free

i cannot beleive that there is something free in the airort but i have 5 minutes free on an internet machine

Packed and set

I am here probably entering my last blog entry. I have checked out and now all I need to do is bet on the bus for the airport and it boards right across the street.

I hope grandpa is doing well. He will have Jordan tonight to keep him company before I arrive.

I slept well. I tried to get to sleep early around 9:30 but I just couldn't get to sleep. Once asleep however, I sleep soundly and I got up right at my alarm at 6:45. Breakfast was again good and I mad eit fast so to get here and writing before departing.

I was pondering last night what I may have done differently on this ill-prepared and quick week-long trip. Well, I would pack differentlly. I would bring more shorts nad white t-shirts to wear. I would also book my hotels in advance, but I really had no choice -- time was lacking. I wouild take more pictures (always) and use my phone cards more effectively. That is the key to travel-- communication in reservations, with loved ones, etc. One must communicate to keep one's sanity especially alone. You never know when you might be shut out of accomodations ...

I am ready to depart and hopefully I'll make it alright. I go from here to Amsterdam and then on to Detroit and finally CR. It will be nice to only have to drive about an hour to get home from the airport.

I wonder how long it will take to get through security?

Ready

I am ready to return home, I think. I have my route out to the airport via bus X9 and I wil get the packing done early tonight. I will further get to sleep early and then get up early, eat breakfast and get out to the airport.

I did some shopping today. I hope I have something for everyone and I hope everyone is not looking forward to too much :)

Today was quite warm again and I now wish I had brought some 'white' clothing. Really all I have is a couple of black t-shirts and one pair of shorts. I It makes one quite warm and a little too sweaty. I tried to take a shower this afternoon but there was no hot water. What a disappointment! I got in, rinsed off what I coudl stand to wash off and then smiled.

I have finally discovered the BBC radio service. It is nice to hear a radio program offering news and sports in English. I have been listening to the station for about two hours and it makes me feel good to hear it. I wish I had looked for it sooner. Thanksfully, I have my MP3/FM radio so that I can receive it.

I haven't done much this afternoon. I shopped. I walked around. I purchased a Coke 'light' (or Diet Coke). I am now seated in an elevated seat, typing away on the computer.

Tomorrow's travel will be long and tiring but the good part is that it is much easier to travel towards the west than towards the east. Another good thing is that I only have to drive from CR to Monticello--about 45 Miuntes or less. Last year, Rebecca picked me up and that was good to have and I appreciated it. I look forward to seeing everyone and relaxing (how can a vacation not be relaxing?)

I ate out last night too. The first time that I ate out (other than BK, McD). I had the opportunity to see the locals, observe their eating habits and savor the taste of a good german beer. The price was right and I sat there for 2 hours and I finally had to ask for the bill-- typical european timetable and I wasn't complaining...

Checkpoint Charlie

This morning I visited two sites: Reischstag, the seat of legislature, and Checkpoint Charlie, the access point between the American sector of West Berlin and East Berlin.

I waited a short 20 minutes for the Reischstag. I had to go throught the usual security and was then wisked up the elevator to the top of the building. The view was a 360° view of Berlin from the roof and along the walk around the dome whihc serves as the top of the legislative part of the building. The dome sort of acts like a cooling tower for the building and also lets the sun shine (figuratively as well as literally) onto the Bundestag below the dome. I took alot of pictures (I vowed to take alot more this trip) and then descended to the bottom floor. I was disappointed that I couldn't see the interior of the legislature. I could make it out through the glass but the view wasn't a good one.

I left and took the bus and then the subway to Checkpoint Charlie. The sign is still there and marks where the sectors changed between east and west Berlin. The remants of the Wall are almost all gone. It is difficult to discern where the wall was at all and if one didn't know better, it never existed. I toured the surprisingly touching museum adjacent to the checkpoint. It showed- through photos, exhibits, audio, video- the history of the wall, escapes, politics, and finally the tearing-down and the reunification of Germany. I rented the audioguide and was quite taken by the force of the museum.

For example, near the end there was a german-language video of the day the gates fo teh wall were open in Nov. '89. I sat down and watched it, not understanding a word but definitely feeling the emotion in the room from the roughly 10 or so Germans there watching. Some were crying and some were blowing their noses.. All sad for joy and remembrance of that day. The younger ones were staring at the video and probaly learning, as I was, the force of that particular day. It was an outstanding overview, picturally, for me to have experienced. This is travel-- learning in a first hand manner about things you may have know existed but never appreciated until that moment.

I am sorry I haven't called everyone. I don't have a house phone and it costs 0.50 per minute to call from a payphone. I promise I will describe in detail what I have seen on this trip. Thankfully, I have this blog some everyone can know I am alive, well, and preparing to come home tomorrow (already?)

Tired...but content

I am tired. I just finished museum hoping and it really takes it out of a person. I am ready for a big water and to lay back to take a nap.

It is a little warm here today. I think we'll make the low 80s and it feels that right now. Of cousre, it is 3 in the afternon and should be the warmest of the day.

i am not thrilled about a couple of things in Europe. First, I don't like the lack of drinking water. Their attitude is that if you want water bad enough, you'll pay for it. Drinking fountains... what are drinking fountains?? Second, there's a lack of toilets (or W.C. for water closets) here. Again, if you want something bad enough, you'll pay for it. The nice thing is that if you're thristy, you usually dehydrated and do not need to use the Wc. On the other hand, if you have to use the WC, you might be full of H2O! Enough complaining... it could be worse.. It could be snowing or raining or I could be broke and laying in the streets of Dubuque (or even worse in jail...)

Museums

I hope Grandpa Ed's surgery goes well on Thrusday. He needs all of our sympaphy for his poor shoulder. I am sure Grandma Shirley will have him mowing soon (maybe in three days), and I can't wait to hear him soon say, "They cut me #sob, sob# They cut me..."

It will be a museum day today. Now that I am settled--hotel, passes, board over-view of the city--I can proceed to some of the individual sights. I will see the Reischstad (seat of government), Egypt Museum, Art Museum, Modern Art Museum, Natural History and Check Point Charlie Museums. I still must scope out my departure route from downtown to the airport. Rick Steves advises to take a taxi but I don't liek to pay too much for something I can get for a tenth of the price, i.e. bus trip. 20€ vs. 2.5€

Since I have the Museum pass I can come and go as I please, and I can also move to and fro with the all-transit pass. I am excited about it. I am most excited about the Reischstad and Check point Charlie places. Hopefully many pictures will be taken!

My breakfast was wonderful this morning! I was plesantly surprised at the amount and variety of foods they had to offer. They had: cereal, milk OJ, fish, sausages, biscuits, crossoints (sp?), coffee, eggs, etc. This was in a small restaurant-like atmosphere. I had pondered going to another hotel but I have decided against it. The upgrade was be minimal at best.

Sorry I haven't called aften. It seems that it costs much more to call the US from payphones than from room phones. Since I have had no operable phones in any of my rooms, I haven't called as much as I would like. I will make it up to you through photographs.

Again, I slept like baby. The room was cool and surprisingly quiet too given I am set in a very busy area of Berlin. It is interesting to note the differences in bed-ware: You get no sheets only one large, feather-stuffed pillow and one heavy comforter. This is the same in all of middle Europe. Strange huh? Does one sleep well?? I guess that depends, but I am not going to change to just a comforter and no sheets (some do that, by the way!).

I missed the TV last night although I went to sleep early at around 10PM. It is nice to see CNN International and get the weather and news too. There's nothing else in English usually except MTV and VH1 whihc play mostly US videos and have a much freer view on nudity.

Berlin

I have made it to Berlin and I am quite pleased to be herre although I didn't expect it to be so big-- on the oreder of Chicago I think.

I made one mistake, however. I checked into the wrong Hotel. Normally, this wouldn't make any difference to me but I had my heart set on one Hotel in particular. I went to the address and it said "Pension" and I figured it was the corect one. I checked in and found out that the one I wanted was right next door. I haven't paid for the three nights that I reserved it for. Therefore, I can stay tonight and go to the other tomorrow!

I guess the hotels are booked through the weekend for the championship soccer tournament. I guess I am lucky to have what I have.

I didn't decision to come here until the last minute. I was either going to Nuremburg or Dresden or here. I decided to come here; this is what I want to see anyway and Then I can relax abit before heading home Friday morning.

I purchased a Museum Pass and a subway/bus pass for the next three days. I can hop on and hop off whenever and wherever I want. I still haven't decided everything I want to do yet...

I am not far from anything either.

I enjoyed Rothenburg-- the walled city. It was beautiful and the townspeople were lovely. I kept thinking about Bill Huisenga and how he must have gotten along ther. Well, I'd expect.


I have purchased a subway and museum pass. So tomorrow I will tour. Today, after I got here and settled I went to the Brandanburg gate (division between East and West German and the Wall) One cannot make out the Wall at all. Completely gone and I almost missed the gate-- I thought it was part of a building until I looked up and saw the goddess of Victory on her chariot.

Würzburg

I am in Würtzburg , Germany. I didn't have access to an internet portal yesterday (forgive my keystrokes for this has a german keyboard with different setup). I missed having access. It makes finding information ( tickets, desitination, etc) so much easier.

Anything proceeded smoothly yesterday. I took the train from Amsterdam to Frankfurt and then finally to Wurzburg. The whole trip took about five hours and I had reservations for a nice hotel here with TV even!

I ran into one of my old students in Amsterdam. Is that rare? I don't know. I talk to him for awhile. He and his friend from Indiana are travelling by train for 3 weeks around Europe. It was a graduation gift to himself, he said after leaving Clarke. I looked at him and he looked at me and we smiled when we saw each other along the street -- strange. Will I see anyone else I know?

Yesterday was a big day for Frankfurt. During my stop there was a soccer game in which Frankfurt won the title of whatever league they are in. I walked around the trainstation a ways and sat down at a sportsbar to watch the first half of the match on HDTV. They are crazy fans-- they wear scarfs with the colors of their team, they yell loudly at every foul, swear... (and these are the old men supposedly). In the train station after the first half, there was a gang of frankfurt fans romping around the train station yelling, chanting; I believe they were being led by a retarded-looking gentlemen (on purpose?). They all had their scarfs on decked with colors red, black and featuring a roster as their symbol. Is it the Bundesliga league?

I also had a wonderful brat with mustard and a soft, warm preztel. Can one think of anything better?

Here are some German keys ß, µ, €, ö, ä, Ä ...

Where shall I go today? I am pondering going to Rothenburg. Rothenburg is a walled, medieval city about an hour from here. Interestingly, this city is where Bill Huisenga played football five or so years ago! It is supposed to be really stunning. Then I will probably stay in Nurenberg for the night.

I will try to call everyone soon. I had a telephone last night in my room but it cost money to use it. It is terrible to be so cheap.

Beer

Just hacing a beer at a Tavern called The Bulldog. They sell everythinghere and the beer soundedlike the best option.Further,I will write here and enjoy the atmosphere and patrons.

I went through the Rijksmuseum which was great. I rented the audioguide and used the Rick Stevestour for a guide.

Slept well

I slept very well on a very comfortable bed. Since the bed is really all I want, I am quite satisfied with the place. I reserved the room for one more night and I will enjoy it. Breakfast consisted of two slice each of wheat, white bread, ham, hard-boiled egg, coffee (alot), OJ.; It was filling and a nice addition to the room. If Jordan were here, she would have like breakfast and Amsterdam in general. She would ceratinly like the sights and people. I don't, however, know how my parents would like it. They would like the long walking areas and many restaurants, cafes and the scene is sort of like the JOnes County fair with more people, more drugs (perhaps) and more smoking!

Would Sturm like it? I think so altough it is hard to find ESPN and Phillies or Brewers games. Would Rebecca? Definitelty! She could run, bike, shop to her hearts content!

Today I need to reserve a room for tomorrow and train tickets too. Yet, I haven't answered the bigger questions, "Where shall I stay tomorrow? Where am I going?" Hard to believe but true... I haven't decided! I could choose amongst Frankfurt, Brussels, Brugges, Normandy, Hamburg, Berlin, and others in the genral area. There is so much to see and this choice makes such a difference in the rest of the trip also.

Do you know I can still read my e-version of the NY Times here? Again, hard to believe. I just download the software which is quick and nload it up. I am surprised and pleased.

I will have to check the weather too for here and my destination.

I walked around last night in the beautiful evening weather. I was quite nice. The city seems to grow appreciably as the evening progresses-- Friday night in Amsterdam (or any night for that matter) is crazy. So many different people, languages, ages, and, yes, smells...

Napped

*Feel free to comment on the blog. Everyone else who reads the blog will be able to see it too*

I napped! How I needed it! I was almost walking out in front of the omnipresent bikes and trams. My room has the bare essentials: twin bed, sink (toilet shower down the hall), a very small closet, 4 hangers and a nice view out the small double window. Spartan, truly... but I don't need a TV or toilet in my room, for I am here to see the sights and experience a little bit of Amsterdam.

My nap was for about 2 hours. I slept so soundly and felt so much better after it and shower/change of clothes. Since then, I have been walking around this area of the city.

I ate at Mc Donald's (just what I don't need but it is convenient and familar). I did have a hard time communicating with the server which appears to be a rarity here. She didn't know what i was saying and I know nothing about Dutch. Well, I got my food, and it was the same thing I ordered and tasted good also. It must be very hard for, say, Spanish or Germany-speaking to communicate, not only herre in Amsterdam but throughoout Europe where only English and the country's first language are spoken.

Futher, I watched an impromtu "break dancing" seesion. Four early-20's men were shouting out..."old-school"... they said in a heavy Dutch accent. It was interesting to watch, and they are quite adept at the art... I don't think I have ever seen it done in such I fine-tuned manner...

I am noting the American influence here too. It appears everywhere --clothes, entertainment, music, commercialization, language, etc. One sees american flags, american food spots, american clothes (though I saw someone with "Lee" jeans on which I haven't seen in many a year), etc. As much as Europeans say and desire to exhibit their individual cultures and roots, they seem to follow America's lead in the above categories. I believe they are reluctantly agreeing to follow the US (politically) further on democratization, fighting terrorist, and expnading opportunities. Socially, they certainly have their own ways, however. Drug legalization, welfare states, transportation systems, environmentlly-friendly constructions, fostering continental cooperation and globalization, and the general social fabric is seemly robust. How one ironically learns so much more about one's home when one travels!

I cannot believe also how fit the Dutch are. Everyone bikes. No one is has an extra pound; I have been looking and everyone (not including me, of course) is so skinny. Further, everyone is so tall. I seem to appear shorter and wider over here. It is like the old saying in reverse--"If you want to feel skinny, hangout with fat people."

I hate feeling like a tourist. I know the locals know the tourist. Heck, I can spot them ... People with baseball hats. People who are shorter and wider. People with their noses in maps. People crossing in front of trams, bikes cars. I would also categorize people with backpacks and camera (duh..) as tourists. Am I easy to pick out/ Yeah, I probably do/am all of those things except the hat thing because I purposely didn't bring one!

Shall I rent a bike? I am thinking about it. I would see alot more of Amsterdam, and I would definitely get a workout. I am reluctant, however. I worry that I would get hit by a tram or car, or hit someone walking or lose the bike or just plain wreck. No one here wears a helmet--no one and I have looked. I have seen absolutely no one wearing a helmet so if I wreck without a helmet, I probably won't return home. It brings me to wonder... how many accidents so people have here?

Made it!

Well, I made it here, thankfully. I arrived here at 8Am local time. It is rainy but quite crowded--people, sights, smells... It is hard to believe that one can start the day in the familiar i.e. Cedar Rapdis, Iowa, and then in a matter of a few short hours, one can be elsewhere, immersed in a totally different culture, habitat. Amsterdam is definitely differnet than any city t which you have ever been . Bikes, trams, dredlocks, yells, beeps, and, yes, foreign smells serve as reminders to an adventurer that this is indeed a very unique place.

I have felt so disconnected. I haven't had email, telephone, nor current news. In this "small" world, it is still somehow easy to get lost, lost without connection and lost by one's lonesome.

Guess what they showed on the plane from Newark to Amsterdam? They showed "Ocean's Twelve" which you might remember had a connection to last summer's trip to Europe. Last year, I was 10 miles west of here in Haarlem and I just happened to be there when they were filming the movie. I got off the train and all these dutch girls were screaming as Brad Pitt walked by. I had wished it wasn't on so that I would sleep instead. I watch it, of course...

I didn't have anything eventful happen on this trip so far. The flight were fine-- little or no turbulence and comfortable seats. I didn't sleep for but one hour though, and it was a very light sleep too. Therefore, I am running on fumes right now. I did check into the hotel, but I couldn't get into a room until 1PM. I decided to walk around the city for aawhile, and I just ate at Burger King. Since it was a open-doored BK, I had a pigeon eating at the adjacent table to mine. he seemed to be interested in me ( most amsterdammers are indifferent to visitors) and my sandwich. That marks a first for me.

I hoep you are able to make sense of my writings... I don't know if they are making any sense to me.

Make sure to drop me a line. i wish i ould download some of the pictures I have taken...

Once again...

Once again, I am headed to Europe. I am so please to have the opportunity thanks to my parents who "borrowed" me some Northwest air miles...

I plan to renew my effort at Blogging and keep you enlightened to my present where-abouts and dealings. I wil try to update this blog at least once or twice a day. It seems to be easy in Europe to find internet access in my experience.

I made my reservation this morning. I am departing at 10:30AM tomorrow in Cedar Rapids to Detroit and then Newark and finally to one of my favorite cities, Amsterdam. Short notice, huh? Well, I have a little packing and preparing but it is not too bad; I enjoy it. It is an adventure and priviledge to travel!

I purchased a couple of Rick Steves books today--Netherland ands Scandinavia. I hope to see northern Germany and Denmark and what else? I would like to go to Normandy too. Any ideas? I also bought some shoes and toilteries and began and completed my packing.

Email me at jason.stecklein@clarke.edu ... I will try to respond!