the art of sign language

There is nothing like jumping on a plane to a country you know nothing about and also don't know any of the language. Good old Ryan air (Europe jetstar) landed me in Lubeck, an hour from Hamburg, late at night. The first I saw of Germany and for that matter continental Europe was some crazy guy's headlights coming at us from the wrong side of the road.... Oh wait... he's on the correct side...d for Europe.... ok cool, Phew!

I met up with Eva at the Hauptbanhof and we travelled to a mysterious location by train then bus.. somewhere called Altona. After a great cup of Indian Spiced Chai tea I headed for the futon I was to call my own for a week.

My first day exploring Hamburg started at the Landungsbrucken where I had a boat ride around the port. The tour was however all in German and consequently I didn't really understand a word of it but it was interesting nonetheless. I was then unleashed on Hamburg by myself and boy was that an interesting experience! So to give you some idea - I have never taken German, I know nothing of Germany and I just suddenly turned up in this country with a iealistic view of the english world.... Oh how I was mistaken! All in all I did really enjoy Hamburg and I got to know the suburb of Altona quite well in the end. I got to go dancing a few times and even once on the Reeperbahn... although not in any of the windows.... and Eva was the best. She and I just had a blast although I think she may be glad I've gone so she can now get some sleep at night.

One of my days in Hamburg I took a day trip to Berlin with Eva. Wow... talk about history and putting things in to perspective. This place is amazing! Even if there is a kiddie event with jumping castles and bad hip hop dances. We spent the day checking out gates and walls and my favourite place of all - the Gendarmenmarkt! Oh and I had my first Apfelstrudel!!!!

Things accomplished in Germany: use of a foreign lamguage; apfelstrufdel; pretzels; running in to some from home.

Germany got a 'tops' rating.

My First Blog

Hi!!

This is my first blog! This is Borough, London. I'm sitting in the Frase, Ains, Anika, Paula and Ruth's house alone as they are all over the world. That film with Andy Garcia and Meg Ryan where she goes in to rehab is on tele and is being watched out of the corner of my eye. Its easter, officially good friday. Not sure what the day has planned. Maybe a trip to Argos. Catching up with Dave and a band of Aussies on sat night and catching up with Sarah for a roast on Easter Sunday.

I am just over 2 months in to my holiday and I have less than 2 months left. Mum comes over in less than 5 weeks and I am so excited to see her. There is someone I am very excited to see when I get home too but that will all be revealed in good time.

So far I have seen London, Scotland and Ireland. Yet to come are Germay, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic and Wales. Germany starts on wed. Heading to Hamburg to see those crazy Hamburgians from my workshop again. Then to Italy the next wed for another installment of travelling by myself.

Tis all for now... catch you next time...
k xxx