIGH! I was LOST! I was the Little Match Girl! It was destined to happen -- found by Amsterdam police the next morning, his last match -- no, his Hamtramck lighter -- snuffed out by the rain. Vhat a country!
1:20 am
I'm trying to set my travel alarm clock, but it's fucking up. It keeps ringing when I turn it to "set alarm." I hope the neighbors aren't home! I'm still stoned. Now I'm thinking I should stay another day. I just wish the weather were nicer! I wouldn't mind staying. It's safer. It's a scary world out there! But I can do it! I RULE!
1:25 am
Traveling is so hard! You have a million decisions to make! I thought it'd be a vacation without a care -- without decisions. But there are so many! Where do I stay? Should I leave today? How will I pay for this? Should I buy that? Can I carry it? So much going on. Like in the square at the Dam. A great place.
11:30 am
Now this is the way to travel. First Class in a compartment by myself. Of course, I won't meet anyone this way! Perhaps I'll ride in 2nd class occasionally, but I do enjoy this time alone, watching the Dutch countryside. I'm on the way to Köln. I'll spend the day there, hopefully take a cruise on the Rhine, and take a night train to Berlin. Didn't write about Saturday night. I went to the April Bar, ran into Eamon and his Dutch friend, Jan. We drank and talked. Went to the Exit Bar and drank and talked. Eamon left at 3, then Jan and I danced a bit. Then I went home at 5:00 am. It's too bad I didn't see Eamon last night to get his address in London. But he'll be in Barcelona when I'm there. Who knows?
1:30 pm
Well, I had a bit of an adventure there. I got off at Duisdorf instead of Köln. Gotta keep an eye on the watch. Luckily, there was another train in 20 minutes. Nice little visit!
5:45 pm
On the train again. On the way to Mainz. I found out that I need to start in Mainz if I want the entire 9 hour Rhine cruise -- downstream. So I spent 2 hours in Köln and off again. I hope to find the Youth Hostel in Mainz. It's lovely looking across the river. An occasional castle is passed. Must look even better by boat. I hope the weather is like this tomorrow -- warm and partly sunny. Much better than Amsterdam! I really enjoy having this time to sit and think and write. In the midst of beauty.
Sunday, June 23, 1991
5:30 pm
Sitting in Le Monde Cafe in Rembrandtsplein. It's beginning to rain again, so I moved indoors. Shame. Can't people-watch as well here. Went to Anne Frank and the van Gough Museum today. I'm tired of touristy things. I just want to sit and observe from now on. Life is so funny. There's a vile group of Spaniards being obnoxious. How fun. I wish it weren't raining. At least it's not as cold as the first day. I'm spending a lot on touristy things. Too much $. I think I'll stop somewhere small tomorrow on the way to Berlin.
11:50 pm
I was the Little Match Girl. At 10:30 pm last night -- after a nap and then getting high, I went out in the fucking pouring rain to go to the C***trap -- a disco. I decided not to go to April to meet with Eamon (I'm bummed), because that was too far to walk and I couldn't figure out the tram system at this stage. I got so lost! I didn't know where I was -- in a foreign city, in the pouring fucking rain, with a map looking like papier maché by now, walking through .... The Red-Light district! It's pretty obvious because the shops all have red lights. Tourist attraction, you know. People were asking me, "Whaddya want?" A woman gave me a scary look right to my face as she walked by. Like something from a German film. I was scared! Then, by some quirk, I ended up on the street I wanted. I eventually found the C***ring and went in. There was one person besides the two workers at the upstairs bar. The disco doesn't open until 11:00. I ordered a beer, drank it fast, and left, hoping to come back later. I walked -- in the pouring fucking rain -- another mile to the Blues Brother Coffeeshop -- for the third time in 3 days. They were playing music videos of The Doors. It was great! People were stoned like me! I had a pint and waited and enjoyed. Then I came back here to the hotel -- in the pouring fucking rain! Now I want to go back to the C***ring, but it's POURING!
Sitting in Le Monde Cafe in Rembrandtsplein. It's beginning to rain again, so I moved indoors. Shame. Can't people-watch as well here. Went to Anne Frank and the van Gough Museum today. I'm tired of touristy things. I just want to sit and observe from now on. Life is so funny. There's a vile group of Spaniards being obnoxious. How fun. I wish it weren't raining. At least it's not as cold as the first day. I'm spending a lot on touristy things. Too much $. I think I'll stop somewhere small tomorrow on the way to Berlin.
11:50 pm
I was the Little Match Girl. At 10:30 pm last night -- after a nap and then getting high, I went out in the fucking pouring rain to go to the C***trap -- a disco. I decided not to go to April to meet with Eamon (I'm bummed), because that was too far to walk and I couldn't figure out the tram system at this stage. I got so lost! I didn't know where I was -- in a foreign city, in the pouring fucking rain, with a map looking like papier maché by now, walking through .... The Red-Light district! It's pretty obvious because the shops all have red lights. Tourist attraction, you know. People were asking me, "Whaddya want?" A woman gave me a scary look right to my face as she walked by. Like something from a German film. I was scared! Then, by some quirk, I ended up on the street I wanted. I eventually found the C***ring and went in. There was one person besides the two workers at the upstairs bar. The disco doesn't open until 11:00. I ordered a beer, drank it fast, and left, hoping to come back later. I walked -- in the pouring fucking rain -- another mile to the Blues Brother Coffeeshop -- for the third time in 3 days. They were playing music videos of The Doors. It was great! People were stoned like me! I had a pint and waited and enjoyed. Then I came back here to the hotel -- in the pouring fucking rain! Now I want to go back to the C***ring, but it's POURING!
Saturday, June 22, 1991
1:30 pm
I'm sitting by a canal enjoying Amsterdam. I rented a bike and I'm cruising around. Very fun. I went to a gay cafe and met a Scottish guy named Eamon. Now I'm going to the van Gough museum and then to a gay cafe/bar and then, who knows?
3:30 pm
I went to the Rijksmueum instead, because the van Gough line was too long. I really enjoyed it, although I was disappointed by it's size -- after hearing it was perhaps the greatest museum in the world. The presentation of art was great. They put stained glass windows in cases and put them in the windows. You actually walked though a wooden gateway from inside a church. The wood sculpture was wonderful. Great wood secretaries and wardrobes. Gonna try to call Matt. I don't like feeling that I must do things -- get high, go to a museum, go to a gay bar, sit out and observe, write and record things, call Matt, send postcards. So much to do!!
5:00 pm
I just saw the coolest video at the Sledilijk Museum. It was a 30 minute series of "the domino effect." Very industrial in look -- old tires, fire, steam, water. An old tire is bumped by an unwinding bag of garbage. It rolls and knocks a block and a carton of paint falls into a pan with two candles, the paint caught fire and the flaming ooze seeps into another pan and eventually lights a bottle-rocket device which shoots out a ball at something else. It just goes on and on. A lot of dry ice and steam, water gurgling out of a bottle into a pan, causing an empty tin to rise and bump something else.... Incredible. I wanted to purchase it, even at $65, but it's not available in NTSC.
7:40 pm
Good move renting that bicycle. I got to see quite a bit of Amsterdam and didn't get too exhausted. It's pretty scary out on the streets here. I saw an old lady get hit by a motorcycle. Ouch. Another great time in the plaza at the Dam. A 400 monitor videowall is there. Too fun. So much going on. Better than London's Leicester Square! Did I say I went to bed at 9:30 pm yesterday? I did. I was so tired and it was raining. Not tonight!
I'm sitting by a canal enjoying Amsterdam. I rented a bike and I'm cruising around. Very fun. I went to a gay cafe and met a Scottish guy named Eamon. Now I'm going to the van Gough museum and then to a gay cafe/bar and then, who knows?
3:30 pm
I went to the Rijksmueum instead, because the van Gough line was too long. I really enjoyed it, although I was disappointed by it's size -- after hearing it was perhaps the greatest museum in the world. The presentation of art was great. They put stained glass windows in cases and put them in the windows. You actually walked though a wooden gateway from inside a church. The wood sculpture was wonderful. Great wood secretaries and wardrobes. Gonna try to call Matt. I don't like feeling that I must do things -- get high, go to a museum, go to a gay bar, sit out and observe, write and record things, call Matt, send postcards. So much to do!!
5:00 pm
I just saw the coolest video at the Sledilijk Museum. It was a 30 minute series of "the domino effect." Very industrial in look -- old tires, fire, steam, water. An old tire is bumped by an unwinding bag of garbage. It rolls and knocks a block and a carton of paint falls into a pan with two candles, the paint caught fire and the flaming ooze seeps into another pan and eventually lights a bottle-rocket device which shoots out a ball at something else. It just goes on and on. A lot of dry ice and steam, water gurgling out of a bottle into a pan, causing an empty tin to rise and bump something else.... Incredible. I wanted to purchase it, even at $65, but it's not available in NTSC.
7:40 pm
Good move renting that bicycle. I got to see quite a bit of Amsterdam and didn't get too exhausted. It's pretty scary out on the streets here. I saw an old lady get hit by a motorcycle. Ouch. Another great time in the plaza at the Dam. A 400 monitor videowall is there. Too fun. So much going on. Better than London's Leicester Square! Did I say I went to bed at 9:30 pm yesterday? I did. I was so tired and it was raining. Not tonight!
Friday, June 21, 1991
2:20 am
This is so cool! I'm on the ferry to Oostende. I got a chance to get a little sleep, because I'm able to stretch out across three seats, but it's only 8:30 pm Detroit time, so I'm not sleepy! There's someone playing a flute in the distance -- The Hallelujah Chorus. I'm in a much better mood. I'm really looking forward to Amsterdam. I think it was a good idea to go right on. I spent two hours with Keith. That was nice. He's a good guy. I hope I can meet some more guys! Haven't really met anyone, but the guy on the plane and a guy on the train from Gatwick. Life is cool sometimes. As long as I can secure lodging, I'll be okay!
6:30 am
What thoughts now? I'm cold! Had a two hour (3 - 5 am) layover in Oostende in an open train station. Then the train was late! Now, there are two of us in First Class. I don't think I'll like First Class travel if I can't meet any people. This other woman is a Computer Animation T.A. at Ohio State. That's fun. I still have not been in Europe 24 hours. Seems a lot longer. I do wish I had someone to share this with.
11:45 am
It's that "Casa de Missel - we win" feeling all over again. I scored a cool place in Amsterdam. It's a refuge for Dead heads and other 60s retro-types. I have a tiny cubicle called a room, but it's fine. The proprietor offers tea, coffee and weed to his guests! It's located on a busy sex-shop, drug paraphernalia street. This city is too much. Looking forward to expanding my horizons!
This is so cool! I'm on the ferry to Oostende. I got a chance to get a little sleep, because I'm able to stretch out across three seats, but it's only 8:30 pm Detroit time, so I'm not sleepy! There's someone playing a flute in the distance -- The Hallelujah Chorus. I'm in a much better mood. I'm really looking forward to Amsterdam. I think it was a good idea to go right on. I spent two hours with Keith. That was nice. He's a good guy. I hope I can meet some more guys! Haven't really met anyone, but the guy on the plane and a guy on the train from Gatwick. Life is cool sometimes. As long as I can secure lodging, I'll be okay!
6:30 am
What thoughts now? I'm cold! Had a two hour (3 - 5 am) layover in Oostende in an open train station. Then the train was late! Now, there are two of us in First Class. I don't think I'll like First Class travel if I can't meet any people. This other woman is a Computer Animation T.A. at Ohio State. That's fun. I still have not been in Europe 24 hours. Seems a lot longer. I do wish I had someone to share this with.
11:45 am
It's that "Casa de Missel - we win" feeling all over again. I scored a cool place in Amsterdam. It's a refuge for Dead heads and other 60s retro-types. I have a tiny cubicle called a room, but it's fine. The proprietor offers tea, coffee and weed to his guests! It's located on a busy sex-shop, drug paraphernalia street. This city is too much. Looking forward to expanding my horizons!
Thursday, June 20, 1991
2:30 pm June 20, 1991
The Museum of Moving Images in London is incredible. I'm watching "The Seven Samurai." Now it's a look back at 100 years of film. Great stuff. This is the cinema exhibit. There's so much great stuff here -- from Eisenstein to television (which is coming up.) I just hope I can stay away. Not away -- awake! I guess I'm losing it. So sleepy! I had a very long morning at Victoria Station -- trying to call a hotel in Amsterdam, unsuccessfully. Then trying to see which train and ferry I should take out of here. I've decided I'm leaving tonight instead of staying overnight. I'll get to see my friend, Keith for two hours. Oh well. I'm pretty overwhelmed. If I feel this way in London, where I've been twice and where I understand the language, I can't imagine how I'll handle the next month! Very intimidating. I'd better be up to the challenge. I hope Amsterdam is as great as I think it will be. I just hope I can find a decent hotel. I'm already spending too much -- in only six hours!
The Museum of Moving Images in London is incredible. I'm watching "The Seven Samurai." Now it's a look back at 100 years of film. Great stuff. This is the cinema exhibit. There's so much great stuff here -- from Eisenstein to television (which is coming up.) I just hope I can stay away. Not away -- awake! I guess I'm losing it. So sleepy! I had a very long morning at Victoria Station -- trying to call a hotel in Amsterdam, unsuccessfully. Then trying to see which train and ferry I should take out of here. I've decided I'm leaving tonight instead of staying overnight. I'll get to see my friend, Keith for two hours. Oh well. I'm pretty overwhelmed. If I feel this way in London, where I've been twice and where I understand the language, I can't imagine how I'll handle the next month! Very intimidating. I'd better be up to the challenge. I hope Amsterdam is as great as I think it will be. I just hope I can find a decent hotel. I'm already spending too much -- in only six hours!
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