Stuttgart: Land of Watermelon, Dissapointment and Open Air.

oh Stuttgart, where to begin.
 

early morning (9 am) hitch was overbooked, so I spent 3 hours cuddling with my new friends in the back and sitting on the seat belt hooks.
in the mini bus :
Asian Driver and her 2 Asian friends
2 Parisians
2 Slovenians
1 Aussie
1 Canadian
1 Crybaby

Get to Stuttgart- wait.
go to internet cafe
secure van- yay!! - book flights to London for Saturday Morning
meet up with the other boys. attempt (poorly) to sell. fail. move on
treat time : treat consists of 1 part fresh strawberries, 1 part milk, 1 part diabetes aka icing sugar
walk/wait/walk
go pick up car with Jez and Bishop - wait
wait
wait
drive to Linkin Park Concert - (open air concert, like amphitheatre)
get stuck in traffic
wait
wait
sit and listen to Funeral for a Friend (opening act) while waiting for other boys (who are selling)
walk to find a bathroom
buy some beer and a watermelon
go back to the parking lot to wait.
find a rock. break open the watermelon. feast
listen to Coheed and Cambria (second openers)
other boys get back
drive to get their shit and hit the road
stop for Thai
pick up shit- check the web
van fell through. CURSES!- actually, several, bad ones.
drive back to Munich
stuck in traffic
wait
fall asleep
wake up back "home" (3 am)
sleeeeeeeeeep



Tomorrow we're off to London, to go van hunting, and watch Harry Potter!!



p.s. I actually had a pretty good time yesterday, the wait time tended to provide an abundant amount of laughter

Can't wear skinny Jeans cause my nuts don't fit

Today I'm a hustler
and people love me

got my 3 in and now I'm flying
(and knocking on wood just in case)

so I treated myself to some books - yeah, books. it's a treat and I'm a worm
who needs company when I've got words?

early morning hitch to Stuttgart to sell at a Linkin Park Concert.
dark glasses to hide my eyes, it's my smiles that tells the lie.

fingers crossed for another good day and still searching for our van.
-damn internet still holding a grudge.

tip of the day: never eat Mexican food in Germany (thanks Jez)

also I have the best worst sandal tan ever.



movie - super high me
thoughts - better watched in a similar state

Go Big or Go Home

today,
I went home.
weak.
I know
But sometimes you just need to tap out and refresh.
or in my case
tap out and spend the afternoon scanning the web for a van and sweating out the sick.

today people don't like me, and neither does my stomach.
the internet is only mildly fond of me, as it drops in and out of my company.

well here's news for you (people, stomach, and internet) - I don't like you either, not today.


On a happier note, things I do like:
fresh fruit for 2 euro
free beer in the fridge
new music
old music
and you

p.s.
itunes thinks I would be interested in "if you're happy and you know it" by Raffi.
but, I'd be a little more interested in "how you know if you're happy"

movie - Defiance
thoughts - a little too close to home/ where can I find me a forest husband?

When Munich says it's ready to get loose, it means it. Me, I'm all talk

disclaimer: Mum, I promise I'm being very safe. like I said. I drank at home too. don't worry. seriously. as per the following tale, I know when to fold 'em and how to say no thanks

There's a lot I could tell you about my time here in Munich already, the city in itself, the company, selling on the street, the cafeteria where we have lunch with the elderly, or my first experience in a hostel shower, which involved me falling out of the stall. However I don't think I have it in me to reach into my memory box and lay it all out here in words right now. So for now, here's what I couldn't tell you.

Last night was my first sloppy Saturday (both by pre given name and by my physical state)
I couldn't really tell you where I went only that it was close enough to find my way back home. To say that I went to indie bar followed by mush bar, has no relevance what so ever. except that it's true.
I also couldn't really tell you why, but at some point during the night - and quite suddenly, I decided to go home.
(Jez and Ant -the Aussies, had only just made a dent after all, they're used to this by now, it was sloppy Saturday long before I came around)

So off I went, got to the steps of the CVJM (or for those English speaking readers, the YMCA) and sat to have a smoke.
There's a guy sitting there- or maybe I got there first- either way, he was staying there and had his room key but didn't arrange a late night key and was locked out

*** Side note, hostel reception and doors close at 12:30, if you're going to be late then you have to arrange a late night key.
Also, when I left the bar the following conversation occurred;

Jez: Vell, (or Meghan or Stephie) you gonna have your phone and wake up to let us in?
me: yes
Jez: are you sure?
Me: yes
*** side side note - whiskey turns me into a liar

anyway, so this guy tells me I'm his life saver, and we make small talk (or big, I can't really say) while I finish my smoke.
I couldn't really tell you much more, since I can only remember it the way you remember a dream when you first wake up, and it gets hazier every time I try to add detail, like the shape of his face, or even what language we were speaking.
I went upstairs to my room, 207, put on some pj's walked down the hall to pee, and then headed to the bed that was calling my name so loud I had to cover my ears.
though I also couldn't tell you how I found either my way up the stairs or into the pjs
As I'm brushing my teeth, there's a knock on the door. I open it
it's my friend from the stoop. He smiles and leans in for a pash*.
I say "this isn't a great idea"
shut the door in his face, turn and throw up in the sink.

end scene

some few hours later, I woke up to 7 missed calls and went down to let the boys in. Some very few hours after that, we all got woken by housekeeping who tells us check out is 10 am- an hour and a half ago.
we rushed to pack and get out of there, the boys went to do some washing and I practiced sleeping in a van. Woke up intermittently for the next few hours to street sounds and hunger pains, before finally driving to our home for the next week, where I've spent the better part of the day laying in bed and watching the worst that t.v. has to offer.
First thought when waking up in the van: "why am I wearing a bathing suit?"
and I still couldn't tell you why.


* look it up.

movie - Revolutionary Road
thoughts - hey, it's Jack and Rose.

entschuldigen, Kurze Frage

i'm a little spent today
in Munich
the day started blazzing hot, 38 in the dead sun....okay, maybe 32
either way, mid day we had a Hail storm.
got our lodgings for the next 3 nights, and I can't complain about anyplace that gives out free gummies.
Just had some kabab, and am on my way to get some Hooka.

it for now.
xx
Val

p.s. retraction from previous post. Johnny, I found the cable in the bag you so nicely packed up for me. so I take it back, in fact, I'll do you one better I hope there was a mix up and they had to bump you up to first class

someone tell my brain I'm trying to sleep

I've had a lot on my mind today.

really random
I hope you don't mind.

I miss you too

but, right now, more than anything I miss my bed
thinking about being cocooned in my comforter and sinking my face into my pillows, has me salivating like a survivor contestant at the the thought of a juicy burger.
- Marce, I hope you know whenever life brings me home, I'm making a b-line for your bed room. (after all- it's technically still mine)

that being said. looks like I'll be spending the next 8 weeks sleeping in a van.
my very first thought upon being propositioned with the idea : where will I plug in my hair straightener?

I think my current priority list speaks volumes about my life right now.
- that and me having to ask people constantly what day it is


p.s. Johnny, most of me hopes you had a great flight home. but you made way with my ipod cable, and for that, a little part of me hopes there was a kid behind you kicking your seat.
(but really, if I was too tired to say it this morning, I can't wait to get my ass kicked on the hills with you - come back soon)

p.p.s. MabA, I'm sorry, hahaha...it's a good thing you're no stretch armstrong or go go gadget else I'd be in trouble (ELSE!) it goes with out saying. Me too. You too.
soon for sure. always soon

so I don't forget

"there's an eagle outside, I'm going to take a picture"

5 minutes later

"it was a porcupine"
-- quotes courtesy of my sleep deprived and apparently seeing impaired brother

side note: ya, me too...maybe if you stay up late and I get up early we can catch the stars?

things I wish I had right now: wireless internet. fresh fruit salad. a transporter so I could give you a hug and hear your voice.

and today (and maybe everyday after that) I'm going to just be me, and if it's not enough today, it might be tomorrow. or it might not even matter, cause I only have to answer to myself.

think about it. take it and run

if I lent you my eyes

half Pirate/ half gypsy

His good side

still standing - believe me, it's impressive

doesn't even describe it. there's no words or pictures for this. just go


the only action I'm getting

two of my favorite people in the world


what to do when you run out of paper and still have a 2 hour drive

Get me my compass

after a week in the mountains
breathing in all this fresh air
you'd think that I'd have some clarity

it's been probably one of the more relaxing weeks of my life .
(Adam, are you reading this? a week with John and no stress...I told you it was possible)

I suppose I shouldn't say no stress, there was that one time we drove up and down a mountain. 3 hours just for fun, in the death bus. The only thing greener than the trees was my face, but John no doubt has some lovely photos to show for it, should he make it home - which at this point is debatable since he's literally breathing down my neck right now and I might toss him out the window - I kid I kid.

We're leaving tomorrow for Igolsdadt and then John and Tash are off and I'll stay til thursday before I head to Munich. money and Ahote. two things I'll be happy to see.

Today we spent the day in Salzburg, it's a lovely town, tattoo or no tattoo.

off to spend my last day in Wonderland (I don't quite have it in me to explain - if you're curious just ask) and my last night with my Oma for a while.
- it must be said that I could write a blog dedicated entirely to my Oma and her hilarity, but it would all kinda fall under "you had to be there" and "it doesn't quite translate"

bis später Nußdorf

(only real negative thing about this week - never getting a hold of Rachel!!! I miss the shit out of you. and yeah I fell asleep. zizi)

Lienz

where tribal tattoos and ed hardy shirts come to die...
I'm just saying.

that and the nicest people ever, none of which believe we're from Kanada because of our crazy Triola dialect...

alles Gute zum Geburtstag Johnny

good night
and
goodnight

Dear Road to Austria,

you remind me of a boy I know,
beautiful to look at
but you kind of make me sick

(not to mention, I needed you to get where I am now)

the only good thing about a 5 hour road trip up, down and around mountains, driven by your uncle who feels the need to turn his head around completely to look you in the eye while talking (and by default driving into the other lane, and or /on coming traffic, sharing the backseat with your Giant brother and niece without air conditiong (so we opened the windows to the delighfult scent of cow poo) and a tendency to get motion sickness...is the view...and the company :)

I can't speak for the hills, but i'm definitely alive and Happy as hell

Willkommen

I'm in Ingolstadt at Anni's (my mum's Rachel, for those of you who don't know)
yesterday I slept 16 hours. actually
today I feel like a million bucks.
but it's grey and kinda gross out.

John and Tash arrived today :)
they're napping
I have a Handi! but i'm not really sure how it works
0151-28323399 (my german #)

Oh! and I fell in love with a boy. His name is Felix

(me and felix)
Off to the Mountains!

My Dearest Paris,

I bid you a fond adieu
it's been delightful and I hope to see you again
(next time, more crepes less creeps)

As a parting gift I leave you a slightly wilted white rose
and a half eaten tub of Nutella (for the dog - if he'll take it)

Thank you for having me.
xx
Veronica

Dear Paris,

No I will not hold your hand.


Yesterday was a day just like any other, in Paris...
walking around, looking at shit, oooing and awwing
took a break from the sun in a park under some trees.
some dude sits next to me, asks if I speak french. I do, kinda.
random conversation between longer stretches of silence. The whole time in my head i'm thinking : whatever, just get up and walk away, it's not mean.
Dude then asks if I want to sit somewhere and have a drink
I politely decline.
he asks why?
I say I wanna keep exploring the city
he insists to walk with me
me: uh sure
we walk
he asks if I want to see some animals
sure...
takes me to a pet shop (side note- they sell chipmunks as pets in Paris 58 euro)
we move on
asks if I would like to take a boat tour, he'll pay
I politely decline
we walk
he asks if he can hold my hand.
I politely decline
we walk
take a break in a park
I have a smoke
he asks if I want to lie down
I politely decline
he tries to make out with me
I tell him I have to go

and then I ran away...

(this all took place in about a 20 minute period)

go back to my hotel, it's been a long and now somewhat strange day
watch the carol hendricks show ( www.thecarolhendrickshow.com)
am inspired to get some wine and cheese (also disturbed at how much bacteria is probably in my face cream)
go to a cafe across the street, order a pitcher of wine and a cheese plate.
sit and people watch. ease drop on conversations in french and german
This older man sits at the table next to me. chats with the ladies to his right (the ones speaking french and german)
I'm almost done my pitcher, about 2 hours later (I didn't realize I was ordering so much) glad that my hotel is across the street, glad that they kept bringing me free baskets of bread.
Man next to me asks if I speak french. I do kinda
we make small talk,
he asks if i'd like another glass
I politely decline
he orders one anyway
he tells me about his life. used to make clothes, for 30 years, now he owns a cafe/tabacc shop.
proudly shows me pictures on his iphone
chez sam - he's sam
waiter brings my bill
Sam takes it from me
I politely decline
he takes it anyway
shows me pictures of his tomatoe garden
and a baby bird that fell into his lap the other day
guy comes buy selling roses
Sam asks which one I want
I politely decline
he buys me a white one
asks if I want a tour of des Champs-Élysées
I politely decline, say its late and I need to go to bed (it's 11pm)
he smiles and tells me it's been a pleasure

I go back to my hotel and eventually fall into a wine induced coma
wake up this morning - see the rose...

Yesterday was a day unlike any other

Bonjour!

Successfully found my way
from the airport onto the train, onto the subway and to my hotel

tip of the day: enroll your children in french school

apparently I'm kinda okay at it.
Sitting at a starbucks (I know) across from the Moulin Rouge having pancakes and coffee
and using the internet and taking a break from lugging around a 50lbs bag.

French people - so far - are the nicest people ever and all speak enough English to make up for the french I lack.
Some nice man helped me carry my suitcase up the massive subway stairs, and another on the street offered me some good conversation after I was through exploring the city, lol... I've also received several smiles and Bonjours! from passersby. - please keep in mind that I look like a teenage hobo.

I'm not really sure how to blog just yet, so it'll likely be as scattered as my thoughts and speech normally are.

it's weird. I'm here, alone. In a city that's completely foreign to me, and I feel right at home...

gonna finish up here, maybe peruse one of the many Sex shops I passed on the way and then trek up to the Sacre Couer

xx

Gate c39

I've boarded the plane and am now waiting for the safety instructions. Not nervous yet (yay for meds)
The planes moving, but we're not scheduled to take off for another 45 minutes. I'm guessing we'll just pull some donuts in the parking lot to kill time.
It appears my seat friends missed the less is more memo when applying scents this morning, could be worse, they could have missed the shower before you fly memo.
Our feature film for today is Duplicity...i'm hoping to catch some z's instead so I can explore the city when I arrive.
Highlight of the Airport: my mum backing up to take a picture and bailing over some lady's bag.

things I should be doing

- cleaning
- doing my taxes
- sorting through boxes
- laundry
- packing
- changing money
- making a to do list

things I am doing
- laying in bed
- blogging about rubbish
- watching the bachelorette (but it's the episode where they're in Europe, so consider it research)

I AM

Austrian.

EU passport - check