Remembrance

As one can imagine the scars of Nazi Germany are felt in sites around Berlin. I was moved by the Holocaust Memorial as its ambiguity left the viewer to look for their own meaning in the structures. Possibility a memorial of reflection rather than a display of facts.

I spent some time walking through the never-ending corridors of the memorial and as one can imagine a sense of anguish came over me. How can humans do this to eachother? Why do we still let this genocides take place around the world, some hidden by catchy terms like War on Terror? 

The Wall

As I arrived in Berlin I became more and more excited to explore one of the most important epicenters of world history. Out the train window were grandiose buildings and amazing architecture. Though a city once divided by political hostility, it felt as though the citizens were prideful in both their diversity as well as the importance of their world presence.

The Berlin Wall or "Wall of Shame" (Willy Brant) is one of the most important pieces of the city's history and I spent a lot of time trying to capture what I both saw and felt. It is hard to imagine the literal separation between one's homeland. Like a border between two countries it stood tall and robust. The graffiti and destruction of the Wall in 1990 was powerful as I imagined the joy of the people finally able to unite their motherland...

Brussels & Antwerp

Brussels...not much to comment on this awkward town. It seems to be in quite the transition period as it makes improvements to the city that seemed to be stuck in WWII. Small in size, some parts filled with broken down buildings, graffiti, others with beautiful architecture and shopping areas. I do remember fine tasting beer!

Tip: Never fill out your EuRail pass without someone experienced or else you wind up being kicked off the train in the middle of your journey!

In spite of my abrupt interruption, I was pleasantly surprised to see I stepped off in Antwerp. The city is as beautiful as the people, and I enjoyed some good conversations with locals. Not overrun by tourists as most cities around Europe come summertime, it was nice to stroll the streets and see the many bicycling couples enjoying their day outside. Quite refreshing for a EuRail bandit!

My Belgian Breakfast.

Amsterdamned

What can one say about this fine city that hasn't already been told in the many Euro-trip stories about Amsterdam? From the Red-Light district to the stumbling tourists or perhaps the many "cafe's" serving the finest in NE grown brew haha...

Needless to say I had my share of fun, run-ins with angry Algerian hostel-mates, and met a new friend from Mexico City named Gerry who wannnddderrreeeeddddd the streets with me. Use your imagination. Point being there is far less violence and drug abuse in the Netherlands because of the legalization of natural plants. I won't go into a cliché rant about the legalization of marijuana, but there is a strong possibility that someday soon California will finally start making money on pot instead of spending money fighting it.

No caption needed.

De nouveaux amis

My "vacation from my vacation" in Cannes turned out to be my greatest experience yet. Whilst strolling the streets with the Swedes in search of a good time we approached some one who seemed local and asked for direction in our quest for fun...

Mathieu led me to what became my Cannes beach club stomping ground and introduced us to his group of friends. After spending the following days, nights, and oh so early mornings with my new comrades I realized how the mix of travel and European culture enabled me to feel welcome with a new group of people I felt I had known forever.

It bewildered me that complete strangers can so randomly cross paths and open up their doors to new experiences (literally because I crashed at their place a couple nights after two "missed" flights!). Escapades aside, was the organic nature of a somewhat language/cultural obstacle with those who had a genuine interest in expanding their world. Some spoke perfect English, others less avid, however not once did I feel excluded. Their desire for life experience enabled them to open a whole new part of the world for themselves also. Watch out LA, Parisian invasion 2011! A bientôt!

Morning of my flight. Send off on the beach.

International Language

Every morning I wake up and realize I am in the South of France an instantaneous rush of excitement enraptures me. A hotel floor below are two beautiful Swedish girls who have been joining in the fun with the new group of awesome Parisians we managed to befriend. Though, it is not hard when all the ingredients for a good time are right in front of you!

I can't help but think how lucky I am to be here in such a beautiful country with such fun and diverse people. From the 4-way language barriers to the international language of drinking, dancing, and music I have had a non-stop rollercoaster day and night. Why would anyone ever leave this paradise...on a stretcher?

Some new members of the Cannes Palm Beach crew