Abroad but not for long

kevinineurope @ 2006-06-28T19:53:00

2006-06-29T03:00:58Z

My last batch of photos has been put up on my Photobucket site. So, if you can deal with them being unsorted and out of order and uncaptioned I encourage you to take a look. There's a bunch from Vienna, Rome, Athens, and Paris, and maybe a few from Brussels.

Wow!

kevinineurope @ 2006-05-11T14:12:00

2006-05-11T13:18:38Z

I am returned from my travels. My flatmates had literally written me off as dead by the time I showed up yesterday morning at 3am, a week later than I told them I'd be back. There is an easy, valedictory feeling around Norwich now. The weather is perfectly beautiful and except for my three exams, none of which worry me, I am without obligation until I return to America. I'm going to be reading library books and visiting pubs for most of this next month, to the extent that my nearly vanished funds allow. The rest of the pictures I took on my trip are on the way.

kevinineurope @ 2006-05-07T11:51:00

2006-05-07T09:54:42Z

In Paris.

I got here about an hour ago. Did not sleep last night, just took trains around Switzerland until 2am and then hung out at the Lausanne station until around 5.

Not much energy left for sightseeing. I'll leave that for tomorrow.

Travelling still amazes me. It took me three weeks to get from France to Greece and now I've covered as much distance in less than 24 hours.

kevinineurope @ 2006-05-04T12:56:00

2006-05-04T10:06:11Z

Visiting Mele's school has given me the chance to upload just a sample of my trip photos so far.

http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e103/kevinineurope/April%202006%202/

kevinineurope @ 2006-05-02T20:38:00

2006-05-02T17:51:50Z

In Athens.

So my big Rome story is that the day I ended up sightseeing was the last Sunday of the month, meaning the Vatican museums were free but only open until 12:20pm. I got there at about 9:30am, in time to take my place in a queue that ran about a half to three-quarters of a mile long. Three hours later, through spells of rain and then hot sun, I was in sight of the entrance. And then the museum closed. I and the other two thousand or so people around me were shooed out by the Roman police. So I didn't get to see the Sistine Chapel. My patience for queues had been used up at this point, and so I hope you understand when I chose not to join the equally ridiculous line to enter St Peter's.

I spent the rest of the daylight hours walking around in the Roman forum and the Colosseum, and that was exactly what I needed. And I did see Michelangelo's Moses in a small church just north of the forum.

The campground I was staying at had a really lively bar, and there I met Chuck from Santa Cruz, who also happened to be planning travelling to Greece on May 1st. And we happened to be born on the same day. So we decided to team up, and four trains and a sixteen-hour ferry ride later, here we are in Athens. Our party of two had doubled by this morning, and I just now split up from them to hang out with Mele, and I'm typing this from her university building, which happens to be next door to the Panatheniac Stadium, and looking out across to the Acropolis.

I'm staying in Athens for three days. And then since I'm not going any farther west, I start the trek back to England. As far as I know, no one else from my building travelled as far or as long as I did, so they're all probably at school again already wondering if I'll show up again at all.

But I still haven't seen Paris.

kevinineurope @ 2006-04-29T18:42:00

2006-04-29T16:48:31Z

In Rome, kind of.

It's day 22 and today I came the closest I've come on this trip to at a loss for what do or where to go. My train came into Rome's central station today at about 1:30pm, and like always I didn't book a place to stay in advance. I was discouraged to learn, however, after an hour of trucking about town inquiring at hostels that there were no vacancies at any of the cheap places in the city. I was faced with the dilemma of either coming up with €90 for a one-star hotel or tramping it for another night. Oddly enough, I was saved here by the kind of person I'd been previously avoiding- a guy handing out flyers. I got a coupon for a campsite outside of town, and a twenty-minute train ride later I had a place to stay. This cuts my sight-seeing time down considerably because I won't be able to get back into Rome until tomorrow, but whatever. And I misplanned my itinerary, thinking I had one more day than I actually do, so I'm going to have to spend something like 20 consecutive hours travelling to make up for it.

So, tomorrow I see Rome.
Then, Athens, the end of the line!

kevinineurope @ 2006-04-27T16:26:00

2006-04-27T14:34:45Z

In Florence, Italy.

To be honest I was kind of terrified of Italy before coming here. I don't really know why. But there sure are a lot of scooters.

Next, Rome.

kevinineurope @ 2006-04-24T08:26:00

2006-04-24T06:31:10Z

In Innsbruck.

I managed, although it's mostly my own fault, not to have a good time in Bratislava.

Tonight will be my third night in Innsbruck. I thought it might still be cold in an Alpine region like this, but its warm and beautiful. I'm not doing anything during the day here, just sitting by the river and looking at the mountains.

Tomorrow I might start exploring Italy, although I might put it off one more day. I bought a phone card that as far as I can tell only works in Germany, so I might go back to Munich just for the chance to finish using it.

kevinineurope @ 2006-04-21T05:51:00

2006-04-21T04:12:35Z

In Bratislava.

Yesterday was a travel day. By that I mean I woke up late and missed my train from Budapest to Vienna, from where I planned to get to Bratislava. There's something about having a rail pass that demands engaging in a little experimental travelling, so after getting tired of just waiting at the Budapest station for the next train to Vienna, I hopped on one while not entirely sure of where it was going. I knew it was stopping in Gyor, and assumed it would continue in that direction towards Vienna. Instead, it went south to Szentgotthard. From there I had to go to Sobron, and from there to Vienna, and by then it was 10:00PM. Not having any plans for accomodations for the night, I made the decision to be homeless in Slovakia rather than Austria. I got to the Bratislava train station just before midnight.

Now I may be impulsive enough to train between cities at all hours but I didn't want to be out on the streets all night so I just spent the last six hours reading and writing while sitting on the floor against a wall in the station with all the bums and drunks.

One Slovak guy knew a little English and kind of gave me a weird impression of the country. First, he reeked of booze. Second, he gave me a pen he had in his and said it was a gift to me from Slovakia. Then he pulled out his cell phone where there was a photo of Hitler on the screen and he said "Adolf is good." I kind of avoided him after that, though I couldn't get across the fact that I wasn't waiting for a departing train and he insisted on helping me read the big board.

Now I've run through all the books I brought with me, so today's mission is to find an English-language bookstore.

kevinineurope @ 2006-04-18T21:07:00

2006-04-18T18:12:55Z

In Budapest.

I've taken a detour into Hungary because its cheaper than Western Europe and I need to relax for a few days and save a little for Italy. I had a last day of sightseeing in Vienna with Peter's family yesterday and I was actualy really sad to be leaving them because it was so much fun. And Peter's mom cooks really well.

I like Hungary. It took me forever to find my hostel and I had to ask several people on the street for direction. They all could speak a really good, academic English. They'd say, "Ah, let me propose to you these directions... turn left as indicated in your notes..." Anyway, I haven't decided whether or not to stay in Budapest tomorrow. Bratislava? After central Europe it's Innsbruck because I just can't get enough Austria, then Zurich and on to Italy.

kevinineurope @ 2006-04-15T23:03:00

2006-04-15T21:08:03Z

In Salzburg.

I had the most amazing time yesterday. First, I went with Peter and his brother and mother to the Schonbrünn palace.

Then I left Vienna with Elisabeth and her boyfriend and her cousin and her husband. They live on farms in Lower Austria. We walked around the fields, peeked into the church on the hill during Good Friday services and had a dinner of tacos. Then we went into the family wine cellar and tasted fresh wines right from the casks. They taught me the proper technique and how each batch we tried was different. Of course I left my camera behind but I did come away with three bottles.

Since it's Easter, I'm off on a weekend trip to Salzburg, which is in fact the most beautiful city I have yet seen. More later. Mozart performed by marionettes! The Alps!

kevinineurope @ 2006-04-13T20:27:00

2006-04-13T18:32:35Z

In Vienna.

I am staying at my firend Peter's house now and his family is absolutely terrific. They are really going out of their qay to show me 'typically Austrian' things so last night we had a big dinner of schnitzle and liverwurst and spritzer and today Peter and I toured the city center. Today we also went with my friend Elli to an exhibit where we walked around in a completely black enviornment while blind people guided us. It was quite interesting, especially the mock-busstop and the bar in the dark staffed by blind men.

Tomorrow, museums. Then a day in Lower Austria. Then a short trip to Alps and back to Vienna after Easter for one more day with Peter's family.

kevinineurope @ 2006-04-11T17:09:00

2006-04-11T15:13:19Z

In Düsseldorf.

The March family has been great and I spent last night at their house. Max guided me through the local beer selection and I met their current American guest, Tom from Texas A&M.

I went to the Film museum today but otherwise I've been taking it easy and resting up for the next leg of my trip.

Tonight, I train to Munich to get a taste of Bavaria and then it's straight on until Vienna. After that my plans keep getting less and less clear so we'll see what happens.

kevinineurope @ 2006-04-10T08:25:00

2006-04-10T08:29:59Z

In Cologne.

I had a good night out before leaving Brussels, with some people I met at the hostel where I was staying. One was a thirty-three year old Irishman who lives in Holland and seemed to know all the good bars. We went to the one with the world record for largest beer selection- over 2000. The house brew was a little too sweet for me but the special Easter Beer was probably the best I had in Brussels.

I climbed the Dom cathedral bell tower when I got to Cologne and it klled my legs and feet. But definitely worth it. I was too tired to do anything else yesterday except grab a kabab and a Kölsch and take a long nap.

Today, Düsseldorf.

kevinineurope @ 2006-04-08T08:41:00

2006-04-08T06:42:39Z

First impression of Brussels: Belgians are weird.

Then again, I've only met grudging panhandlers and desperate Czechs insisting on sharing their chocolate.

LATER: Okay, I've seen the city, and the Belgians are not so weird after all. And the Mannekin Pis was much, much smaller than I expected, considering it's what the Brussels souvenir industry revolves around.

I didn't sleep much on the overnight coach ride. I still haven't slept.

But the beer. Oh, the beer! I went to a bar with another American from the hostel I'm at. (A building where Vincent Van Gogh once made his studio) First I had a Leffe blonde, which teased me with its high %abv but kind of put me off with its sweetness. Then I ordered a Chamay Rouge, one on the biers d'abbey and it took me on a direct route to beer heaven. Now I'm at the hostel bar and the 1 euro Jupilers are evoking a similar feeling.

Tomorrow its off to Cologne.

kevinineurope @ 2006-03-30T11:14:00

2006-03-30T10:17:06Z

March is almost over and I have one more week of classes left.

I guess the most exciting thing that has happened since last post was St Patrick's Day, and here's the box score:
Pints consumed: 7
Big foam hats earned: 1
Marriage proposals from strangers recieved: 1

Not long before the grand tour.

Five Days in Amsterdam

2006-03-09T16:27:04Z

It's been a wild week.

First, the obligatory party photos:

There were no classes last week so I took a trip with some friends and flatmates to Amsterdam.

Because I bought my rail and ferry tickets seperately from my companions, I mistakenly planned to depart Norwich on Wednesday instead of Thursday like everyone else. I missed my ferry the first time, however, so ended up spending Wednesday night in London. I went to the National Gallery and met some friends from UEA for a drink.

The next day I did make the ferry, but didn't tell my friends first and freaked them out when I casually sat down next to them, as they thought I was already in Holland.

Amsterdam was a great big beautiful city, although I have to say that the Red Light District did not live up to the description Mr. Bufano gave in high school.

The Heineken tour was plenty cheesey and a lot of fun.

You can see the rest of the pictures I took here: http://photobucket.com/albums/e103/kevinineurope/

kevinineurope @ 2006-03-03T21:58:00

2006-03-03T21:01:17Z

I'm in Amsterdam now with some friends from UEA. And while I had decided against going to London again this week I found mysekf there Wednesday night after I missed my ferry to Holland and.. well, I'll just fill everything in once I get back and can post some photos.

It made my night when I was stopped a couple times on the street and was asked directions in Dutch. I like being mistaken for a European here because it makes me feel like I'm doing something right.

Revision: Whatever sense of Europeanness I felt last night was deflated just as I left the internet cafe when another person approached me and shouted "Yeah, Aerosmith, man! Wooo!"

Uh-oh

2006-02-25T14:58:42Z

Recent Events:

Student night at the Stores

Pub Quiz at the Golden Star

I won £95!

I have a lot of free time here. Like, tons. And considering how cold it is outside I've filled most of this time with reading. I think I've having some substantial success wrapping my head around most of the critical and literary theorists that I was introduced to last year, but it's getting complicated becasue I'm also reading anayltic stuff like Roger Scruton and Alan Sokal. It was while I was reading Sokal's book that I stood up and said, 'I'm young! I can fix everything!' and then went out and bought a cell phone, a £25 pair of fashionable trousers, and then checked out more books of theory.

Photos

2006-02-09T12:19:57Z

I put up the photos I've taken. You can see them here: http://photobucket.com/albums/e103/kevinineurope/

They pretty much sum up my activities here that don't include reading for class or drinking beer at the pub.

The last couple days have been sunny and almost warm. In fact, it's warm right now. But this morning it was snowing.

It was cold outside last night, and it wouldn't have been so inconvenient except that our flat blew a fuse yesterday and we have been without power and heat since.

kevinineurope @ 2006-01-28T14:57:00

2006-01-28T15:20:44Z

I've been learning the Emersonian lesson that travel is not in itself enlightening. What I had most assuredly anticipated before taking this trip was that I would be awed or moved in some way made to feel something in the presence of the antiquity of this country. But when I go to the cathedral in Norwich or when I was outside the church at King's College in Cambridge, I don't see them as anything but buildings. In Cambridge it was only after loading up on facts about the founding of the college and then thinking about them while walking around that I got any sense of meaning out of the place.

I had the same feeling when I was at the British Museum in London, when I expected to feel something in front of the busts of Homer and Socrates, but in the scultpures themselves I could only see the matter.

I also hardly feel like I'm in another country at all and am already over the "in America we do things this way..." game. That I have so much more personal responsibility and freedom here than I have had before also means that I'm more concerned with practical matters than with thinking about cultural comparisons. Living in this city is for me just as much an experiment in settling in as it is in leaving home.

I think it's clear that this post is up because I still haven't loaded any pictures, but that'll change shortly.

kevinineurope @ 2006-01-25T13:48:00

2006-01-25T13:55:45Z

The weather has officially turned from cold to freezing. This morning there was frost covering some the fields I passed on the bus ride to campus. I heard that it might snow on Friday, and temeratures are expected to drop to about -6 C.

Now that classes are more or less in full swing I'm starting to get a little bit of a daily routine going. It looks like I am going to have to spend many hours a week in the library here, becasue the majority of coursework for the classes I'm taking is reading that I must do on my own. This means I'm pretty much spending my days the same way I do at Oxy.

Because there are no meal plans at UEA, and of course because I am living off-campus, I am responsible for preparing myself just about everything I eat. After the first week I realized I'd soon get tired of meals-in-a-can and other ready-made things from the market, and so I've had to teach myself actual methods of food preparation. I had to buy my own utensils and things like that, for which I am grateful for the UK equivalent of the 99 Cents stores. In the past week, in addition to filling the flat with smoke on one occasion, I have learned important things like the difference between "cooking" and "just making raw food warm" and have developed a healthy fear of grease fires. Last night I cooked a tasty fish fillet with chips and grilled asparagus.

Yesterday, I learned that Benna was in Cambridge visiting fellow Oxy-ites Ian and Mai. Cambridge being only one hour from Norwich by train, I hung out with the three of them in the evening and toured a bit of Cambridge University, where Mai is studying. It was great!

kevinineurope @ 2006-01-19T16:39:00

2006-01-19T16:59:31Z

This will mostly be a place to post pictures but since I don't have any online yet, I'll start this off with a brief note about how I've spent the last week or so.

Two Mondays ago I flew out on my first significant trip outside the USA. I landed in London two days before I was expected at UEA Norwich partly becasue I wanted to spend as much time in Europe as I could possibly fit in and also to get a feel for the capitol before starting school and classes and everything. Knowing nobody in the city and having no itinerary, I arrived with the simple expectations of, I imagine, every young American going abroad: experiencing a non-Puritanical value system and growing a moustache. I stayed in a youth hostel in the Bayswater area, but since I got in after dark on the day I arrived, I wasn't much up for exploring. Immediately after setting myself up at the hostel I went out in search of a pub to grab a bite and a pint of warm ale. I only had a few pounds on me at that point and I didn't go very far from the hostel. It was actually pretty dispiriting being in London and not knowing a soul in the whole country. In the hostel I had a good chat with a French girl who was eager to practice her English but otherwise the only real conversations I had with other people were with a couple cab drivers.

I spent the next day walking around London and visitng museums, and I took some pictures sohopefully I'll get them up soon.

I'm now in Norwich, at the university and it is already the end of the first week of classes. The British students put Oxy to shame in the amount of partying they can fit into a school-week. There have already been two events on the scale of a Club Oxy, and I hear that these are put on twice weekly. There is a pub right in the middle of campus which is basically the center of campus social life. I suppose I'll go down there after I finish writing this up. Or maybe I'll go down there now.

So pictures of coming, in case you're dying to see me in front of statues in the British museum and that sort of thing.