Well, it seems as though internet is a luxury these days. After spending all this time surrounded by it seems to have decided to become scarce and difficult to track down. I’ve got it now, so I’m updating at last.
Currently location: Vienna, Austria
Previous Locations: Berlin, Germany; Munich/Passau, Germany
Seems like forever ago, but it was only 10, I arrived in Berlin. I was lucky enough to stay with friends I met while in Venice. Small worlds. I called up to see if they were in town and turns out they were! I got to crash at Cornelius’ apartment, and I got two days of private tours around Berlin by Maria. What an awesome time. Lots to do and see there. Saw all the major sites of course, like the Wall and Brandenburg Gate. But also got to see other parts of the city such as little neighborhoods enclosing beautiful gardens. Lot of snow covered parks with children sledding. It was wonderful walking around so much. Granted, it was quite cold the whole time, but it wasn’t too horrible due to my finally breaking down and purchasing a proper winter coat while in London. Got out to some amazing clubs as well, even one with a quasi-Latino theme going on. I think we got home before 4am one of those nights… I’d always heard it was fun in Berlin, and I’ll be sure to keep spreading the truth.
From Berlin took a train (I really do miss all my train-ing around, I much prefer that mode of travel over others) to Munich. Didn’t get a chance to stay in Munich long, got convinced to head down to a college town in Bavaria called Passau. Passau was great. The city is also known as the “Three River City”, due to the river Inn and the river Ilz meeting the Danube. It’s a stones throw away from the border to Austria and a typical college town of loads of young people and lots of fun things to do. One afternoon took a walk down the Danube, crossed over on a foot bridge into Innstadt, walked down for about 10 more minutes and I was at the German/Austrian border. I thought: “I should grab a quick meal in Austria since I’m here. I wonder what’s around?” I glance over to my left and I see a restaurant. What luck! As we round the corner to the front door, I notice some odd familiarity to this place. I tilt my head in confusion, and then my little dim light bulb of a brain realizes I’m standing in front of a Mexican Cantina! The smile that slides over my face must be a site because we’re inside with chips and salsa before anyone could blink. As I sit there, I glance out across the window seal of corona bottles and margarita paraphernalia and I see the German flag and Austrian flag waving proudly. You can’t make this stuff up…
While Passau was fun, I didn’t really get to see Munich. So my original plan was to head back and see the city. Then I got to the train station. Little did I know, the trains going back to Munich would cost me exactly one arm, one leg, and a euro size hole in my head. So I took a glance at the trains straight to Vienna. What do you know! Cheap! So, needless to say, my attempts to get to Munich (now and back in September) have failed miserably. It just isn’t my time to visit that city.
So now I’m back in Vienna, the origin of my trip. What am I doing here you might ask? He’s already been there, the big dolt. Well, as it turns out an ex-work colleague (Bill) was coming here, and I thought why not I’ll meet up and see someone from the states. Plus this is also a good location to jump off my eastward bound travels. In fact, I believe Friday afternoon I will be training my way to Budapest! Funny story though, I think I’ll be back in Vienna for a few days next week (I know I’m the most random traveler ever), but there’s people I’ve made plans with! I’m here, I’m close, I have no excuse. But then, I will be going East for definite. Although, as per my normal course of planning, I haven’t the faintest idea where I’m going yet.
So on that note!
auf wiedersehen!
