My Journey Concludes

I'm back in New York now, and have successfully survived my trip to Israel. In the end it wasn't as wonderful as people claimed, and the birthright organization has a ton they need to improve on. I am glad I went, and the more times I can go to Israel the better, but as I mentioned in my previous entries it didn't even compare to Europe. I did however meet some nice people, and do some cool things.

I would recommend doing a birthright trip to anyone with the following stipulations.

1. You don't mind a complete lack of freedom or choice
2. You can pretend to like people you may not
3. You don't need to sleep more than 5 hours a night
   
4. You aren't a picky eater
5. You don't mind long bus rides

I would also recommend that anyone who goes on birthright extend their trip. I think I made a huge mistake by not doing so, and I would have a true good Israel experience.

Anyway, I'm home now, so pleas call me, and let me know whats up with all of you.

I also have switched my email since I will no longer be at the University, You all can reach me at SethBrian@gmail.com. So, let me know whats up, and Ill talk to you all later.

My Frustrations Continue

So, Ive been on this trip for five days now, and things haven't been looking up. I continue to feel like a six year old, while I'm told exactly what to do when. We are grated no free time, and have no sense of freedom. The wort thing is that on this trip that we must do exactly what the group is doing we don't do the things I want to do. We spend so much time at bars, or on the beach, and I'm bored out of my mind. While we spend so much time doing this nonsense, we only spent 4 hours in Jerusalem. This is an abomination, the holy historic city of Jerusalem, we chose to spend the mourning there, while we spend a whole three days on different beaches. Its getting ridiculous.

Anyway, my staff member is a raging bigot. He gave me a 20 minute lecture on why homosexuals should die, and how its unnatural. It was terrible, I hate him, he always harasses me because I voiced my disagreement with his comments.

That's about it, I hope things turn up, but I doubt they will. I think the worst moment during Europe was much better than the best moment here. Its really a shame, because I wanted to love Israel, but I'm having a horrible experience.

Well, home in 5 days, so I have that to look forward to.

Israel begins

OK, Israel has been nice so far. I say nice, because it hasn't been great.

Yesterday we arrived at 4 am, and they didn't let us go to sleep until 9 that night. So, everyone was ridiculously tiered, and couldn't pay attention to anything. I also have these three friends from long Island on my trip that I want to hang. Imagine the most obnoxious ten year old in the world and give him three friends who are all encouraging themselves, and put them in twenty year olds bodies. that's pretty much what I deal with everyday. The next thing that sucks is that everything is a production. When I travel alone, or with two, or even three, things go smoothly and quickly. You can go from thing to thing in a moment. This trip it takes 15 minuets to exit a building, and the four schmucks from Long Island are always keeping the group behind.

Finally I dint like our guide. He is a very strict man who runs us on military efficiency, which is tiresome, so not only are we wasting time with the big group, but we have no time to kind of putz around these areas, it sort of sucks. I also don't think he is very knowledgeable, today he told us the color of a shull is meant to scare away satin, and hell. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but Jews don't believe in a hell or satin. Those are christian ideas. I didn't say anything, but I really think hes wrong. Another example of this is when I first got there I asked what the deal with tish bah ave was, and how crowded and unwieldy it would be in the old city. I said this after having already voicing my concerns via email weeks earlier. He assured me it would be fine. Two hours latter he told the group that the old city was impossible to go to that day, and we had to change the schedule. Why did it take him to the last possible second to figure out what I knew the moment I saw the schedule. He is an idiot, and a poor tour guide.

The are some good parts. Most of the group s pretty chill. I have enjoyed the few things we've seen, and am finding things interesting. Svat was cool, and I enjoyed our rafting down the Jordan River today. So, I hope things get better, and I continue to have a good time.

Belgium

So far I have loved Belgium. There is something about this place that just gives me a good vibe. The people are cool, and I have really had a good time everywhere I went. There is something to be said for a culture that has adopted a peeing boy as its symbol (Manneke Piss seen to the left), its an odd but good sense of humor. The people are very relaxed, and enjoyable to be around. They love to eat and drink. There is a running joke that while many of their neighboring countries were in the middle east fighting during the Crusades, the Belgians were just getting drunk.

The people love beer. They love beer so much that the word for "cool", or "awesome", is "beer", no joke. I was asked where I was from, and when I responded close to Chicago the man told me that "Chicago was very beer", and was serious about it. Also in Flemish culture the highest complement you could pay someone is to say they are as grand as the beer maker: interesting isn't it?

As far as food the Flemish know how to do it right, nothing but chocolate and pastries, mostly waffles. The waffles are a must here, seriously they force you to eat them. I went to a sandwich shop yesterday in Bruges, and when I was done the lady asked me what kind of waffle I wanted. I replied that I didn't want one. She asked why, and I responded I was poor and it wasn't in the budget. She told me that everyone should have a waffle, then left, and came back with a waffle and a liter of beer. She informed me it was on the house, and left with a big smile. Now, how could you not love this culture, no one said any ting about beer, she just thinks all people should have a beer and waffle, so she made sure I did.

As for the sights All the cities have been cool. I started in Brussels, and thought it was a really cool town. The streets are very ornate, and their is always some one playing instruments in the streets around people drinking. Its really cool and very multi cultural. their are different streets that you would swear that you were in Greece or Poland, or anywhere in Europe. Since it is the capitol of the EU it has become one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Then I went to Bruges. I really liked Bruges. The city is this old medieval layout, which hasn't been altered since the 13th century. Its really quaint, and their are a fair amount of things there as well. I saw a vile of Christs blood, which was strange but cool. I also saw Michelangelo's Madonna and Child, which was the only one of his work to leave Italy during his life. Their are also many windmills around (as seen to the right), which add to the rustic feel.

After Bruges I went to Ghent. I didn't know what to expect, and honestly I just went because it was on my way back from Bruge to Brussels. So I got off the train, and thought the town looked deserted. So I walked around a little and soon discovered everyone was in the center of town. Apparently it was their annual festival and I just happened to get there. I was pretty cool their were stages set up with people playing music everywhere, and a lot of different other performances. It was actually really nice. I don't know if the city of Ghent is nice or not, but they do know how to throw a festival. I had a blast.

Finally today I went to Antwerp. Antwerp is pretty cool, but not really the city for me. Its known as one of the fashion capitals in the world and is a great place to go shopping. Since I'm now broke, and unable to purchase fine garments at the moment there isn't much to do in Antwerp. The train station was really nice, they boast its the prettiest in the world, but I don't know how official this title is. They also have a ton of medieval buildings including a castle from the 9th century (seen on the right). The city is pretty cool, and I'm glad I came, but a shopper with money would have died and gone to heaven in Antwerp.

All in all Belgium and the Flemish people are awesome, and I'm having too much fun here to be going home tomorrow. Ive met a bunch of really interesting people, like two days ago I went to a bar/cafe, and ordered a sandwich. I got to talking to the guy next to me and it turns out he was a congressman from the Congo. It was pretty cool (or "beer" I guess), he was a really interesting guy. Yesterday too, I was at the hostel and I met there to guys from Whales. They were really cool, and fun to hang out with.

I'm looking forward to somethings from home, but I'm going to miss all the different people one meets while traveling, especially alone. Its been a crazy experience, and I'm sad to see it end.

Anyway, stay tuned to the blog, because Ill try to do a few Israel updates (July23-August2), and let you all know how that's going, but as for Europe, I think this will be my final entry.

See you in the States,

Seth

Paris Post #4, Bastille Day

Ok, so Bastille day was great and all, but it was no Pamplona. The night of the 13th started by us going to Bastille square, and listening to a free Reggae concert. This is the historical sight of where the prison was before it was destroyed during the revolution. The concert was cool, they even played ha-yirushaliem shel zahav, but a reggae version which was pretty sweet.

Then following the concert everyone in the city going to their local fire station. There were huge parties at every fire house in the city. It was pretty cool, and there was pretty good music going on, so I had a good time. While there me and my newly acquired friend, Mark, met two nice Hungarian girls, and were hanging out with them. Everyone would be happy to know that one of their names was Ester, so it was all good. At the fire house the firemen got on stage and did a little strip show. It was really strange, and I kept thinking how all over the city people are playing with fireworks, and the firemen are drunk and stripping at a party. It just didn't seem safe to me.

I didn't get home until like 5am, and when I got home, there was some one in my bed. Apparently I had switched rooms, but no one had told me, so I went to my new room, and there was someone there. I started to get really pissed, because I had a reservation and prepayed, so I should have a bed. Following this me and the reception guy went room to room looking for an open bed. Finally we found one, but it was some girls bed that just never made it back that night. The man in charge told me to sleep there, and it was like 6am, so I did. Then around 10:30 or so the girl came back, got angry at me, and started to yell in french at me. She got the man at the reception, and I was subsequently moved to the couch in the office. It turned out to be ok, it was a comfortable couch, but a real hassle.

I then woke up at three when me and this Mark guy met our Hungarian friends and walked around the festivals that afternoon. At seven we met up with like 20 other guys in our hostel, and sat in the Eiffel tower park listening to a free concert. Then at 11 they started to fireworks. It was awesome, because they were right behind the tower, so it was very picturesque. It also happened to be the greatest fireworks show of all time. There was never a dull moment, it was really spectacular.

Anyway then I went to bed, woke up, and arrived in Brussels today. It seems nice, but I just got here, so Ill keep you all posted. Three more days left its getting kind of sad that its ending so soon, bu I go to Israel soon after so no worries.

Paris Post #3, food in France

I thought I would go ahead and explain how strange food is in France for you all. For any given meal there are a few options.

First just bread. This seems to be a crowd favorite hear, and I see many people sitting in the park just eating bread. I must admit I have indulged myself in a giant loaf of bread or two while here.

Second, you could go to a restaurant, and pay like €17-25 for your meal. I have stayed away from this, having not yet ate a in a restaurant while here.

Your third option is my favorite, grocery stores sell prepackaged sandwiches for like €3-4, while this is a huge rip off, its cheaper than a restaurant, and better than just bread. The only issue is that they only sell pork, or veggie, so Ive eaten a lot of veggie sandwiches.

Your fourth option is trusty McDonald's, I have gone to McDonald's while here, and its weird. I know that people in America are fat, but in France most people at McDonald's order this golden meal which is your favorite value meal plus a six piece McNugget, it crazy, isn't the sandwich and fries enough? Needles to say, when in France, I also ordered myself Golden meal, and immediately after felt sick.

This brings me to my last observation on french food, candy bars are not sold individually, they are sold in packs of three. This is brilliant. Most people eat all three at a time, and don't even flinch. Even in vending machines, they are only sold in these three packs, again needless to say yesterday I had myself three Snickers bars.

Anyway, I just thought people would want to know what I'm eating, so that was a pretty good run down on my daily consumptions while in France. In two day Ill b in Belgium;, and I plan to eat nothing but waffles, so lets see how that works out.

Paris Post #2

I had some time on my hands, and I know how you are all clamoring for an update on ,y adventures, so I thought I would write a second entry in as many days.

I decided not to go anywhere today, and just chill in the city. This is mostly because I met up with this 37 year old guy from Charlotte and the two of us went out last night. We went to the highest point in Paris, figuring the view at night would be awesome, and we found 300 people all hanging out listening to music. There were these two guys in front with amps giving a concert of mostly English music, and the crowd was really into it. It ended up being a ton of fun, and the two of us stayed up there until like 2am. It was because of this late night escapade that I didn't wake up in time for a day trip.

Everything ended up pretty cool today. I read in the park for a while, its a gorgeous park, right in front of the French Senate. After that I just wondered the streets, and now I find myself at an Internet cafe writing a blog entry.

Tonight I'm meetiong up with a bunch of guys from my hostel, and were all going out to celebrate Bastille day. So, that should be fun.

Anyway all is good, looking forward to the festival tonight and tomorrow.

Paris thus far

Ok, so Paris is really cool, but there have been a few things that could have been better. First, it has rained the whole time! Not one dry day, its really sucked! Second, its very, very dirty. Its by far the dirtiest European city Ive been in. I say European, because New York is a ton Dirtier.

With that said, everything is going well. I did all of the sight seeing, which has been cool. The city is a lot like Rome where every where you look there is another historical sight, and something else to take a picture of: these are a few of the big ones. I want you all to note how good Ive become with the timer function of ,y camera, because I took all of these myself even the ones with me in them.

Yesterday I went to Versailles, and it was incredible, nothing compares to it. It was so impressive. The word Beautiful gets thrown around in this blog way too much, Versailles was truly beautiful. I think the garden was better than the house its self. Anyway, I now have a new benchmark for how much wealth I would like to have, and that home is the benchmark.

Today I went to the Louvre, and it too was magnificent. There was too much to even really see. Its like the worlds greatest art museum, and the Smithsonian all in one building that spans four blocks by two blocks. There was so much no one even noticed incredible things that in any other setting would be the main attraction. They have 5 Divicies, and countless other things.

As most of you know I am a frequent viewer of the history channel, and have watched my fair share of Roman documentaries. In these documentaries they always show sculptures of the people, because photos aren't available, fair enough. I think every single one that was ever shown on the history channel is in the Louvre, it was crazy, I recognised all of them, and was calling the Names of them before I looked. I thought that was cool.

They also had the royal crown jewels of France which was awesome. I found in a corner that no one else was going Napoleon's Crown. The actual one just in a dark corner, It was so crazy.

Other than that they had art from everywhere in the world, and had a lot of historical artifacts from around the world as well.

Even if your not an art person the Louvre is a must see in your life, it is bar none the most comprehensive Museum in the world, or at least that Ive ever seen.

Well I'm not sure whats up tomorrow, the day after is Bastille day, and then I'm off to Brussels. So, well see what happens.

When we last left off I was mortified at the sight of the bull fights. since then a lot has happened.

We both got hair cuts, and I think it was the consencious that they were the best hair cuts ever! Ive never had someone work so meticuliously on a buz cut before. he was a hair cutting G-D.

We went to Toledo, and both thought it was very nice, but nothing too speacial. I would copare it to the Venice of Spain. It was very pritty, and very scenic, but there were tons of tourists, and you get boared after about three hours.

After Toledo, we just relqxed in Madrid for a while, and tried to live it up. We ate Stek and eggs like every meal (I dont know why, they just serve it everywhere, and everyone orders it. So, the only reasonable thing to do was join in). Other than that Madrid wasnt too eventfull. we tried to go out, but apparently in Spain the bars dont even open untill 2am, and no one goes untill like 3 or 4, so we couldnt make it. We left not thinking too highly of Madrid.

Then we went to Barcelona. The train to Barcelona was the worst thing of all time. it was six people in a room the size of a full size bed, and we were all facing eachother. No one slep and everone hated everyone else by the end of it. So we got inb, only to discover that our hostel is about an hour and a half walf from the center of town. of cource we only discovered that after we walked it. It was terrible.

Despite the poor statr to Barcelona I think we both really liked it. The city was very friendly, and the street preformers were of the highest quqlity. Overall I would recomend Barcelona over Madrid any day.

We also went to the beach in Barcelona. Needless to say the water, and sand were nice; What is needed to be said was tha apparently in Spain it just ok for girls to be naked, and apperently the rule is the more attractive you are the more likley it will be that you will be naked. It goes without question that this added to the enjoyment of the Barcelona Beaches.

Finally we left Barcelona on a poor note. My right eye becam terribly infected. It was very swollen, and bright red. I went to a medical Clinic in Barcelona, where I saw a doctor who spoke no english. I finally got him to write me a prescription for antibiotics, and went to the local pharmacy. Once ther I asked the pharmacist if the medication would be cheap. She laughed and said of cource not this is very expensive. She then proceeded to tell me that both cost €5. I laughed and blessed tha country which has socialized medicen. My doctor was free, and the medicine was dirt cheap. Anyway, my eye is better now for thoes who are wondering.

Our final stop in pain was Pamplona for the festival de San Firmin (running with the bulls, or Jews depending on whoes perspective mine or the bulls). No words can describe it. It was an experience that everyone should have. the running was awsome, I ran about a yard from a 650 Kg bull.

(us right before running)

The rest of the two days we spent there were so much fun the whole city if a giant festival, and everone is in the streets singing and dancing. we joined up with noumerious parades, and celibrated with like 20,000 people. Ive never seen anything like it. Even Jake who lived in New Orleans, and has been to Marti Gras multiple times said Pamplona was ten times the size of Marti Gras, and 100 times more festive. I dont even know what else to say, except you all should plan to go next year, it is an experience.

Well, that brings us to now, I left Jake, and am on my own now. I am in Paris now, but its very ranny and cold, so Im not sure what sight seeing Ill do in the rain. Ill be here untill the 15th(Bastille Day is the &'th, so that should be awsome), then I go to Brussles for thre ays, and back home on the 18th.

So, I guess Ill see how the whole solo thing works out.

MADRID

Seville was cool for all of thoes curious. It was a very quant old city. The strets werent wide enough for cars, and the city hasnt been modernised at all. So, it looks like how you would picture Spain Circa 1600 or something. It was very cool.

We made it to Madrid yesterday, and its a cool city. We went directlly to a bull fight. It was the most groosum terrible thing Ive ever seen. The bull would bleed all over the place, and it would moan loudlly as the madador stabbed it. It was ledgitamatlly one of the worst things Ive ever seen.

Today we did some sight seeing, and I thnk were going to take a day trip to Toledo tommorow, so things are doing well.

Spanish food is cool. They dont have a praticular dish that defines it, what does is Tapas. Tapas is just a small portion of whatever they serve. So, you can order either a meal for like 12 Euros for a meal, 7 for a half meal, or like 2-3 for Tapas, which is like just a taste. Its nice because oyu can order four tapas, and have a meal that gives you a little of everything, or you can just get a snack, or order a half or full meal. I like the choice of size. The only food that is almost a spanish dish is anything pork. Its very difficult to not eat pork hear. Even if you ask, and they tell you there is no pork, there almost allway is a little that they didnt consider enough to tell you about. It gets frustrating.

Anyway, all is good, having fun

To Spain

first I just want to give a shout out to my readers in Israel. I hope this is an enjoyable sight to read, and dont worrie I take good care of Jakie.

Second I just want to comment that Noah will be the greatest Bull of all time, and that Gray was a steal in the second round. I have now become a Bobcats fan for obvious reasons, and I think NY made a good trade, so props to Seidler.

As for Switzerland, it was ok. Jake had a ton more fun than me. I got over the scenery in about two hours, and just was kind of sitting around. It was beautifull, but unless you want tyo shell out like $100 to do some of the extreem sports Interlocken isnt the greatest. I do think Jake loved it, so I was happy that he went. Its an outdoorsmans dream, but there was little culture there.

We did however eat a ton of cheese and chocolate, and we evensaw traditional yoddeling. THat was really cool. We also met some nice people from Martanville, so needless to say we didnt tell them we were Jewish, and even talked about going to church. The girl from Martanvill developed a little crush on me, and made it obvious atone point that she wanted to find a secluded place. I obviously did not do anything, I thought what if I did and she accedenlly got pregnant, there would be one more biggut in the world.

Were in Spain now after 30hrs on a train. It actutually wasnt too bad of a trip. WE were a little slap happy the last few hours, but it was ok. The train from Madrid to Saville we had to ride first class, because they were sold out of second class. Part of first class is going to the lounge, wherer they gave free drinks, so we got smashed. It was so rediculious, Jake should never be allowed to make the decision on what to do. We got on the train just tanked, and must have been rediculious, as the served us our first class meal, we laughed and must have been really obnioushious. Anyway, I then stopped drinking for frea of vommiting as Jake pressed on having a few complementary beers on the train its self. All in all it was fun, but sort of silly non the less.

Spain is cool, it very sceanic, but also too hot. Were in Seville now, and in a few daysa we go to Madrid, then to Barcelona, and finally to Pamplona for the main event.

All is well,

Florence was awsome!

So we leave tonight, and I just thought I would catch people up with the Italian pictures, So........

This is us in Venice

Us at the collesium

Me in Pizza

Us in Florence at sun down

Finally we took a bike tour of a vinard in rural Tuskany. It was so cool. The hills and everything were unreal. I have tons of pictures of it that I wont post, so if you want just ask me when Im home, and Ill show you the increadible landscape

Well, all is well, and Im looking forward to moving on from Italy.

Things never go as you plan them

We went to Pizza, and there wasnt too much there. It was a university topwn, and the tower is cool, but only lasts around a half an hour. We took a ton of funny pictures. We then just cooked dinner and went to bed around 9 (we needed it)

So... the idea was to go to chinqua terra for a day, and walk the prittey scenery. So... there was a train station worklers strike, and we didnt get to our hostel until 4ish (we left Pizza at 8). It was such a hassel. So we couldnt do the hike and we ended up doing an abreviated hike at sundown with these two girls from Iowa. It was fine, and was very pritty, but not what we had planned.

Then we arived in Florence. I have been excited for a few months about this insane sport that peole dye durring. Its supposed to be the most violent sport ever! anyway, aparently about a month ago the city voted and decided to not have the game this year (its been going for around a thousand years) apparently its too violent, and cant be done anymore.

Florence is still cool we saw the David, and it was spectacular. tonight were going to a music festival, and tommorow there is still a parade and fireworks, so things will still be fun.

then on Monday off to Switzerland

End of Rome

Tonight is our last night in Rome, and it has been spectacular. I think Rome has been fore sure in my top two cities Ive visited so far (Krakow is #1). The Vatican was spectacular, everything about it was so beautiful. It was so nice. And just being in the city has been great. There are these fountains everywhere, which are so pretty, but are also drinkable, which makes this the best place to travel to in the summer. I think everything is just nicer looking in Rome. The streets are so decorative, little allies look like they were planned with such precision its remarkable. We head for Pizza tommorow, and then this small town called Cinqua Terra the next day, the day after that its off to Florence for a few nights and then we head to Switzerland. Everything is going well, and I look forward to the second half of my journey.

Venice and Rome

So, we left Munich, and made our way to Venice. On the train we met two girls, and decided to pend the day together. We went to breakfast, and walked around a bit. We watched them shop for bags which was the most fun ever. After all of this Jake had said that his friend went to Venice and found a pizza place that we had to go to, So, we started looking for it. Well, needless to say we don't know the city too well, and we took about an hour to get there. The girls were cranky and tiered and when Jake went in to buy a pizza they just tor him apart, and complained. He came back, and the pizza was very mediocre, which added insult to injury. We walked them back to the train station, and parted ways with them. When it was all said and done Venice was beautiful, and amazing. The views of the city are fantastic, and the weather was perfect. I think that anything more that 8 hours or so would have been overkill, but for the few hours we were there it was really nice.

We then got on a train to Rome, where we met another girl. Only this one was crazy. She was from Rural Washington, and loved Jesus. She made several references to the Lord, and the fact that he was her savior. She also explained how "The Lord" talks to her periodically and tells her what to do. It was so creepy. She was studying to be an opera singer, and loved musicals. So, naturally I asked her what some of her favorite movies were. She made mention of several, none made post 1980. I then asked her if she liked Chicago, and she made a face saying how it was far too racy, and that this kind of "smut" shouldn't be allowed to be in public. She was nice enough, but shes the exact reason that all of the Europeans we meet make fun of how ridiculous Americans are, and how we let the bible belt make too many decisions. After the train ride we parted. The Lord told her to leave the heathen Jews.

We arrived inn Rome, and saw the ancient city yesterday. It was fantastic. During the course of this trip I have seen so many historic monuments, and giant churches that I have grown accustom to them. I am no longer impressed with the average giant church and clock combo. Its sad, but I have gotten used to seeing big statues, and am not impressed anymore. The Coliseum is different. I was in awe. It was spectacular. It was so huge and intricate, it really showcased the power of the Roman Empire. We also saw the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the arc di Constantine, the Arc di Titus, the Fountain di Trevi, and a million other cool ruins. It was all very impressive.

One thing I have noticed is that in Rome there are no traffic signals or crosswalks. They have a lot of those circle turns, and people just seem to venture into the streets and play Frogger trying not to get hit. It is the scariest thing ever. Its a fight for your life every time you want to cross the street. Its even stranger in other parts of the city where there are no sidewalks, so people just walk in the rode, and cars just maneuver around them. It is so crazy.

Anyway, we ended last night with this ridiculous meal. Jake and I had been talking about good Italian food for a few weeks now, so we found a reasonably priced place, and went in. We explained to the waiter (Alejandro) that we wanted to eat like Italians would eat. He understood and took our menus from us. He first came with a liter of red wine. He then came back with two huge plats of pasta for us. It was so good, Ive never had sauce like that before, it was unbelievable. As soon as we had finished the pasta, our man Alejandro came to us with steaks. It was ridiculous, so we got to work on the steaks. Needless to say the steaks were stupendous. About half way through our steaks our man came back with a huge bowl of potatoes, and another huge bowl of spinach. All of it was incredible. We just kept eating this fantastic meal. We finished all of that, and Alejandro let us sit for a while. About ten minuets later he came with a small bowl of fruit for us to nibble on. It was probably the best meal Ive ever had. It was a little expensive($25 each), but well worth every penny of it. We are discussing going back tonight, but aren't sure if the budget could handle it.

Anyway, were off to Vatican City today, which should be awesome........Ill post again soon

The last week or so

So, I know it has been a while since my last post, and I apologise to all of my loyal reader.

Poland ended well, I loved being there, and getting a feel for my heritage.

When Jake and I arrived in Prague Drew wasn't here, which was sad, but my friends Danny and Craig were. Sop, we toured with them a little, and since Danny had been living there for the past 5 months or so he knew exactly where to take us.

While there we met up with these crazy kids from England. They were so drunk. Not as drunk as the Irish Men, but rediculious nun the less. One kept asking random girls on the street how much for sexual favors, and another was so drunk he took off his shirt, and would justz mumbble. He was too drun to talk. I don't know why I think it's so funny to see these people, I guess it's just such a culture shock from what I'm used to in America.

All in all Prague was pritty fun untill we left.

When we were going to leave Prague we missed our train, and couldn't get another untill the mourning we had to kil around 11 hours in Prague. Since we had no place to stay and nothng to do, we were screwed. So we first put our bags in a locker, and romed the city for a while. We ended up at a Mcdonalds where we nused a value meal for two hours. We then went to a bar and watched the NBA finals from like 2AM to 4Am. At this point we were exausted, so we went to the train station where Jake fell a sleep on the floor. I stayed up for two hours while he slept watching creepy people walk around the train station wondering what smelled so terrible. Around 6Am a police man came over and explained that we couldn#t sleep there. Apparently the train station is where drug dealers and users go at night. All of thoes people I saw were going into the corner to shoot up. The police officer explained that they go around trying to get them out, but its impossibe. He also went on to explain that much of the floors Jake had slept on were coated in urin. He went on to tll us that no self respecting human should ever lay down on these floors and that he wouldn't even touch them with his hands. So, we wondered the city for another hour and a half. As we were walking around a group of prostitutes started harassing us, and when I told them I wasn't interested one hit me. I know that this blog has become riddeled with stories of prostituts, I think there just very prevalant in Europe, it's strange. In the end it was one of the worst nights of my life, but makes for an excellent story.

We arived in Munich, and took a short nap. After that we went to the world famous Hofbra House where we saw crazy men in the traditional German gear. We ended up meeting some nice men from swiserland. One of them was a celebraty, he was a weatherman in Zurich, and was recognised often as a man on TV.

Then today we went around the castel and fufilled Jakes dream of this beer garden. It was ok, but Jake loved it. The english garden in Munich is a must see, and you have to get a beer there, but it was kind of over rated.

Any way, tonight we go to Venice, so I'm looking forward to that. Overall everything is going well, Life is good, and things are fun.

Shit has hit the fan

There have been a few developments in the past 24hrs, first I'll tell you about my night last night....

As most of you know I don't drink, that not to say I drink a little, or only on occasion, but I've gone years without consuming alcohol. Well, this trip I've had a beer in almost every country as a way of tasting local things. So, last night Jake and I went to a pub in Krakow. (for those of you wondering where Drew is, he didn't want to go to Poland, he went straight to Prague. Ill get back to that later). So, I was drinking this polish made beer at the bar when Jake strikes up a conversation with a man from New Zealand. The next thing I know he invited us to have a shot with him and his friends. I declined, and Jake took a shot with them. We soon discovered that all of these men where in Krakow for a bachelors party. I know what some of you are thinking, how it's too large of a coincidence that I ended up at a bachelors party at the Kentucky Derby, well it is strange but true. It was this guy Owen from Ireland, with 10 of his best friends growing up in Krakow celebrating his eventual marriage. Then there was James the man we met and two other Kiwis joining the party. They were very welcoming, and tried to incorporate us into the group. They bought drink after drink, while Jake got plastered, I was sipping on a beer or two trying to keep everything in order.

Anyway, they got very roughly they were playing rugby, and smashing everything in the room. They destroyed a bar. They took out every lamp in the place as well as a chandelier. It was fucking nuts. Soon the bar maid threw them out, and demanded for them to pay for the damages. They of course did and proceeded into the streets.

As we exited the bar the Irish men proceeded to pick fights with everyone in the streets. They even tried to fight Polish police officers. eventually we made it into a second bar. At the other bar they ordered shot after shot after shot for us, then they kept ordering us beers. It was nuts. By this time I was trashed. Jake was ridiculously gone, and the Irish men wanted more. They proceeded to challenge us to arm wrestling fights, we of course destroyed all of these weak Irish men.

After this was when things went in a weird direction. They got into cabs, and we of course followed. WE soon pulled into a whore house. It may have been the seediest place I've ever been in. One of the Irish went in with a girl, while the others drunkenly yelled at the girls for being ugly. I think me and Jake were so nervous and uncomfortable we almost cried. Soon after they expressed their displeasure with the girls we went back to their hotel for a night cap. Jake puked all over their bathroom, and we excused ourselves and walked home.

It was the most insane night of my life.

Now back to Drew. I woke up this mourning to a series of three Emails. Drew has been kind of depressed for a while, and has been expressing extreme fatigue and displeasure with the trip. The second of the three emails said that had his wallet stolen, and he was being thrown out of his hostel. The third informed us that he was flying home. In his words he wasn't mentally prepared for this trip, and needed to get his act together.

It'll be weird pressing on without him, but there was nothing we could do to persuade him otherwise. I can't help but feel partly responsible for his departure, but there was nothing I could do about it.

I guess I'll just press on word without him

End of Germany Start of Poland

So, we have separated from Drew, and me and Jake went to Berlin yesterday. Drew decided that going to Poland was too expensive with the added travel costs so he just went to Prague, and we"ll meet him there in 4 days. So, Jake and I pressed to Poland. Berlin was ok, we only had 9 hours there, and we saw very little. First we went to the Holocaust memorial, then to checkpoint Charlie, and finally the German Jewish Museum. All three were very nice, but we were very rushed the whole time.

Then we went on a train to Poland. We took the overnight train, and it was crowded. It was six beds in a space not fit for one. When it was all said and done it wasn't too uncomfortable, and we got a decent night sleep.

This mourning we arrived in Poland, and it"s been pretty nice. Apparently it"s a Catholic holiday today, so everything is closed. Who knew? We saw the palace, and a lot of old Judaicafrom before the war. I think tomorrow we'll go to Auschwitz, and then Saturday to my grandfather's shtettle, Sunday we just want to see more of the city, and we have a train Sunday night at 10 pm to join Drew in Prague.


All is well, and I look forward to the next few days

I found a computer with a USB port

So aparently the computer in my hostel is free and has a USB port. So......


This is us on our ATVs

This is us durring a Sunset. I'm pritty sure this will end up as my background for at least a year or so. The whole Island was very very pretty

This is me in Dresden. The old city was spectacular. The opera house and the palace was nice as well.


This picture is for Mitzman. I have a new hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

End of Greece, and the Begining of Germany

We ended Greece on a little island named Santoini. It was spectacular. Every time I tuned around it was the most beautiful sight I've ever saw. I was so impressed. If some one were to ask me where the most beautifull place on earth was, I would first tell them in the rafters of the United Center, and a close second would be the Greek Cyclades.

The second day on the island we rented ATVs and drove all over. It was funny because there was only one rode on the island, so when we asked for directions we were told to "take the rode". I don't know it was funny to us. If anyone has the chance to fool around in ATVs I suggest it, we had a blast.

Anyway, I'm in Germany now. We decided to go to Dresden. We were given advice by numerious people that this was a better taste of Germany than Berlin, so we chose Dresden. With that said we plan on going to Berlin and spending eight hours or so there on Wendsday on our way to Krakow.

Thus far Dresden has been really cool we saw castles, and a huge opera house, alond with some of the most spectacular other buildings. I, like allways, have pictures, but can't use the USB port at this internet cafe.

My lasting impression of Germany(Dresden) is a negitive one. There is grafeetie everywhere, and everyone is dressed in all black. The "goth" look is very in here. I've also noticed a ton of facial piercings, and no one has a natural hair color, it's all red or pink or purpple. It's very odd. Even the adults look like punk rockers.

Well, I've got to run, I'll try to post pictures from Greece, and Dresden sometime soon.


Seth

I'm in Greece

I thought I would post a few pics from Athens, so here are the highlights

This is us eating Gyros on the street. It was the greasiest thing I ever ate

This is us in front of an old temple in the Agora

This is me at the Parthenon. It was spectacular, but was being renovated, so all of the metal beams kind of ruin the mood. I still thought it was incredible

A few pictures

This is me angy on the phone with British airways. This is the first day when I couldn't find my stuff, and spent hours in an internet cafe talking to Them about my Louggage.

This is a picture of us having tea in England

This is a picture of us in the Dutch country. We came across a pack of wild bulls that rome the area . I have a few other pictures as well of these crazy animals.

This is Drew and Me on the Dutch coast near Zandvoort. It was spectacular.

Ok, I'll try to keep posting different pictures for all of you, but for now, this is a pritty good idea of what I've been up to.

Hey from Amsterdam

All in all London was ok, but not great. I liked the sights and it was cool and all, but everything was so expenssive that it ruened it for me. To get tea in a small cafe in a small area was like $15. It just sucked. I can't post pictures right now, because at this internet cafe they don't have useable usb drive, but we saw some nice things (The parlament, Buckinham Palace, London Tower, St Johns Park) Thew three of us attended mass at Wesminster Abbey which was strange, but cool.


I got to Amsterdam today after a long hectic journey yesterday, and thus far I like it much more than Londaon. There is nothing to say about yesterday but that it was aufull, and I'll tell anyone who want's to here avout it later.

Amsterdam is really cool, it's kind of like venice with all the waterways in the streets. We went to the Ann Frank House today, which was terrible, but interesting, and I'm glad I went. Other than that we kind of just huing out around town. We aren't spending as much time in coffe houses as I think people would assume, we are kind of just checking out different monuments and statues around town. Apparently in Europe there are statues on every corner.

Tonight we plan on going to the red-light district. Good times will be had by all. (Baw Chica wow-wow)

We plan to go to the Van Gogh Mueseam tommorow, and we'll leave here on Wendsday to go to Greece.

Other than that lots of funny things have goan on, and I havn't slep at all.

Things are good, and I'll try to post pictures in the next day or so.

Seth

I arrived safely

Hello all,

I just wanted to let you all know that I arrived safely, and am in London. British Airways lost Drew's and My luggage, I'm not sure whats going to happen with that.

Other than that every thing is good.

Funny Story:
I got breakfast today and gave the lady a £20, I then asked for my change and was given £15 in Coins. HAHA stupid Brits

Post again soon,

Seth

Hello All

What's up everyone. I am departing tomorrow for my trip across the globe. My travel companions are Jake and Drew. In the photo Jake is the one who is in the shadow. I plan to update this every three or so days until the first week in August when I return. Thanks again, and I hope you all check the blog.


Seth