Virtual Gypsyz

October 25, 1994
Our first night in Berlin was an uneventful one, but I sort of got scared! I’ve never seen so many ugly people in one place before. We had to ask around for help to use the subway system to get to our hotel. Jon asked a guy who seemed pretty honest, but you never know about city people - Leigh and I were freaking out when he made us follow him out of one station to transfer to another. I was a bit MORE than suspicious. Well, it turned out fine in the end, as things usually do, and we proceeded to our hotel through a dark alley - gee, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do on a dark, rainy night in a not-so-good part of Berlin.

When we got to the reception area we were pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere, decor and even the guy behind the desk. He was very helpful in telling us which were the best clubs, cafes, and what not. He was funny, too! We had a ball when we watched Beavis and Butthead together. We decided not to go out, being that it was Sunday night when most places aren’t very “kickin.” Instead, Jon and I hiked over to the Burger King and pigged out on fries. Glad I had all that grease to sit in my stomach all night. The next day we woke up and had a scrumptious breakfast here in the hotel. It comes with the 40 DM per person per night. They even had Nutella! Yummy!

I made an itinerary of places to go and things to do, so we first visited what was left of the Berlin Wall at Checkpoint Charly. It felt so weird to be actually standing in a very place where people were almost forbidden to cross. I nonchalantly walked back and forth across the line as many times as I wanted. I felt like I made the most of the freedom now granted to every human being - yes!

Right Here, Right Now by Jesus Jones

There was an art shop close by where there were many works by Keith Haring, who painted a lot of the Berlin Wall. I got a t-shirt for my friend Laura at home saying, “You are now leaving the American sector,” for 14.90 DM. I know she’ll love it and I can’t wait to give it to her!

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October 23, 1994
When we got to Nuremberg at about 9:30, we were met by three friends of Jon’s including Jurgen. Although I was tired, I was eager to get to know some of these people. We went to an English pub called…I don’t know! Can’t remember, but I have coasters to remind me. It was jolly fun. Talking to people of a different culture makes the experience so much better. I particularly liked Birget. She seemed to most social and spoke the most and best English. Her boyfriend didn’t talk much. Then there was Anna who was also really cool, but she was only 17. AAA! I felt old. Bt I guess age doesn’t compute coolness. I don’t even know why I considered that (geez, I’m beginning to sound like Jon’s insecurities and take-backs!). Then there was Gisela who was obviously in mad love with Jon (as Leigh and I guessed) and was a bit shy. Probably because she doesn’t seem to speak as much English as the others. They had all been to Indiana (where Jon lives) and other American cities, so we had a lot to talk about. I drank Hellas for 3.8 DM and smoked a Lucky Strike. Read the rest of this entry »

October 20, 1994
I am now in Munich having a most splendid time with our hostess, Claudia. She’s simply the best. She met us at the train station right on time and gave us a quick tour of her city in her mother’s BMW. It was quite a luxurious, WARM tour. We stopped for coffee/hot chocolate at this really cozy, friendly cafe. Our waitress was so nice and even pointed out the best selections for pastries. Although I was exhausted by our uncomfortable train ride (no sleeper cars this time) and pissed off the night before on account of Jon’s selfishness (he actually left Leigh and I at the hostel and told us he’d meet us at the station - we hadn’t a clue as to what train to board and even WHERE the station was located, for that matter - ugh - I was highly pissed. I had many thoughts of resentment toward him all day, however, and that just topped it off). Read the rest of this entry »

October 17, 1994
I am in Vienna, Austria right now at Rothsten…Hostel (something or other). It has been a beautiful day. The sky was clear, the sun was shining, the air was frigid. I am with Jon and Leigh and it’s been fun traveling with them so far. Yesterday was spent on buses, trains, a boat and cars, so it was great to finally reach our destination today. I realized, however, that I’ve forgotten my youth hostel membership card which would have saved me 40 shillings, and my “Let’s Go Europe” book - my bible! AAA! The most money I spent in preparation for this blooming trip, and I forget them! Oh well.

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