When I say there are too many churches in Colorado Springs, I say it because 95% of them are architecturally gross. When I say there are too many churches in Europe, I say it with a smile and a feeling of serenity. I'm writing this little note about my weekend on a train out of Brussels, right in the heart of Belgium.
It's nice that I can add the country of Belgium to my list -- I can't say I would have ever gone otherwise. I really liked it. It had a great deal to do with the fact that I was able to speak with people in their native tongue (French), and THEY UNDERSTOOD ME! :-) How relieving not to feel awkward when trying to communicate with a fellow human being.
This particular travel group included: Me, Lauren, Mere Jones, John Roth, David, Sam, Chris, Scott, and Jessica Naimy. Also along for the ride at some point (if not more so than the travel group) were Michelle, Caroline, Lily, and Jessa. That's 13 Emerson kids in Belgium. Woah... We arrived in Belgium in the late morning and had to ask many people where our hotel was located because the directions were bad. As we're walking, the buildings start getting uglier and uglier, and the sketch level became increasingly high, but I was in such a good mood it didn't matter. Our hotel (not hostel... hotel) was located in the Arab ghetto of Brussels, about 15 minutes walk from the Grand Centre (main point of interest in Brussels.)
Most of the trip was spent exploring, looking at all the amazing architecture, eating free samples of Belgian chocolate, eating Belgian waffles, etc. The highlights include:
- Getting yelled at in a Swarovski store for trying to pet the owner's dog
- Free chocolate
- The architecture in and around Grand Centre (amazing!!!)
- a veggie sandwich I scarfed down
- the flea/antique/craft markets
- the random, open palace overlooking the city of Brussels
- lighting a candle in one of the cathedrals for someone
- Harry Potter perfume at one of the markets
- going to see a comedy at the Royal Theatre about plastic surgery and trying to keep up with what was going on
- the nighttime lazer light show in Grand Centre
- Mannekin Pis (Brussels' famous statue of a little boy peeing)
- the final night and the restaurant and the awesome waiter
- Delirium (a very popular nightclub with a killer live Samba band)
- drunk men peeing in public
- the train conductor to Belgium and his weird sense of humor ("Boys, look out the window... girls, avert your eyes") -- telling us to look at all the porn shops from the train window
- WWI/II monument next to the Palais Royale
- hot chocolate in this cute little cafe
- fake Notre Dame
- the shopping district of Brussels
- Frites
- the music museum we couldn't go in because it was closing
- Edmont Palace and the gardens
- our photoshoot on the rooftops of Brussles (so illegal...)
All in all, a killer experience. London in three days... this is all happening so fast.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
You need someone older and wiser telling you what to do. (Yeah, right.)
Before we begin, I'd like to suggest that you use the bathroom and grab a bite to eat -- maybe a glass of water or chardonnay. This might take you a little while to read, but I promise it will be entirely worth it.
I'd like to start off by saying this: I still have moments where I find it hard to believe I'm in Europe, even though I spent my time this weekend crossing two countries entirely. Even so, the past 85-some hours have been so quickly-paced that I feel as if I'd never left my little Well in the first place. Then, I have moments where Well feels completely foreign to me, much like Colorado Springs did the first time I ventured home this past Christmas Day.
My best guess is that these train rides account for a great deal of this subconscious confusion -- particularly through the Alps of Austrian edleweiss and fields of German corn. It is definitely autumn, at least in Vienna ("Wien" to all real Europeans), for my last moments before heading back to Holland were spent on a decaying sidewalk bench covered in chipping steel-blue paint and peace-rally stickers in front of the Staatsoper (Vienna and Austrian State Opera House.) As I was sitting there quietly, taking notes for this epic entry, an excited wind came up behind me and tapped my shoulder politely. All at once I was covered in tiny yellow leaves from a tree high above me. And there I was, actually content, a big step up frmo the beginning of my weekend travel, and a true pinnacle just before coming crashing down again out of Heaven's hands.
Right before my stressful trek to Austria, my World Drama (in its Context) teacher, who doesn't speak English very well (at times) explained to us that a character in Ajax "suicided himself." This put me in a good mood which I feel gave me enough stamina during the more high-stress moments from this past weekend -- that and Sam Sihmak: "Toot, toot! Next stop, Kasteel Well! Everybody off..."
My original plan with Scott was to take an overnight "sleeper train" to Munich (Munchen with the two little dots over the "u" that I don't know how to do on this PC) and then transfer to another train in Munich that would take us to Sulzburg. This train would have arrived promptly at 9 AM had we been allowed on it. We had not made reservations as a member of the castle staff assured us it was pointless to make one on a work week, that we'd be just fine, all trains will be virtually empty due to the work week -- and she would've been right had she remembered Oktoberfest actually means Sept(k)emberfest in Germany. Scott and I arrived in Dusseldorf from Venlo to catch our non-reserved overnight train, but we were informed without much help that there was absolutely no room. We didn't panic, but it was obvious from the stern demeanor of the train conductor that it was going to be interesting figuring out a plan B to Salzburg.
Welcome to Dusseldorf!
Sieg-Heil?
Yes, folks, they have them in Germany too.
We stood in front of the large timetable and mapped out our only possible route to Salzburg which would end up taking all night. We hopped on an 11:15-ish train to Koln (pronounced "cologne," again with the double-dots over the "o") where we arrived a quarter to 12 AM. From there we planned to sit around until 4:15 AM, taking sleep shifts, until we would catch the next train to Munich (we reserved it at a machine in Koln) and then another (also reserved) 8-9ish AM train to Salzburg which would get us there just after 10 AM.
As we were pulling into Koln, ready to take turns sleeping, Scott noticed a very large, very gothic-looking structure that towered over the train station. We thought its presence might fill time, so we exited the train staiton and standing before us was one of the most beautiful cathedrals I had ever seen (which I would later discover on Wikipedia had been the world's tallest structure from 1880 to 1884): the Koln Cathedral.
Koln Cathedral
We wandered around it, snapping pictures here and there, and continued wandering around the area for about an hour. We then explored the train station until we discovered the only open seating area -- a German McDonalds where all the employees had pants with the McDonalds logo stamped on the butt. It was our safest bet, so there we sat for the next two hours, watching creeper after creeper come in and out. (There was this really gross older couple that kept sticking their tongues down each other's throast and a homeless man who I believe was having an argument with himself.) After reading Prague Tales or trying to sleep or talking or avoiding getting into the homeless man's confrontation with himself, we were kicked out because they were closing. We sat another hour or so, playing cards, watching people clean, and avoiding the dark stares of the German youth who clearly knew we were Americans not interested in getting high with them.
Our trains (above) from Dusseldorf to Koln and Koln to Munich were these phallic-looking, high-tech trains complete with sliding glass doors identical to those on the Star Trek Voyager (they even made the "woosh" air compression noise when they opened or closed.) We finally arrived in Salzburg just past 10 AM where we grabbed a cheap bite to eat and made train reservations from Salzburg to Vienna as well as from Vienna back to Dusseldorf for the journey home. At that point we caught the train that would take us to our hostel, just a little under three minutes outside Salzburg, overlooking the town. The photos below don't do the beauty of the hostel (and its views from our room) justice, but there they are, the pictures of Haus Chrstine. The owners of this tiny traveler's B&B were extremely awkward and one yelled at me when her kid starting talking to me and I responded in English, hurrying her kids inside and shutting the blinds to her house. Allllllll right.
Haus Christine's Sister Haus where our room was.
Hill to the train station into Salzburg.
The view.
Clean.
BATHROOM IN THE BEDROOM.
We walked back down the hill to take the train from Salzburg (Kasern) into the city where we wandered all day. We expected to see most of THE SOUND OF MUSIC filming sights on the tour the next day; however, the incredible time I had in Salzburg started when Scott noticed these steps leading up to the Nonnberg Abbey (the one you see a lot in the film -- the opening, the gates when Maria leaves for the first time to go see the children, the gates when Maria comes looking for the children, etc.) and the Fortress. We had seen the river, crossed over it, heard a dance remix of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and purchased postcards at a very adorable little shop with an adorable little lady who was very sweet -- but our midday-into-the-late-evening adventure starting when Scott noticed these 140 steps.
The setup of Salzburg is based on its two major landmarks: the river running through it and the Fortress on the hill towards the south side of town (which is much like the idea of the Prudential Center in Boston: if you're lost and can find it, you're going to be okay.) The fortress is next to the Nonnberg Abbey, where Scott figured out in an instant, was where they filmed all those scenes I previously mentioned. You can see the entire City of Salzburg and its background, the majestic Austrian Alps from this high point. It was truly breath-taking.
From there we wandered down through a very rich neighborhood, the Park Avenue of Salzburg, back to the outskirts of town where I bought the best candy I've ever had at this tiny little shop. We wandered back into Old Town and found this place called Balthazar for dinner and a beer. Our waiter was so funny and would repeat everything I said to him in a joking manner... I know it doesn't make sense, but you'd get it if you had been there. We met a couple of Americans, chatted with them, and people watched.
As we were finishing up, a huge husky and his owner came around the corner. The dog bounded right up to our table, and we ended up watching him for a few minutes while his owner went inside his apartment to get some things. Suddenly, an older gentleman in his 60s came up to our table and starting petting the dog, assuming it belonged to Scott or me. He spoke English without an sort of foreign accent to an American, so I assumed he was American, which he was.
Herein lies the story of R. Lyman Bliss. If you need to take a break from the story thus far, I suggest you do it now because this is the best part and the longest part of the story. This is important to me that you read this part more than any other, so do what you must do in order to focus.
Come to find out through initial conversation that R. Lyman Bliss, (who has just sat down with us and will be referred to as Lyman from this point forward), has a very interesting, beautiful, touching, etc... life story... and outlook on life itself. Although unaware of it when I first met him, this man would slowly but surely change my life in ways I can't explain except for through this blog and my actions from this point forward. We talked about our schooling, why we were here in Europe, what we were studying, the usual bore with Americans you meet elsewhere than the United States. As we continue chatting, Lyman explains that he has lived in Austria for 24 years with his wife and daughter. Lyman, himself a graduate of UCLA, has taught all over the world and continues to teach in Salzburg here and there.
Lyman continually mentions his wife in the present tense, but I noticed no wedding ring. He informs us that THE SOUND OF MUSIC tour for which we have reservations is a total scam and wouldn't mind showing us the sights. He says, however, that he has to go change his shoes in his apartment and would like to show it to us. At this point, I'm completely sketched out, but because Scott is with me and I'm very trusting, I say suer, fully trusting that beneath all of this oddness lies an incredibly honest and innocent man.
We go upstairs and I continue to inquire about his wife as he changes his shoes. All at one moment, his voice chokes up when I ask what his wife does "now," to which he replies, "My wife was a painter and a designer, and she died two years ago."
Definite mood killer, but everything made sense all of a sudden. He had pictures of his wife and their daughter up everywhere, and I feel terrible... but Lyman, whose last name apropriately is Bliss, doesn't let his story affect the upcoming evening, so he continues to chat without much effort about his daughter, wife, etc. We make our way down to the streets and on the journey to our first stop, Lyman tells us he does things like this all the time with American tourists.
It would be difficult to explain any more of Lyman. The things he said were some of the simplest, honest, and true proverbs I've ever heard, and I will carry them with me for so long. He took us to the following places:
- Where Maria sings "I Have Confidence" in the bus, runs down the edge of that yellow wall, skipping and jumping until she sees...
-... the front of the house with the gate. She trips going up, it's where the Captain rips down the Nazi flag, where they try to escape and are instead escorted to the Salzburg Festival.
-The back of the house, but only the view of it. The actual courtyard was over by another lake (where the boat tips over and they all fall in) he showed us where the gate the children come up to meet the Captain, etc. He took us inside the house (now an academic center strictly off-grounds) because he is a fellow of this society... it was all so wonderful.
The next day the tour took us to the church Maria and the Captain were married in, the Gazebo where Liesel and Rolph, the trees where the children are when the captain comes home from Vienna, the view of the mountain where they filmed the beginning of "Do-Re-Mi," and the Mirabelle Gardens where the end of "Do-Re-Mi" was filmed (marching on the fountain, hopping up the steps, the random gnome Gretl touches, and the ivy tunnel where they bike through.) Scott and I also found the spot overlooking the city on the steps where they sing "Do-Re-Mi" as well.
We met Lyman later in the afternoon for a drink, and then had to go. He left us with a quote: "It is love that knows the biggest secret; that in giving, you shall always receive." And chocolate. Here's to you, Lyman.
Leaving was sad, but we were off to Vienna. At this point, it was all sort of downhill chill time to reflect on our time with Lyman. It was our first experience with a real hostel (two Minnesotean roommates, two Australian roommates, two Albanian roommates), and it was in a sketchy, sketchy part of town. The next day, we explored and found Old Vienna, which was so beautiful. The Haasoper (State Opera House), St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Imperial Palace... it was crazy. I'll post pictures soon.
The trip home was a mess as well. We got stuck in Dusseldorf, went to a trashy hostel, and got home at 8:15 AM. It was a long night.
Everything was worth those moments in Salzburg. I can't tell you.
Ask me about Lyman in person sometime. I'll always make time for telling that story, in much better detail than a blog can handle.
I missed home for the first time in Vienna -- both Colorado (as always), and strangely, Boston.
If every weekend is like this, my blog might explode with sentimentality.
NOTE: When I finish uploading the pictures into Photobucket (it takes a while), I will post the more important ones into the blog.
I hope you don't have to pee too bad.
I'd like to start off by saying this: I still have moments where I find it hard to believe I'm in Europe, even though I spent my time this weekend crossing two countries entirely. Even so, the past 85-some hours have been so quickly-paced that I feel as if I'd never left my little Well in the first place. Then, I have moments where Well feels completely foreign to me, much like Colorado Springs did the first time I ventured home this past Christmas Day.
My best guess is that these train rides account for a great deal of this subconscious confusion -- particularly through the Alps of Austrian edleweiss and fields of German corn. It is definitely autumn, at least in Vienna ("Wien" to all real Europeans), for my last moments before heading back to Holland were spent on a decaying sidewalk bench covered in chipping steel-blue paint and peace-rally stickers in front of the Staatsoper (Vienna and Austrian State Opera House.) As I was sitting there quietly, taking notes for this epic entry, an excited wind came up behind me and tapped my shoulder politely. All at once I was covered in tiny yellow leaves from a tree high above me. And there I was, actually content, a big step up frmo the beginning of my weekend travel, and a true pinnacle just before coming crashing down again out of Heaven's hands.
Right before my stressful trek to Austria, my World Drama (in its Context) teacher, who doesn't speak English very well (at times) explained to us that a character in Ajax "suicided himself." This put me in a good mood which I feel gave me enough stamina during the more high-stress moments from this past weekend -- that and Sam Sihmak: "Toot, toot! Next stop, Kasteel Well! Everybody off..."
My original plan with Scott was to take an overnight "sleeper train" to Munich (Munchen with the two little dots over the "u" that I don't know how to do on this PC) and then transfer to another train in Munich that would take us to Sulzburg. This train would have arrived promptly at 9 AM had we been allowed on it. We had not made reservations as a member of the castle staff assured us it was pointless to make one on a work week, that we'd be just fine, all trains will be virtually empty due to the work week -- and she would've been right had she remembered Oktoberfest actually means Sept(k)emberfest in Germany. Scott and I arrived in Dusseldorf from Venlo to catch our non-reserved overnight train, but we were informed without much help that there was absolutely no room. We didn't panic, but it was obvious from the stern demeanor of the train conductor that it was going to be interesting figuring out a plan B to Salzburg.
Welcome to Dusseldorf!
Sieg-Heil?
Yes, folks, they have them in Germany too.
We stood in front of the large timetable and mapped out our only possible route to Salzburg which would end up taking all night. We hopped on an 11:15-ish train to Koln (pronounced "cologne," again with the double-dots over the "o") where we arrived a quarter to 12 AM. From there we planned to sit around until 4:15 AM, taking sleep shifts, until we would catch the next train to Munich (we reserved it at a machine in Koln) and then another (also reserved) 8-9ish AM train to Salzburg which would get us there just after 10 AM.
As we were pulling into Koln, ready to take turns sleeping, Scott noticed a very large, very gothic-looking structure that towered over the train station. We thought its presence might fill time, so we exited the train staiton and standing before us was one of the most beautiful cathedrals I had ever seen (which I would later discover on Wikipedia had been the world's tallest structure from 1880 to 1884): the Koln Cathedral.
Koln Cathedral
We wandered around it, snapping pictures here and there, and continued wandering around the area for about an hour. We then explored the train station until we discovered the only open seating area -- a German McDonalds where all the employees had pants with the McDonalds logo stamped on the butt. It was our safest bet, so there we sat for the next two hours, watching creeper after creeper come in and out. (There was this really gross older couple that kept sticking their tongues down each other's throast and a homeless man who I believe was having an argument with himself.) After reading Prague Tales or trying to sleep or talking or avoiding getting into the homeless man's confrontation with himself, we were kicked out because they were closing. We sat another hour or so, playing cards, watching people clean, and avoiding the dark stares of the German youth who clearly knew we were Americans not interested in getting high with them.
Our trains (above) from Dusseldorf to Koln and Koln to Munich were these phallic-looking, high-tech trains complete with sliding glass doors identical to those on the Star Trek Voyager (they even made the "woosh" air compression noise when they opened or closed.) We finally arrived in Salzburg just past 10 AM where we grabbed a cheap bite to eat and made train reservations from Salzburg to Vienna as well as from Vienna back to Dusseldorf for the journey home. At that point we caught the train that would take us to our hostel, just a little under three minutes outside Salzburg, overlooking the town. The photos below don't do the beauty of the hostel (and its views from our room) justice, but there they are, the pictures of Haus Chrstine. The owners of this tiny traveler's B&B were extremely awkward and one yelled at me when her kid starting talking to me and I responded in English, hurrying her kids inside and shutting the blinds to her house. Allllllll right.
Haus Christine's Sister Haus where our room was.
Hill to the train station into Salzburg.
The view.
Clean.
BATHROOM IN THE BEDROOM.
We walked back down the hill to take the train from Salzburg (Kasern) into the city where we wandered all day. We expected to see most of THE SOUND OF MUSIC filming sights on the tour the next day; however, the incredible time I had in Salzburg started when Scott noticed these steps leading up to the Nonnberg Abbey (the one you see a lot in the film -- the opening, the gates when Maria leaves for the first time to go see the children, the gates when Maria comes looking for the children, etc.) and the Fortress. We had seen the river, crossed over it, heard a dance remix of "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," and purchased postcards at a very adorable little shop with an adorable little lady who was very sweet -- but our midday-into-the-late-evening adventure starting when Scott noticed these 140 steps.
The setup of Salzburg is based on its two major landmarks: the river running through it and the Fortress on the hill towards the south side of town (which is much like the idea of the Prudential Center in Boston: if you're lost and can find it, you're going to be okay.) The fortress is next to the Nonnberg Abbey, where Scott figured out in an instant, was where they filmed all those scenes I previously mentioned. You can see the entire City of Salzburg and its background, the majestic Austrian Alps from this high point. It was truly breath-taking.
From there we wandered down through a very rich neighborhood, the Park Avenue of Salzburg, back to the outskirts of town where I bought the best candy I've ever had at this tiny little shop. We wandered back into Old Town and found this place called Balthazar for dinner and a beer. Our waiter was so funny and would repeat everything I said to him in a joking manner... I know it doesn't make sense, but you'd get it if you had been there. We met a couple of Americans, chatted with them, and people watched.
As we were finishing up, a huge husky and his owner came around the corner. The dog bounded right up to our table, and we ended up watching him for a few minutes while his owner went inside his apartment to get some things. Suddenly, an older gentleman in his 60s came up to our table and starting petting the dog, assuming it belonged to Scott or me. He spoke English without an sort of foreign accent to an American, so I assumed he was American, which he was.
Herein lies the story of R. Lyman Bliss. If you need to take a break from the story thus far, I suggest you do it now because this is the best part and the longest part of the story. This is important to me that you read this part more than any other, so do what you must do in order to focus.
Come to find out through initial conversation that R. Lyman Bliss, (who has just sat down with us and will be referred to as Lyman from this point forward), has a very interesting, beautiful, touching, etc... life story... and outlook on life itself. Although unaware of it when I first met him, this man would slowly but surely change my life in ways I can't explain except for through this blog and my actions from this point forward. We talked about our schooling, why we were here in Europe, what we were studying, the usual bore with Americans you meet elsewhere than the United States. As we continue chatting, Lyman explains that he has lived in Austria for 24 years with his wife and daughter. Lyman, himself a graduate of UCLA, has taught all over the world and continues to teach in Salzburg here and there.
Lyman continually mentions his wife in the present tense, but I noticed no wedding ring. He informs us that THE SOUND OF MUSIC tour for which we have reservations is a total scam and wouldn't mind showing us the sights. He says, however, that he has to go change his shoes in his apartment and would like to show it to us. At this point, I'm completely sketched out, but because Scott is with me and I'm very trusting, I say suer, fully trusting that beneath all of this oddness lies an incredibly honest and innocent man.
We go upstairs and I continue to inquire about his wife as he changes his shoes. All at one moment, his voice chokes up when I ask what his wife does "now," to which he replies, "My wife was a painter and a designer, and she died two years ago."
Definite mood killer, but everything made sense all of a sudden. He had pictures of his wife and their daughter up everywhere, and I feel terrible... but Lyman, whose last name apropriately is Bliss, doesn't let his story affect the upcoming evening, so he continues to chat without much effort about his daughter, wife, etc. We make our way down to the streets and on the journey to our first stop, Lyman tells us he does things like this all the time with American tourists.
It would be difficult to explain any more of Lyman. The things he said were some of the simplest, honest, and true proverbs I've ever heard, and I will carry them with me for so long. He took us to the following places:
- Where Maria sings "I Have Confidence" in the bus, runs down the edge of that yellow wall, skipping and jumping until she sees...
-... the front of the house with the gate. She trips going up, it's where the Captain rips down the Nazi flag, where they try to escape and are instead escorted to the Salzburg Festival.
-The back of the house, but only the view of it. The actual courtyard was over by another lake (where the boat tips over and they all fall in) he showed us where the gate the children come up to meet the Captain, etc. He took us inside the house (now an academic center strictly off-grounds) because he is a fellow of this society... it was all so wonderful.
The next day the tour took us to the church Maria and the Captain were married in, the Gazebo where Liesel and Rolph, the trees where the children are when the captain comes home from Vienna, the view of the mountain where they filmed the beginning of "Do-Re-Mi," and the Mirabelle Gardens where the end of "Do-Re-Mi" was filmed (marching on the fountain, hopping up the steps, the random gnome Gretl touches, and the ivy tunnel where they bike through.) Scott and I also found the spot overlooking the city on the steps where they sing "Do-Re-Mi" as well.
We met Lyman later in the afternoon for a drink, and then had to go. He left us with a quote: "It is love that knows the biggest secret; that in giving, you shall always receive." And chocolate. Here's to you, Lyman.
Leaving was sad, but we were off to Vienna. At this point, it was all sort of downhill chill time to reflect on our time with Lyman. It was our first experience with a real hostel (two Minnesotean roommates, two Australian roommates, two Albanian roommates), and it was in a sketchy, sketchy part of town. The next day, we explored and found Old Vienna, which was so beautiful. The Haasoper (State Opera House), St. Stephen's Cathedral, the Imperial Palace... it was crazy. I'll post pictures soon.
The trip home was a mess as well. We got stuck in Dusseldorf, went to a trashy hostel, and got home at 8:15 AM. It was a long night.
Everything was worth those moments in Salzburg. I can't tell you.
Ask me about Lyman in person sometime. I'll always make time for telling that story, in much better detail than a blog can handle.
I missed home for the first time in Vienna -- both Colorado (as always), and strangely, Boston.
If every weekend is like this, my blog might explode with sentimentality.
NOTE: When I finish uploading the pictures into Photobucket (it takes a while), I will post the more important ones into the blog.
I hope you don't have to pee too bad.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Three days-worth
Sorry for the delay -- but unfortunately, it's not all fun and games here. I'm actually studying and stuff... weird.
BUT. I do have updates, and I will be telling them all in this post.
This past Saturday I went to Venlo with Scott and David Packman. We had a great time. Most of the time was spent wandering, taking pictures of totally awkward Dutch things, or eating good Dutch food. Venlo is great.
I am eagerly awaiting this Friday -- Austria. It should be a heckuva time. Salzburg, then Vienna. Yeah, baby.
This past Sunday I spent chilling in the castle, doing homework, reading, studying. Outside. Two ducks almost attacked me. The animals at the castle are not exactly the friendliest critters. There are these three black geese/swan/bird creatures that can stretch their necks out to inappropriate lengths and make death-threat noises that just make human beings physically angry. They swim around the moat in the mucky green water looking for trouble. They make me very anxious.
First week of classes went well. There is a ton of reading to be done, but I've made good progress. It is nice to have Mondays in such a relaxing state because while others are off in class, I have time to focus and do work. I plan on keeping this up because it will give me peace of mind when traveling on the weekends.
ALSO: Exciting news. You can see my PhotoBucket album now. Photobucket.com
Username: blakepfeileurope
Password: usamericans
Good night,
sleep tight,
don't let the bedbugs bite.
(Wake up in the morning bright.)
Sweet dreams.
BUT. I do have updates, and I will be telling them all in this post.
This past Saturday I went to Venlo with Scott and David Packman. We had a great time. Most of the time was spent wandering, taking pictures of totally awkward Dutch things, or eating good Dutch food. Venlo is great.
I am eagerly awaiting this Friday -- Austria. It should be a heckuva time. Salzburg, then Vienna. Yeah, baby.
This past Sunday I spent chilling in the castle, doing homework, reading, studying. Outside. Two ducks almost attacked me. The animals at the castle are not exactly the friendliest critters. There are these three black geese/swan/bird creatures that can stretch their necks out to inappropriate lengths and make death-threat noises that just make human beings physically angry. They swim around the moat in the mucky green water looking for trouble. They make me very anxious.
First week of classes went well. There is a ton of reading to be done, but I've made good progress. It is nice to have Mondays in such a relaxing state because while others are off in class, I have time to focus and do work. I plan on keeping this up because it will give me peace of mind when traveling on the weekends.
ALSO: Exciting news. You can see my PhotoBucket album now. Photobucket.com
Username: blakepfeileurope
Password: usamericans
Good night,
sleep tight,
don't let the bedbugs bite.
(Wake up in the morning bright.)
Sweet dreams.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Two-days worth... with you in mind.
It's an inconvenience to those of you who are actually reading this blog everyday for me to forget to post, so I'm sorry. Last night's booking extravaganza was, to say the least, tiring. Let's catch up.
I finally had my first acting class of the semester. The teacher (a Belgian waffle who reminds me very much of my 5th grade French teacher Mme. Glidewell) is definitely her own person. Let me explain: the first two hours of class we spent doing Tai Chi. All right, really cool, but not what I had expected at all. So we move inside and do lots of action/reaction exercises. All-in-all, not including the two hour dinner break, the class is six hours long.
Really?
The following was booked yesterday: trip to Belgium (Fri., Sept. 28-Sun., Sept. 30), tix to Parade at the Donmar Warehouse in London, extra overnight stay in London, flight from London to Dublin, overnight stay in Dublin (which we'll discuss momentarily), flight from Dublin to Edinburgh (yes, Scotland), and three-nights-stay in Edinburgh. Today we'll figure out getting home from there...
Now. Scott and I will be meeting Lily and Michelle in Dublin on October 10th. The four of us will be staying overnight in a hostel called... are you ready for this?
PADDY'S PALACE!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I love it!!!
Please do yourself a favor and click HERE to look pictures of Paddy's Palace. We are filled with excitement.
Today is my last class of the week (World Drama in its Context) -- however, Friday is a make-up class day due to our first travel excursion to London.
I woke up this morning to two Dutch construction men right outside my window. I cocked my head in confusion at them and they both looked up and waved frantically, smiling, like I was some zoo animal.
An open letter to the Dutch Authority on Construction:
Waving to American students through a window of their bedroom is very creepy.
Love,
Blake
I finally had my first acting class of the semester. The teacher (a Belgian waffle who reminds me very much of my 5th grade French teacher Mme. Glidewell) is definitely her own person. Let me explain: the first two hours of class we spent doing Tai Chi. All right, really cool, but not what I had expected at all. So we move inside and do lots of action/reaction exercises. All-in-all, not including the two hour dinner break, the class is six hours long.
Really?
The following was booked yesterday: trip to Belgium (Fri., Sept. 28-Sun., Sept. 30), tix to Parade at the Donmar Warehouse in London, extra overnight stay in London, flight from London to Dublin, overnight stay in Dublin (which we'll discuss momentarily), flight from Dublin to Edinburgh (yes, Scotland), and three-nights-stay in Edinburgh. Today we'll figure out getting home from there...
Now. Scott and I will be meeting Lily and Michelle in Dublin on October 10th. The four of us will be staying overnight in a hostel called... are you ready for this?
PADDY'S PALACE!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I love it!!!
Please do yourself a favor and click HERE to look pictures of Paddy's Palace. We are filled with excitement.
Today is my last class of the week (World Drama in its Context) -- however, Friday is a make-up class day due to our first travel excursion to London.
I woke up this morning to two Dutch construction men right outside my window. I cocked my head in confusion at them and they both looked up and waved frantically, smiling, like I was some zoo animal.
An open letter to the Dutch Authority on Construction:
Waving to American students through a window of their bedroom is very creepy.
Love,
Blake
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Jesus Was Not a Communist, Contrary to the Belief of My European Lit Teacher
To be brief, I'll quote:
"Yeah, Jesus was probably a Communist."
You don't make any sense, sir.
Today I had my first experience in Ethics/Value Theory. The teacher has a voice that's soothing like Anthony Hopkins. He has never taught American students before, and he was very nervous about it. I thought he did very well. Of course the class is obnoxious in the way that only Emerson could be, but it will be easy to pass if I can pay attention for four-hours each week.
THEN... I had European Lit again. And he said it. He said that Jesus was a Communist. I am confused.
Scott and I booked our entire trip to Austria. We're thrilled with the outcome. We reserved tickets for both the Original Sound of Music Tour and an overnight stay in Salzburg, Austria, the location of both the real-life-events and the film. The four is four hours. From that tour we will run to the train station to catch a train to Vienna for two days, and then we will hightail it back to the Netherlands. It should be beautiful. The hotel we booked in Salzburg overlooks the city. You can see pictures and descriptions of it here. We booked the last private double-bed room. All right.
(Vienna -- we will mosey through the city the whole day and leave mid-afternoon to arrive in the Netherlands early morning the day of classes. Welcome to train-sleeping.)
I'm so excited.
Good night, NYC. Safest of dreams.
"Yeah, Jesus was probably a Communist."
You don't make any sense, sir.
Today I had my first experience in Ethics/Value Theory. The teacher has a voice that's soothing like Anthony Hopkins. He has never taught American students before, and he was very nervous about it. I thought he did very well. Of course the class is obnoxious in the way that only Emerson could be, but it will be easy to pass if I can pay attention for four-hours each week.
THEN... I had European Lit again. And he said it. He said that Jesus was a Communist. I am confused.
Scott and I booked our entire trip to Austria. We're thrilled with the outcome. We reserved tickets for both the Original Sound of Music Tour and an overnight stay in Salzburg, Austria, the location of both the real-life-events and the film. The four is four hours. From that tour we will run to the train station to catch a train to Vienna for two days, and then we will hightail it back to the Netherlands. It should be beautiful. The hotel we booked in Salzburg overlooks the city. You can see pictures and descriptions of it here. We booked the last private double-bed room. All right.
(Vienna -- we will mosey through the city the whole day and leave mid-afternoon to arrive in the Netherlands early morning the day of classes. Welcome to train-sleeping.)
I'm so excited.
Good night, NYC. Safest of dreams.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Richard Chetwyn
Of course it would be that out of all the towers in this castle, the one I live in is under construction. I awoke this morning at 8 AM (three hours before I had planned to wake up) to the sound of hammering. Lots and lots of hammering. Thank God that Mom bought me those earplugs because I would never have fallen back asleep. I feel a bit sick, but nothing more than a drip in my throat. That will go away if I follow my usual "NyQuil in the evening" regimine for times like this. (I don't even know if I spelled the word "regimine" correctly.)
So I fell back asleep and woke up again three hours later, had a nice sandwich, and went to my first class in Europe... European Literature. The professor's name is Richard Chetwyn. Mr. Chetwyn, born and raised in Boston, has hair that is longer than your average female (which he obviously refuses to brush.) He looks about 15 years older than he should because of his smoking habits, is extremely liberal, and very funny. I suspect that he came to Europe to escape the Vietnam Draft. I had assumed that he'd be lenient professor when I met him on the boat cruise last night, but just to be sure, I checked him out at ratemyprofessor.com. I was right, but I didn't realize from my brief meeting with him last night that he was a man of sarcasm. I'm very excited about that.
He informed us that a majority of the literature we read this semester will be that of Czech authors (all the books on our list are.) Therefore I'm renaming the class Czechslovakian Literature.
The IT Man told me that it wasn't my computer after all; that the entire server is messed up and most people haven't been able to log onto the internet. I am very glad that I don't have to spend 30 Euros on a new radio. I can't wait to start using webcam and Skype, although I figured out today that I can call the US for free for the first three times using Skype, after which it's only less than a Euro penny per minute to talk... which is really cheap. I wish I had known about that sooner?
After class I took a walk into town to go to the store called All Under One Roof. They meant it-- they have it all. I bought soap, a travel soap carrier, and a travel toothbrush carrier. Then I went to the grocery store and bought some brie, crackers, salami, and orange juice. It was a good snack. There were three elementary school kids who cut me in line and apologized, but I said, "Oh, no, no, please." They were really sweet (it was two boys and an Indian girl -- all Dutch, obviously), and they said, "Oh, danku! Danku-well!" (Oh, thank you! Thank you very much!) They saw me later when I was walking home and were laughing and said "hallo" again, and they were very kind.
I like Dutch people.
So I fell back asleep and woke up again three hours later, had a nice sandwich, and went to my first class in Europe... European Literature. The professor's name is Richard Chetwyn. Mr. Chetwyn, born and raised in Boston, has hair that is longer than your average female (which he obviously refuses to brush.) He looks about 15 years older than he should because of his smoking habits, is extremely liberal, and very funny. I suspect that he came to Europe to escape the Vietnam Draft. I had assumed that he'd be lenient professor when I met him on the boat cruise last night, but just to be sure, I checked him out at ratemyprofessor.com. I was right, but I didn't realize from my brief meeting with him last night that he was a man of sarcasm. I'm very excited about that.
He informed us that a majority of the literature we read this semester will be that of Czech authors (all the books on our list are.) Therefore I'm renaming the class Czechslovakian Literature.
The IT Man told me that it wasn't my computer after all; that the entire server is messed up and most people haven't been able to log onto the internet. I am very glad that I don't have to spend 30 Euros on a new radio. I can't wait to start using webcam and Skype, although I figured out today that I can call the US for free for the first three times using Skype, after which it's only less than a Euro penny per minute to talk... which is really cheap. I wish I had known about that sooner?
After class I took a walk into town to go to the store called All Under One Roof. They meant it-- they have it all. I bought soap, a travel soap carrier, and a travel toothbrush carrier. Then I went to the grocery store and bought some brie, crackers, salami, and orange juice. It was a good snack. There were three elementary school kids who cut me in line and apologized, but I said, "Oh, no, no, please." They were really sweet (it was two boys and an Indian girl -- all Dutch, obviously), and they said, "Oh, danku! Danku-well!" (Oh, thank you! Thank you very much!) They saw me later when I was walking home and were laughing and said "hallo" again, and they were very kind.
I like Dutch people.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Dulcia Myers, the Governer of South Netherlands, and Jacki Liebergott
We were formally introduced to the Director of the Emerson College European Center Dulcia (pronounced Dull-chia) Myers today. I would like to be one of the first to introduce her in cyberspace to those who do not know her. Let's imagine (for a moment) that Jessica Naimy had a long-lost mother who looked identical to Jessica but was 20-some years older than her. Then let's imagine that she had a mild Dutch accent when speaking English. Then let's imagine that she had the wit of Tina Fey/Jacki Liebergott, the intelligence of Maureen Shea, and the body of Bebe Neuwirth. Put it all together, add in a little extra Dutch spice and musical theatre "fierceness," and you get this woman.
We had a meeting today regarding the academic programs here at Kasteel Well. It was just the 74 Emerson students and Dulcia, and it was a riot. I am in love. She informed us that this was a very special semester because, for the first time, the governer of South Netherlands would be visiting the campus which is exciting in of itself. Most importantly, however, she informed as that for the first time in 15 years, Jacki Liebergott would be visiting our little campus in late, late September!!! I am going to attempt to set up a performance for them during their visit to Kasteel Well.
Last night I went to the old-Well bar Under the something-or-other. The beer there is very good and cheap. The bartender promised us that he would get to know each and every one of us by the end of these four months. I think that's stupendous.
Tonight is the boat tour of southern Netherlands. I will be taking lots of pictures. I need to create a PhotoBucket account for those people reading this who don't have access to Facebook. (Mom.) It would probably be easier that way anyway.
I miss everyone very much. Much, much more to come.
We had a meeting today regarding the academic programs here at Kasteel Well. It was just the 74 Emerson students and Dulcia, and it was a riot. I am in love. She informed us that this was a very special semester because, for the first time, the governer of South Netherlands would be visiting the campus which is exciting in of itself. Most importantly, however, she informed as that for the first time in 15 years, Jacki Liebergott would be visiting our little campus in late, late September!!! I am going to attempt to set up a performance for them during their visit to Kasteel Well.
Last night I went to the old-Well bar Under the something-or-other. The beer there is very good and cheap. The bartender promised us that he would get to know each and every one of us by the end of these four months. I think that's stupendous.
Tonight is the boat tour of southern Netherlands. I will be taking lots of pictures. I need to create a PhotoBucket account for those people reading this who don't have access to Facebook. (Mom.) It would probably be easier that way anyway.
I miss everyone very much. Much, much more to come.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Whatever... I live in a castle.
It is better than expected. To start: the flight was not that bad (we landed at 8:10 AM), the two-and-a-half-hour bus ride was not that bad (we got to the castle at 11 AM), the Netherlands is beautiful, and Kasteel Well... wow. I am living in one of the castle's outer towers with three other great guys. The room is huge. Go see Scott's pictures on Facebook. Weíre going to be putting up a video on YouTube soon with a tour of the whole place. We had all the orientation stuff go on, but mostly it was a day of exploring on our own and getting settled in. As tired as I was all day, the staff always had something else to keep us all going.
The food is fine (although I think that may've been that I made sandwiches the entire day), and the staff is very helpful. My computer is giving me problems, so I'm going to have to buy a more high-powered radio the tech guy said. I'm not pleased about this. I don't have very good reception to the wireless network in the castle, and he says that will make it so there's no problem. Free laundry, free printing at the castle.
A few of us went to go watch the sunset over the fields surrounding the castle just outside of Well. It was very calming. Scott, Paulina, and I explored the castle and all its different hidden passages, etc, and then a group of us went to one of the townie bars. I had a very small, very dark beer that Jessica described as root beer, and it was very good. Town is literally a five minute walk. The nice thing about the Netherlands at night (with the exception of the bugs) is that it's much like Colorado in the fact that you can see the sky and stars. I was pleased. In town, there's a large clock that is illuminated at night that is sort of awkward and out-of-place, but it makes you feel sort of welcome and safe. That is how this whole trip (thus far) has felt: safe. I know there's a great deal to discover and do, but for now, I am so pleased and so comfortable.
Starting school is going to be difficult, but I think the fact that I don't have many distractions is good. I guess I'm just not looking forward to it. I'm taking European Literature, Ethics/Value Theory (...ok...), World Drama in its Context, and my Scene Study class. The thing about classes here is that they're all so long, but they only happen once a week (unless your name is European Literature which is twice a week, once at night.) I know they do that purposefully to give us a chance to actually discover Europe, but I feel it's going to be a big testament to my attention-paying skills.
I'm glad everything is starting. Last night, after all those activities, I passed out for 12 1/2 hours, and can safely say that I'm used to the time-adjustment now. This morning I purchased my academic packets (80-some Euros down the drain), and we have meetings all day, plus a tour of Well. This is great.
The food is fine (although I think that may've been that I made sandwiches the entire day), and the staff is very helpful. My computer is giving me problems, so I'm going to have to buy a more high-powered radio the tech guy said. I'm not pleased about this. I don't have very good reception to the wireless network in the castle, and he says that will make it so there's no problem. Free laundry, free printing at the castle.
A few of us went to go watch the sunset over the fields surrounding the castle just outside of Well. It was very calming. Scott, Paulina, and I explored the castle and all its different hidden passages, etc, and then a group of us went to one of the townie bars. I had a very small, very dark beer that Jessica described as root beer, and it was very good. Town is literally a five minute walk. The nice thing about the Netherlands at night (with the exception of the bugs) is that it's much like Colorado in the fact that you can see the sky and stars. I was pleased. In town, there's a large clock that is illuminated at night that is sort of awkward and out-of-place, but it makes you feel sort of welcome and safe. That is how this whole trip (thus far) has felt: safe. I know there's a great deal to discover and do, but for now, I am so pleased and so comfortable.
Starting school is going to be difficult, but I think the fact that I don't have many distractions is good. I guess I'm just not looking forward to it. I'm taking European Literature, Ethics/Value Theory (...ok...), World Drama in its Context, and my Scene Study class. The thing about classes here is that they're all so long, but they only happen once a week (unless your name is European Literature which is twice a week, once at night.) I know they do that purposefully to give us a chance to actually discover Europe, but I feel it's going to be a big testament to my attention-paying skills.
I'm glad everything is starting. Last night, after all those activities, I passed out for 12 1/2 hours, and can safely say that I'm used to the time-adjustment now. This morning I purchased my academic packets (80-some Euros down the drain), and we have meetings all day, plus a tour of Well. This is great.
I will see Europe, yes I'll get to Europe, if it is the last thing I do.
Leaving was hard, and that wasn't expected. I guess I'm still not used to going from this to that in life without more than a blink of an eye. Iím becoming numb to it I think, but it was tough leaving people behind. On the other hand... it's Europe. And it's only four months, and when am I possibly going to have another chance at this for a while? I am sitting next to one of my favorite people in the world, my roomie/twin-brother-separated-at-birth and am going to have an incredible time. We are seated in row 44 (seats G, D), and the man next to us is Dutch. He also happens to have a little dog named Napoleon that looks just like the "Yo, quireo Taco Bell" dog/Paris Hilton's dog. The man has the classic European glasses on (plastic rims, colored) and is dressed in a sky blue button down with black pants. He's funny, and he understands sarcasm.
The check-in was pretty painless if you don't count the time. The two agents at the ticket counter (Gerry, Kwan (his nametag had both his real name and the American version on it: Stan)) were very nice and made sure than Scott and I sat together. Scott's bag was 50 pounds on the dot, and that kicks ass. We think it may've been 51 pounds, but Kwan definitely typed something in to change it. One of the flight attendants is a miserable racist, and I love it. I think she's wearing a wig because her hair literally looks like a box. It's hysterical. She doesn't hide the fact that at every request she receives she rolls her eyes. Usually I would have been disgusted by someone like her, but she is so miserable that it became funny as time went on. I want to report her and watch her cry when she loses her job. That would be pretty funny too.
In-flight movie choices were pretty slim, so of course I left my decision up to which actress would keep me interested the most. That was Toni Collette, who still couldn't save the day because In Her Shoes is a horrible movie. A woman lost her glasses and her husband is on the ground with a flashlight next to me trying to find them. He keeps shining it in my face.
I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so excited. I'm very tired, and my back was sore, so I took a Percocet, and now I'm feeling wicked tired, so I am going to have to say goodbye. Yeah! Yeah! Whatever...
I will see Europe, yes I'll get to Europe, if it is the last thing I do... I'll go to Europe, and if I go to Europe, I might as well go there with you.
The check-in was pretty painless if you don't count the time. The two agents at the ticket counter (Gerry, Kwan (his nametag had both his real name and the American version on it: Stan)) were very nice and made sure than Scott and I sat together. Scott's bag was 50 pounds on the dot, and that kicks ass. We think it may've been 51 pounds, but Kwan definitely typed something in to change it. One of the flight attendants is a miserable racist, and I love it. I think she's wearing a wig because her hair literally looks like a box. It's hysterical. She doesn't hide the fact that at every request she receives she rolls her eyes. Usually I would have been disgusted by someone like her, but she is so miserable that it became funny as time went on. I want to report her and watch her cry when she loses her job. That would be pretty funny too.
In-flight movie choices were pretty slim, so of course I left my decision up to which actress would keep me interested the most. That was Toni Collette, who still couldn't save the day because In Her Shoes is a horrible movie. A woman lost her glasses and her husband is on the ground with a flashlight next to me trying to find them. He keeps shining it in my face.
I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so excited. I'm very tired, and my back was sore, so I took a Percocet, and now I'm feeling wicked tired, so I am going to have to say goodbye. Yeah! Yeah! Whatever...
I will see Europe, yes I'll get to Europe, if it is the last thing I do... I'll go to Europe, and if I go to Europe, I might as well go there with you.
On the Way Up
As the plane was preparing to fly from COS to DFW (American Airlines Flight 616), the captain pointed out that the sun was in its elementary stages of coming up over the horizon. It made the sky turn pink and blue and yellow and orange, and it was so beautiful. The rule about turning off all electronic devices prior-to and during take-off did not apply to me because I whipped out my camera from my laptop case and snapped some pictures, most of which did not turn out too well -- the speed of the plane prevented me from taking more than a few clear pictures. It was unreal, and as I was furiously taking these pictures it occurred to me that I had never gotten out of bed early enough for the purpose of watching a sunrise.
Currently flying American Airlines Flight 872 en route from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Boston Logan International Airport. It is a transfer from my home, Colorado Springs, from where I departed this morning at 6:25 AM. The 4:10 AM wake-up call from my father was not a pleasant one -- but on these long travel days, the early mornings are more of a blur than anything else. I'm in and out of sleeping on planes and in terminals. The build-up wasn't a bad one. Generally I anticipate events, and the anticipation drives me crazy. Seeing as I had work to keep my mind occupied however, I wasn't driven mad by excitement to live in the Netherlands for a little under four months. I will be leaving Boston tomorrow on a six-and-a-half-hour flight to Amsterdam, then I will ride a bus four hours to the town of Well where Emerson College's Kasteel Well is located. More than anything, I am exhausted by the fact that the summer has come and gone. The North End/115 Salem Street (Apt 2), the Spirit of Boston, Ristorante Fiore, Brittney Morello, New England, Christopher Columbus Park, New York City, Audra McDonald, Christine Ebersole (and Little Edie for that matter), Italian's and their alcohol, mice, Joan, piano-less me, Amtrak, Greyhound, dead grandfather, Kalamazoo, Gull Lake, people-people-people.. they're now mine.
There would be more to say, but I just decided I will be napping shortly. I am sitting next to a nice lady whose name I have since forgotten, but we will call her Pam. She is also going to France (or Belgium? -- (Bordeaux)) to teach English at a university; in addition, she will be taking French classes because she doesn't speak the language very well... or at all. She is wearing a magenta blouse, is slightly overweight, and needs a hairbrush. However awkward she is in conversation, with her tweed-colored blanket covering her lap, she is very sweet. Because of my back pain, I had asked the lady at the ticket counter (Gate C8, DFW) if first class was available, but it wasn't, so they blocked the seat between Pam and me. More room that Pam and I are enjoying very much.
Irrelevant information: Flight 616 (seat 26A)
Flight 872 (seats 24 D-E)
And I will be the one to hold you down, kiss you so hard... I'll take your breath away, and after I wipe away the tears... just close your eyes, dear.
Currently flying American Airlines Flight 872 en route from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Boston Logan International Airport. It is a transfer from my home, Colorado Springs, from where I departed this morning at 6:25 AM. The 4:10 AM wake-up call from my father was not a pleasant one -- but on these long travel days, the early mornings are more of a blur than anything else. I'm in and out of sleeping on planes and in terminals. The build-up wasn't a bad one. Generally I anticipate events, and the anticipation drives me crazy. Seeing as I had work to keep my mind occupied however, I wasn't driven mad by excitement to live in the Netherlands for a little under four months. I will be leaving Boston tomorrow on a six-and-a-half-hour flight to Amsterdam, then I will ride a bus four hours to the town of Well where Emerson College's Kasteel Well is located. More than anything, I am exhausted by the fact that the summer has come and gone. The North End/115 Salem Street (Apt 2), the Spirit of Boston, Ristorante Fiore, Brittney Morello, New England, Christopher Columbus Park, New York City, Audra McDonald, Christine Ebersole (and Little Edie for that matter), Italian's and their alcohol, mice, Joan, piano-less me, Amtrak, Greyhound, dead grandfather, Kalamazoo, Gull Lake, people-people-people.. they're now mine.
There would be more to say, but I just decided I will be napping shortly. I am sitting next to a nice lady whose name I have since forgotten, but we will call her Pam. She is also going to France (or Belgium? -- (Bordeaux)) to teach English at a university; in addition, she will be taking French classes because she doesn't speak the language very well... or at all. She is wearing a magenta blouse, is slightly overweight, and needs a hairbrush. However awkward she is in conversation, with her tweed-colored blanket covering her lap, she is very sweet. Because of my back pain, I had asked the lady at the ticket counter (Gate C8, DFW) if first class was available, but it wasn't, so they blocked the seat between Pam and me. More room that Pam and I are enjoying very much.
Irrelevant information: Flight 616 (seat 26A)
Flight 872 (seats 24 D-E)
And I will be the one to hold you down, kiss you so hard... I'll take your breath away, and after I wipe away the tears... just close your eyes, dear.
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