遊子 - Take a Walk With Me and I'll Show You My World

 

still have to write about cambodia, another near death, another old woman thing, a man hitting on me thing, philippines, korea like crazy, philippines again... and it probably wont happen.  At this point it's hard to care!  Sorry! :'( (as you can probably see from how crappy my writing is)

 

Peace!

Thailand – Koh Pangnan – Long Entry
First off. FINISHED MY DAMNED MED SCHOOL APPLICATION. Thanks to
those who helped or were references.

Thaiiii Box-eng. Besht of the Besht. Thai Traadition. World
Traadition. ToNIGHt ToNIGHt ToNIGHT. In Haad Rin Stadium. (Repeat)
I HATE drive by advertising. I really wanted to go to a Boxing match
but decided it'd be better if I did it when I was alone again (second
time through South East Asia). The events last more than five hours
and the others really weren't up for it anyway. After the huge ordeal
of getting here and the shitty time I had working on my medical school
application I just wanted to chill with friends and do pretty much
nothing. So I lay on a beach… Took pictures of stars… Plotted my plan
of attack if a coconut would disturb my peaceful lifestyle… and dreamt
of hunted king cobras.

Well what to say about Thailand? Cheap, Tacky, Friendly. Lots of
cheats, but fun haggling too. They live on tourist money and have any
excuse for a party. For instance, on this particular island there is
a no moon party, a half moon party, and a full moon party. All which
boast tens of thousands of people. It's like Christmas five times a
month. Commercial spending day with drunk people and happy shop
keepers. Christmas lights included. They're everywhere. And Whores.
Can't forget the whores. "Welcommeee Welcommeee" It's also a land
where people drive on the left side of the street. Streets are not
maintained. Hills are 20 degree inclines. Steering wheels are on the
other side. And little lighting in the curvy hilly streets. So
naturally this is where I decided to learn how to drive standard. So
much fun! We had a crap box jeep that almost died a couple times
going up the hills. Pretty happy with how I did.

The full moon party was pretty crazy. Lots of fire performers
everywhere. And lots of mistakes. I'm surprised they still have
hair. Also a night where "anything" can happen. Not surprisingly
(I'm a geek), the highlight of my night wasn't the fire guys or the
multitude of women. If anyone knows me even decently, they know I
love the stars. I spend hours and hours staring at them. That night
things changed. The immutable starts embedded in the spheres changed.
They have these wonderful things. Like big pillow cases with fires
at the bottom (If you've seen The Beach you know what I'm talking
about) They flew into the night and never fell. They changed the
night sky. It was my familiar sky with little red temporary stars
scattered around making novel constellations. It was beautiful… I'm a
geek. … Not a problem, I accept who I am. Rather be captivated by
the heavens then make out with a drunk girl or a "what happens in
Thailand stays in Thailand" girl. If you think this is a problem talk
to me when I get back and get ready to be beaten up by a geek.

Oh yeah. To finish off, we chilled in the water and headed into town.
The water was so warm. At night it was like a lukewarm bath. There
were glow worms in the water. It decided to attach to my leg. Then
we decided to have a two hour foot massage followed by traditional
Thai massage. This… is where my power of the more mature female
gender demonstrated its sway again. She was a little more
affectionate than the women attending to Vaughn and Max. In fact, I
felt a little violated at times and she spent an odd amount of time
around my gluts. But I was powerless because I was pretty much a lump
of putty. I'm going to find out a way to incorporate massages into my
daily life.

Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur
Had an epic trip again. Bussed it from the port to Kuala Lumpur.
Taxied it to the airport and slept in it again…. Great damn Airport!
I love Malaysian Air and I love 747s! Watched so many movies! Off to
Sydney.

Australia – Sydney
Still adjusting. So much travel and little satisfying rest. We
lounged a lot and found ourselves situated in the middle of the red
light district again. We really seem to have a habit of doing that.

Nice city. Very similar to Toronto in many ways without the winter.
A town of sushi too. Mmmm. A big selling point is the wonderful
waterfront they have. It's stunning. We did another tower. Another
aquarium. Another zoo. Hahahha. Great value. We were going to rent
a camper and travel across Australia to Cairns…but after realizing
what utter hell it would be we decided to leave that for New Zealand.
Checked out the opera house and the Olympic park. Also hit up the
driving range. Didn't REALLY do much. I think a good 50% of our time
was spent looking at Ferraris at the local dealership and going online
to look at more cars. We'll be back for the auto show after the great
barrier reef. Two things I've learnt. Traveling around Australia is
expensive and there are flies everywhere. We also had the nicest
shuttle back to the airport since the hostel owner drove us in his
BMW. Good times.




Sorry it took so long to post. I'm not a posting type person I guess.
Also, I had so many other random thought posts… but decided not to
post them. Why spill heart and my mind all over the net? Keep it to
trip experiences, not mental flares.

I'll put more photos and add captions to some later. hahhaa. i did my
part for now.

...i didn't even read this over :P HAHHA

Turkey – Istanbul
Heaven. I have never lived so comfortably in my life. I have never
felt so spoiled.

After HELL I needed good times.

Things started looking up like crazy before I left Spain.  I partied all night with the new "friends" I made in the hostel in Spain.  There was a large group who didn't know my "story."  So we all went out to some underground clubs and stuff and I finally told it again for the last time for the group.  I made a great friend who I'd visit again in about 3 weeks.  Anna the receptionist.  She and I had a blast and when I woke up there... lying at my feet was a copy of the Alchemist with a note in it.  She made the ordeal a hell of a lot easier to handle.  I'm taking a lot out but whatever.  I danced a lot, I drank... a lot, I partied a lot and I finally had a good time in Spain.  I also was found by a friend from Toronto (Nafis) who treated me to another good day.  On the flight over to Istanbul I also met a stunt man who was an agent in the Matrix and was in Spiderman 3.  ummm.... lots of other goodies.  Anyways.

I arrived in Istanbul early. I wanted to have some fun without the
boys and the pampering to get a vibe of the city. I felt like I
wouldn't get the nitty gritty when Max's dad came. I went to a hostel
that was rated #1 in all of hostel world or something. I found out
that this was not only because it was a great place, but also because
they tried to force everyone to review their place on the spot… in
front of them.
I had a great time there. People started off antisocial and cold.
But after a while and some story telling (different story… I just like
telling stories) people were talking. I met some great people! Lots
of archeologists! A crazy former druggie/criminal. A man who group
up in war riddled Serbia. Someone who worked with NATO. Etc. I
learnt about Ataturk. And I got friendly enough with a worker there
that she brought me unlimited breakfasts! They were good too. The
highlight was partying with the workers because it was one of their
birthdays. We hit up clubs and live bands around the city. We saw a
former Turkish rock sensation (doing American covers… don't get me
wrong… THEY WERE GREAT! Like Otherside and Enter Sandman.. it was
just kind of sad).

The worst part of hell time came about now.  Istanbul, Stan from Istanbul.  I had a talk.  Then a walk.  Then a decision.  Become tangible or disappear.  Hahaha probably be better if I disappeared.

Then the boys came. I met Max. He looked like a child. He got rid
of the beard. (I got rid of the Fu Manchu soon after). We then
left…for the Hilton. I went from despondency to all the bells and
whistles. Stephen (Max's dad) and Chris arrived shortly after. It
was great. For a week, I was in the presence of inspirational people!
Chris and Stephen traveled Europe and Turkey 35 years ago. One of
the reasons we're on this trip is because of that. They are the
dreamers of dreams. Their stories were great. Their company was
great. As we ate $100-200 meals at ridiculous locations(pretty much
every night) I got to know these pioneers better. Christopher was the
first VJ for much music and the writer of songs like Black Velvet.
Stephen is a living legend as a producer for 2 tv shows, a song
writer, a copyright lawyer and founder of an entertainment law firm,
and on and on and on and on and on. He even founded the first net
café in Toronto! Hahahha

The dreamers of dreams.

During one of these dinners we went to Asia for the first time of the
trip. We were picked up by BOAT to go to KORFEZ! A restaurant across
the Bosphorus. I took so many notes on these restaurants. My
restaurant is going to be bitching.

We also had tours around the city. Boat rides along the Bosphorus.
Trips to museums and temples… and the harem (which was boring).
Walked through side streets and small shops. Had fun in the bazaar
and talked books. I picked up some Orhan Pamuk and Philip Pullman.

It was A Dream. I don't think I'm going to wake up. Hahhahahah.
HEAVEN! From HELL.

I want to go back to Istanbul every couple years. Oh yeah, and I got
ripped off a couple times. I HATE TAXI DRIVERS.

Spain – Barcelona
Flew in. Left to Tarragona. Should have stayed longer in retrospect.

Spain – Tarragona
I knew after hell week that this wouldn't be a great time. What ended
up happening was weird. Both bad and good. I was given a cold
welcome. My uncle turned off his cell and I was stranded looking for
hostels. I paid almost 50 bucks for one night because no one else
accepted credit cards (my only source of money at the time) and it was
really late. I just wanted to sleep.

Next day I met them. My uncle is what I expected. A strong looking
hard ass Korean Taekwondo Master. They were pretty cold… The
language barrier sucked. I worked with the little Korean I knew and
the little Spanish I picked up. It was fun in a way, frustrating in
another. They didn't want anything to do with me. I saw the gym. I
sat through a few classes. Left for my new one room hotel.

The first few days were depressing. I was alone when I thought I'd be
with family. I was unwanted and I was alone again. I had to do my
medical school application. Living was expensive and I was asking for
my "help" package quicker because I just wanted to leave.
I was also working away during the biggest festival in Tarragona.
Every night was a firework competition. I started thinking about how
much "fun" I've missed because of my workaholic tendencies. I heard
from Max and Vaughn… They were shooting guns, driving motorcycles and
go karts, riding elephants and relaxing in Thailand… GAH! Went to
hell, sent to heaven, …now I felt like I fell back down to the depths.

Things started to turn around. I met a nice guy, Gilfre, who became a
good friend and translator. He drove me to university everyday where
I would steal their internet and talk to the psychology students about
life in Spain. Why is it that around the world Psych students seem to
be mainly women? It's like mind stuff is female crack. Personality
tests and social dynamics is their heroine. Anyway. Met some good
people.

Didn't end up training Taekwondo a lot. Was thinking, as soon as my
cards come I'm OUT of here. But I was also determined to stay long
enough to meet my cousin: Alejandro. After a few days things started
to turn around. I just spent a weekend reading the "His Dark
Materials" Trilogy. I feel better when I read. Then I met my cousin.
He drove me around in his supped up rice rocket. It was hilarious.
ALL the guy thinks about is partying, fashion and sex. I didn't
picture him as a metrosexual, but hey. Life is full of surprises.
Hahhahaha. In many ways he's just like me. In many ways he's nothing
like me. We had a great time getting to know each other. He was
happy to meet me because he felt a connection, a brotherly connection,
that he always wanted. I could list his qualities for pages. It was
so much fun getting to know another Cha around my age! We ended up
training a bit. I kicked the hell out of the punching bag. It's been
a while. We took a few photos. We shared a few photos. They (him
and his best friend Gill) repeatedly fell in love with several of you
guys back home. And what a sexy bunch of friends you are. Hahahha.
Like seriously, after seeing one of you Gill went into a love sick
coma or something.

As time went on I got to know them a lot better. My uncle gave me a
gift. I ate with them a few times. It still wasn't great… but
whatever. I was a little shattered when I realized that my uncle had
little he could teach me. (I always had this vision of him being THE
martial artist)

In the end I stopped the working and enjoyed the last night of fireworks.

And the highlight. Getting my care package. I could write paragraphs
on how happy I was and why. It'd just be a lot of fluff. I was
happy. Truly Happy.

Thank you.

Spain – Barcelona
I had to stop back in the party town of thieves to get to Madrid. I
decided to use my hour to see Anna. The receptionist who gave me the
Alchemist. Good times. I was told that after me there was a wave of
misfortune. I like to be an innovator but this was too much. A
little while after I left a few of the guests (who I partied with)
were robbed of wallets, passports, etc. Then a girl, was screwed
worse than I was. She was walking down the street and a guy came up
to here and said "bird shit." She looked. Started wiping and put
down her stuff. In a second it was all gone. The bird shit was
chocolate sauce. She lost everything she had because her purse and
bag was taken. Spain is a harsh place. Funny thing was when I was
leaving for Madrid a guy came up to me and said the same thing. I
just said cool, that's good luck, and left. He looked pissed. Hahaha.
When I checked later there was nothing there.

Spain - Madrid
Simple mission. Go to Madrid. Get my new plane ticket. Get my new
passport. Finish my Med Application as much as I can because I don't
know what conditions I'll be working in when I get to Thailand.
Then…. Travel. Fly Madrid to Rome to Kuala Lumpur to Phuket. Then
TukTuk it across Thailand to the port and leave for Koh Pangnan to see
my buddies. To join in the fun. To relax again.

Worked out ok. The only weird thing was the hostel I was staying in.
The Cat's hostel. I didn't care what I was doing or how I looked
because it was supposed to be an in and out mission. I got my plane
ticket re-issued. I got my new passport. Happy happy. Even made
some friends as I worked away on my application. Here's the weird
thing. I've never seen so many attractive women in a hostel. Ever.
In fact, attractive females out numbered males about 4:1. I couldn't
believe I was stuck in front of a computer all day. I felt like I was
back in the days of "nerdy I can't talk to women Phil." I hate my med
application. I hate my med application. I hate my med application.
I hate my med application. I hate my med application. I hate my med
application. I hate my med application. I hate my med application.
Maybe it was my mind playing tricks on me. Maybe the opposite sex
seems more attractive when one sees themselves as less appealing. It
was actually kind of weird. It reminded me that so much of social
interaction is basically a mirror of who we think we are and how we
present ourselves. Friendly people are treated warmly. Angry people
are treated with hostility. Shy people are treated with indifference.
Biology is filled with negative feedback. Social interaction seems
to be filled with Positive Feedback. Not always, but frequently.
Anyways, it was fun in a way. After years of being what I am now I
can still be a disheveled glasses wearing antisocial corner computer
dwelling introvert. I feel like I've come a long way.

Nice thing to finish off my stay was a walk around the city with a new
friend. I retraced a lot of my day in Madrid during my drama. It was
nice.

Italy – Rome
Slept in this airport. Gotta get to Koh Pangnan! Gotta get away from
Europe and the aftertaste.

Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur
I slept in the airport. It was a good time. Seriously. The airport
is amazing… Gotta get to Koh Pangnan!! Got to have fun again!

Thailand – Phuket
Slept there one night. I didn't do anything. It was warm. I was
determined to have good times again. Just keep swimming.

The first two are just pillow talk. The third one is the real meat.

Switzerland - Luzern
Gonna make the next couple quick…because there's something big coming
up. There was a Music festival. There was a Clarinetist. She wasn't
amazing (attractive wise) but her ability and energy made her HOT.
Only group I've tipped generously so far. It was Rainy. I watched a
spider build its web for about 3 hours. Amazing. I don't know why
but I wrote "Barrels" to remind myself about something but I can't
remember.


Monaco Monte Carlo
Excessive living! Women's JetSki World Championships. Jacques
Cousteau. Crazy Cars with Crazy Women. Yachts are the definition of
silly rich. Ferrari's oh my.
The Casino 
Wow
Life and death. I have seen in it many places and how people deal
with it. Casinos are one of those places. The thank you and sorry
sirs that go around. The complete removal of pity, compassion and
..life. The poor man up against the rich mogul. The distractions
everywhere and the people trying to make back their money. Minimum
bets 100euros etc. Crazy. I lost money :D But I had lots of fun and
didn't spend a lot at all. I took it as an admission fee.

Spain – Bunol – Barcelona – Madrid – Barcelona … HELL on EARTH

This is …big. I am just simply copying and pasting the letter I sent
to some friends after I got fucked. Get some food or something before
you start.

I am not ok.

I was fine until today. I was fucking fine. Why am I not ok? It's a
long story. Let me entertain you. I wanted a story and I got one.
Things are bad at home with deaths and losses of jobs and
relationships and I felt guilty for how happy I was. Be careful of
what you wish for. This is a story I've been trying to keep secret
for four days.

After Vaughn's birthday the three amigos split up. After Prague Max
and I went our separate ways too. I went on a trip toward Bunol Spain
for the Tomato fight on the 30th of August. I stopped in a few places
on the way and everything was going fine. Better than fine. Perfect.
And on the 28th I dropped most of the stuff I didn't need to survive
off in a hostel in Barcelona and got on my second last major train to
Valencia. I spent the night there sleeping on the streets, as I had
done for the past two nights anyway, because of the rush, the train
schedule and the cost of hostels during the tomato fight. Still fine.
Still, Perfect really. Got to Bunol and bought a HUGE picnic. I
hadn't eaten well for a while. I ate and ate and ate. I was on the
news in spain. I met some great people. I had a blast and I partied
till 4am. Perfect.

10:30 AM on the 30th. I woke up early to go watch the greased pole
climb. I left my new found "friends" sleeping as I told them I would
and secured all my important belongings into a ziplock in my bag. I
only had one more train ride to go on my europass so I thought
"nothings gone wrong so it damn won't happen now." I tied knots
around the zippers. I kept my bag on my stomach. I tightened it so
it was pressing up against me and I always had my hand on the bag.
Everything was working out like I planned.

The problem starts with a girl of course. Waiting for festivities to
start I begin thinking it'd be more fun throwing tomatoes at people
with a group. I start looking around for a crew to join. Scanning
the crowd I see this cute girl with a great smile surrounded by a few
friends. Perfect. I start making my way over. Tug. What the hell?
I felt a tug. I look down and my bag is open. My tied bag on my
belly. There are people shoulder to shoulder… I couldn't run after
anyone. I couldn't see anyone. I swear it was a kid. I yelled but
everyone else was too loud. I stand there. Pick pocketed. Wishing
someone tried to mug me. Wishing I did this and that and didn't do
this. I go to the police.

I get led to a building where someone speaks English. I get them to
let me make calls to cancel all my credit cards and bank card. I find
out there is a consulate in Barcelona where my stuff is and I start
making a plan. I'm still all smiles. I'm still fine. Not perfect.
Fine. The tomato fight is half over. I think, I'm here, I'm going to
have a good time. I get led out a side door and I run over people and
get dead centre to enjoy the fight. I end up directly behind the
truck.. it dumps and I'm Knee deep in tomatoes. I had the best seat
in the house. I had a blast. No party better in all of Europe. When
it's all over. I start looking. 3 hours of swimming in tomato pulp
going through garbage, lost shoes and torn clothes. I get up. Give
up. Start walking around looking through garbage cans to see if stuff
was ditched.

I run into a friend. First of a long line to come. An American
aerospace engineer living in Germany. I met him two days ago. I walk
him to the train station where he gives me 25 euros after hearing my
story. I start walking back. Walking back to downtown I see a
Spanish couple whispering "Philip" to all the Asians they pass. I
stop. Talk. They found my driver's license. Joy. Better than fine.
Then they tell me they found it right before the fight on the ground
in the dead middle of it all. No more joy. Not better than fine. My
stuff is gone in a sea of red. I ran back to the Church where it was
found… and to my horror everything has been cleaned so well that you
could eat off the floor. I sit.

Police report time. Police do nothing. They don't even care. I meet
a bunch of great people. Tons of stuff stolen from everyone. We
share our stories. I rein king as the most fucked out of everyone. I
am alone. I have no transportation. I have no money. I have no
cards. I have no food. I am fucked. But I keep thinking, things
will work out. I am fine. I see a girl who lost her passport. She
is crying and crying… with her friend at her side. I see a man who
lost his wallet stressing and regretting… and clutching his passport.
I think. Wow… I guess I've been through a lot since I'm still making
jokes and having fun. I'm fine.

Tell the story more… Get 2.50 from a teen and 20 euros from a guy my
age who had his car broken into and all his money taken. Why was I
accepting? I hate begging! I hate pity. I had no other way. Pride
out the fucking window. I will accept their money. I have to get to
Barcelona.

The Police pay for my fair to Valencia… I didn't know if I had enough
for the ride back. See some people I met before… we talk. I story
tell again. British Aerospace engineer. 50 euros. "Don't think
we're all bad here in Europe. You'll get on that train for sure"
Thank you sir…

Get in the train with 30 seconds to spare… the people sitting behind
me are the friends I spent the night with in Bunol. Small world.
They hear the story and they offer to buy me food and show me a good
time in Barcelona. I'm fine. Cool…. I never got to see them again.
I never got that food.

Morning comes. I haven't eaten since the picnic. I start looking at
food on the ground and trash. Only looking. Thinking. I haven't
slept indoors for who knows how long. I run to the consulate which is
only open from 10-1. I get ready to get my new passport. Happy as a
bird. In and out in a few hours and I'll get my free lunch. I tell
my story. I get ready for a simple answer… but it doesn't come. "You
should go home" "You have to get to Madrid" "We don't know how
you'll get to Madrid" "We cannot help you unless you're going home"
… I have a flight in 5 days. I'm not fine. But only for a moment. I
make a game plan and Marta, the woman at the consulate, gives me some
breakfast bars, 5 euros and stays open for an extra 3 hours. She is
happy her sister's father in law is out of critical condition. I am
sad a mentor of mine and a friend's mother passed away. I go back to
where my stuff is. I tell my story. Two Americans make me food.
Three Canadians make me more food. I'm more than fine. I'm thinking
how good this is working out all things considering.
Turning point #1: I have to call home to get 4 references for my new
passport. I didn't want people to know. I didn't want people to
worry. I think I'll do this on my own, aside from a little help from
strangers.

I get my papers and one of my favourite books, the Alchemist, and I
leave for the bus station. Off to Madrid. I hear good luck for the
100th time. I hear these things happen for a reason for the 100th
time. I hear I'm sorry for the 100th time. On the bus I can't trust
my neighbour so I start talking. He speaks English. Turns out he's a
lawyer from Mexico. We talk. I tell my story. We talk more… I
haven't slept in so long… I haven't slept… I sleep… I wake up and he
has bought my metro tickets and breakfast. Bless him.

I get to the embassy. I meet other people who are screwed. We talk.
We share stories. Still king of the screwed. The woman at reception
is bent on educating me on how stupid I am. She doesn't seem to care.
I'm so happy I have my health card, birth certificate, driver's
license and emergency photos. I'm so happy at the party everyone put
in all their information so I had references. Paper work was done in
30 seconds. … the passport cost 155 euros. I had no money. My
family has enough problems. The last thing I want them to do is worry
and worry for another year. I will figure something out.

I call my credit cards. No good since new cards are being sent to
Barcelona (I sent them there immediately when I cancelled). They said
they could authorize with someone from the embassy. They lied. They
said I could pick up a new card. They lied. My bank is useless. I
get fed up.
Turning point #2: Give in and decide to call friends. My references.
Too bad you can't collect call cell phones. Too bad it was 4am and
people weren't picking up home phones.
I am still fine. I eventually worked out an emergency cash advance.
They say it'll take till just before the embassy closes to authorize.
I wait. I wait. I wait. I talk to a new guy. Where you from? Oh
same area as me? Oh you went to Northern. Oh you lived near me…
what..? You lived on the same street (when I was 7)… in the same
apartment… which only had 8 places to rent… and you were the one that
shared a wall with me… And you went to our store. I forget for a
moment I am screwed. I am thinking, this is the best story ever. I
freak when the call doesn't come after the time they said. If I stay
in Madrid I sleep in the streets, beg for food and pay for the hostel
back in Barcelona. If I stay I have to stay for more than just the
weekend since Monday is Labour day and things aren't open back home to
approve. I start trying to calling my credit card companies again.
Some have closed. While I'm doing this Brian (the neighbor) goes to
the bitchy lady and tells her there is no way this kid is leaving here
without things working out. He says he'll front whatever. He says
they're staying open till things are approved. He didn't tell me till
later that night. He wanted me to fight it out.

Ring ring. The call comes. I get the authorization number and I RUN.
I injure my hand in the process. Just a little. Just enough so I
couldn't sign my passport when she gave it to me. I get to the western
union. Bam. I run back. Bitchy education lady is now super nice
lady and gets everything done in a matter of 25 minutes. I have a
brand new temp. white passport. I am more than happy. I am more than
fine. I am on the floor laughing. I have a story. I survived. I
only needed to let 4.5 (.5 for someone who I only left a message for)
back home know and worry about me. I only had to tell stories to get
money. I only had to stash food in my pocket and semi starve for a
couple days. Brian tells me his hotel and room number and says he's
going to treat me to a good night. I promptly eat everything I had
been saving "just in case" other than a little for the ride back. I
am happy. I go straight to a department store and buy a new travel
passport pouch. I put all my important things on my body (as I did
before, but didn't because of the tomatoes for that 20 minute span).
I am now freaking out over safety. My new passport, which will arrive
in a few weeks, is not a great one. I'm on a list and I have to renew
every year, not 5. I sit in a park and start reading.

The Alchemist. Part One. Boy follows dream… Boy loses everything…
Boy decides he wants to go back to his comfortable life… I save the
rest for later. I empathize and laugh at how fairytale my story is.
Now way am I going home. I show up at the Palace hotel. A 5 star
hotel with fans in front because there are stars staying there. One
of the best in Spain says the bitchy turned nice lady. I relax.
Brian shows up with his brother and gives me some apples. Then we go.
We walk out the front door like movie stars as people are crowding
around with cameras and autograph pens. First stop, drinks and
sandwiches. Second stop, cultural centre and calamari sandwiches.
Third stop, FANCY restaurant… I am more than fine. I'm great. Things
are almost perfect again. I am going to fly to Turkey. I am going to
see Max again. I am eating the best food I have ever eaten. I am
telling stories with a smile. Then I get robbed. A second time. I
can't believe it. I put my bag on my chair, under my jacket and then
I sat on them. Gone. I still have my passport, ids, birth
certificate… I lost my airplane ticket, independent driver's
license….my favourite book. My favourite bag. You know. My man purse
thing off that mec bag. My police report, my extra food, my glasses
case. All documents other than the IMPORTANT ones. All I can do at
this point is laugh. Laugh Laugh. I'm still fine. I think. Wow…
It's getting hard to get me to freak out.

On the bus back… I can't sleep…. No one speaks English. I think. For
hours I think. I no longer have faith so I no longer can pray. I
lose comfort and I lose "ok." I start writing down everything I have
to do. I get ready. No fucking bad luck is going to keep me down. I
fight to get through life. Nothing new or different. I'll just keep
fighting and trying to do it as alone as possible. Why bother others
with my shit? ….fight. We stop at a tuck stop and I buy a blue power
aid because it reminds me of a friend at home… even though it's 2.60
euros.

Morning comes. I start calling everything. Banks, Credit card
companies, whatever it takes to get me back on my feet and self
sufficient again. Bad news… Bad news.. BAD NEWS. Over and over. The
charge for this was. This has interest every day. You can't pay
bills. You can't use the internet for that anymore. Six hours of bad
news. You can't do that. We can't do this. You have to send this.
You have to be home. That's a temporary card. We understand but.
We're sorry. Good luck.

Turning point #3: I call Kim. Kim is on vacation in Toronto… I ruin
her vacation. I tell her I need help. I tell her I need a friend. I
tell her I feel alone. She tells me I'm so not alone. I ask for
help. I finally ask for help. I understand if I got anything I have
so many loving and caring friends. I have you. I'm asking for help.
I am not ok. I am not ok. I don't want to fight it alone anymore…

Last turning point: I had to. I call my mom. Kim and my mom will
sort things out for me. I think I've swallowed the pill but things
will get better… She tells me to go home. She tells me to forget
traveling. She tells me my life line… The uncle I was going to spend
a month with training Taekwondo in Spain with while I waited for my
documents and my new real passport… didn't want me to live with him
anymore. She tells me it's because of the Spanish wife.. she tells me
to never marry a white woman. She tells me to come home. That pill
sucked.

I'm not ok.

I'm thinking if this happened for a reason it is because I don't know
how to depend on others. If this happened it's because I had too much
pride. Fuck things happen for a reason. Fuck luck. I always knew.
This just sucked and that's that. Don't be sorry for me because I'm
sorry, but I'm asking for help. What do I want? Don't worry about
money or taking care of business. Kim, my favourite woman in the
world and my parents are taking care of that. Kim's even playing with
my neglected cat. Kim, Alyssa and Sophia (three of my passport
references) all asked me if I needed anything. Alyssa said making a
care package would be fun. Then I thought about Jenny who also said
she wanted to send me a care package before I left. Looking at those
emails again… Me Emotional. A care package to replace any of the
stuff that was stolen is exactly what I want. I'm no longer so full
of myself to ask for it. Please help me replace my stuff. And please
send me some good vibes. Tell me some good things that are happening
in your lives! Alyssa told me some good news a month or so back and I
smiled for a week straight. I need some smiles.

1. I am writing this email to share a RIDICULOUS story.
2. I am writing this email to ask for help in the form of good vibes
and replaced stuff
3. I am writing this email to remind you that you are so important to
me and knowing I have you guys, as mushy as it sounds, kept me fine
for as long as I was.

So! Don't worry about sharing this email. I only sent it to those I
immediately thought could help replace something, those who are
representatives of a larger group of friends and those who would be
very angry with me if I didn't tell them right away. GO ahead! Hahah.
It's a story to be told. It's a story that got me to Barcelona,
Madrid, and Barcelona again. It's a story that got me food. It's a
story of a lifetime.

Below is a list of things that could be replaced. Don't worry if you
can't find anything. If anything a nice card would be great. Hahhaha.
Of course it'd be stupid to send everything individually so it'd be
great if you could contact team captain Alyssa if you can or would
like to help out with anything. Share the load. Life shouldn't be
done alone. I always believed that but wanted to get strong so I
could help others and never be helped myself. …now that got the royal
shaft.

(insert list)

….the rest of the stuff…. is legal crap, money and documents that have
been traded for memories. Or stuff I can't remember so it doesn't
even really matter now does it?

It's a lot and I feel greedy but I've had shit luck. I've had to beg
for money. I've eaten rotten food and left overs. I'm ready to ask
for a little good from a lot of good friends.

once again.... all done in a rush and scatter brained.

Greece - Athens
Nice hotel, not that great of a place. Ruins…. Getting there was
hell. The ferry was interesting. I gambled there for the first time
and won 100 euros. We also met my friends from Pisa and… MET VAUGHN!
Hahahha. I found his hairy hide while exploring the boat. And met
some nice Canadians from medicine hat. (we would see them again about
9 times)
Chilled on the balcony of our hotel most of the time. The hotel we
were staying at had the most knowledgeable front desk guy ever. Nicest
too. He let us leave our stuff there for our island hop.
A general conversation with him:
"Can we (Insert question here)"
"YES!"
"Do you know how to (Insert question here)"
"YES!"
"Do you know where (Insert question here)"
"YES!"
"Do you know what (Insert question here)"
"YES!"
"Will you (Insert question here)"
"YES!"
"Do you know how old I am?"
"YES!"

And with every yes there was a bit of knowledge. Hahah I even saw him
talking people out of some things. (question).. Then he gave a full
answer of what there was there and how to get there and how long it
would take. … and how much it would cost… Then he would say
something like .but that's not what you would like to do.. I've been
there many times. They just take your money. Go here. It's free and
much better. Then he'd smile a smile so pure, like the one I always
wanted at McDonalds but never got. Hahha

Watched a bunch of movies… saw primal fear and Friday night lights.
Primal good, Friday not. Just chilled a lot because I thought Max and
I were splitting up then too. I also watched sisterhood of the
traveling pants (because we were going to Santorini). On the ferry saw
BBC Planet Earth. Fell in love with BBC Planet Earth. Became Addicted
to BBC Planet Earth. Some people watch it as entertainment. I watch
it as a check list of things to see in my life. Hahhaha I'm
ridiculous.

Here's the BIG part. I found out that two of my friends were now
engaged. I had a perma smile for a full month. THEY MADE ME SO
HAPPY! The first… and later I found out, some of the only good news
from home. Good times! CONGRATS!

Later we decided to just go to the damn islands together and abandon
my desire to go see Brice again in Austria for another round of world
champion women's volleyball. Would rather see the islands properly
than on a whirlwind tour. So we didn't end up splitting. So we got
on the ferry… Good times.

Greece - Santorini
Went to a volcano! That's hot… And they told us about an experiment
where they put bunnies on the island to see if they could survive.
They didn't. I hate science sometimes. Stayed at a crappy hotel..
but with a swimming pool so I did front flips into the water and
stuff. We did little here because we couldn't walk anywhere! We
redeemed the experience when we took a cruise to see the sunset,
volcano and hot springs. In the end we got to see the shear cliff
white building Santorini we came to see. Nice Island. :P

Greece - Paros
Relaxed. A lot. Found a great place to stay for next to nothing and
there was cheap food too. A life changing event took place here. A
complete paradigm shift actually. Kind of scary and uncomfortable but
I really feel like I'm more in tune with who I am more. I'm more
confident about my views and I'm less ashamed of who I am. What was
that event? Hahaha Not telling. Blogs…. Psh.

Italy - Venice/verona.
First… we took a 32 hour ferry to get to Venice. Wasn't that bad.
Ferries are pretty comfy actually.
Venice was picturesque. Just like I imagined. We ended up staying
outside the city though… Kind of sad but it's retarded expensive. The
good thing about that was we met an Aged old man who gave us great
advice. He worked at the hotel. When we asked how to get to the
grocery store he gave us Aged advice.
"You go down this street"
"You take a left"
"You wait at the bus stop"
"!Do you have tickets?... No….No you wouldn't… You don't speak English
to them. You pretend you don't understand. They will not bother you"
"You go to the Coop. THE C – O – O – P. They are open until 8."
"You buy, THEN YOU COME BACK TO ME"

Say it with passion and base. Imagine it was said in a way that you
wanted nothing more than to buy your food and come back to him.
Hahahhaha

…then we got addicted to computer pinball. Ok place. Last day I went
to Verona by myself. I had a great time there. Caressed Juliet's
right boob. It's good luck supposedly. Then I tried to write on the
upper wall near "her place" to get more "luck" with love. …but I was
yelled at by a guard…since I jumped up on a telephone and was climbing
brick to get the most visible spot. Plus I didn't want someone
writing over it. I settled with a low spot  but it's there. Now…
what did I write? Hahahha. (ps. I don't believe in luck) there's
also this great theatre there. The last open air opera in the world I
think. I will return for a concert later when I have money and I can
appreciate opera. Leaving sucked… we had to go meet Vaughn for his
birthday so it was a cross continent trek to Amsterdam. That night we
had to spend the night in a Chinese restaurant. Mmmm stir fried rice
at 3:30 AM.

Netherlands - Amsterdam
Vaughn's Birthday. I don't remember much of it. We did almost
nothing. Saw the Sex Museum. Saw Superman (I don't remember some of
that too) Missed the Heineken beer tour. Saw Monica. Had dinner.
Dinner was par. The restaurant had amazing art though. It was a
series of pictures around the world. I later found out it was all
taken by an awesome guy who has BIKED (pedal) around the world. But
not just around. Up and down too.
What an intriguing city! I was asked if I wanted some form of drug at
least 10 times. I had the record. Vaughn was asked if he was selling
a few times. The people also look like their in a perpetual daze.
Walking around at night is funny and the architecture gives it all an
eerie feel. Like I was in a Tim Burton movie. Another interesting
thing is we stayed in a Christian hostel in the red light district.
God this and God that inside, Prostitutes in display windows outside.
One eyed me down like I was a candy cane…and she was sick….and in the
candy cane was her medicine.
I also got to talk to someone special. Yay for me.
But, it ended on a low note. I found out someone dear to me, a
mentor, a friend, passed away. Rest in Peace Pascoe. Then right
after I learnt someone else had passed away too.

Germany - Berlin
Cecilia Bastedo! Good times with a good concert with a good person.
We saw the Weakerthans. Who would have thought? Me watching a
Canadian group in Berlin... so close and intimate I could have stolen
his shoelace. It was good to see Cecilia again. I hope it was
equally fun to see her old man slave (vusac). Saw another tower…
wheee. The damn Dome was closed. The Brandenburg gate was soso.
Overall a good time though. Met some good people, from UofT, and
walked around a lot. It's really cheap to live in Berlin.
Germany seems quality period.
Funny thing. Around the city they have the great inventions of
Germany. It was pretty fun AND educational! Among the inventions
were things to do with medicine (like pills and the band aid, modern
printing press, the theory of relativity, football shoes, something
else.. maybe to do with music. I climbed the huge shoe. I fell off
the huge shoe. The adventure was with some NYU guys. They fell too.

Czech Republic - Prague
Cheap and Easy to get to! Don't miss it if you have a chance. I
finally changed my money into something other than Euros! Overall it
was a great place that got knocked down to an Ok place because of
Absinth. I hate absinth. Max hated it more. Did it right with sugar
and fire. Did it right one too many times. I HATE absinth. Green
vile radioactive concentrated evil. The inventor was a bastard.
Anyway Prague!!! The city was a painting. Florence was music brought
to life for me. Prague was a painting. Like living art. We also ate
for so little! I walked around a lot (alone :'( Max was out of
commission for a couple days). When I went to see the hotspots I saw
this great photo exhibit! It compared Pompeii with New York through
photographs. It was freaky how well it worked. They would have a
movie poster next to a mosaic or the outline of someone dying next to
a bum on the streets. It was very powerful and beautiful at the same
time. OK! Time to leave Max! Said by to him after the train to Wien.

Austria - Wien
One day. Quick in and out. Walked around at night. Went to casino
area. Met some interesting people. Ate more. Didn't do much.
Chilled in a church. Bought a huge ice cream. MMM Ice cream. Didn't
do it justice. But it was a nice stop.

Hungary – Budapest
Paris the city of love? I don't know about that but Budapest is the
city of couples. I felt a little lonely to tell the truth. Single
people seemed like the minority. I wasn't there long but I managed to
climb a tunnel and break into a perfect look out area where I could
just stare at the traffic move like fireflies. (where there was also
a couple making out for 2 hours) Other than that, cheap living!
Cheap food. Wonderful architecture and nice places to have picnics.
Be strong Phil! You don't need anybody. It'd just be nice. :P
Juliet's boob hasn't brought me luck yet.
Oh yeah, and I think the facial hair is getting out of control. I got
stopped about five times to see if I was a terrorist or something.
All in 15 minutes! The hat over the eyes and the Fu Manchu make me
look scary I guess.
Crazy thing though. I was scared for the first time in a LOOOOOONG
time. I broke into a castle… on a whim. Not like I'd take anything
or do any damage… or that it was like it was realllllllllly broken
into. I just had to work for my entrance a little. So I was walking
around… it got really dark. I got this chill and I started walking
slower….and… and… twap! I was surrounded by bats! Weird eh? That
wasn't the scary part. I was still just having fun. But at some
point I walked into this door that led to this spiral staircase. LONG
spiral staircase with NO light. I almost fell a few times because the
stairs were crap. Needless to say I didn't want to go back up them.
So this led to the problem. And the problem got me lost. What saved
me? A cat! I gave up for a bit and took a rest on a lawn. Moon at
its apex. And that's when I saw the cat. I followed it but it kept
running. It wasn't really scared but it kept out of my reach. Then.
I was outside. Hahaha. Good times.
When I got outside I walked around more and found a fountain and more
corridors (I don't learn it seems) And I climbed said fountain. Good
times. The stupid thing that scared me? A COUPLE! I was leaving
the courtyard when I started getting that weird feeling again like
with the bats. I stopped, listened, looked… and concluded I was
insane. I turned around and there was this guy RIGHT in front of me,
like in movies. Hahahaha. Ya. It wasn't epic. But the build up was
fun. Conclusion. Running around castles at night… is a good thing.
Oh yeah. I also got hit on by someone younger than 50. But it was a
guy. Juliet sucks. Went clubbing with some locals. Then left. (This
was also all in one or two days)


Germany – Munich
Stopped here… pretty much it. I did promise myself I'd return.
Hahaha. Just really really wanted to get to that Tomato fight. It
felt like forever ago I was in that station. On the sleeper from
Budapest I got in a fight with the conductor. It wasn't pretty. He
was trying to steal my money. Also, I met a group of five Brits.
High school graduates. Lots of pride in their country. Made for fun
times. Stupid conductors. Maybe I just like fighting. Is that why I
always get into arguments? Maybe it's because I don't like to just
accept things the way they are. Bah! He tried the "I don't know
English" clause on me half way through the argument. Bastard. I'm
not that stupid.

more to come in a few minutes... i'm in Cairns Australia right now and
I'm still writing about europe :|

 

Kausar Visit!  We went to a huge mall with a bull in front of it.  Got stepped on by the bull.  Was treated AMAZINGLY by Kausar and her sister (all expenses paid).  And to pay them back I stole Kausar's camera and took it to France with me.  (long story and everything worked out in the end).  On the way to meet Kausar my camera broke… and because I missed a train by a couple minutes I was forced to sleep in a ferry station for the night… and I learnt the hard way that cab drivers are assholes to backpackers (another long story).

 

Eight Stop:  Paris, France Part Deux

 

So the missed ferry meant I missed Max's mom.  By the time I got there she was already gone.   But it was all worth it because I got to see Kausar.  *sigh*  Oh yeah, and somehow I ran into Omar in the Paris North train station.   Small world. 

This time we did the Touristy thing.  Went to Versailles.. what a ridiculous place.   This was excess beyond my wildest dreams.  It was even too much for Max.  Hit up some other key spots.   Then the Taylor brothers showed up.  I made them designated sleep spots and Pat paid up his sushi dinner and dishes.  We went to the *Louve  * together and Jeff's Art history background made me realize something very obvious.  If you know more about something it makes it much more interesting.   I find myself incapable to comprehend what I'm in the presence of most of the time.  New thing on the to do list.   Yay for more reading. 

We were also lucky enough to be in town when France won the quarter finals.  I danced in a fountain with some girls and wandered the city for hours after.   Great time.

On the last night I cooked for the boys and we bid adieu to the wonderful apartment that has treated us so well.  

 

Ninth Stop: Marseille, France

 

BOOOOOOOO!  Bad cabby experience #2.  Also, the damn city was in the middle of a garbage strike.   There were many bads: stupid hostel owner moving us around all the time, me losing a bunch of crap, getting molested by an old lady, cutting my foot open on a rock in salt water, etc.   But there were also many goods.  Like the old lady gave us a quote we use a lot too: Cigales! Cigales!!  (the hostel name)  Apparently she loves the young boys that it keeps supplying.  By the way, it was a full on ass grab as I walked by.   Max and Vaughn made it past safely so I must come to the conclusion that either she felt like something foreign or my buns of steel were irresistible.  … … I feel violated to this day.   What the hell was I supposed to do?  Can't punch her can I?  jks jks. 

Also, the main reason we were there was to see our friend play in the world Beach Volleyball championship.  Needless to say, I have never seen such a high concentration of fit, hot, women ever.  I felt like I was in a movie like the fast and the furious where everyone just looks good.   We got treated well and got to sit with the players and drink their water.  L Unfortunately, Canada didn't do that well.  Ummmm I got a good tan?   Stupid Marseille Garbage strike.  I'll call the overall time there a decent time.  No better, No less.

 

Tenth Stop:  Pamplona, Spain

 

We slept outside.  It took us forever to get there.  We missed the opening ceremony.   It was cold as hell and we didn't meet many people.  For Vaughn and Max this place was hell.  For me it was AMAZING!   The difference?  I ran. 

I decided this a long time ago.  I love animals and as weird as it sounds, a lot of the time I have a harder time watching animals get hurt than humans.   There are few things that rival the companionship of an animal.  So why'd I participate in this festival?  Tradition and honour.  For many it's just a macho man thrill and the bull gets killed at the end.  It's so much more than that.   They respect and revere the animals.  They don't even like people touching them with their hands.  And unlike the cattle we eat all the time, which are kept in a state of barely living hell, these bulls get to fight back.   In fact, I saw one take out about 30 people in the course of 10 seconds.  Unfortunately, one person supposedly died in my run.   Max saw him and even made eye contact. 

 

Meanwhile, I didn't know and was having the time of my life.  It was a thrill from the beginning: had a great meal the night before, watched fireworks, slept about 1.5 hours, got packed in with hundreds of others (mainly Aussies and Americans), almost got kicked out for retarded reasons, ran, walked, ran, walked back, ran as fast as I could, jumped out of the way, ran into the ring, had fun running around and watching the bulls pwn people.   Got another quote too: 

Spanish guy: no, no, no.

Phil: Yes, yes, yes.

Repeat a few times

Spanish guy: ooook, okay. 

 

This occurred while I was climbing the side of the ring to a safe spot.  I also figured out at this moment that most locals love watching the tourists suffer.  

The run wasn't really crazy.  Inside the ring was.  I saw one guy get rammed by a jumping bull.   I swear he was dead but he got up right away.  (they trained these bulls I think and one had corked horns).  Then I heard some cheering.  An asian guy was trying to take one down by the horns.  He got rocked.  People aren't supposed to touch the bulls but for some reason everyone was.  It kind of felt weird.  But still the energy was crazy.   The crowd cheering around me was something else.  I came out feeling great.  Then I heard about the guy… I found out later that he actually died…   It still hasn't really sunk in yet. 

 

Eleventh Stop:  Bordeaux, France.

Great place!  Amazing Wine!  Cheap!   We even went to a great zoo filled with cats!  Even a white Bengal tiger! (my favourite animal)  I also fed an elephant :D.   A worker at the zoo even drove us back to the station when we asked if we could call a cab. 

New Quote:  It's nice to be nice.

Hahhahaha.  I love it.

It was a generally great unwinding time. 

 

Twelfth Stop:  Paris, France Part Trois

 

Back for one day: Bastille Day.  Fire works were only soso L.  We rented lockers and had one last hurrah in the city we spent around a combined 7 months in (1 me, 1 vaughn, 5 max).   I wanted to take pictures of the fireworks so I got there early and set up.  Partway through the show some dumb asian chick stood right in front of me.   First I was polite.  Then slightly annoyed.  Then I gave up and walked into the centre of a fountain that was in the middle of where everyone was sitting.   It was so much better there and I wish I went there earlier.  Everything works out in the end.  (Started Reading Million little pieces)

 

Thirteenth Stop:  Interlaken, Switzerland

 

HEAVEN ON EARTH!  Beautiful place.  Also, I had some interesting moments: talking to a bunch of Israeli high school band students; watching the sad sad news with the kids; meeting some cool girls from Arizona who gave me a great Gun Show picture; kayaking in heaven; climbing a glacier in heaven; buying a Swiss Army Knife with the quote "The world is a book" on it; and, saying bye to Vaughn.   I wont get into the talks, but, wow… I tried to get a picture of what their lives were like… but wow.  My favourite one was going to serve his 3 year mandatory military term 10 days after I met him.   We are so lucky.  I will keep in contact with a couple of them.  Watching the news with them was something else too… Once again, I don't want to do the moment a disservice by even attempting to describe it with my limited vocabulary.  

On a light note, glacier climbing was great!  I really got the hang of it and I was really going fast.   I even stopped part way and went to a "spring" section and collected a full nalgene of glacier water. Mmmm. 

Kayaking was great too.  I fell in.  Good thing I have a waterproof case for my ipod and camera.   I was trying to save Vaughn from a monster bee.  It was almost an inch long.  So when it landed on my kayak I paddled far away and wagged war for my buddy.   I finally got it and smashed it hard into the water.  It did nothing.  In a panic I went for a second swing but tipped my kayak.   Good times.  Hahhahaha.  We even played threw the frisbee around.  It really sucked when we missed it.

 

Bye Vaughn.  See you in Amsterdam

 

Florence/Pisa, Italy.

 

I'm in love.  My favourite city so far.  Not because of things to see or gelato, but because of the night life.   Art everywhere.  Music coming from all four corners.  A festival.  A comedian.  Spray paint artists. Painters. Pleasure overload.  I really want to bring someone I love to this city one day.   I also took a day trip to Pisa.  Meh.

Loved it.  Felt it.  Heard it.  Saw it.  Really loved it.

 

Rome, Italy / Vatican City

The Pope wasn't in.  The attractions cost a lot.  Still… It's worth it.   Beautiful place.  Looks like a city in decay.  A living museum but with a feel a thousand fold better than the British Museum.  Now I find myself here typing away.  We met some wonderful Hungarian Teachers, some fun UK students and a couple party boys from New Zealand.  Great guys!  We have a tight ass owner at the place were staying though.  Ass.   Don't use this. Close this. Don't do that. Get out. You're dirty.  He even yelled at the cleaning lady in front of us.  Ass.  

Anyway, now I'm tired.  It's 5 again… We're leaving for Greece tomorrow.   The pictures speak for themselves.

 

Cheers

 

Ok!  Real Recap of places I've been instead of mental flares. (not proof read... again at 4-6am)

 

Start:  Pre-Trip

 

This deserves a mention.  I still can't believe how many people showed up.   It was really a bad time in my life.  Actually, it was possibly the worst ever.  Seeing you all there and having friends around me helped me in ways you'll never fully know.   I even had a chance to become closer with my ever dysfunctional family.  I don't know what to say so I wont even try.   Cheers.

 

First Stop:  Paris, France

Literally a detox session: sit, chill, read, eat, repeat.  Ledger and Hepburn were good additions to the mix.   Seeing Max's mom was also, as always, a great treat.  (She lived in the apartment for the time we spent traveling)   Eating baguettes on a bridge, taking pictures, getting focus.  We didn't even go to the Louvre.  In fact, we did almost nothing touristy.   Detox.

 

Second Stop: Brugge. Belgium

 

What a small city.  Like I said before, it's a tourist town.  It can be walked (completely) in a day.  Beautiful in its own way.  Food not so great.  Good start.  Actually, it was a perfect place to get to know the backpacking deal.   I met some nice people who were biking from brewery to brewery on a beer tour.  They convinced me to have a Rodenbach and I must say beer sucks in North America.  Asian Glowwwww.  Hahaha.  We also got Vaughn to try contacts for the first time (Grey, THANKS JEN!) and I tried Blue.   ….then we watched Crash.  Finally, we got our first travel quote, "I cannot sleep either" – Mexican Girl sleeping by snoring men.   I poked Vaughn with my camera tripod then gave ear plugs to the girl.

 

Third Stop:  Brussels, Belgium

 

I CAN'T BELIEVE I MISSED THE DALI LAMA!  I was like…. Odd… there are a lot of munks in this city.   This is when I started walking around on my own a lot.  Ps. Doing your own thing is great for traveling.  We don't want to kill each other as much.   Brussels was a fairly "dull" city.  A nice park…. Good walks… nothing too interesting… nothing too pretty.  Max pissed off an owner of a shady Indian food place.  But once again, a good place to start.  I played with my camera a lot… err… did I mention I missed the DALI LAMA?!   Oh yeah, I liked the architecture and I couldn't figure out the pedophile peeing boy thing. 

 

Fourth Stop:  Munich, Germany

 

WORLD CUP FEVER.  Amazing!  What energy!   What spirit.  I shot the moon in hearts while in the beer gardens eating my pretzel and drinking my litre beer.  One thing for sure is we're going back in August.   Amazing!  Oh yeah, we meet up with Ledger and Hepburn again: our real reason for coming to Munich in the first place.   We almost missed them but Max knows Ledger so well he picked out the exact restaurant they would be eating in and we found them in a second.  No joke.  

I took a photo with a team Korea Sub… yay.  Also, went to Dachau, the first concentration camp.   It was a very sobering experience.  Medical Experimentation on Humans pisses the #$$)*$#)*@)*$# out of me. 

Love encounter #1: Aston Martin Dealership.  Mmmmmmm.

Hate encounter #1: BMW museum was replaced with a tent of nothing. 

Vaughn was hit on by a girl in the train station.  She said she wanted to come with us and gave Vaughn her number if we ever came back.  I met some awesome people on the train way out.

 

Fifth Stop:  London, England

 

Caught up with an old friend (Sarah).  Saw the Producers/the Phantom of the Opera.   Went to an aquarium.  The Pound sucks.  The underground is too hot.  Piccadilly is great and has good energy.   Free London is definitely the way to go…. BUT… The British Museum is Depressing.  I hated it.  I was initially awe struck.   I felt like I had been transported in time and space.  Culture was surrounding me and seeping in through all pores…. Then it hit me.   These cultures have been raped!  Culture stolen.  It was if the place was crying. 

The Natural history museum was great however.  Darwin exhibit closed… boo.   Tate Gallery was good.  The best?  Watching a Titus at the Globe Theatre and walking along the south side of the Thames after.   Great night life, lots of people, amazing actors, interactive, what an experience.  Meet some cool kids from Florida too.  Yay Facebook.  

Meanwhile, at the hostel, Max and Vaughn were very sedentary.  To make matters worse we were sick and staying at the ADAMotel.   Initially we thought this was the ADA Motel.  But no.  This was a formerly Gay Hotel and Vaughn just bought several shirts… one saying Boys on Tour and another saying something about containing nuts.   Neither were helping our cause.  Hhahahahha fun times.

 

Sixth Stop:  Edinburgh, Scotland

 

This is where I had my moment of clarity and emotion.  What a turning point.   I had been broken.  The Wind was amazing.  Read previous entry if you want. 

The hostel was in the middle of nowhere and we had trouble with getting there so we had to cab it.  Our cab driver was also a tour guide and told us all the reasons why Scotland was better than England.  A benefit of being in the middle of nowhere was it was stunning.  It was also here that we met some great Aussies.   Turns out they're #1 for traveling.  They're everywhere and they're doing crazy trips all the time.  Will meet up with them down the road in Sydney and hopefully Perth.  It was also here that we watched the unfortunate outcome of the Stanley Cup Finals. 

We also took a ghost tour… those who know me know I believe full well as I KNOW I lived in a haunted apartment.   It wasn't all we hoped and at the end some ass jumped out and tried to scare us.  What bullshit.  Either way, we did learn a lot.

Other than that not much.  Max bought a camera and I tried to convince Vaughn to buy a Kilt.   I walked a lot more. 

Trip Quote #2:  Little brownie girl.  "Bones, Bones, looook looooook it's Booones!"   What a cute little girl.  Her accent was epic too!

 

Seventh Stop:….. I'll add later. It's 6am.