Michelle My Bell

Copenhagen rocked. I'm extremely shattered and unfortunately, you'll have to wait a little longer to hear how it all went. I'm off to bed.

Where's that again?

Today has been a day of adventure. A day for shopping with the girls in town, and a day for finding where to go tomorrow. And that place is:

Copenhagen

That's right, tomorrow morning I'm off to Copenhagen for a couple of days with Kat, Becky, and Kat's friend Paul. Should be awesome times. It's a place I've never been to before, although I still hold some spite for the place (you know what I'm talking about Vis people), but man it's going to be good fun.

As for the shopping. I unexpectedly bought some shoes today. They're awesome shoes, and god knows I need some more, my current pair are getting a hammering and I needed something to offer respite. So I bought some. Anyways, time's a flying by, and I need to get ready for tomorrow. Photos galor coming your way I promise.

HSV the Return

I find myself having to fill you in about my weekend. Well, as we know, Saturday was good fun getting to know Jana, and wandering through the streets of Hamburg again.

Yesterday was more action packed though: I went to my first Bundesliga game. It was HSV versus Bertha BSC Berlin, and the stadium was sold out. This meant there was somewhere in the region of 54,000 people in the stadium for the official count. This place is huge:This was taken about 20 minutes before the game started, and as you can see, it's no where near capacity. Yet. Down in the left corner of the photo, you can probably make out the Terraces. Now this place is where I sat last time I was at a HSV game, and man they were way louder this time. The sound never stopped. From all quarters of the stadium there was always huge amounts of clapping, cheering, singing, and stomping. I've never been in such an electric environment (yes, that is my video from my camera). It was an immeasureable opportunity, and worth far more than the €36 I paid for my ticket.

This brings up the next point: HSV qualified for the Champions League. Consequently, there will be at least three games played in Hamburg in September, October, and November. And I can get a ticket to all three for €60 or there abouts. That's €20 a game, for a type of thing I'll probably never get to see live again. You bet your ass I'm buying those tickets. That'd be some quality football, and here's me hoping that HSV get a wicked draw for the pools. I mean, who wouldn't want to see HSV against Real Madrid, or Chelsea, or Manchester United. Hell, any of the games will be top notch stuff.

Anyways, I gloat. After the game, I caught up with Kat. Germans don't seem to know how to make a night of a game, everyone I was with had other plans. So with Kat having returned from Berlin and her stint in the German Islands of the North Sea, I headed out to dinner with her and her friend Becky. It was a great time. We dined at a little Spainish restaurant down the road from Kat's, and the guys there spoke better English than German. And I'll tell you what, the Sangria was good. I'm going to have to learn how to make me some of that.

Then we headed into the Dom, being the last night and all. The Ferris Wheel view was awesome again, seeing the entire Hamburg city at night is amazing. Both Kat and Becky loved it, and I'm glad that I could be up there with people who enjoyed it as much as I did.

Only downside to yesterday, was the weather. It was cold. A chilling 17 degrees. I found myself in hoody and jacket. I really am becoming acclimatised - what am I going to do upon my return to NZ?

Today looks promising, at least there's sun. And this is good, because I'm being the tour guide again for Becky, Kat's friend, and showing them the sights and sounds of Hamburg. I have to say I quite enjoy it, and I think I've got a few number of tricks up my sleeve, so I hope those that are on my little tour enjoy it as much as I do.

Well, frankly, I really don't mind. I have a good time, smiling and all.

No Small Concern

Some have raised concerns with the detailed posts I'm able to churn out for this blog, and whether this means I have far too much time on my hands.

The simple answer is yes, I do have a lot of time. This does, however, require an explanation which makes the real answer a little more complicated. We all know I can't give short answers, replies, or explanations, so really why should a blog be any different. The real answer is that I make the time. With classes starting at 8:50 am, I usually find myself up and about round 7 am and rearing to go. Classes finish at 1 pm, which leaves me oodles of time to walk all through the city and see all these sights. You'll notice the timestamp on the blogs is also marked the time at which I begin writing the post. This means that I can then save it as a draft, run off do other things, and return to the same time stamp and having done all that stuff.

The other factor is that I'm a law student, and can burn through thousands of words so quickly pens melt. That and I like the sound of my own voice, and, really, isn't this just another form of my voice? So, there's the long answer. I'm sure I can find ways to embellish it further if given more time.

Also, some stories haven't necessarily been embellished, but I've just focused on the details I remember. The thought described, or the scene set may have only been for a minute or two, but it's vivid to me, and so, worth sharing. Remember, sometimes the most powerful memories and emotions are those fleeting moments that pass you by only slowly enough to scratch the senses.

You'll understand this more fully if you're actually here with me. Over a period of two hours we can walk through and around almost everything you've seen on my blog. It just so happens that some days it remains my little secret till I want to experience again, and then I'll revisit it and focus on it some more. Like I've always said, the beauty is in the details.

As for today, well, it's been light on the number of experiences but not on their extent. My flatmate, Jana, is awesome. She's so full of life and vibrant. Her English is amazing, and she wants to work on it, so we've done a deal whereby each of us will attempt to speak in one language. This means conversations flow from German to English and back again. It's alot of fun, but it's a little draining at first.

The other strange event for the day was walking down Möckenburg Straße and all of a sudden there's around 50 fifteen year olds dressed up as Goths in a Manga kind of style. This probably sounds really weird to most people, but it was kind of funky. A huge crowd of them just waltzing down the busiest street in town. Plus, they were all wearing bells on them, like the Morris Dancers, except on bags and round wrists rather than all over. I tried not to laugh at that - they may be 15 and dressed like Japanese cartoon characters, but there's fifty of them and one of me.

Tomorrow should be excellent, the HSV Football match, catching up with Kat, and probably going to the Dom as it's the final night. Good times.

Small Miracles

So today has blown me away pretty much. It started out slowly and didn't appear to be going anywhere in particular. So I took control and decided that I needed to find something to do, and so I ventured down the path of increasing my tour guide abilities. I walked. Now this sounds pointless enough, until you see the things I stumbled across.

Firstly I decided I'd head towards the student district. I figured that it'd be the place next to the Univeristy here. Being in Eppendorf and having been in its fringes before I thought it would be a good place to have a gawk round. You know, cheap cafes, inexpensive restaurants, nifty shops. I found all of those. But that's not the important part.

It was when walking through the more suburban streets that I noticed little tiles infront of some houses. It wasn't until I got closer that I realised they were the copper capped stones commerating Jews who had been pulled from their houses. Each one was individually named and dated, and as you can see, they tend to be in clumps of families. This really hit home when walking down one street I came across groups of fours, fives, and sixes at almost every house. Needless to say I was in awe. It just struck me speechless. Then, right after this I found myself walking through a park. Turns out it's not just any park, this is right where the first Jews were shipped off out of Hamburg. The sign said it all. And more harrowing was the stones placed ontop of it. Some may not be aware of this Jewish custom, but normally stones are placed on headstones or other such commertative plaques. As soon as I realised this, again, I found myself dumbstruck.

After this, I decided I need to find somewhere nice and relaxing to be. Somewhere just to think things over for myself. So following the advice of my German teacher I visited the Botannical Gardens out in Klein Flottbek. It's about a twenty minute subway ride from town, so this place is really out in the edges of Hamburg. But man. Stunning. Just look at the photos I've put together below. I'm definitely going back there, and taking anyone I can. I just had this massive smile on my face the entire time I was walking round. Man it was good.






Speaking of smiles, I should share with you my little experiment for the day. Seeing as I was in such a good mood, I thought I should share it with everyone round me. I've been told that I have an honest smile, and pleasing at that, so sharing it seemed like me to be a good idea. Out of all the people I walked past today with whom I shared my smile, only one smiled back. He was the local drunk who always sits on the bench round the corner from me. Nice guy. But picture how many people there are in Hamburg, for how long I walked, and how many people I must have passed. And for there to be only one person to smile in return. This is lead me to believe that Hamburgers don't smile. Or at least not to strangers. That's a turn around from New Zealand, where I can walk down the street and get a smile from almost everyone I see. I can't think why this is, but it just makes me want to smile at more people. Hopefully someone catches whatever it is they think I have.

Other celebratory news (for some). Turns out you can stumble onto the street closed to women. Well technically, women are allowed down there, it's just not a wise idea if you want to come out the otherside without phlegm, scratches, or worse. Anyways, it's just off a side street off the Reeperbahn, so upon request I can show you the street when you get here.

The reason I found this place was because I ventured back up from the waterfront via a different route. I was on the waterfront after just seeing the Elbtunnel. It's a one hundred year old tunnel that goes under the Elbe river, and as you can see, it's pretty cool. The whole place is tiled, and you can walk from one end to the other. Guess where I'll be taking visitors?

So I believe that fills my photo quota for this week. One more thing for people to get Jealous over - Goldenhorse are here in two weeks, and guess who's scoring tickets?

Pain and Sacrifice

The things I have to go through for you people, I just don't know. It's around 6:30 pm and it's sitting at about 26 degrees. I dragged my self away from the return of Summer just so I could let you guys know all about it.

That's right, today was a marvellous day - bright clear skies, sunny, and most of all: hot. Everyone looked at me weirdly walking into class today with my hoody, shorts, and sandals combo. But those people had to go home and get changed to enjoy the heat from midday onwards. I merely had to strip off a layer. Man that felt good, sunning it up, walking round the water front, through the parks and simply doing not a hell of a lot all the while gaining maximum rewards.

The bad news is that I'm alone again. Kat has abandoned me, taking off to Bremen, and she's heading over to Berlin straight from there. So it's been me and my shadow again. Not that I really mind, I've done it for the last three weeks. It's just that this week was a nice little respite and I enjoyed the company. Plus, Bremen. Never been there before.

Not to worry though, my life is filling up again from tomorrow onwards. My flatmate returns tomorrow night from the Greek Island she's been vacationing on for the last while, I'm pretty sure she'll be a tiny whee thing. I've seen her shoes and jacket, met her Dad, and seen photos of her with Polly. She looks to be really small. Admittedly I'm a tall fellow, and some of you only reach my shoulder, I have a distinct feeling she'll only reach half way up my chest. I'll let you all know.

Other upcoming events include the HSV football match on Sunday evening. It'll be my first ever real football match. Although I've been to the HSV and AC Roma game, that was merely a friendly. I'm going to a full blown Bundesliga match at one of the biggest stadiums in Germany. It's going to be awesome, loud, and frenetic. Chaos in a can. Well, they are Germans, so it'll most likely be scheduled, orderly chaos, and the hooligans will probably drink a little and then politely inform the opposition that they should work on their aim and general skills.

I'm also helping Kat meet her friend Becky on Sunday afternoon. I've been told I know her, being a VUW law student, and chances are I've met her once. The name does ring a bell, but I simply can't recall it for the life of me. Anyways, we're planning a dinner thing on Monday night. Most likely it'll involve a cheap Portugese restuarant, inexpensive wine, and a trip to your local Reeperbahn. I'm told that's how these things work, but of course I wouldn't have such experiences. Knowing me, we'll end up in a brand new Italian joint getting free Proseco and pizza. At least there'll be stories then.

Other bright activites coming up are the start of the exchange programme next week, of course, and a visit from Jo (my good friend who found herself in Dublin). Something I'm very much looking forward to. I haven't seen her in nigh on a year. To jog your memory of Jo, she did her honours in Film at VUW and I worked with her in the pools. Some will remember her as the one who got me to coax numerous friends into helping out being in her film (I still have those photos somewhere Dom).

So I have to blow my horn for a little bit. Before I wrote this, I was sitting out on my balcony playing the guitar. And from the apartment across the way, a girl comes out, sits down on her balcony and starts reading. After playing for a while, I head back inside. When I get back into my room, I see that she's moved back inside now. I'd like to think it was me tinkering round on the guitar that coaxed her outside, but it could equally be the sun and the heat. But it's nice to think that someone out there felt me mucking round was worth a little time.

And that's probably the reason why Pluto got downgraded from being classified as a planet. There's only room enough for nine planetary sized objects in this solar system and my ego just bumped Pluto off the list.

Interesting Times

I'm so very touched by the number of threatening emails I've recieved over not updating my blog. It really means alot that you all care too much.

Admittedly I've been slack. Well only in terms of updating my travels and adventures, as for actually getting around and doing things, that's a new story. With the exchange actually starting up next Thursday, I've been zipping in and out of Law School meeting all sorts of people. Also been catching up with people from my language class and of course my fellow Kiwi here, Kat.

I've managed to play tour guide a number of times in Hamburg, either to people from the exchange or to your run of the mill tourist. Anytime I've spotted someone looking lost or scrounging through a map I've listened carefully for accents and languages to try and offer some help. It's a great feeling helping people out. It's even an better feeling telling locals about places they've never heard of before and that I frequent. Nice to see that my time here is paying off.

Speaking of time paying off, I came to the realisation that just over three weeks ago I couldn't speak a word of German, yet now I can converse with people. It's an amazing accomplishment in my opinion. Admittedly I can't understand everything they say, and a portion of it is guess work and intution on context. But the comprehension is there and is getting better and better. It's also a massive boost to the ego, and so confidence and my approach to speaking German in public has gone up immensely.

Sadly I've become to acclimatised to German weather. Today reached a high of 20 degrees, and here's me walking round in shoes, jean, and woolen jumper. Of course, there was some rain, but still. If this was Wellington, I'd probably still be barefoot and clad in shorts and a t-shirt. What has Germany done to me? Next thing I'll be wearing a collared shirt and knitted vest...

Just to rub in how much I love Hamburg, here's a picture of the park this morning in fog. You can't really tell how foggy it is in the photo, but it was pretty damn cool to walk through this stuff in the Botannical Gardens.

As for travel plans, a day trip to Bremen might be on the cards this week. And it looks as though somewhere warm (eg Palmero, Mallorca, or somewhere southern) is on the cards. Equally likely is a bus trip to Copenhagen to spend a couple of nights there. The opportunities are endless, and Kat is able to sniff out some pretty sweet deals. Sweeeeeet.

If I don't manage to update your means of procastination, escapism, education or the like, then please remember that it probably means I'm having a wicked time as I've been dragged away from my computer. But so no one gets incredibly busy during this time, I offer some interesting reading material:

• Soldier's have a cruisy life with techonology;
• How to make a purse out of a bra, or a wallet out of duct tape;
• Has perpetual motion been perfected?

And to leave you, I hope you can relish this thought:

In the absence of clearly-defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it.
- Robert Heinlein

Don't Fear the Reeper

Fear not, today's post will be an almagation of yesterday's and today's news. Funny Story. Really. I'd be tempted just to let the photos below speak of how much fun was had yesterday. But then you wouldn't understand the hustle and bustle of the Flea market. The numerous people it contained and the sweltering heat. And only at 11 am.

The photo of the botanical gardens can't convey the pure and utter refreshment of a Radler in the midday heat, with the fountain going all the while. And the fact New Zealand and Australian plants are housed in a "Tropical Greenhouse" that was three times as hot as outside (28 degrees for the record, but it felt like more).

Although the photos of the Michel posses some of the amazement a church of that size and with that view holds, it can't express the twenty flights of stairs and 434 steep steps to reach the spire. Nor can it convey the heat we felt inside this marvel of a wooden, brick and mortar sturcture.

The panaromic views need no words though.

The photo of the beach club, Strand Pauli, contains some of the party atmosphere. But it can't detail the absolute fun and thrill in drinking fresh Capirainas in a light rain. Nor the good times to be had by having more in the blistering sun while lying on a mattress tossed in the sand.

This is where the funny story enters. After deciding it would be wise to head home then hit the Reeperbahn, I stumble home to find that I've lost my keys. Normally this isn't such a shock horror thing, as I tend not to lock the house or have easy access to a key. Germans, however, have a much finer idea of security. And my lack of skill in that department lead me to sitting on my front steps just wondering what the hell to do. Luckily sense kicked in and I got hold of Jana, my flatmate currently in Greece, and organised a key for Sunday. That left me Saturday night without a change of cothes and a place to sleep. Kat filled this gap nicely, offering me her couch.

Before we hit the hay though, we did hit the Reeperbahn. Man that place is crazy at night. I forgot my camera, so I'll be stealing Kat's photos of all the neon lights and mass amounts of people. But man it was crazy, and still going strong when we decided to call it a night at 2 am. I can honestly say I've never seen so many guys and girls go through so many traumatic things for their stag do's and hen nights. The Reeperbahn was full of such merry folk dressed in wedding dresses, weird costumes, smurf outfits, Life guards, and more. Germans have a sense for humiliation in these matters. Let's say that I'm not planning on getting engaged nor married in Germany.

The only scary thing with the Reeperbahn, is the drunkards who stumble through it. And frankly, I was only scared because I was worried that they'd try something on with Kat. It looks to be a pretty safe place. The mass amounts of Adult Shops isn't that daunting either. Everyone treats them with a sense of familiarity, and there's more of a toursit attraction ether to them than a whiff of restricted erotic materials.

So that's one step towards good times at night in Hamburg. The next step is hitting the dance clubs. Expect stories about that next week, round this time. Before I get bombarded with emails: I don't know where the street open only to men is. I've been told that you can't find it merely by stumbling around, as that's part of the design.

Today has seen me sort out some of my woes. Although I worried that upon losing the keys I might have to replace the locks (as told to me by Jana at first), it now looks as though I can just cut the keys. So all looks pretty promising. I'd like to think it's a karma thing, having Jana tell me the good news just after I had stopped to help some very lost looking tourists. Even better was that I've been trying to talk to everyone more in German, and so far I'm able to get my point across quite convincingly. It's been said that my understanding and pronounciation of German is amazaing for only having learnt it for three weeks. I do not claim to be a modest person.

So now that I've gotten back into my place, washing, cleaning, tidying up, and studying is in order. Then Kat, her flatmate, her flatmate's brother, and maybe more of us will hit the beach club again. It will be good.

Briefly, it looks as though I might be taking off to either Stockholm, Krakow, or Copenhagen next week. Flights start at €0.99 so me thinks I should take this time to have some fun. Bear in mind that taxes will make these flights something like €40 return, but come on. I have to make you all jealous somehow.

A New Friend

So Kathryn, the other VUW exchange arrived today. I met up with her after class and now I'm only just back home. It was a great time, catching up over beers, numerous beers, and a bottle of wine. There was some food consumed along the way I think. First time home since 8 am, so excuse the late blog. You'll get your dose soon enough.

Turns out she's been looking at cheap travel to anywhere while she's here. Iceland for €60 return? I'm in. The thought of steaming mineral baths in the snow is something not to be turned down. She's damn good fun and looks as though I've got a travelling partner. Anyways, just got in, needed to post before the end of the day. Things are looking awesomely good. Sweet. Kat's also a huge hockey fan, so I might have someone else with me for the Hockey World Cup, and someone who can wittle cheap prices in travel. Score.

But I'm worrying that I might have a little drinking problem. Had an entire 1 litre bottle of wine to myself last night, and Kat and I had a fair amount of alcohol consumed between us. Is this a bad thing? Hope not. It's not like I'm drinking for the sake of drinking. It is good wine and great beer after all.

So I haven't returned to IKEA yet, but tomorrow looks promising as Kat lives down the road from the Reeperbahn and she has some friends in town. So partying will be on the cards. Red light parties may be involved, or at least just walking the strip rather than stripping on the walk.

You'll excuse the short blog today, the alcohol is still in my system and I'm craving some food. It's a drag having a good time for 10 or more hours to come home. If it tweren't for the jet lag Kat's suffering, I'd say we'd be out on the town now having a good time. Oh wells, things to look forward to now I have more people here.

Thought for the day:

A book is a version of the world. If you do not like it, ignore it; or offer your own version in return.
- Salman Rushdie

BREAKING NEWS

You Lucky dogs, you. You get a second post in the same day.

I just found out I was accepted into the one course at Bucerius I wanted to do: Alternative Dispute Resolution. I would have been beyond bummed if I didn't make it, and that was looking highly likely as there's only places for 10 students in it and over 40 had applied.

To see why I'm all excited over this, check out the info on this course. Come on, don't tell me that that's not a killer course doing exactly what I want to do when I finish. And being taken by one of the world's top mediators and arbitrators.

I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight. Thanks to this, and the sugar rush I'll no doubt find myself endulging in after dinner.

Going Postal

Today I recieved my first piece of post. I know that a number of people have sent things, so everyone's waiting on baited breath to see whose post arrived first. Well, to draw it out even further, all I recieved was a little orange piece of paper from Deutsche Post informing me that they couldn't deliver the post to me. I didn't quite understand whether it was because I wasn't home to collect a package, or whether they couldn't fit it through my mail slot. So I trekked out to the post office to get it.

The main post office is about a thirty minute walk away, and there's no subway station close to it. Buses - yes, but I'm not brave enough to venture onto those yet. Plus I actually have to purchase a ticket to get on, I can simply feign ignorance on the subway if stopped by the inspectors (I hope, hasn't happened yet, and rest assured I've only travelled two days on the subway without tickets). So with the sun on my back I headed out. That's right, the sun is back, and it's supposed to be bumper weather on the weekend and beyond. Some say the 30 degree heat will return. I like their style. Tangent. Sorry. Returning to the story at hand, I headed out to the post office and got the front desk only to be told that my mail is sitting at the post office round the corner from my house. Little annoyed to have walked all that way, but I figured with the nice weather it's all good.

So I find the post office, which is hidden in a little square off the street, and get my package. The postal lady and I joke about the box (the German word for black being the same for illegal - schwarz), and I head on my merry way. Walking down the street I must have been a real sight, I was laughing so hard when I saw the customs sticker on it which simply announced: "Confectionary" to the value of "$15". You trying to get me fat Mum?

As for the goodies, inside. Here you are. Apparently I'm supposed to share it with my German friends. In the short space I've been away so far, certain traits have obviously been forgotten then. Since when do I share? Especially confectionary. And we all know how impatient I can get with food taunting me, sitting so happily in my room. We also should know how quickly I eat junk food. But it's good to know that people want me coming home with a wider girth, I have been slimming down and toning up with all the healthy food I'm cooking and all the walking and stretching I'm doing.

I'm sure if I eat it, I'll find some way of replacing it for my friends. There's rumour of a store in Hamburg with kiwi food and delicacies such as Pineapple lumps. Actually, ferreting it out might be a bad idea. At least German goodies are cheap.

In other news: Kathryn, the other exchange student from VUW, arrives here tomorrow morning and we've touched on making plans for the weekend. She'll be awesome to have around, what with her speaking fluent German and all I should be able to get in some good practice. And much needed help if I can't convey my point clearly enough. But, yay! Friends!

Before I leave you for today, couple of quick notes:

• I managed to figure out how to light my oven. Trink gave me the idea of igniting it from the broiler. Turns out the ignition point is through a little slidey thing in the bottom of the oven. So it's Kat's fish for dinner tonight. Yum.
• IKEA is huge, and I will return and have another proper gawk at it. I promise I'll take photos no matter how touristy it makes me look.
• I now have Skype with video up and running, so if you want to see what I look like and hear what I sound like in Germany, you can chase me up there. Email me if you've forgotten my Skype details.

Finally, something to think about for the day, not that I agree:

Humor is the first of the gifts to perish in a foreign tongue
- Virginia Woolf

And a huge thanks to my Mum for sending me the care package.

Yoga or Noga?

So today has been slightly weird to say the least. I should have known something was up this morning when I was running late, but somehow made it to class early. I mean, I left after I normally do, caught the later train, and still managed to make it to class early. It befuddled me, so I thought nothing else of it.

Then, in class, of all things we start talking about Ikea stores. For those of you not educated in the European instution that is Ikea, it is a veritable collection of quality furniture and houseware at dirtcheap prices. Catch is you need to assemble it. But man, the furniture is awesome. Turns out there's one of the most recent, and biggest, Ikea stores in Hamburg. And only a 9 minute trip from the city centre by train. Guess where I'll be going on safari.

The most surreal thing though, was walking through the city centre and being stopped by a turban clad, wispy bearded Indian man. He simply stopped me and said "You have a very lucky face", all in English, in the middle of a busy German street. How he knew I spoke English, I don't know (okay, so most people here speak English, but still). He introduced himself as a Yoga teacher then proceeded to tell me that I have three features of my face, and that they mean that I'm a very lucky person. He also told me from my face he could see that I always thinking but never tiring of it, and he explained what he meant: "The mind is always going, but the body does not follow sometimes. It will follow, but not only when the mind makes it". I'm also told that next month will be a fantastic time for me, and things will get better and better. Then after enquiring what I do, he introduced me to his student, a short lanky clean cut Indian youth, only slightly younger than myself. This is where things get whack.

He starts talking to me about my face, and how it has three features and means it's a face of a lucky man. Ignoring the voice in my head, I go with my gut and stick around just to see what the trick is. After fumbling with a leather wallet and the papers inside, he pulls two pieces out and obscuring my view he writes something down, screws the piece of paper up and passes it to me. The simple instruction is to hold onto it, so I oblige. I'm asked four questions: "to speak a number between 1 and 5", "to speak the name of any international flower I like", "to speak five international countries I like", and "to speak the name of my grandfather" followed by "please spell that" (I mean 'Jim' can't be that hard to spell right?). Throughout, he maintains my eye and never flinches or moves. Experiment time, write down your answers to these questions and let me know what they are.

He then tells me that "if written down on here are two of my answers, there will be luck. If not, there will be change". So I open the paper, and there scrawled in neat cursive hand writing is: '2', 'Jasmine', and the letters 'PHM'. Needless to say I was impressed. My attention is drawn to the letters PHM immediately, just wondering what they mean. Apparently, they stand for something which I can't recall. But the essence of his translation was that of luck, opportunity, and positive change.

Then I'm hit with the catch: "I'm travelling round the world, trying to help the children in need". Best. lie. ever. But seeing as he's made me feel good, I open my wallet and happiness fills me as the only note in there is €5. I thought it was money well spent. I felt good, and had a little entertainment. Plus I can always rest on the fact I was told it would go towards helping him fly around the world and feed starving children.

Last weird thing to happen today: I didn't get wet. The skies opened up on my way home, and here's me just walking in a t-shirt and no umbrella or jumper. While everyone else around me is getting soaked, I get nothing more than a few splashes. It felt as though I was walking between the rain drops, slipping between curtains of rain. It was the weirdest feeling, and I drew some looks as I strolled calmly by store fronts and crowded porches.

So to summarise today's weirdness: I got to class early, talked about Ikea, got swindled on the street, and didn't get wet. Dammit, doesn't sound nearly half as fanciful like that.

Failing that I'll walk

Today's been pretty good. Having two extremely large cups of coffee before midday will do that to a man. It was a little difficult rolling out to class this morning, but I managed it. Time differences are a killer when trying to sort out hassles involving New Zealand.

My fingers are still raw from playing the guitar, but that's been softened by the research I've been doing today. There's two interesting events happening in Germany shortly. One, as I've mentioned before, is Ben Harper touring and being a large fan I'd love the chance to finally be able to see him. I'm still bitter at how I've missed EVERY one of his concerts in New Zealand thanks to the scheduling of exams and assesments. So why not take the chance to go? It's only €30 and guaranteed to be a good time. I'm just a little unsure of whether to go alone. The concert's in November, so there's plenty of time.

The second event is the Men's Hockey World Cup. Probably the only chance I'll get to see such an event. It's only around €25 for a day pass on the days I can make it, and when New Zealand is playing. Problem is that it's in a little city to the south, which is 4 hours by train. "No problem," you say "right?". That's where the difficultly arises. Train tickets aren't cheap between cities. Well, okay, one way they are. But I'm looking at €75 for one way, and then another €150 for the return trip. Bugger me that's steep. All up, though, for a chance to see three (or four) world class hockey matches the cost would basically be something like €250 for the entry and train fare there and back. Does this sounds fair? I'd have to seriously look at the budget though, but man it's tempting not to eat well for awhile just so I can see this.

Other developments include the further onset of rain and cold weather. Come on, I'm sitting here in jeans and a jumper while it's 19 degrees outside. I hate acclimitisation, but it's better than using a word like "soft". But I've been assured this is typical Hamburg weather. Bugger.

People have also asked what exactly the results of my psychometric testing were. I can confirm that I am not a complete nutter. It includes things like excellent problem critical thinking skills, being motivated and ambitious, having the ability to look for "win-win" situations (I can already hear the supressed coughs in the auidence), having tenacity, outgoing nature, concern for others, fun loving, and more. The list of ego boosts go on and on.

What's more interesting are the "Suggestions for Development", as apparently, for example:

• I need to consider my comfort in dealing with confrontational issues;
• My tendency to take charge can be construed as an overbearingness;
• "Driven predominantly by your [my] values, [I] may need to also consider other people’s perceptions of [me]"; but
• "Although [I] may enjoy support from others, [I] may need to increase [my] reliance on [my] own thoughts rather than rely on other people’s feedback";
  
• While I "appear to enjoy having fun, it may be appropriate to have a more serious attitude in some situations as others may attribute [my] light-heartedness to a lack of concern ".

Hmm, food for thought. I don't think I would have picked some of them. But people certainly do change, and I can honestly say I'm a different man than what I was at the start of the year, and I'd vouch for this experience shaping me somewhat as well. I'm certainly going to try and work on some of those areas of development. I've got time and a new environment to work on it.

Last but not least, I've been having some fun indoors while the weather has been poor. I've played round with my computer and have produced a little image that some have taken a liking too. With these comments in mind, and the request for more photos of me, I leave you with this:I'm allowed to be a little full of myself after getting those results back. It's good to have your sanity vouhed for.

Turn it Around

I now have a tangible form for my sanity. And she is good.She sounds great, and I've had nothing but fun since I got home. I did have to go out for food of course, but that was a minor blip in what has become a fantastic day.

Of course, like most days, it has to start off poorly. It's been raining all day long, and I've had to wear jeans and a jumper. You'd think it was cold or something. But things got progressively better, what with a short stroll through the Planten um Bloomen being more serene than I can describe. There's nothing like the soft sound of rain in garden, more so when it's just you and the trees. It's a feeling I can't accurately vocalise, one of being alone but accompanied by the rhythm of the rain and the beat of the trees. You can almost innately feel the pulse and rise of the stream, yet it's pregnant banks don't cause concern. Can you tell I like the rain?

Of course, the downside was trying to have lunch with Professor Hilf. He disappeared for the day so that highlight was gone. Nonetheless I trudged onto my destination - the music shop. Which held numerous guitars at various prices, and only one sales person who could adequately help me in English. Don't get me wrong, I tried German, and thought I managed to make my points, but I don't think the salesguy wanted to handle the foreigner. I'd like to think I can stand the heat of asking for what I want in a store - I did it in the phone shop no sweat when asking for another prepay card, but I do understand the desire to flog a customer off when you can't be bothered with the broken language barrier.

But I emerged victorious, guitar and its hard case in hand. Since I got home, I've done nothing but play. My fingers are kinda raw, and sore now as I type this. The things I go through for you guys. I've managed to dust off the old tricks I know, and I've picked up a few in the short time today.

In trying to come to grips with some of the songs, I realised that my music library on this laptop is actually incomplete. I'm missing, from count so far, such gems as my entire Queens of the Stone Age collection, and most importantly: both Fly My Pretties albums. I might have to get my parents to send me FMP by my gmail account. God knows how I missed something that vital in this transfer.

So, without further ado, I will do some German homework, cook a little and regain some more sanity.

But before I go, I got the results of my psychometric testing back. It was one hell of an ego boost. I might post it up later for further discussion.

I am Spiderman No More

Sundays are turning into my domesicated days. I've so far cleaned the entire apartment, washed all the dishes, done all the washing, and gotten things ready for dinner tonight - which will be fish thanks to Kat. I'm feeling rather homely. But I do feel like something is missing though. Like a severe lack of entertainment. Talking to numerous people over the internet, I've come to a firm conclusion that I will buy a guitar and damn the price. My sanity is worth it. There's four and a bit months to decide what to do with it, so I figure that's ample time.

So there's not much really to report about today. Couple of things to note though:

• If you're sending me anything, make sure its all: c/o Elsner, Lapstroweg 16, 20255 Hamburg. I know some people have sent things already, and no I haven't recieved them yet. Stories I've been told of Deustch Post's competence are unconfirmed, but looking likely.
• Don't hesitate to comment on the site, you don't need to register or anything anymore.
• Failing that, feel free to email me. The address can be found on the right side bar. Social contact is a good thing. Sometimes the best of things.
• Telecom NZ are incompetent. The 0800 number for ringing home is not working, and I'm left with little recourse.
• Response from my little excursion through the Reeperbahn (the red light district) has focused mainly on one thing: "You need to go into the shops next time Michael". I think I'll need some Dutch courage to do that.

Other random musings for the day include the prospect of having lunch again with Professor Hilf tomorrow. Currently it's unconfirmed, but I'll pop by and see if he's up for it. It will however be my turn to pay, a thing I don't find so daunting now that I've sat down and worked out my budget. Turns out I'm not so expensive to feed afterall. I thought I'd be spending large quantities on cash for food. Turns out that this week I've spent all of €79 on shopping. And that includes cleaning products. Not too bad really. But I'm still a little weary about spending up large.

And Kat's recipe for Fish is AMAZING. Just wow. I tried the oven baked one first, but upon failing to light the gas oven and melting hairs on my arm I decided the frying was the better option. I highly recommend her instructions to massage the fish with all those ingredients before hand. This tasted just amazing. I might go a little lighter on the lemon juice next time. Maybe, but I like a little zest in life. And the wine I bought to go with it was just as good. It tastes average by itself, but with the fish, it just brings out so many more flavours in both. And it's a huge bottle for only €3. So big score on that part. That has totally made my day. So a huge thanks to Kat.

The last thought I'll leave you with is that German chocolate is good. Very very very good. Thank god I'm doing alot of walking.

Active Sitting

Today was alot better than yesterday. I've come to the firm conclusion that I feel infinitely better when I have direction and things to do. The objective for today - buy a guitar, swiss ball, fish from the fish market, and anything else that tickled my fancy.

To start with, aided with a greater understanding of German than I did last week, I managed to find a much larger musical instrument store. It just so happened to be at the very end of the Reeperbahn. So I walked through the infamous red-light and party district during the middle of the day. It's almost unbelievable how many strip bars, peep shows, adult stores, eroticic attractions, and the like there are. There are just too too many. And this is just on the main strip, off the side streets there's even more. It's not like a kid being lost in a candy shop, it's more like a man lost in a bra shop: He knows what everything's for but damned if he has to make the choice. I probably can't accurately describe the pure sense of being overwhelmed, and even then it sounds like I got a kick out of it. I didn't. There's only so much bright blue and red neon breasts a man can take, during daylight even.

Moreover, I found the place that Ben Harper will be playing in come November. It's smaller than most of the erotic clubs and stores on the Reeperbahn. Made me laugh, and consider that it might be a really awesome gig then. Should look into purchasing tickets really.

Gratefully I made it to the guitarshop. Which was kinda cool, but my god these things are expensive here. I cheap jalopy guitar for €79 where I could buy it in New Zealand for dirt cheap. Plus even the top line guitars were around €599, bit much really. So secure in the knowledge that a guitar is probably a no go for the moment, I decided it'd be time to purchase the swiss ball.

That I did. And a pump to go with it. Sadly though I didn't buy the needle valve needed to really pump the thing up. So currently I'm sitting on an almost full swiss ball, inflated with the aid of an emtpty pen cartridge and natural breath. It's kinda squishy. There's a reason €2.95 pumps are that price - I had more luck blowing it up myself. A solution will be reached hopefully.

After purchasing the swiss ball, being a bright sunny day, I decided I'd stroll along to waterfront and go to the Fischmarkt for some fresh fish for dinner. Along the way, an old German fellow stopped me and asked for directions. Instead of doing the expected "I'm sorry I don't speak much German" routine, I played along and found out where he needed to go and gave him some directions. When he asked me where a certain street was, I admitted I wasn't from Hamburg and didn't speak much German. At that point he thanked me and said my German was good, and then continued on his way. Made my day.

The waterfront, though, is nothing amazing, apart from a cool breeze on a hot day and tons and tons of people. The view is mainly of industrial works on the otherside of the harbour. Theres huge dry docks though, and the ships they house are enormous. Looks pretty cool. There's also a specially designed and built theatre for "The Lion King - the Musical". I found it rather laughable really.

The best thing was simply being outside on what turned out to be a fantastic day. Sadly, the fischmarkt doesn't think a bright sunny day with people is a day to be open, being a Saturday is more important. It's not such a bad thing I suppose. I got a great two hours walking from one part of Hamburg to another and back again. The suntan was thrown in for free, so no complaints here.

The weird thing is, and for those of you that I've talked to recently this is just too weird, I saw Christof from Osnabrück and his girlfriend along the waterfront (Vis Moot people). It was across a crowd, but I spied them nonetheless. This is weird because I've never just bumped into someone I know in Hamburg, and weirder still because they're from Osnabrück. But for all my longing to bump into people I know, I didn't stop them or even make myself known to them. I'd like to think it's because they were having a little argument, which they were, but it's probably because they mightn't remember me, or more likely, not as fondly I as remember them, and two: why they hell would they expect to see a NZer in Hamburg.

This lead me to thinking about what the guidelines are for stopping people you know in the street and whether there's any boundaries for awkwardness and so on. We've all experienced that uncomfortable meeting in the street, whether it be realising that you've moved on from where that other person is, or just because you don't like them and they don't get it. What's the courtesy involved and where does the line sit? I for me couldn't come to any conclusion, but then again I'm reknowned for stopping people in the street. So why the difference here? I think it's purely a lack of recognition factor combined with having to do it all in English in the middle of a German crowd. I don't regret not stopping them. Does that make me a bad person?

Another site I saw were beach clubs that are set along the waterfront. People drag in tonnes of sand to create little beach paradises along the water's edge. It looks quite cool, and I'll have to drag some people there soon me thinks.

Anyways, today's been great. Here's hoping for more good times.

Leather

Well today has turned into a complete and utter abortion. To get into this mindset, we need to compare it to the absolute fantastic time I had last night.

Felix had farewell drinks at a bar in Eppendorf. Took me a while to locate the place. But I did in the end, and man it was good fun. I spent the first hour or so attempting to conduct conversations in German, and I'm quite proud of the fact I actually had conversations and both sides could be understood. Obviously some better than others, but I do think my German comprehension has improved dramatically. As an example I managed to understand about 90% of a conversation Felix and his freind were having about surfing and varying lengths of boards that he should consider for his time in Malibu. It's a great feeling to know that people aren't talking about you in a foregin language.

Add to this the fact I got rather totalled too. Weißbier is turning into my poison. A sweet, tasty, delicious poison. But my undoing nonetheless. There's something comforting knowing that you can safely get home by subways when drunk.

That is until the train you need to catch when you transfer trains in the middle of nowhere has finished for the night. I mean, come on, last train at 12:17 am? I thought the German system was advanced. So that meant I had to walk home from Bupkissville. I had no sense of time, or direction really. Beind drunk will do that. But I did arrive safely home sometime round 1 am. I think. I can't be sure.

This did, however, mean that getting up this morning was a struggle. Well, struggle doesn't really capture it. I slept through my alarm quite soundly and obviously then with apparent ease. Turns out that I must have really needed some sleep. Spending all night catching up with you lot has taken its toll I'd say. But the debt is settled and I should surivive for awhile longer.

As for the remains of the day. Felix told me where I could possibly buy a guitar just down the road. And sure enough, there is a place about a 15-20 minute walk away (Thanks to Andreas for pointing me to the yellow pages website where I managed to verufy this). Pity it's closed today for some reason, couldn't understand the sign. I was all the more frustrated by being able to see the variety of guitars through the window. The store is quite small, and the quality looks pretty good, so chances are I'll have to spend a little more. But hey, if I get a hard case for it, I'll stow it for my return in Easter next year.

The weather is also a little dreary, only letting up the drifting rain for some small respite when I managed to ferret out the shop. Got to ride the lows otherwise the highs aren't so high anymore. Rollercoaster and all that jazz.

So to finish with a little photo from adventures yesterday, here's a shot of the University of Hamburg. I had to take it with my cell phone as I again forgot my camera. It's very much a moss and ivy covered building. Hunter Building eat your heart out.

Random Slices of Beauty

There's something to be said for days full of randomness.  Today really feels like I've done nothing on my own volition.  I do apologise for the clear lack of photos today, I forgot my camera.  Plus, I think you've seen enough sunshine for your winter rations.

It all started with a smoke alarm.  A loud smoke alarm.  Which caused me to sprint from my bed in a not so clothed state to the front door where it resides, leaving the shattered sleep I had stolen from my alarm.  At first I was worried that there was actually smoke some where, then I quickly cottoned onto the warm idea of clothes.  And decency.  It proved to be a blessing in disguise I figured being up, and by now showered, I should check my emails.  There sitting in it was another part of the psychometric testing process for RMcV.  So I started on what I originally considered to be a short test.

My late arrival to class would suggest otherwise.  I did have time between rushing to the subway to notice the fantastic brown suit a fellow infront of me was wearing, and the pink shirt he was wearing with the brown and pink tie.  It looked amazing.  Then all I could see was how fat it made his ass look, and that's all I could see from then on in.  A great suit spoiled by a fat ass.  It's only a bit gay.

Scroll through to the end of my German class to having decide what to do for the day, and not having much to go on I followed my feet.  They seemed to know where they were going.  It's an interesting feeling simply walking without thinking, it's much like going with the flow of the river.  Obviously you're walking and not swimming, that's what metaphors do, they emote.

Anyway.  Walking. Not thinking.  Simply going where my feet decide, and low and behold I end up in the main shopping area.  Now I know those of you who've followed progress so far will be most likely thinking that I found a guitar.  You'd be wrong.  I did manage, however, to locate swissballs.  They're only €15.  What a steal.  Pity I have to find a pump.  I didn't think that through very well.  Good thing I didn't actually buy the swiss ball then.  I'm going to locate a pump that has the necessary attachments-needle-do-whacky, or simply the whacky, then purchase my ball.  Plus it gives me time to think about whether I really need one, I'm coping without and the exposure to sports I'll be getting shortly might suffice. It's a wait and see game.

Carrying on with the theme of "I'll be damned if I know where I'm going", I found myself back in the Botannical gardens heading home.  That is until my feet decided it would be a good idea to sit down in the middle of a grassy patch.  So I did.  I then felt like reading, so I read.  Then sleep seemed like a good idea.  It was.  My percpetion of time fails me, but my sunkist skin and radiant warmth tells me it was for a short while.  Good thing Europeans have an ozone layer.  My then recovered sense of flow pulled me back home where I proceeded to gorge myself on the remaining fine cheeses residing in my fridge.  They were creamy goodness solidified.

Hopefully there's those of you who read the news, and keep up with international events.  If you did, you'd have noted that I might very well be screwed over royally.  What's this about?  Terrorists and the wuss that is United Kingdom and United States Airlines.  Excess baggage here I come.  That is unless they remove such limitations by the end of the year.  Now, I'm not suggesting that security responses to threats are a bad thing.  There's a difference between precaution and overzealous measures.  I can only hope that some common sense prevails and Airlines increase baggage allowance to accomodate for this.

So to end this little ramble, I leave you with these inspiring thoughts:

We need anything politically important rationed out like Pez: small, sweet, and coming out of a funny, plastic head.
-Dennis Miller

Cold Snap

What did you get up to today Michael?

Well, I walked. Alot.
Walked? Where were you walking?
As it turns out, I wasn't so sure.
Surely you had a purpose in mind when you started out?
No....I mean...sort of....well. Let's say that things turned out.
So you found what you were looking for?
No.
I'm confused.

It's true, I walked round the city today. It wasn't my intial intention. I had sat down and established precisely where I was going, a music store. The map and the internet told me where to go. It involved straight lines. How wrong they were. You think that the internet wouldn't lie to me about shops in Hamburg. If you do, then you got suckered like I did. Suckered? Surely our friend the internet wouldn't pull something like that, surely not.

Yes I got lost. Yes I had no clue where I was. But I did take photos. Quite a few. It involved a large statue (witnessed on left), surrounded by many other statues in this little garden-like area. I think it was part of another Planten um Bloomen, but I can't be sure. I've decided maps are a evil. For the time being. You can tell these statues are pretty old, as they've weathered. That and there was a sign in German saying something about 1902. But I can't be sure. Could be that Hamburg offers statues a poor lifestyle. Who really knows.

I did manage to find myself, when I spied a familiar spire in the sky. That's right, I found Michaelkirsche, or "the Michel" as it's known in these parts. It's a massive structure, and to think it's been rebuilt numerous times to its exact original condition with every fire endured. As you can see from the photos, being inside started to look very promising. So I walked around a bit, but with an entry fee and the sky showing signs of clearing I decided I'd continue on my hunt for this most elusive of beasts, the Gee-taar. But not without first taking a snap of the giant towering over me at this time.

As it turns out, there's a bunch of streets with a variety of shops, cafes, and people in this little area just north of Feldstraße. Pity really that there's no instrument parlours about. Oh, there's music stores, lined with walls of LPs, and posters of guitars. But no guitars. I'm thinking the best option is just to purchase one online. One's kinda struck me, but I think it's just the novelty factor. Regardless of what I purchase, I can always bring it back with me when I return to Vienna.

The other discoveries of the day included:

• A market place that has fresh fish. So I might be dining on some bounty of the sea in the near future. I really do miss fish, and I want to try my hand at cooking them. Got any advice?
• A second hand bicycle store, so I might look into purchasing one. But I've survived without one so far, so it's no real biggie.
• Apparently my German is enough to convince an old lady I know the subway system. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself. She caught the right train, I should know, I was on it fearing my life that I'd given her the wrong directions.

As for possibilites? They're limitless. One step at a time though, and the first step is playing volleyball tonight with some Bucerius people. The next step involves playing hockey, which I'm told involves a friend who's happy to lend me any gear I require. Don't fret Jamie, I'll try not to make a dick out of myself hence paving the way for you to come over into your semi-professional half-baked glory.

I've also been informed that a cold snap has hit New Zealand. I feel your pain, we've just been hit by a cold snap too. I had to wear a jumper today. With my sandals and shorts.

Oh, and I discovered why've there's little success in finding Dessert wine, or Eiswein as it's known here. It's all because Germany specialises in a variety of white wines, and the market is flooded with inexpensive reds from Italy and France. So low prices on damn good whites and red, but there's little in the way of dessert wines in any theme.

Looks like I'll have to buy the 10 EUR bottles of Bombay Sapphire. Pity.

It Lives!

Today has been an improvement again. This week just gets better and better. Apart from stealing a sleep in and having to fork out for another subway ticket, but even then it's not so bad. I got to class on time, and then the sky looked well more than pregnant with rain.

This afternoon I set out on my journey to find The Hamburg Kunsthalle. Which I managed to do, all thanks to a handy Hamburg map and the friendly tourist-sign-post-direction-thingies. It's a huge place, and I would have gone inside except for the fact the sun decided to come up. So saving myself 8.50 EUR in admission, I proceeded to do what I do best. Wander. Aimlessly.

This proved to be a lovely thing. I found a couple more parks scattered round Hamburg. God knows I can't tell you where they are, I just walked in whatever direction felt best. I didn't actually achieve much today, but I'm not going to complain.

In terms of the discoveries made today, there were a few. Some of which I thought I would share:

• Germans do have a sense of humour, either that or they really do hate Italians. One sports store had the uniforms of Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio on display. I laughed so hard people looked more than the usual sideways at me. Find the back story here.
• In September there's going to be concerts every afternoon at the Plant um Bloomen, and they're going to be right in the Rose Gardens. Such concerts include: La Traviata; Chopin's Preludes; works of Tschaicosvky; and more. Needless to say where I'll be: Not a bad setting for strings, brass, woodwinds and me huh?
• I finally have money in my account, after working out the various acronyms used: IBAN, SWIFT, PFO. But the German cash machines are somewhat daunting. I did manage to sort out that Abherung means withdrawl, so I should be sorted.
• Ciabatta, tomatoes, salami, and a sprinkling of olive oil makes for a fantastic snack.
• In small doses.

I can also confirm that it was indeed my brother performing the now infamous Sugartits jingle. Hangovers and dares make for great motivators apparently. As for why he did this, we can all thank Mel Gibson.

Hopefully the internet is right in providing me with a place to purchase a guitar from. I'm looking for a cheap little thing to keep me going and tickle the many fancies I've had. The conclusion that I need music has definitely been arrived at. Awhile ago. If the interent proves to be false, apart from being in shock and cowering in horror, I'll need everyone's help. Know any good music stores in Hamburg?

Also, still trying to help Polli out in Sydney, so if anyone knows of a place going can you let me know and I'll pass it on.

And for the final note, I leave you pondering with George Orwell:

In certain kinds of writing, particularly in art criticism and literary criticism, it is normal to come across long passages which are almost completely lacking in meaning.

I wonder what George would have to say about forms of writing such as this then?

Got to find me some Sugartits

Today has been a stellar day. Before we even begin, today has been nothing but pure hot sun. I'd say it was a solid 26 degrees outside with the lightest of fresh breezes. Great weather for simply ambling through the streets. Needless to say I had a smile on my face from day break.

First off, class is getting more interesting and slightly more challenging. We're starting to really get into to grammar now that we've nutted out articles a bit more. Ich verhosche ein bisschen Deutsch lernen und denn sprechen. The whole class is really trying to move on. Some have actually skipped to another class that's two weeks ahead, but I don't want to spell it out to them that that class will finish in a week and then they'll have to come back down to our class. Some just don't think ahead.

Then I had lunch with Professor Hilf. We ended up sitting and talking for well over two hours. He's a great character with lots of stories, including sitting on a panel for the WTO, working for the EC, and being a commentator on International Constitutional Law and the like. We also rambled on about football, studies in Germany, and of all things his daughters. Turns out his youngest is studying bio-chemistry in Zurich, and he's taken an avid interest in it, so I was able to converse to him at length all about Marine Natural Products and their bio-chemical importance and the work being done by students at VUW. This is where I plug Katie having found two novel compounds in marine sponges. Sounds pretty easy, till it needs be pointed out that for honours not finding anything is an achievement, and finding three makes a thesis for a PhD.

But back to Professor Hilf, seeing as he paid for my lunch I need to spend some more time sharing him with you. He's suggested taking me, and the other VUW exchange students, to a Bundesliga Football match in November. Sounds pretty damn exciting. A chance to see a Law Professor be a hooligan is something I don't want to pass up. Especially seeing as it's his home team playing HSV. He did really get me thinking though about where I want my career to end up: academia, private practice, or some weird hybrid monster. Things are a bit easier in New Zealand on this front, and I don't know whether its our general attitude or whether it's the legal profession. Moreover, is this a good thing or not? I haven't truly decided on the point yet.

On a weirder note, I just had an interesting story passed onto me. The story goes:

So a certain twin brother of a regular poster here has made what he fondly hopes is his break through advertising jingle. Well, maybe not, but its still a jingle and it was still made by a certain local twin. Kinda funny too. Don't tell him where you got this link from

The link is here, and I'm not one hundred percent sure on this, but it does sound credible. I just need the back story, so if you're willing to fill me in on this, please do.

Otherwise, any comments Jamie?

Further to the little discussion point raised yesterday, here's a thought that was passed onto me that got me thinking again. Is "evil" a social construct, and how exactly do we know, determine, or understand what is evil? Can we truly define evil then, or is it simply a subjective shadow of morals?

To help you ponder these points, I'll share my little zen-thinking spot with you. Hopefully it works as well for you as it does for me.
And the day just keeps getting better and better. My washing machine is fixed! Turns out there was a 50 EUR cent coin stuck in the pump, and it wasn't mine! I'm so happy my cheeks are hurting from smiling. Today has truly been a new day to a new week.

On the Seventh Day

So today was an almost pointless day. Well pointless if you exclude doing not a hell of alot.

I attempted to get the washing machine fixed. Sadly the next step in this process involves Jana getting back to me about who I need to call. She's currently in Greece, so I don't blame her for enjoying herself to the ignorance of my needs. I bet she has a washing machine.

Solace was found, however, in the fact that I have one other contact number, and I'll try it tomorrow if there's no response from Jana. And yoghurt. For some weird reason it tasted so so very good.

The other non-activities I participated in today involved writing up my German language class notes, and having a look through the touristy websites about Hamburg. I've got an idea of where I'll try to go be a real tourist, take these places as examples:

• The Hamburger Kunsthalle looks to be a great place to start. It should keep the tradition of visiting art galleries and mueseums Kat initiated last time we were here. Unfortunately they're closed on Mondays, so I'll save it for Tuesday or a rainy day. I can't decide just yet.
• The Hamburg Dungeon might be good for a laugh. Supposed to be pretty scary, especially the ride about the Hamburg Floods. Hopefully my washing machine is fixed by then.
• Otherwise for a more tame tourist time, these tiny trains and their miniature towns might be an attractive attraction. Is there something wrong in enjoying the possible experience of being a destructive force of a city. All be it a miniature one. Maybe I shouldn't go.

I've also contemplated budgets, the most enthralling activity you can imagine, second only to watching paint dry on an taughtly strectched canvas. It was made all the more exciting by the prospect of exchange rates, which are so very favourable to the New Zealand Dollar at the moment. It's a rollercoaster you just don't want to get off.

But tomorrow is a new day, filled with new adventures. The least of which includes having to learn German articles. Who would have thought that there are three ways of saying "the" in German, and of all people in all the world, there's no rational nor logical explanation or reasoning behind these assignments of masculine (der), feminine (die), and neutral (das). Take, for example, "the girl". Easy enough, you think, until you're told that it's "das mädchen".

To finish on a higher note, I'm having lunch with Professor Hilf tomorrow. He's the character who shared icecream with me. I'm actually really looking forward to it, should be a good start to the week.

Two quick things before I leave you. Firstly, if anyone knows of a room, apartment or the like going in Sydney can you please let me know. Polli (the girl I'm renting this room from) is struggling to find a place there and I want to help out if I can.

Secondly, and this is something you all should consider, as I've been made to think about these today in a previous discussion: What is religion? Is the absence of religion a sense of religion? What do you make of CS Lewis when he says "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else". Anyone who knows me has not to fear that I will convert, I just enjoy discussion and this proved one of the most stimulating discussions I had in a while. Thought I'd share.

Also, what they hell are people doing to our childhood memories? Just take a glimpse at www.TMNT.com and www.transformersthemovie.com

And finally, again from CS Lewis, just because I like the quote:

Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.

Polar Opposites

Today was a day of polar opposites. Going to the football and being a hooligan, then coming home to find out that my washing machine is broken, attempting to fix it, and now having to try and stop thinking about how this may mean I've lost my 720 EUR security deposit.

First the good. The football was awesome. It was HSV versus AC Roma, a pure friendly game, and you could tell from the atmosphere and the pace of the game. "It lacked power" to quote Jan. Nonetheless it was awesome to spend an evening in one of the biggest stadiums in Germany and see my first real football match. Currently planning on going to a Bundesliga match (German National Competition), where the stakes are higher, matches more intense, and there's more people.

The photos you see here were taken on my cell phone, as cameras were not allowed. Hopefully they convey the size of the stadium. Also note that even though the stadium was half full, there was only 25,000 people there. At full capacity it houses 56,000 people. Imagine the atmosphere and the noise.

Then we had on my return the washing machine. Now it had been acting up all morning: stopping, starting, and not draining. So I spent the last two hours trying to sort it out, including taking the drain hosepipe off with a knife. There's one disadvantage to living in a girly apartment - the severe lack of tools. My kiwi ingenuity pulled through and I found a sturdy enough knife to help unscrew the pipe. Sadly though, this hasn't fixed the issue. It still won't drain. So I'm putting it down the to drainage pump. This is not a good thing, and has three repercussions:

1. I need to call in a professional, and my language skills are severly lacking to convey exactly what's happened and what I think the problem is;
2. To do this I need to call Jana to see if I have to do this through the landlord or someone special. Something that's not too bad, but does carry a number of consequences including having to talk to the landlord and pretend that I'm Polli's cousin; and
3. The third, and probably most concerning one for me is that this may mean the loss of my 780 EUR deposit on the room. That's roughly NZD 1560, and I do not want to lose that.

That's how I spent my Saturday night. Oh and somewhere along the line I managed to squeeze in getting some dinner, but I didn't have time to go down to the shops and for some weird reason Germans think it fit to close on Sundays. I mean, come on people, day of rest requires food. Good thing I don't actually do too much on weekday afternoons, otherwise supplies could get interesting.

Anyways, I'm off to try and find something somewhere. It might include sleep, but frankly I really don't feel like it. I want clean clothes and a washing machine that works. I wouldn't be so worried except for the fact the last load I put on was towels and not clothes.

But if anyone knows how to fix a drainage pump on a Bauknecht Front Loading Washing Machine, please leave a comment, text or email me.

Fatal Attractions

The joy of an overzealous sleep in is something to be treasured. And treasure it I did. Last night involved the crazy antics of a carnival. Not the "Mardi-gras", nor the "Gayparade" that's occuring today, but your old school style fair.

That's right, last night I was true to my word and ended up at The Dom with new found friends from my German classes.The variety of rides were rather dull, except one which was mind blowingly awesome. It involved being thrown and held upside down, round and round, and spun wickedly fast. Words do not do the thrill justice. You'll also notice that in the background of the above photo there's a Ferris Wheel. It was a rather short ride, but the view was amazing. Adding to that was the fact that the cars are open air, and we got to stop right at the top. This was all because in the next car some guy proposed to his girlfriend at that moment. He had organised it all with the person in charge. Kinda sweet really. But no soppy moments for me, I'm hard as nails. Yip, hard as nails.

The most fun, however, was just had in being in a such a fun environment with some wicked people. Juan-Ma (with me on right) is this crazy Spaniard who's come to Hamburg just to learn German. He was awesome fun, you would have thought he was a little kid lost in a carnival. Wait. We did think he was a little kid lost in the carnial.

The astute will notice two things. You'll notice for the first time there's actually a picture of me on my camera. I was brave enough to hand it over to someone else.

But a good night was had by all, aided by the consumption of copious amounts of sugar in the form of rope sherbet and fruit liquorice things. Sour tasty goodness. Beer also was involved, as evidenced by the quality of the photographs as the night progressed. Exhibit A is to the left, a shot of the carnival from the Ferris Wheel. Other photos taken from this vantage are not worthy of revealing, but they are worthy of written descriptions. You see, Hamburg has these neon blue "goals" all over the city to honour the world cup, they're stuck up all over the show - on buildings, in the Alster, at the Rathaus. Anyways, from the Ferris Wheel and with the night in all it's darkness, most of these goals could be seen. It looked pretty cool. I have very blurry photos of them if people really ask nicely, but then would be betraying my level of intoxication.

As for today. Well, a sleep in was great. And then just taking things at a nice easy pace was good fun. Then I got bored. So I domesticated myself. That does sound kind of filthy doesn't it? But I did a massive tidy up of the apartment, which wasn't too hard or too long either.

I think working in the pools has prepared me for a life time of cleaning and hard labour. Scrubbing showers really doesn't seem to bother me now, in fact, I found myself singing while doing it and enjoying it. What has this hemisphere done to me?

Creedence Clearwater Revival and Fleetwood Mac are Wrong

Today has just been a little weird. Take for example one of the many things listed below.

First Instance: Having to explain what the exercise we were doing in class to the dude sitting next to me. In German. In the little German that I know. You try telling a small Ecuadorian man who speaks no English that you have to determine what the direct question is, based on the answers provided, and teach him at the same time. In German. Again, in the little German that I know. When he has no freaking clue what to do. And you do this for 10 minutes. Screw the ability of some people in the class to arrange complex answers to simple questions. I think you know you're getting somewhere when you're able, in German, to explain what you should be doing, and teaching them how to do it. Needless to say I felt a little smile creep on my face when he got it. Even if it was only one correct result out of twenty. I take pride in the details.

Second Instance: Being serenaded by an accordian group ouside our classroom window. I know that they're playing for the restaurants on the way and not us, but it brought a nice little crescendo to the end of class. Some small fesitivity if you please. One guy actually got up and did a little dance. Spaniards. Go figure.

Third Instance: After spying the spire of St Michael's, I attempted to walk in its direction. The use of the word "attempted" is intentional, and should be read in its ordinary meaning as in: 'I attempted, but did not succeed'. "Why did you not succeed Michael?" you ask, "Surely you know how to navigate the streets of Hamburg by now?". Don't mock me, this ill placed church has already done so. You see, I started in its direction, which took me around the Alster and you can see the steps upon which I usually devour the feast that is my lunch. If you're really keeping track you'll recognise two of the spires: the Rathaus and St Nikolaus. But sadly, there was no St Michael's in sight. To make matters worse it just appeared back where I started from. I think Hamburg is taunting me, using spatial vortices to make that ever famous spire elusive. It has done this before, but I have prevailed. "She will be mine. Oh yes, she will be mine".

Fourth Instance: German supermarkets do have rice. But no dessert wine just yet. Somehow I missed the entire Asian section. Now I found this hard to believe as I scoured the store yesterday for thrity minutes or more going aisle by aisle to find some rice. It just happens to appear today when I return just to have a look. My theory is that the city was laughing at me today, the reason for this follows on from here.

Fifth Instance: Before entering the maze that has become my supermarket, the day was bright and sunny. As I'm sure you can tell from the photos. It was even so sunny that I think my neck is sun burnt, but don't fret, it'll go brown tonight and my tan will even out Also my hair is doing its blonding-in-the-sun-thing. This, however, is not the point I wish to make (but it does feel good to revel in finer weather and its repercussions). The point is that while I was in the supermarket, the heavens opened up. Well they didn't just open up, they stampeded out of those pearly gates as fast as fast could be. That's right, I went to leave the store and it was pouring down. There was literally a sheet of water outside the door, and about 100 people waiting in the store for it to pass. And wait we did. Rain turned to hail. Hail turned to more rain. And we waited. And waited more. After fifteen minutes when there was a slight relief in the weather (being that you wouldn't get knocked out by the impact of the rain) I headed home sandals in hand.

It's a great feeling to still be all warm and sundried and walk through puddles. Brought a smile to my face. I must have looked a sight just idly musing through the street. The sun has come out now by the way, yet there's still the ominous boom of thunder in the distance. It's so very surreal.

Good things have occured today though. Namely the finding of rice and soy sauce. Also counted among the boons of the day include the forthcoming adventure at the Dom tonight, and an invitation to go watch a friendly soccer match tomorrow between HSV and AS Roma. You will have pictures and stories, I can guarantee that. Stir fry is an amazing spectacle to be shared.

The other thing of note is that I finally figured out what this thing looks like. It's been bugging me ever since I arrived, as I walk right past it everyday. This photo from a distance best captures the feel I think.



Don't tell me it's not an Orwellian space ship.