Home

I have made it home. (Quick suggestion, after coming home from a pong trip play Chariots of Fire while walking in the airport to get luggage).  I made it two months own my own in Europe. (Go see other posts if you want to see details of what I did). I would like to start out be saying thank you to everyone that helped in on my trip, and before to prepare me. It was great to meet all the people I did, I hope I can call most of you friends, thanks for the great times, I hope I get to see some of you again.

Reflection:
After getting shaken up pretty good at the beginning I think I turned my trip around fairly well. I went from sacred and nervous London, to being sick in Belgium, to I think I know what to do France, to I got the swing of this Italy, to confident Germany, to I don't what to go Amsterdam. I think I have change on trip. I have learned a lot about myself and about the world. I am so happy I took this trip and woukd suggest to do this type of trip to anyone when they are a young adult.
It is still such a weird feeling to home again, I look back on my trip and it seems like I haven't been gone for that long. But when I look at it from the perspective of my parents, friends,  or anyone else at home I guess I have been gone for a while. It is a strange feeling. I think I am still in a little but of shock that I even did this trip. It started out as just a grand idea of mine, and some how I did it (I still can't believe it). I don't feel any different until I really take a look at how I am acting now, and I guess I have changed. I am more out going (one of the main goals that I wanted to accomplish by doing this trip). Another goal of mine was to become more confident, I have definitely got a bit more (just a little bit more, don't worry it is not too much). My last major goal was to spend some time looking inwardly and self reflecting so most of this reflection is about what I have learned, here are some:

Sometimes you have to walk on a ledge to live on the edge.

Be out going.  If it turns out your are good at it be an artist.

Have no regrets.  This does not mean make choices that you will not regret, but make the choices you have unregetable.

To learn you have to be confident,  and sometimes this means making a fool out of yourself, and this is a good thing. But if you are an over-confident fool then people will laugh, you will not learn, and you will just be foolish. At the same time you can be a fool that has too little confidence,  and never get the chance to learn and always stay a fool.

If you go down the path less walked then you will be able to do things less done.

You can plan the good times, you can plan for the bad times. But the best and worst times can never be planned for.

Make a choice, then do the opposite, that is how you start an adventure.

Things I lost:
Flatcap
Oil painting
Ear buds

Things I got:
Water color pad small
Water color pad large
Flat cap
Music box
Wind up toy
Book
Pin
Water colors
Pen
Pencil
Journal f2f
Ear buds (replacements)
Gift (sorry can't say or else ruin surprise)

To make this easier for everyone (basically just me) here are some answers to the FAQs I am expecting everyone to have. This is so I dont have to answer the same questions over and over again, so don't ask me these questions (I am joking, if you dont I really won't mind).

What was your favorite city?
"It is hard to say. All of them had their own special thing that made it great in it a own way. Let's see... London had the best museums, mostly because most of them where free. If I really had to chose I would say Florence was my favorite stop. Mostly because of the people, friends I met there."

What was your favorite museum?
"Well London had great museums, because most of them where free. Byt my favorite by far was the orsay. Second best was the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam.

Best story?
"I got detained at customs as I was starting my trip in London." (Please refer to London post for more details).

How was it?
"Absolutely amazing! I can't wait to do it again." (Sorry mom).

What did you miss the most?
"Chinese food. I don't really know why, I just missed it."

What are your plans now?
"Well my plan now is to take some classes over the summer at PCC (local community college) to get back into the swing of school again. After the summer I think I might go to a community college up in Seattle and then what I really want to do is go to Western Washington University and study industrial/ product design."

I think I cover all the FAQs. (I hope so).

Lastly my gifts to everyone who helped me along the way, or if I missed your birthday, or if you really won't one, is my paintings I did. It will be mostly frist come first serve with priority to birthdays I have missed and family. Just send me an e-mail of the one (or ones) you like if I will not see you in person soon. If you think I will see you within the next month or so you can choose yours in person. I have pictures of some of my painting in previous posts ( I might do a post of pictures of all). If your don't want one as a gift well too bad for you I am a poor student so thats all I could get, I also hate buying gifts for people and this is the easiest thing to do.

Here are a few last pictures. The best carpet in the world (I see this and I know I am home). The best parents ever. Me at the start of my trip vs the end. I hope you all liked my blog, I am going to try to keep updating it with what I am up to (just probably won't be as frequent).

Last week

I am writing on my way to the airport to fly home. So be prepared for another post today.

Berlin:
The saddest day of my trip

Not bad, just sad. Berlin was a great city I definitely want to go back (it would be a good place to go with my family) I didn't get enough time there. I had to cram everything I wanted to see into one day, and the stuff I wanted to see was the sad things. The hardest thing to see was the Berlin wall itself. They had am exhibit on the beginning of the war to the destruction of the wall. After I did that I couldn't do anything else that day. But before I saw the wall I went to the memorial for the murdered Jew of Europe. It was a very well done memorial, it was a large grid of stone pillars varying in size, with the smallest on the outside and the tallest in the middle. It was also on uneven ground so it gave it an interesting effect when you walked though it. I really want to go back to Berlin.

Amsterdam:
Last stop

Amsterdam was my last stop. It was inter to see the red light district and the coffee shops in person (I did not partake in either, no worries).
My first night I spent it at the hostel with a bunch of drunk British rugby player's and a girl from Amsterdam.  All the guys (but me) we continuously hitting on her, at one point in the night I turned to her and said "I feel so sorry for you." I don't understand how some men can treat women that way (that way means poorly).
One my second night I went out to dinner with two Australians from my room inside the hostel. For dinner I had Dr. Seuss fish (that's what I am calling it, it's recall name was Picasso fish, not much better), it was, I think sole, cooked with half a green apple on top along with banana. It was pretty good, I would recommend it. When it eat the fish with the apple it gave it a tart taste,  and with the banana it was a lot sweeter. I liked it.
The third and final night in Amsterdam I went out partyishing (yes that is a really word, party-ish-ing, it means to kinda go out and party). One of the Australians and me meet some Americans and they where meeting up with more people to go out, so we joined. It was strange to be hanging out with Americans again, I am not use to it they act so much different then Europeans (in a good way...sometimes). We went to a few bars and a few clubs (I still hate clubs). By the end of the night I was starting to feel a little drunk, I dont like the feeling. When I am in that state i realize I talk more, a little be more outgoing, and am tired. I also realized because I have a fast metabolism (yeah for being young) the effects do not last for a long time.

I can't wait to be home, and yet at the same time I don't want to go. I am already planning my next trip, I have got to do one for Spain, Eastern Europe, and one to Northern Europe. But thoes will have to wait right now I get to make my own adventures at home.

Hamburg, the city that never sleeps/Potsdam superstar

I am combining Hamburg and Potsdam into one post. I would have posted them back to back, instead they are just one.

Hamburg:
Hamburg the city that never sleeps

At least for one night it (I) didnt. The rest of the time Hamburg is a normal city. This post will be all about that night/days (it was the major thing I did there).

It started with me meeting some guys at the hostel (isn't that how all my stories start). One was from south Africa and the other was from Romania but was living in Denmark. During the day we took a free troupe of the city, it was kinda boarding. The one funny part was that the tour guide said that Hamburg had more bridges then Venice and Amsterdam combined. It seems like every city says they have the most bridges. What is the definition of a bridge anyway? (Ok this isn't as funny as I thought now that it is written out, I don't care, laugh anyway, trust me it is funny). We spilt up in the afternoon, I found my way to a park, did some painting and took a nap (this came in handy later). That evening is where the fun started. We where going to do a pup crawl that the free tour was putting on, instead the Romanian found a group going to a 80's 90's party. He found the group through couch suffing ( I should try that some time, I have hear great things about it). The party was good, I liked the music. We didn't stay too long there, after a fee hours we left and went to the red light district of Hamburg. It is not like Amsterdam, it is just where all the sex shops are and where most of thr prostitutes are. (I think it was about 3 in the morning at this point). We found a smaller club and went in. I made 3 discovery in there over the next 2 and a half hours; men are pigs, women are smart, and people are funny (this are only true in club/bar setting. Maybe other times too, but mostly then). After the red light club (not it's recall name) we went to the fish market. The market is Sunday morning from 6am-9am. But I think my favorite part of that night was that morning. Most people see sunsets, and yes they are beautiful, but a sunrise is 10x more spectacular. I am not sure way I sure way but I really like them.

Postdam:
Potsdam superstar

I was in Postdam for a few days. It was a nice break from the craziness of Hamburg. I did a lot of painting while there.
At the hostel I was staying at there was a group are school German children. I was realizing outside one day painting. I could see out of the corner of my eye little heads watching me from a window. Eventually a whole group of them came down and was surrounding me as I worked. I was doing a piece of the kids looking out the window watching me. When I finished I gave it to one if the kids (Sadly I forgot to take a picture of the painting to show you guys). It felt kinda strange having all these people watch me work. As I now think about it I am reminded of something Van Gogh said (paraphrasing, not actually quote). He said that

I only have a little bit of time left so more posts will becoming soon (I know I am behind). Sorry no painting this time, maybe a few next time. I would just like to say      HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!!!
I hope you have a great day, I can't wait to see you.

Here is a picture of the sunrise (I forgot I took a picture of it).

Freiburg fun

2 weeks! I only have two weeks left. I wish I had more time, but I also can't wait to get home.

I am in Germany, right now on my way to Hamburg. I was just in Freiburg for the last few days. I had am amazing time. Freiburg is a college town in the south west of Germany, I went there because I met someone from who is living there when I was in Florence. The hostel I found was about hour's walk outside the city (again). I was planning (the hostel only had room for me) to say 2 nights, but I was able to stay longer thanks to my new friend letting me crash at her place. Thank you for much do that!

For a day trip I went to ------ with some people I met (one was from Portland, that is 2 now). For thoes of you who don't know ------- is a very famous castle in Bulgaria Germany (it is the castel that the Disney one is modeled after). To see the castel you had to (of course) by tickets, but you also got a tour (mandatory) with it. The castle and tour itself was not that impressive, personality I don't think it is worth the money. But what made the castle tour worth it was our tour guide. He made the tour very interesting, not in a good way. The tour was not entertaining, but he was. Just picture, if you can, a germaphobic (afraid of germs, so doesn't like to touch others or be touched), agoraphobia (fear of crowds) Dracula from Germany (Dracula is originally form Romania). That is the simplest way to explain it.

Another great plus was I got some get sketches, I finished one should be at the bottom,  and was saw an amazing sunset.
Here are some water colors i have finished...

Forget me not Venice

(I went so long without a post so here are two only a day apart). I only a spent a day in Venice. I am not going to say that was enough but I did get a good feel for thr place (the main feeling being expensive). Originally I was not going to go there, due to the fact I couldnt find a hostel,  but I met some one how found one so I tagged along (that was explained poorly, you can read the beginning of my previous post "Florence friends" if you want clarification).

I would like to say that I did not get lost once while in Venice (most people see this as a go I thing,  I see it as a bad. I just didn't have the time to get lost). I can also cross off another accidental surcumstance goal,  stay at an iffy hostel. That makes it sound like it was worse then it really was, if was basically just someone's apartment.After we dropped our stuff off we grabbed some lunch at a market outside our hostle,  I had arancino (corn bread ball filled with cheese and meat), treccia (good, not sure how to describe, kinda like a soft pretzel), and a panzerotto (like a calzone). the rest of the day we spend with some people from Mexico that the Canadian had met earlier. All together it was fun, but I wish I had more time there. It was just so expensive I couldn't this trip. I did get a good sketch in so hopefully that will turnout.

I am working on several water color pieces now, I might have one or two done that I can show you next time. Sorry I don't have any finished now I am trying a different style that takes more time. 

Here we have a picture of the view from my hostel in Villach, Austria. And a beard update. What do you guys think of it? Should I keep it when I get back? (Please vote at bottom of page, sorry mobile versions unavailable, you can switch to web version to vote). Also I think have gotten a bit of sun, like my watch tan?

Florence friends

The city of Florence is beautiful, but that is not what has made this one of my favorite stops on my trip yet, it is the friends I have made. Sorry for the long time without a post, I have haven't had a lot of time of write (so be prepared for a long post).

I spent just about a week in Florence, not because of the sights (which where nice) but because of the people I met. There was two Germans, a a few Americans,  a few Canadians, a Chilean (from Chile), and an Aussie (from Australia). I have so many stories to tell I am not sure where to start, these stories might nit be in order, I might start backwards (also to be respectful I am not going to use anyone's real name).

After Florence:
I am on my way to Venice now. Originally I was planning of going there but couldn't find any youth hostels, and if I could they where expensive. Because of this I was going to go to Venezia Italy, it is a small town with some old Olympic stuff. Then there was a train strike (who knew there was train strikes in Italy?). This derailed my plans, so I stayed in Florence a few extra days. (The next story might because about that night). I am happy I stayed, I met some get guys and we went to Pisa and the Cinque Terre. It was great I met then the night before, they where planning on going to I just joined in. (I went with a German, American, and a Canadian who I am still travelling with). It was a great spontaneous trip. Our train to the Cinque Terre stopped off in Pisa,  so we decided to spend an hour there and grab the sterotipcal phone of the leaning tower (photo at bottom). Afterwards we were off to Manarola in the Cinque Terre. We did a small hike and saw some great sights, I got a few good sketch out of it that I am doing water colors of. For dinner we had some pizza in a small hole-in-the-wall place, maybe the best pizza I have had in Italy so far. On the day trip I completed one of my accident goals (goals thay can only be completed in an accidental surcumstance), we had to run for our train. I know it doesn't sound that exciting, and it maybe wasn't, but in my mind that is one thing that if you don't do your European trip is nt complete. (I hope that made sense, if not I am just weird, which is still true anyways). The Canadian and I are now on our way to Venice. He is only staying for one night, I think I might stay for a few more, we will see.

Strike night:
This was the best night I had in Florence. (Not to say all the other nights were bad that just this one was very unexpected and lots of luck was had so it wins only by a small amount). The whole day started with me leaving Florence, I checked out from my hostel and stared to walk to the train station. It was sunday so a lot of things where closed. I went to the train station closest to my hostel, a smaller one in the suburbs. I had to buy a reservation for train, but the ticket booth was closed. I didn't think much of it because it was sunday and maybe because it was a smaller station the ticket booth wasn't open on Sundays. So I walked to the main station (only an hours walk). Once there I stared to stand in the extremely long line for the one person at the ticket booth. I was a few people before the window when I over heard (my guess) an American family talking about getting money back. I was confused and curious so I asked why, his answer was that there was a train strike and that moat of the trains where not running. Well that changed all my plans. I quickly left the line, popped on the interwebs (internet), canceled my stay in Venezia, booked a room back at thr hostel I was just at, and then waited. I had a few hours to kill before I could check back into the hostel. I went to a small plaza and did some water colors of it (possible photo at bottom). Little known fact, water colors to not do so well in the rain, they are much harder to deal with. It started to rain so I had to stop sitting in 10th plaza and find a place inside to finish my painting. I walked the hour walk back to my hostel. I have done that walk about 6 times (my poor feet). Back at the hostle I happen to meet a fellow American who was studying abroad in Paris and was in Florence for a few days on spring break. We went out to dinner thst night together. Our night started by walking to town, we did not go my normal way by through the suburban neborhoods. This was a great idea. We stumbled across a block party (I think it was for Palm sunday). It was fun, we tried some small pastries, had amazing gelato,  and listen to some music. Did you know that YMCA is a universal song? It is playing at any and every party. By the time we made it to down the sun was settin, it was an absolutely breathtaking (attempted water color with be shown at a later date). To eat we whent restaurant hopping (well only two restaurants). I tried a few new things (sorry can't remember the names now). It was all delicious. To get home we caught the last but of the night. Over all it was a great night.

First Florence friend:
Thank you to my new German friend. I had a great time hanging out with you. Thank you for putting up with me for 5 days. I hope to see you again soon. I had a lot of fun walking around the city with you and you explaining what things were.

The pictures are of my trip to pisa (the tower in the background might have given that away), and of some espresso I share with my German friend in a tiny plaza. (Waste color pictures will be coming later, they are not done yet).

Last Leg...ish

It is more like the last both legs and half of the torso. What I am trying to say is I have only one month left. It is strange to think I am already half way through my journey. It still feels like only a week ago I started, I have have done so much in that week. I have been detained, gotten lost countless times, seen just about every famous painting (if I haven't seen it yet I am going to), met some great people, done some art of my own, eat some new things, experienced new cultures, and other things that I can't remember now (go read my last posts for derails, sorry none of that was in order). Plus I know there is more to come. In am in Florence now,  ready to add a few things to that list.

Nice turned out to be nice after all (it was just waiting for me to complain about it). The last few days I was there it was bright and sunny, and hot. I spent my tome at the beach and park relaxing, and no sunburn, yeah!  (That is lucky for me).

10 hours. Thats how long my train ride from Nice to Florence was. I like trains, but that was to much. Luckily I didn't make any mistakes and make it to Florence. While on the train i did meet some fellow travels who where going on the same trains as me.

The hardest part of my trip so far is still trying to find my hostel after I get off my train. I have to figure out where I am, then my orientation in the city, lastly start walking (hopefully the right way). The walk to my hostel here, in Florence, was not long, that was the good part.  But it was raining and dark. By the time I made it to the hostel I felt like a blade of grass in terms morning,  Bu instead of morning dew on me it was 70% sweat. But at least my room is nice, the rest of hostel is pretty crowded, there are lots of school kids here (lots of noise).

Today am going to explore the city, I might get a few stories out of it. If I don't I will at least get a few good drawing/painting out of it. In the meantime here are a fee of the water colors I did in Nice...

Nice is nice

(You can say the title how ever you want). Well it is not all the way nice here, It has rained the past two days. The museums are ok, but small free museums can only get you so far. Hopefully the weather will brighten up and I will be able to wander around outside more. Besides 10th weather Nice is good. I looks and feel like Italy but everyone talks in french and all the signs are in french, it is kinda strange.

I had a great last day in Arles. I wish I could have stayed longer but the hostle was filled up. Other American, who was staying at the hostle and I when painting. If you know the painting of van Gogh's with the yellow cafe we painted it but from the opposite direction. So if you where standing inside the painting of van Gogh's, and was looking toward him. It was my first time using oil paints. I really enjoyed it. I had a get teacher, so that helped. I also did a water color of the same scene,  I had a little more time to work on it so it has more details but you can still compare the two...

Sorry for thr shorter post not too many interesting stories to tell, but I will make sure to get some more for next time. I am going to be going to Florence on Tuesday next.

Arles... Basically the Portland of France.

Arles is not exactly like Portland. Imagine if Portland was smaller and the Romans built it, then you have Arles. It I'd amazing here. The people are really nice compared to Paris. There is just a whole different atmosphere here. The hostel am staying at is empty. I am the only one here except for the staff, but they are really nice its ok. The frist night I got here the director (manager) of the hostle checked me in. While he was doing so he saw thay I was stayin stay in for 4 night, this surprised him and he asked if I just wanted to pay for 2 and then pay do the next two later. I was taken back, I got a little nervous. Why is that? I asked. He told me because it is very quite here. I said I didn't mind and was happy to have some quite compared to Paris. After I put my stuff in my room he offered me a free drink and I meet the few other people staying that night.

One of the people I met was another America. He has been living here for about a year and a half (he is the only other person here besides the staff, but he is basically one of them he works for his room). The fellow American is an artist, later today we are going out to paint. He is going to teach me how to use oil paints. The frist day I was here we went to the market together, in Arles they have huge farmers markets every wendsaday and Saturday. I tried cheese,  some sort of meat, olives, and tomatoes. And I like it all (look at me, I am growing up).

It is fantastic to paint here. Everything looks like it is a painting. I have done one water color and a fee sketches, hopefully I will get a few more done before I leave tomorrow. I will be heading to Nice after here, and then on the Italy.

I almost forgot to tell you guys about my last night in Paris. I went out with my great grandfather's cousin's daughter's best friend's son (Thomas). It was cool to meet someone my own age from a different county. We went to a few gay bars (I am up to three now, and still not gay) and had a few drinks. It was fun to talk about all thr differences between out cultures and the similarities. I had a good time. We said our goodbyes around 1:00 and went on our ways. Quick fact, the me to in Paris only runs to about 1 am. Another quick fact, it takes about 1 and a half hours to walk across Paris when only sorta know where you are heading and get lucky. I didn't get much sleep that night.

I hope you all are doing well. I have about 6 weeks left. I am finally starting to get into the swing of things. (Sorry no pictures this time).

New things

This whole trip is about trying something new and different that I have never done before. And I would say I have done a lot of that already and I kbow I am going to do a lot more. Here a few of the new things I tried in paris; eat duck liver, ate duck, had a glass of wine, met my great grandfather's cousin's daughter, got mistaken for a french artist...twice,and had french macaroons from France in France. Altogether Paris is amazing and I have to come back.

You might a few questions about some of my new things so here are a fee story's to explain...

The french artist:
I went to go see the Notre-Dame and was calmly trying yo do a quick sketch of it. I sat at a perfect spot directly the middle at the back of the plaza in front of the church. There was many groups there seeing the church, because it is kinda amazing. Their was a group of America students, by the look if it, next to me and when they left one of the girls came up and asked me something in french. Me being a ignorant American only know English so I had no idea what she say. I had to explain that I was from the usa and that I spoke know French, she was a little taken back and explained that I looked like a french artist so she assumed that what I was. That made my day.

Duck! :
My great grandfather is from paris so some of his family is here. I met one of my relatives, Sonia, last night. It was great, we had a nice time having a drink, going to dinner, and a walk afterwards. Sonia and I went to dinner at a very french restaurant, she had to explain to be what was on the menu because I couldn't read it (still don't know french). I was willing to eat anything,  I wanted to try something new. So we had duck liver for an appetizer. I am not going to say that I liked it, but on the other hand I did not dislike it. It was an interesting thing to try and I am happy I did. For my main cousre I had duck leg. It wasn't bad, it kinda taste similar to turkey or chicken but has a completely different texture. It is a bit heavier then other poultry, but it melts in your mouth instead of you having to chew it for an hour.

Speaking of relatives I also got to see my second cousin ones removed, Harry.  we had a nice bunch together at his apartment with his boyfriend and a few other guests. Afterward, his boyfriend had a book reading that we all went to, once again I didn't understand it (french) but still liked it.

I think next I am off you Nice.  I hope to get some get watercolors there.

I had to get mote watercolor paper because I was going to run put. On my adventure to find a store that sold thr paper I found a moleskine store. For any of you who are big art nerds you will know how cool that is, for anyone else you should go find out who moleskine is. That make great stuff.

The picture is of the out of this world, to die for, addictive, a perfectly good reason to come back, macaroons. They were good. 

Bonjour Paris!

I made it to Paris, found my hostel (after a long, getting lost, walk), and am feeling pretty confident. I have seen the Eiffel tower, wow is it amazing to see it in person. You see it all the time in pictures and in movies, but it is a whole different experience in person. I did a nice water color of it (I might put a picture of it), and took many photographs with my phone, sadly my camera ran out of battery. There is no outlets in my room at the hostel, but I do get free wifi in the lobby, where there are outlets, so that's nice.
Sorry not any interesting stories this time. I am going to try and be more adventurous and make some of my own. In the meantime I have been doing a lot of art, it is really calming.

Thank you everyone (mostly juat my family) that has e-mailed me. It was nice to hear from you. Please anyone feel free to also do so. It would be great to hear how you are doing and what you think of my travels so far. e is my e-mail again    jmb.josh@Gmail.com    you can also use Facebook if you want, I will figure out how to use it. 

The first picture down below is also my profile pic on Facebook (omg josh is using a social network? I know it is crazy. It only took me to tries to do it). I have been putting my body through a lot on this trip so far, so here is where I am starting to "feel the burn" as they say...

Goodbye Belgium...Hello Paris!

I have have only one main complaint about Belgium, there public transportation system is not the best. It is hard to figure out and it is not easy to use. I have just stayed in Bruges for the last few days. My hostel was about an hours walk from the city (my feet hate me even more now). The hostel was small and quite. I had a room all to myself, which I liked very much. I have been feeling a little under the weather this past few days so this middle-of-no-where hostel was perfect for some relaxing. I am now on my way to Paris. I am planning on getting a few watercolors done there. The food I can't wait for. I try to treat myself to one nice-ish dinner for each place I go, I did this while in Bruges. I ordered waterzooei (or something like that) of chicken, which turns out is basically chicken soup. It was perfect for my cold.

It would be great to hear from some of you to see how you are doing or what you think of my travels so far. Please do not hesitate to send me an email at jmb.josh@gmail.com.

I am not shaving on this journey so I have started to grow a beard. Take a look...

Who said you couldn't do Brussels in a day?

Oh by the way I am in Belgium. My original plan was to stay in the uk longer but my activities at customs make me a bit nervous staying there any longer then I had to. So I decided to head to Belgium, and you guessed it, Brussels frist. I am only here for one night and then I am off to Bruges for three nights. Some how I managed to get a train from London to Brussels, then used the not-so-easy-to-use metro underground and made it to my hostel. And I didn't go the wrong way at all (I almost did). I saw the main square, the main park, and had waffles and fries for dinner (I am saving the Belgian chocolate for Bruges). Sadly there is not much else to do in Brussels in such a short time. It is a bit more difficult here because the main language is French but I am feeling more confident over all so I just keep going.

London

No worries guys (and gals) I am still here. In the uk they have a different wall outlet so I have been running on very low battery for the last few days but that is all fixed now. I found an adapter. On top of that because I am in a different country I have a different data plan so basically I have to use to do anything. That is why I am sitting in a McDonald's typing this. This is the only good thing I have ever come out of McDonalds' free wifi. Without anything further ado let me tell you about my time in London so far...

My flight was not that adventurous they had good movies to watch but not enough time to watch them all. Even with  the distractions I still managed to grab a few z's. But the really adventure started when I had go pass through customs. I got detained. Yes that's right they had some questions for me (more questions then they normally asked). Before I tell you the story let me say that you dont have to worry I made it through and I will not (hopefully) have anymore problems. The reason that they detained me was they were worried that I will not have enough money and try to get a job, or I am just going there to find a job the trip was a cover. WHICH IS NOT TRUE. I AM HERE TO JUST TRAVEL. (Incase cctv is watching). At this point there are two men asking me questions one is the head guy and the other is (I think) a newer employee. They asked where I was going, what I was going to do and how much money I had (more the better). My vague answers did not satisfy them so they told me that they where going to have to search my bag. I am ok with this, I have nothing to hide. Throughout this whole ordeal I stayed every calm(on the outside) and tried to be as helpful amd open as possible. At one point they even thanked me for it. The two men and I when through my whole bag both my day pack and my backpack. Before we started the search they asked me what I think they might be looking for. I had no idea so I guessed drugs (seemed like a logical guess). I was mostly wrong they where looking for resumes for anything else that looked like I was here to get a job. My Rick Steve's guide book was a big plus on my side. Ones we where one with my bags they asked to see my bank statements to see how much money o had in my accounts. They lead me to a bank machine and I put in my info and they stood far away so they would not see my pin. Because the bulk of my money for this trip was in a different account then one that one of my cards is connected to it looked like I did not have much. This was not good in my favor at all. There was one last thing they had to check before making their final decision to let me in or not. My amazing mother of mine put in my bag, without my knowledge, some notes with dates on when I was suppose to open them. While I waited in a separate room the two men open the notes and read them (sorry mom). They where so blown away with what ever they said that they let me go on to continue my journey.
Thank you mom so much! Somehow ever when you are on a different content you are still able to help me out in a time of need. Thank you so much I truly think without thoes notes my adventure would have been over before it could really get started.
I managed to find my youth hostel with ease even with been shaken up and running on low sleep. I had three roommates. One was a older fellow who was a stand-up comedian. We all just called him The Comedian. Next is Victor, who was from Germany in London on vacation after getting a PhD in material science. He was a cool guy. Last is Leon, was is from England but stay in a hostel during the week because we works in down in fashion.

On my first few day I walked everywhere. And I went a lot of places. Well at least I tried, I got lost a lot (mostly due to the fact that I was looking at my map upside down). With all of thia walking my feet have died. Sorry feet when we get back to the usa you will be treated like kings. I say this because I am only at the beginning on my journey and it will only get worse for them. Throughout my time here I have been to just about every free museum possible. I got to some of Van Gogh's painting at the national gallery, including his sunflowers. They where amazing.

On Thursday nights is when the partying begins in London. It is the start of their weekend. So of course I went out. Originally I was going to go on the pub craw that the hostel was hosting but instead I when with my room mates, Leon and Victor, to meet up with some ladies from Argentina. And we went clubbing. It was a very interesting experience. I had my frist shots and other drinks. I did not get drunk or have a hangover the next day. I would count myself lucky for my first time drinking. Along with it being my first time drink and going to a club/bar we also went to a gay bar. It was kinda strange at frist but I got used to it.
Clubs in there simplest form at large rooms with a bar at one end and deafening music throughout. It is impossible to hear anyone who talks to you, especially if they have a think accent. You basically just nod your head and say yes. If they look at you confused just shrug your shoulders and act like you dont care what happeneds next. We got into two out of the three clubs for free (the gay bar was the one we had to pay at).

My next stop is going to be Brussels in Belgium. I am leaving tomorrow (for me the 16th). I had a great time in London, I would love to come back someday with my family or friends.

I am still a little home sick but that is expected. I know this is thr start of my journey but I can't wait to get home (in a good way). I will try to keep you guys updated more in the future.

Thr frist photo is proof that I got detained. The second is a water color I did.

I am off

I am almost off on my journey. I am at JFK waiting for two hours for my plane to leave so that I can go fly to London and start my adventures. Thank you to everyone who housed me on my journey across the USA. I had a great time going to the museum with you. It was good practice for all the museums I am going to go to on my grand adventure across Europe. I wish I could have spend more time with each and everyone of you but I have to stat my journey.

I am excited and nervous for my adventures ahead. I am sure I am going to do things that I have not done before or that I might not be completely ready for but that is half the fun. I am exited to learn more about myself and about the new cultures I am going to see. I want to come back from my trip not changed or different but a better person a more experience person. Experience are the stories of our life's. They make us who we are.

Because I am not at home and can not celebrate with my good friends... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! ETHAN AND NICKEY!!!

Just another day in the big apple

Hello world,

New york is an amazing city. You can go from having bagels for breakfast to the largest church in the usa (I think) to having Thai food then going to a Blue man group concert can then finish up with dinner and desert. Well at least that it's what I did today. Tomorrow I hope to go the the national history museum planetarium with my favorite aunt. Starting Tuesday I am going to be on a new continent off on my adventure. I will try to get one more post out before I leave but if I dont there will be one for sure Tuesday evening.

Me in nyc relaxing with a cat and a pear:

Part 2 of 3

I am off on to the second part on my journey and the last part in the United States. I on the mega buss on my way to new York city. While I was in Pittsburgh I went to the Carnegie international, an art exhibit with strange modern art. There was an exhibit about James bond that great. I am looking forward to my time in the Big Apple and then on to the adventures in Europe.

One last thing. I have been thinking recently would I rather be able to smell color or hear color? Each would have its ups and downs. Food would probably taste different or you would experience paintings in a whole new way. Which would you want to have smell color or hear color?

Here is a Ted talk about someone who is completely color blind. He sees everything in a gray scale. But he now has a device that he is able to hear color. Would you want this? Does this change your mind of wanting to smell color? You can vote down below. (Sorry not available for mobile)
http://www.ted.com/talks/neil_harbisson_i_listen_to_color

First day.

Hello world,

I have started my journey. I am off to traverse Europe for the next two months. It is a bit strange to actually going on this trip. I set this the journey as a goal for myself back in June when I graduated high school and decided to take a gab year. So far this year has been a journey of its own. In some whirlwind of jobs and smaller tips I have ended up here on an air plane on my way to Pittsburg to visit family (well a least when I am  writing this). When I set this journey for myself I did not think I would ever be going. It has always been in my mind a kinda ridiculous goal for me to achieve in my gab year. I have never been the person to go out on great exciting adventures, especially on my own. But I guess this trip will show what I am capable of and make me become the person I want to be.

Packing fun!

Hello world,

I am about to embark on a journey to travel Europe for two months. I have never done anything like this before, so this is going to be a great learning experience for me. This blog is going to be about my travels and the fun stories that will happen to me.

I like to pack. It is fun to try and out how to put everything that you will need for the next how-ever-so-long into a space that was probably meant for less items. It is like first person Tetris. I have done research of what to bring and how much and here is what I am bringing: