To round things out with my write up of my time in this particular part of house and pet sitting a la Bruxelles, I thought I'd post a few videos of cutie pies Sassy and Remy. :) Enjoy!!!
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Wow. All this feels so long ago now, but it's only been a few weeks since my time in Brussels (for this particular house & pet sitting occasion). It's so great as the owners have also already asked me to come back again - I'm so grateful and blessed! Having looked back over my previous post here, I'm realising I said most of what I meant to say, so this 2nd post on Brussels will be more photo-centered and photo-centric. :) Hope you enjoy!
And my last thought on Brussels (for this time :) ) - a place where they let you know to be aware of horses on the carousel. Heh.
It's a valid thing to be careful of, non? ;)
The home I stayed in, for house and pet sitting in Brussels is a home I've been to once before, earlier on this summer and at the closer-start of my travelling around the globe adventure. It's been lovely to have this time to see them all once again, and also to get to know their home and area even more. I really do like Brussels - there's so much to it, and it's a lovely place to see and explore. Smaller, so it doesn't feel overwhelming to me, and I figured out their metro and tram system this time. (Check me and my super arm muscles and balancing on legs, going up and down the escalators once I arrived & en route to their home. ;)) Big enough that there's still loads to see, and there was a lot that was new to me this time - despite it being the 4th time I've been to Brussels and exploring it. The home I was in is really lovely, also. So nice and well-kept, it feels a lot like a vacation everytime I see it. Again, the family and owners are US'ian - expats transferred there for a few years due to working. They have a little girl who I *think* is 3 years old, and I found out they've now got a new addition on his way to their family, also, as the wife is around 6 months pregnant. I've been getting to know them more now, and it's really lovely - they're all so laid back, kind and welcoming. The wife has even added me on facebook, so we can stay in touch and I can keep up to date with what's happening for them and their family. :) It's also kind of funny being there, and having all these touches of the US around me, with their food and drinks brought over from the US, along with a lot of their decorating and visual styles that reminds me of other homes and people I've known in the US. In addition, they're from Missouri, which is pretty close-ish, geographically, to Colorado in the US. So their accents are a lot like my family and other people I've known, and still know, to this day. :) I've already taken pictures of and posted photos of their home in a previous post here, so instead I'll post others of me, their dogs - Sassy (a lady) and Remy (the male) - and what we got up to. More from here, and later on, too. But for now, here are some more pictures that I hope you enjoy and will like to see!
More soon!! :) Thinking of all of you, and lots and lots of happy wishes your ways!!!
So, many of you will and do already know about my love of history, of knowledge, of philosophy and all those deep thoughts. (Cue the dulcet tones of Jack Handy, for all those who remember Saturday Night Live back in the Mike Myers / Dana Carvey era.)
And if there's anything extra that I've learned about Germany and that has given me more of an idea of the effects its history has had on its people (overall), it's conversations such as the one I had with the woman I house and cat-sat for back in Detmold. Susanne (the house owner's name) is perhaps in her early 50's, if I'm guessing correct, and when she was in her younger 20's she lived in Berlin. Back then, things were obviously still in the middle of the Cold War, as it was all known. (Still so strange to me, in ways, the names given to the ways people lived - what was their lives, in all its essence.) The Berlin Wall was obviously still up, as well, and from what Susanne shared with me, my theory that the time and politics back then helped contribute to a feeling of something like schizophrenia (minus the hearing of voices in heads) was confirmed by her in what she said. I hadn't realised that not only was there a wall in Berlin dividing the city, but there was a wall throughout Germany, also. Maybe not a physical wall, such as in Berlin, but with all the check points and border guards controlling things, the rest of the country of Germany may as well have had the wall, also. Susanne was a punk in her appearance back then, with a shaved head, dressing mainly in black, and it sounds like her friends were, too. Suffice to say as a woman who is also quite tall, she stood out, and border guards didn't always make things easy for her. What Susanne described to me about the strip searches, questionning and hallmarks of paranoia from the border guards reminds me a lot of a move I saw last year, called 'West'. The movie tells the story of a young mother attempting to flee East Berlin with her son, crossing into West Berlin, and is set in the late 70's. Essentially, very long story short (and with no real spoilers, I hope), she finds it very difficult to truly leave behind the suffocating, paranoia-filled environment and attitudes she and her son lived with before they escaped to the West. The movie deals with all the layers such a life and world can have on you, and how pervasive it can become on so many levels - not just the obvious political ones. But to the point of living in this constant fear of doing the wrong thing, saying the wrong thing to the wrong person...and what could happen if you do. Susanne described to me some of what the film deals with as well, how she and her friends would attempt and do their best to just live normal lives. As normal as you and it can be, surrounded by walls, when you have armed guards shooting those in certain areas that tried to run through and escape themselves. Susanne told me the last man was shot there in the late 70's, if I'm remembering her words correctly, and it was very easy and clear for all to see these shooting fields, from the relative safety and 'security' of their glass-enclosed metro as it barrelled past carrying commuters to and within. Susanne told me about how she and her friends, for instance, would talk about spending the day or an afternoon outside of the centre of Berlin - where it could become hot and a bit stifling in the summertime - and how there was one area, really well known for its cool air and beauty, but that was in the East. Susanne and her friends lived in the West of Berlin, and for them, it's not that it was impossible to go to this beautiful place, but by the time they travelled there on public transport, dealt with border guards and safety checks (and possible strip searches) on both sides of the wall, it just wasn't worth it and would also leave them with only a very short amount of time left to their day. So far better to just skip it and go elsewhere instead. And that's just what they did... For Susanne, her friends, and all those who grew up and lived there in those times, attempting to live a life of normalcy...attempting to *create* that normalcy was just what they did. People had girlfriends, boyfriends, children, jobs, saw the sun rise and set, the moon in the sky, and connected with one another over nourishing meals. She was also young then, and going to places like concerts, clubs and gigs along with participating in amazing artistic creations like photoshoots (Susanne was quite beautiful, and given her tall, shaved head appearance, made for a striking figure) was just what they did. Yes, there were guards and the wall ever present, and they all knew (if didn't fully talk about all the time) that life for those in the East was very different. However, to stay focused on that difference would have had the potential to drive them all a bit crazy. So they dealt with the craziness in other ways, pouring their time and attentions to things that felt better to let matter. Art, dancing, clubs, going out with their loved ones or their friends, phone calls with parents, getting wild and crazy in ways that were fun. (As opposed to the other crazy that was omnipresent and could *really* drive them insane.) Knowing that this way of living and being was not separate just to Berlin and its wall explained a lot to me, and for me, about some things I'd been noticing as well about aspects of German culture. Not only a bit of an apologetic state certain people have when it comes to things connected to the second world war, but also the desire and nature of being a bit blunt, to the point and ways of interacting and communicating that can sometimes seem or come across as harsh or rude. (In my opinion, the seeming of it being rude or harsh, at least partly due to whoever is receiving the communication not being used to that style.) For me, it helps quite a bit to think of the history of Germany and its people, and all they've been through. Susanne shared with me that, for many and especially in smaller German towns, Hitler was a saviour and someone who held for them, a beacon of light. Their country and their lives were left decimated after the first world war, in many respects, and it was easier and felt good to many Germans to believe in Hitler's promise and what he said. To make Germany great again. (I can't help but think of and hear echoes of a certain bad-toupee wearing property magnate currently running for US office.) For me, it also explains a lot about this culture of speaking more widely - in ways that can come across as rude or blunt if you're not used to it. When you live for significant generations under a repressive regime - in fear for your safety as well as those around you, if you say or do the wrong thing - that type of totalitarianism will have its effects. And, like a bird who has had its wings clipped, once the wings are finally free, you will want to fly and fly freely. :) ** There's a great band (hardcore punk, so perhaps not everyone's cup of tea) called Atari Teenage Riot, who I've seen live in concert. Its members grew up in Berlin, when the wall was still there, and their thoughts and lyrics are strongly and very definitely decidedly anti-nazi, anti-fascist in slant. I feel like they give a good example for how some of these younger generation (and older generation, too) may feel. It explains a lot to me, anyway. :) :) So, at the moment I'm in Brussels / Bruxelles once more, back where I was previously when I was here for house and pet sitting. (I go back again to Germany after this, but two different places next time.) But before I get into what's happening and how things are going now, there's more from my stay and time in Detmold to share with you. :) I stayed in Detmold far longer than expected, due to a few reasons. Essentially, the friend I was due to visit in Amsterdam ended up not happening due to various things, and then when I tried to seek alternative places to stay in Brussels (as that was my next house & pet sitting location), it all ended up not happening. Basically every place I looked into, I kept getting a 'no' for an answer, and then the friend I have here had other people visiting her instead during the same dates. Soo...yes, I ended up staying in Detmold, and the owner of the home there that I was pet and house sitting for very kindly and generously offered I stay. It all meant, though, that I got to know Detmold and that area of Germany quite a bit more, and it was such a nice thing to do - a great gift and an incredible opportunity. I'm so, so grateful. So - back to Detmold and my stay there! As the picture above shows, there apparently really is a Hollywood Walk of Fame style Walk of Europe, and I happened across one of the stars. I love it, and will be interested to see if it's an isolated incident or if there is anything more to it. (Who knows, maybe there will be an entire entry on the Walk of Europe stars, heh...and actually, that would be a good road trip - it can go with my dream of travelling to see things like the 6 foot jackalope statue that my mom sent me a photo of, via the wonders of facebook, somewhere in the middle of the US.) OK, back to Detmold. As this picture will testify, Detmold is in the land of the flower edelweiss, and to say my inner 7 year old was freaking-out-excited with the 'Sound of Music' connection is a massive understatement. I know I felt called and guided to go there for a reason... ;) I loved spending time walking outside, in the forest, and enjoying nature every day. As often as I could do, anyway. I went on several 'adventure walks' as I call them, and loved the time and opportunity to see things and explore. One day I ended up randomly close to 6 kilometers outside of town - I honestly hadn't realised I'd walked that far - en route to try and find a house I'd seen earlier, that on its roof has the Colorado flag. (No joking! Here's a picture as proof - obvious that I was super excited about that one.) My plan was to knock on their door, and see if anyone in the home is actually from Colorado, too. It didn't quite end up happening, as after the giant walking adventure, I realised I'd 1) gotten a bit lost, 2) my feet were tired after a point and I needed a break and really just wanted to walk back and 3) at one point I realised I'd taken a BIIIIIIG ol' circle and gone about an hour out of my way. Oh, and 4) once I finally and successfully did get and find myself in the right area, I must have taken the road just parallel, as I didn't run past the house as I thought I would. (So, alas, my Colorado natives / former residents or not question, remains... ;o) Another day I found myself near this home. (I felt like I could have almost been in Kansas or something...look at how perfect US'ian farm-type home it is. And saying that, also reminds me of the Wizard of Oz, heh.) It was really nice having the time, space and opportunity to explore as I did. It allowed for spontaneity and the chance to just happen across some things, that I very likely wouldn't have otherwise seen. As an additional example, this mausoleum for a long-deceased war hero, and someone from a noble family from what I could tell. (The front pathway used to be open to the public, and connected to the main road / highway - now, it's set back and has been allowed to go in a bit of disrepair, with the mausoleum no longer open to the public, from what I could tell.) It wasn't just on my adventure walks and exploring that I got to see some amazing, interesting and fantastic things, though. The woman whose home I had gone to Detmold in order to house and pet sit, named Susanne, very kindly also took me to a few places that were and are more touristy. Incredible, beautiful and amazing places, too. Here are some pictures of just a few... There is a lot to the North Rhine-Westfalia region, and its part of German culture...so much more rich, layered and interesting than I think I truly realised. I mean, I knew I would learn a lot and there has been much to Germany and German culture that I wasn't taught and just hadn't known a lot about, but I'm not sure I realised the breadth of what that meant. (And just *how* much there would be - and *has* been - to learn. I love it. :) )
More from here, from me, another time! Hope all is well, everyone, and I'm thinking of you!! Annnnnnd....we're back in the room! (Little Britain tv show reference, for those of you counting ;))8/9/2016
However, watch and look at their non-plussed, definitely not shocked face when you pass by a vending maching selling condoms (for instance) in a residential area and street. There's no fuss about things to do with bodies, health, sex and such topics. Not that I've noticed anyway. Such topics that make a little part of US-born & bred, puritan country roots me blush, don't so much as raise an eyebrow in the Germans I've come across. It's all just par for the course. There's very much a no-nonsense way about things that I've noticed amongst the Germans, again those that I've so far come into contact with - and as ever, accounting for the fact there *are* exceptions to every rule and different levels within how much any one person might meet the rule, and so on. Another thing I've noticed is that many times Germans can be more matter-of-fact than I have been used to. For example, when I have been explaining why I found something funny, or insert a joke in the middle of something I am talking about, a few times the response I've received has been one in a very serious tone, explaining why things are done that way. (Instead of cottoning on to me having been kidding and joking rather than meaning things seriously.) To give a very quick example, yesterday I came back to the house I am staying in after having visited Jan in hospital. I joked while letting her know how he was doing. Instead of seeing that I was just kidding in my voice and tone, the woman I came here to house and pet sit for got very serious in tone, explaining why something was done. I quickly and I hope gently let her know that, of course, I do understand why it's done that way and that I was joking, before moving on and telling her more. It reminds me a little bit of how so many British people would tell me that Americans don't get sarcasm or have no sense of humour, upon first meeting me. Perhaps to the Brits, Americans *don't* because it's less than what they're used to. Because just as there can be times where some of the German people haven't understood my humour, they can just as easily come out with these hilarious one-liners. They're perhaps just a bit less frequent and far between, in general. (Again, this is most definitely all a generality and not the totality of all people I've been getting to know.) The other thing this extends to is that, if you've upset them or annoyed them, or there's something they need you to do, they will make no bones about letting you know. It's not that they'll necessarily be yelling at you, but the matter-of-fact tone will extend to telling you when you're getting close to crossing any line. There's a lot less hinting politeness about it, in terms of being subtle about how they tell you which I noticed far more in overall British culture. Though I have learned to understand and got to grips with British culture over the years, it does make things easier (I feel, anyway) when you can know where you stand with things. It doesn't mean be a jerk about it, but there's something to be said for honesty and knowing where each of you stand. And at least from my experience in it, (again with there being exceptions to every rule) most British people use more subtle clues when trying to express what they want from people. I wonder if perhaps US'ians could be and are halfway in between the two? Another thing Germans seem to like - in this area of North Rhine-Westfalia, anyway...I'll see what other areas hold - are benches. They're very good at placing them just where you might want to rest up a bit. And having nice comfortable benches with a lovely view, complete with trees to shade you is a lovely added forethought. Check out the view to see what I mean! :) Another thing I'm noticing with Germany is its architecture. Again, as with everything else, there are exceptions to absolutely every rule. However, in general, a lot of the homes have a similar structure from what I've so far seen. Their roofs have a very specific style, I'm noticing, as do a lot of their doors and windows. It's a very distinct and particular aesthetic and style I've nowhere else, so far, seen. Here are just a *few* examples - I could go on about the architecture all day. ;) One more thing I'm noticing about Germany is its food.
And yes, as a vegan I am finding *plenty* to eat, and good and yummy things they are, too! They really like spreads for bread, from what I can so far see. (Realised I have yet to take photos of these - I'll get some in my coming-up stays.) Spreads for all sorts of things, along with all the usual suspects like peanut butter and cream cheese. Kind of like the British *really* like crisp (chip for the US'ians) flavours - all the way from your basic barbecue and sour cream and onion, through to ham, beef and marmite - Germans seem to really like bread spreads. (Again with the generalities. :)) It also reminds me of when I was in the Netherlands when I was 17, on a student exchange programme and stayed with a family there - they also liked bread spreads, but chocolate-variety sprinkles (like you'd get on cupcakes) instead. Everything from your basic, traditional chocolate through to orange infused ginger spice. Oh, and to note the spreads in the Netherlands were for breakfast...another thing that blew 17-year-old me's mind at the time. (I'd never before heard of Nutella, heh.) (Another thing that blew the mind of 17-year-old me in the Netherlands was seeing drag queens for the first time...but that's a story for another time. ;)) Equally in Germany, from what I'm noticing they love fresh food and market places. For instance, where I am now in Detmold there is a farmer's market 3 times a week, and it's massive, centrally located and incredible. I love it and love that this option and all these things are available. It reminds me of going to farmer's markets with Mom when I was little sometimes, when we didn't have the foods already growing in our garden, as we did when I grew older. There's lots more to say, but I'll save it for another time. In the meantime, another few pictures from what I've seen here so far. :) Blaccccckpool! The Las Vegas of the North...as I've sometimes heard people say. OK, so the state of Blackpool isn't perhaps quite as it was in its glory days, before flights became so much cheaper for people in the UK to visit places like Spain, but still, I think Blackpool isn't such a bad place. The people are lovely, incredibly friendly and kind. The frontage and piers are fun and the sea is incredibly beautiful and so peaceful. (As hopefully my video gets across - this landlocked state-growing up lady still *loves* the ocean and water, and any excuse to spend time in it and be by it makes a very large part of me incredibly happy. :)) Obligatory sea-facing photo, complete with all I *now* own in the world...yes, I really am decluttering as I go. Upgrading, too! (My lovely lilac-coloured suitcase is my newest joy & pride - thanks again to Jeff for sorting it so I could have it in my world! - it has 4 wheels, so all I need to do is pull or push it along...*so* much easier, and better for my shoulders and arms. :))
I loved my stay in Blackpool, as quite possibly is already obvious by all my photos and video thus far. It has such a beautiful charm, and if you can ignore the hen parties, stag do's (bachelor and bachelorette parties for all the US'ians) and their ubiquitous loud and drunken behaviour, it's a really lovely place to see. And, to be fair, the drunken bits are mainly confined to what they call the North shore. A little bit unfortunately, the bit closest to the sea. But, as I found out, the locals and I just stayed clear during the night-time hours and went to the water during the daytime instead. Blackpool also does have a little of a in-the-past charm. There are all the piers, as I've already mentioned, with their amusements and arcades, but also there are a lot of shops that are a little bit dated for the more modern-city dweller. There are things like rock candy shops, loooooads of fish & chip shops, plus places to go drinking - again, these are all nearest the North shore. As you walk away from the sea and go in towards the town, it becomes more like a lot of other places I've found. Maybe a little more run down in bits, with things like pound-shops (for those who don't know, where you can get everything for £1) and bookies taking bets on the races, but to be honest, those places could be found in a lot of the areas I lived in when I was in London. (Maybe they're everywhere? Who knows...) Once you get away from that, though, and look around at the cars, houses and the clothes people wear, it really is a lot like everywhere. Lancashire accents, yes, and less city-cool, but lovely nonetheless. And after a certain point, things like city-cool don't matter all that much, anyway. People are people, after all. (Lani, that's for you - catch the Depeche Mode reference... ;)) It probably did also help me during my stay, that Ollie is such a darn cute and friendly little puppy, too. He would just go straight up to people and to other dogs, wagging his tail and smiling like no one's business. He also definitely seemed to know his way around things - making it obvious on my first day that I was *not* going the right way for his evening walk. After that, I just ended up following where he wanted to go - he clearly knew the routine. Oh, and the home! The house I stayed in was absolutely lovely, a bit smaller but fine for Ollie and his owner, an older man in his early 70's, I'm guessing? It was really cute, with lots of Bichon Friese-decorated knick knacks everywhere. There was also a lovely side bit and little garden patio, which was fun and beautiful to sit and play in. (Cue the next video, and catch my nice segue-way... heh.) Ollie and his favourite activity - 2nd only to his daily walks, of course. :) Another interesting thing I found there, and that I also have Ollie and his insatiable friendliness to thank for walking up the lady and starting the conversation, is that while in Blackpool I met a woman who also had spent time in her growing up years in Berlin, and Germany. It's so fascinating how all these things can come so full circle, and the Universe can remind us of all we need to know in ways. We had a really interesting conversation and chat about that - just for a bit, mind you, but fascinating to me all the same. For her, it was during the 80's and if I recall correctly she was also there when the wall came down. She's British and so it was due to her father's job and profession that she and her family were there at all. As can sometimes happen with British people who you don't know so well, the conversation started to die down and trail off at that point, once it started getting in the realm of things that may be uncomfortable. But I could see and sense that there was a lot more she didn't share. I can only imagine what her experience and things she saw and witnessed may have been. (Though chances are she grew up and lived in the much more affluent and prosperous West Berlin bit, I'm sure she still must have seen things - it would be difficult *not* to be in any way affected.) It all ties into a conversation I had last evening with the owner for where I'm currently staying, in Detmold, Germany, about *her* time and experiences in Berlin during what I *think* must have been the 70's and early 80's. All of that and this deserve its own entry, so I'll do that soon after this one. It also brings me full circle to some things I've been realising and wondering about to do with German general-populace attitudes and psyche. (Of course, all in generalities, there are exceptions to absolutely every rule with things.) But again, this all definitely deserves its own entry. :) So, back to Blackpool - it's beautiful, a lovely place and a bit lost in time in ways. An interesting mix of people who are living, working there and just getting on with things, and those dependent on tourists and the tourist trade. Possibly and potentially a bit like living two different lives and different worlds in ways, despite being in the same city and same area. (Which again brings me back to Berlin, I've realised...it's so fascinating how these things can tally up and connect, in their each, individual ways...) So, more soon, and lots of hugs, love and kisses to you all! I'm thinking of everyone!! Blackpool, near to the piers. :)
It's really interesting to me, all this. I mean, travelling. Venturing around the globe, seeing it all and letting the smells, sounds, sights and Life find its way in. The more I see....the more it stays the same. Yes, there are differences. Yes, there are varying ways that the people I meet, encounter and get to know see the world. But one thing that keeps coming out again and again is *how* much commonality there is. And in that, the feeling of being agasht and confusion about how and why it is that we as a global nation can be so horrific to one another with wars, conflicts and so on...well, even knowing and having studied sociology, anthropology and being a bit of a history fanatic, it all still confounds me - truly, and deep down. I also am finding and realising so many synchronicities with how I grew up, people and places I have already known. It's a bit funny, really. For instance, there is someone I have recently met named Jan in Germany. Lovely guy, amazing soul, many commonalities and things we share. (While still accounting for the obvious differences that come.) Recently Jan had a serious motorcycle accident. In fact, he's incredibly lucky to be alive. A major soul lesson and Life experience opportunity here for him, for sure. I visited him in hospital today, and it was really good to see him and know he's alive and will be OK, in time. It also reminded me so much of Dad. Stories that Dad has shared (*waves* Hi Dad!!) to us all while growing up and so on. Stories about Dad getting in a serious motorcycle accident when he was 14, then another while rock climbing without ropes when he was 18 (if I've got the age correctly) and seriously injuring his eye and entire body - ending up in a body cast for a long time. And then a couple years ago, when Dad fell down 6 stories - if I've got that correctly, too - at a job site for his company (now retired), ending up shattering his hip bone and needing to stay on a bed for a long time, while he recovered. In a way, it also reminded me a bit of me - Jan shared that he's had a few accidents, and I'm sure there are quite a few of you smiling and possibly laughing a bit, too, because you know and can guess what's coming. For the rest of you, I was a bit...well, 'known' for my driving skills (or some would say a bit of a lack thereof) when I was younger. Not to say Jan is like that, but the accidents does remind me of me, once. Very long story short, when I was 17 I totalled the car I had very kindly, and amazingly been given by my now brother-in-law. The car that had essentially been handed down in his family, had been with him many years, that he'd driven out to Colorado from Minnesota and had even named Clyde. To say I felt awful about it, for him, is an understatement. I didn't even care about the relative humiliation of the entire (not even kidding, and no joke) school seeing me sat on the hill just past our high school parking lot where I'd gone over the edge, down towards the lake near our school, over a massive boulder that disconnected the car's right tire and had sent a speaker for my stereo flying from the backseat, inches from my ear and face as I just about flew and finally stopped. (After I'd finally stopped screaming in shock and managed to pull up the 1979 car's emergency break.) Yes, I may still remember that vividly. ;) Anyway, I am sure Jan isn't quite like that, and I'm very grateful that he's OK and is well on the way to a happy and good recovery. (It will take time, and he does have severe injuries - both external and internal - requiring surgery, but thank goodness he's in good care and receiving help. After seeing him today, I am left relieved and grateful for the Universe looking out for him.) The point of all this...? Well, our world is full of idiosyncracies, changes, wars, horrific events, environmental concerns, danger and sometimes what can be the worst of humanity. It is also just as equally filled with people just like you and me. (Or in this case, me, as I have yet to hear anyone else with a story of almost driving their car into a lake...but you hopefully get my point.) And learning the lessons that Life and the Universe hand us is a beautiful key. For me, it meant taking the 2nd round of driving lessons that my parents insisted on after my near-lake-accident and then driving sensibly from then on. For my dad, I know his injuries got him out of Vietnam because he didn't pass the medical exam, but it has also most likely caused further physical health issues that he's done a lot to help get better, as he's gotten older. For Jan? Only time and his own Life choices from now on, and what he takes and learns from all this will tell. **No, it is not lost on me that I keep coming into contact with men and guys with major injuries due to activities that can be considered extreme sports and more adventurous. Is there a lesson there for me? Not necessarily - more likely I also have a thrill seeking side and place also within me, if anything. (The world and Universe *always* mirrors that which we hold inside, being a Universal law that is most certainly loud. :) ) Daring, even back then. ;)
So, where were we...? In Cologne / Koln, and my first day and night there. It happened to coincide with an annual festival complete with fireworks I found out, and so I went to sleep to the soft (*cough*) lull of fireworks outside the window. In the morning, I felt the need to relax and write. I've felt very called and guided to write, on this trip and year long travelling, and lately. I'm not entirely sure why, but I'm following the flow. :) So I spent the majority of the day writing, just following whatever came to my typing fingers, until my train that evening to Detmold (where I am now and today). The Kazakhstan friend of my host drove me to the station, incredibly kindly, and on the way, we had another really interesting and fascinating conversation. One of those where you realise just how small and infinite the world really, truly is. And then....Detmold! Me on the train, on the way to Detmold. I decided to treat myself to a 1st class ticket - it was super affordable, and I'm worth it! (Right? :))
I'm baa-ack! :)
So, Cologne / Koln. Though I was only there one night, it really was lovely. Super duper warm, and I kept stopping with my luggage (that thank goodness now comes on all 4 wheels - heaven knows my arms and shoulders needed a break from it all) along the 5 mile route from the main train station, after I'd taken a train from the coach / bus stop at the airport into the centre of town, to where I was staying for the night. I didn't mind the walk, as I had a good 6 hours from the time I got to Cologne / Koln centre until I needed to arrive at my accomodation, but about halfway in my shoulders and arms began needing to complain. (A little bit, mind, but still... ;)) It was nice, though, and I got some good spots in to just sit, watch people go by (a lot of them looking curiously at this smaller / shorter in stature woman with her oomplah of luggage behind) and breathe in and let it all decompress and transfix my soul. :) (After that coach journey, I really needed those breaths! :)) Once at the accomodation, the friend of my host incredibly kindly helped me with my luggage all the way up the stairs. I could have done it, but I would have gone much slower and one step at a time, with several stops in between. The friend of his helping me was a very tall Russian man (from Kazakhstan, so former Russia, if I'm getting it correctly) with big muscles. I was definitely grateful for his help with it all! This stop wasn't a part of house or pet sitting, but via a site called Couchsurfers.com . It's really good, and I love the ethos and feeling behind it all. (And I also really wouldn't be surprised if it turned out that the people who began couchsurfers.com went to Burning Man, or something like it anyway. ;)) The whole point of it is to show your hosts and for your hosts to show you what you each can bring to each and one another. So sharing about your respective cultures and where you come from, talking about the world, current events and perhaps politics, bringing presents as thanks for your stay such as foods or drinks from wherever it is you live / were born in, the hosts showing you and sharing with you their town and city, what it is that makes where they live different in the world. And so on. It's really lovely and I really love it all. My stay in Cologne / Koln is my 3rd experience with Couchsurfers so far, and I am happy and look forward to continuing to utilise it along with the house and pet sitting, along and during my travels this year and as I go. So, once up all the stairs with my luggage and in the Cologne / Koln flat, my host's friend, Dima, and I had a super cool conversation about all kinds of stuff and even more under the moon. :) (Even though it was still technically sunny at that moment, you get my point.) It was really interesting to hear about his life, his life experience and also a bit about his parents, as well. Dima was born in Kazakhstan, but moved with his parents to Germany when he was 8, and he's travelled to many places and has had a really interesting life journey so far. It was fascinating to me hearing about it, and also in realising how much he and I share in common - even though we are different genders, grew up in such completely different parts of the world and have lived in such different places as well. It all goes to show - we truly are one global family. And all these differences that can seem to pull us apart, really don't need to. We can be, and are, connected. :) OK, more on my travels coming soon....Mwah!! Kisses and such hugs to you all, and I'm thinking of you - hope everyone is happy and well!! :) :) :) |
ChristaThis is for family and friends. You people know me. If not, there's something amiss. ;o Archives
September 2016
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