Ice

Hasn't snowed here in Berlin for a while, but the snow that was left over since the last fall has turned into ice. The footpaths are lined with thick lumpy blocks of ice, kind of like it would be if a 5 cm deep wave of water going through the streets, suddenly froze. It's not crunching snow, it's ice, like out of the freezer... Now everyone is slip-sliding along the streets. I've worked out that you have to walk in slow definite downward steps to make sure you don't slip. I imagine that if I was pick-pocketed, the chase that would ensue would consist of 2 people running in synchronised slow-motion tip-toes - a kind of moonwalk; two steps forward and one step back, kind of style.

It's so cold that I've wondered about that universal test by which we all measure TRUE coldness; that is, "It was so cold, that if you went outside and did a wee, it would..." a) hit the ground, and run away, as per normal, b) hit the ground, then turn to ice, c) turn to ice before it hit the ground, or d) freeze mid-air and turn to snow. Maybe C and D are the same? I think Germany right now sits somewhere between A and B, but I don't really want to try. Not reeaaaalllly, but I am interested.

On Saturday Berlin had a night where selected museums were open till 2am in the morning. The event begins at 4pm on a Saturday and you buy a ticket, then can go to as many museums as you like. Anna and I went out that evening and checked out a couple of museums of art and a Jewish memorial museum. They were all interesting, but the feet gave way after a while.

An incidental but noteworthy part of our tour was the Avalon Hotel, which is where Michael Jackson held his baby 'Blanket'(?) out the window. I took a photo of the building, but it's a little dark. I need the guys from C.S.I to come in and enhance the image, so that it looks just like a regular photo.

This is my name. I believe in German it means, "Ladies' Man", cos it's on all of the women's toilets here.

As you can see, I've begun taking low-resolution pics. Here in Europe - the fashion capital of the world - low-resolution is the new black. Everyone's doing it, and while you guys in New Zealand are probably thinking now: "That looks crap, I can hardly see anything", in a year or so you will begin to appreciate the full quality afforded by little pixels.

Germany No. 2

Dear reader,

I'm back in Germany. Most of the snow's gone but it's colder. A couple of days ago it was supposed to be -28 degrees here (I was in Amsterdam at the time). I don't know what the temperature is today - probably cold but I haven't stepped outside yet.

So plans may have changed, and I'll probably have to go to Zagreb - in Croatia - first, before I come back up through the Eastern side of Europe: Austria; Czech Republic; Poland.

I'm looking forward to seeing Brac, the island off Croatia where my Great Grandfather grew up before getting on a ship to New Zealand.

Until then I'll be walking around Berlin's sights and museums checking out art, and learning about this war and wall thing that was here sometime.

Thanks for your fan-mail. I'd like you to know that I have read every single one, and as soon as I get some, I will reply to every single one.

Travel Writer

Hola evariabodiala!

That's "Hello everybody!" in Spanish*. The Spanish never answered back, I think they were a bit stuck up.

The Spanish language wasn't the only thing I found over the holidays, I also learnt some Korean**, discovered an ancient palace, saw Michael Jackson, acquired (then lost) a taste for churros, and picked up a nice work ethic called "Siesta".

All of these experiences and more made for a very interesting Christmas and New Year. However, I am painfully aware that "What I Did In My Holidays" can be much less exciting for those who experience it by email. So, instead I will provide you with a short review by an independent author who's name bears an uncanny resemblance to mine:

What Damen Did In His Holiday - A Review
by D.J. Jazzy Joe

"The business of reading emails from loved ones - detailing every triviality of a journey - is a painful yet necessary affair. Not only does one feel a certain sense of duty to their friend or relation, but there is also a degree of fear that one day that person will talk of a certain place, a country perhaps, and you will have to admit that, no, you didn't read beyond the 2nd paragraph.

Not so in Damen Joe's brilliant account, "Spain? No Pain!". With absolute clarity, Damen is able to capture the vibe and culture of modern Spain in a time of upheaval and revolution. At a time when 2006 overturned 2005 - Damen was there to record it. At a time when the siesta became a fiesta - Damen was there to take part.

This journalism is of a kind rarely seen and sorely missed in today's humdrum of oil wars, espionage and suicide bombers. A highly recommended romp through the highs and lows of a country that drank one too many festive spirits.

5 Ole!'s *****"

How could you NOT read it? Click "here" to see the Spain pics:


*Disclaimer: "evariabodiala" is not a word. The author takes no responsibility for bodily harm caused by its use or misuse.

**The Korean I learnt was "Pegopa" and it means hungry. I thought it was Spanish for half of our trip in Spain.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Well... not so much walking, as "Half-Stumbling in a Winter Wonderland".

A couple of days ago I arrived in Germany. In the plane we were told we were descending to land, but there was so much cloud cover and fog that I couldn't see anything. The plane jolted and for a few seconds I thought that perhaps we had actually landed and that the pilot had made the smoothest landing ever. Then the fog cleared and we landed. Easyjet pilots are good, but not that good.

From the airport I negotiated my way through admin, then got out my instructions from the very able director Anna - a friend from university. Anna's instructions led me straight from A to B - none of this "Crablike Crawling" business.

Walking along paths, surrounded by snow, I had deep thoughts such as "Snow is the greatest equalizer. It softly falls and levels out discrepancies", or my favourite saying that I made up: "There's No White Like Snow White" (the poor cousin of "You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice-cream").

After lunch at her apartment Anna sent me off, (with verbal instructions) and I inadvertently crablike crawled to my destination. The journey took me through the Brandenberg Gates, past a monument in memory of European Jews, then past the place that I was supposed to go to, and off to the left, and around in circles. After making confused faces for a while, I finally saw the destination building and warmed my feet in there before heading back.

Had a catchup and dinner with Anna and boyfriend Toby who supplied me with my army style stretcher for the night.

Next morning I got up early and caught a plane. I guess none of that was eventful. The most noteworthy thing was that I asked for a window seat, and was given the only seat on the plane which was on the outer, yet had no window. A seat without a window isn't really a window seat is it?

Arrived in Amsterdam to meet Slobodan. My trip, from here on in has taken a sharp turn. I'm constantly learning about my family, learning Croatian, learning about the city... etc. I guess some of these things happened to a degree in other countries, but not so intensely. Amsterdam has such a crazy culture with an intense mix of tourist/sex/drugs/architecture attractions, as well as family, that it's been a real trippy experience (pun intended, but not referring to actual drug use).

The first night Slobodan took me by bike into the centre, and we went around past the museums and architecture, lit up at night, then through the red light district. Don't have much to say about it right now except, "What are your views on human zoos?" (I can feel a song coming along).

The red light district has street after street, with women standing backlit behind clear glass doors. They wear nothing but lingerie, and pose while Europe's male youth, and tourists gape at them. As a characteristic of the city that you can't deny, I was interested, but it's sad if you like to think about things. I'll leave it at that.

As for the family, they've welcomed me with open arms and want to know EVERYTHING about me and our extended family, and have told me all about my great-grandfather and his brothers and sisters, their relationship to NZ, their part in the war in Croatia, life as refugees, the house in an island of Croatia... sooooooo much. Then I went to bed and forgot it. Well, some of it.

The family is Tanja and Slobodan, their children Bruno and Mirna, and parents Rina and Milan. The house is full so I'm living with Slobodan's father, Milic, and go to the house during the day. Rina was a schoolteacher, and is a living learning-sponge. I'm more like a living learning-seive, so we can't quite identify with each other in my history lessons, but have a fun time trying to understand each other, (she can't speak English so Slobodan or Tanja translate).

Today I took my iPod and it's microphone, and recorded our conversations, so hopefully, if the mic is good, I should be able to listen again. Amazing stories. I've also been shamed by my bad family knowledge... actually, bad general knowledge, but I think they've become used to me saying, "Uh, I don't really know about ".

Tomorrow I will ride in and see the Museums by day, and take some photos so that I can prove that I was here, except I won't take photos in the red-light district. Apparently if you pull out a video-camera the girls will scream and men (not police) will come and get you. I know there's a difference between a vid-cam and stills-cam, but I'm not game.

Slowly planning my trip to Croatia, and should work out more tomorrow. Having a great time here, and loving hanging out with the family.

Love to all,
Damen

Hello from the Apple Store London!

A very small post saying that I'm in the Apple store in London, a huge 2 story building full of Apple computers and other various products. Every computer is connected wirelessly to the internet and you can just come in and check out the computer or check out your email account... or write something on your blog. Or you can just bring in your own computer and connect to the internet. Very mouth-watering with all this gear here that I want.

For those that don't know, I also got a mobile phone from a friend for my travels. It has a camera and bluetooth so I can hook up to my computer and then post some low-resolution photos for you to squint at.

I'm leaving England soon, bit nervous but am looking forward to the friends and family I'll be meeting.
Miss you all, see you all soon,

Damen

Long time no write

Well, it's been ages without writing, and I know my readership - as large as it was - may be starting to forget me. Never fear, here's some more news to keep me in your thoughts:

Came back from Spain soooooo long ago, it's not even worth trying to remember stories. In short, Granada was pretty cool, especially Alhambra, and Barcelona was great, especially New Years night. Went south west after that to Seville, and that was pretty crazy, especially the "Epiphany" celebration. As you can see, Spain has left a lasting impression.

Actually, it has, and I'm looking forward to returning; the food is fantastic, the local's attitude to life is great, the people are passionate, the fact that it doesn't feel like a hugely touristy place makes it feel so worthwhile, and the language is easy to pick up (or guess or fake).

Today is Wednesday. On Friday I head off into the wild blue yonder - actually white yonder as it will be snowing when I get to Germany. So I fly to Germany, spend a night with a friend, then head to Amsterdam and spend time with family before meeting my friend back in Germany. Together we'll then go to Poland, then I'll find my way to the Czech Republic, then Austria, then Croatia. Croatia will get most of my attention before I go back to Germany, then out back to London. Phew! I'm tired already!

I decided to go east because I've already heard and read and in some ways experienced the cultures of Western Europe, but Eastern Europe remains a bit of an enigma, so I'd like to check that side out.

I'll try and leave messages on the blog as I travel, instead of saving up stories, then forgetting them.

Love to all of you, hope you are all well rested, or still resting well, and enjoying your sun wherever you are.

Damen