Long Day

I had a really long day today and I'm wiped out! I will update more in the morning. I think I am going to try and head to bed before midnight tonight so that maybe I'll be able to get some rest before the loud drunken snorer comes into the room in the middle of the night tonight. :-D

Grumpy

So, I didn't get much sleep last night. I was up late trying to get pictures up on Facebook and didn't get into bed until around 12:30. Then sometime in the early morning the Hostel staff came into the room and turned the light on in order for someone checking in to be able to choose a bed. Then at 4am one of the other people staying in the room came back drunk, turned the light on, and stumbled around the room making all kinds of noise.

I'm already really tired and feeling grumpy. Hopefully this day improves.

Berlin, Day Two, is Conquered

Well, Berlin isn’t my favorite city. I’ve spent a day roaming the city a bit and have learned that it is not at the top of my list. I have decided though that this is perfectly acceptable because every place can’t be a favorite – then it wouldn’t actually be a favorite right? Right! Despite my late start to the day I actually managed to see quite a bit. I bought a Berlin Welcome card that is good for 72 hours which gives me free transportation as well as discounts at museums. I think for transportation alone it’s a pretty good deal. I was able to see several sights, museums, churches, and of course, climb a dome and a tower! I think that’s all I ever do anymore is climb up things.

I started off my day with a breakfast of yogurt, granola, nectarines, bread, and milk. Delicious! I hopped online and checked my e-mail and was then off. I talked to Eddie on my way into town but didn’t actually get my day started (in town and ready to go) until after 11am. The first thing I did in town was find a tourist information desk. I asked them about the post office situation regarding my Russian visa and it turns out that there is a post office at the Zoo Train station where I had asked my letter to be sent. I’m going to go there first thing tomorrow and see if they have it. I’m saying a prayer that it is there.

I then headed across the street to the TV Tower. It’s kind of like the Space Needle. I think it’s higher, but I’m not really sure. The viewing platform was at 207 meters but I think the whole tower stands somewhere just over 230 meters. How that compares to the Space Needle you’ll have to tell me. I bought my ticket but had to wait about half an hour before it was my turn to go up. So, I sat in the park area outside the tower, ate my lunch, and planned my day out a bit. At the top of the tower it was pretty cool to see everything in the city. I took lots of pictures so that I can have my panoramic view of Berlin – hopefully it all works.

After I came down from the tower (via elevator, phew) I walked around a bit. I tried to go to a palace that is now an art museum, but couldn’t find it. I didn’t care that much about it; I was just going because it was free. So, I gave up and continued on to the Berlin Dome. On the way I came across a Hemp Museum, which made me laugh, and some spectacular views of the Dome and the city area around it. (Pictures will be up on Facebook shortly if I can get the internet to cooperate.) I really like the Berlin Dome. It’s impressive inside and out. As I continued my tour of the church I discovered that there was a climb ahead of me. Not only did I get to see the dome from above inside, but also got to go outside to the ledge around the dome and walk around. It was a beautiful day and I had fun taking pictures.

I’m not sure what it is about domes and churches but I really enjoy seeing the splendor inside and the way they are decorated and the architecture. I think I’d rather climb to the top of a dome and see the city rather than spend time in a museum. It’s weird.

When I came down from the dome I found my way to two more churches. One that has been gutted and how holds statutes that had free admission and also to St. Katherine’s Church, which is the oldest Catholic church in Berlin. It was not so impressive from the outside, but the inside was pretty cool. There was a woman sitting outside the door with her baby in her lap asking me for money in Spanish. I normally don’t give to beggars, but I did give her 1 euro. I hope that she is using it to provide something nutritious for her and her child and not spending it on some bad habit. I know there are truly people in need out there but I have no idea what the system is like her in Berlin for the homeless. She was actually the first person I have seen in such a state, which now that I think about it, is somewhat surprising for such a large city.

After visiting these two churches I found my way to a fourth church and then stumbled into a dome that I thought was another church. It turns out it was some government building or something like that. It had a bunch of information (all in German) about the different government systems that Berlin has had and talked mostly about since the wall has come down - at least that’s what I could gather about it. I didn’t stay long since it didn’t interest me and I didn’t really understand it. I just used the toilet and left. J

I made my way to the U-Bahn station (my toe was hurting me) and went to the Jewish Museum. I have been told that this museum is the most comprehensive museum on Judaism. It was very interesting. I enjoyed that it did not just focus on the Holocaust, but started from the earliest known Jewish settlements in Germany all the way through today. There was some information I already knew, but quite a bit that I did not. One thing I thought was funny was that the museum basically implied that the “story” of Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss is Anti-Semitic. I think the idea was that phrases like a “Judas kiss” have Anti-Semitic roots, but the translation from German to English didn’t work so well.

After I finished with the Jewish Museum I was tired so I headed to the grocery store to buy my beer for the evening, some sausages, and jam for my bread in the morning. Again, I like grocery shopping.

I then hopped back on the U-Bahn and headed back to my hostel. It’s been a pretty quiet evening. I made a delicious dinner and was able to take a shower so I don’t have to worry about that in the morning. Now I am working on my update and trying to put pictures on Facebook. I just have to figure out a rough idea for my day tomorrow and then I’m off to bed.

Tomorrow I will make my final decision about if I will go to Munich on Saturday or stick with my original plan to go to Cologne. There is a possibility that some housing in Munich might come through, but I’m not holding my breath. I feel like God is going to answer my prayer about the Russian Visa letter and that is WAY more important than being at Oktoberfest in Munich. There is an Oktoberfest celebration that is starting here on Thursday. I think that I may just visit that one on Thursday evening and call it good. We’ll see though. There is still time to make that decision.

It’s officially been two weeks since I arrived at the airport in Seattle to head out on my journey. Tomorrow afternoon it will be two weeks in Europe. It’s crazy to think it’s only been that long! It feels like I have been here much much longer. I am eager and looking forward to visiting with Elizabeth in Russia (assuming everything works out), hopefully seeing a family friend in Vienna, and of course I am looking forward to Eddie joining me in Paris. It’s good to know that in a month I will be with a friendly face. Well, that’s it for now. I hope you all have a splendid day while I head off to bed.

Until tomorrow …

Revelations

In the last few days I’ve come to realize some things about myself. Some that were not so much of a surprise, but more of a confirmation that yes, I am a certain way.

Introvert/Extrovert:

Whenever I take the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator test I fluctuate between an Extrovert and an Introvert. I ride a fine line between the two. I’ve blogged before about being able to see my extroverted qualities about needing to process out loud in order to think through certain subjects. Many of you have been my sounding board for such this purpose. Today however, I realized that the introverted side of me is coming out. I am definitely overwhelmed by the scale of Berlin. It is huge! The train station that I arrived in is one of the largest in the world and Berlin has 4 or 5 stations that are all connected by the S-Bahn system.

In order to get to my hostel I had to travel to a different train station and then take the U-Bahn and then walk 7 or 8 blocks, and looking on a map I am still in the city center of Berlin. What I want to do is crawl into my bed at home and pull the covers over my eyes. It’s just all so overwhelming! I had to take a deep breath a few times in order to keep myself together. I also reminded myself that there was no time schedule to keep to, only my own. That helps relieve a lot of pressure and is something I keep trying to remind myself of.

Basically, I am reminded here that I need my alone time and can’t handle the sensory overload – I’m sure by the end of the week I’ll be fine with everything though – but I also need to have time with the people I love. I’ve been able to talk to my parents a lot since I’ve been gone and I’ve been able to talk to Eddie and other close friends. It’s been great to be able to process things and get updates. Just this afternoon I was having a moment of frustration and stress. At the very moment when I was telling myself I needed to walk away Eddie called and the timing was perfect. He was able to listen to me process what was going on and he helped me come up with a solution (or at least a next step) since I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of spending time with loved ones and good friends.

Conditioning:

I am just like one of Pavlov’s dogs. No, I don’t salivate whenever a bell rings, but I have been conditioned to associate certain noises and sights with specific ideas and thoughts. I think that I have watched too many movies about World War II and the Holocaust. I have discovered that whenever a German police siren (and maybe all European sirens, but I’m not sure yet as I’ve only heard the German one) goes off my mind instantly thinks about the Gestapo and/or the Nazis. I know perfectly well that the Nazi system no longer has any authority, but I can’t help it! My dog-like brain has been conditioned to associate that noise with that period of time. It’s embarrassing to admit, but sadly true.

America:

I refuse to go to Starbucks while I’m in Europe. Absolutely refuse. I was just thinking yesterday that I was actually kind of surprised that I had not seen any yet and then suddenly I saw 5 in a 4 block radius. The map I have of Berlin identifies where all of the stores are in the city. That and McDonalds, Subway, and Dunkin Donuts. I will not purchase anything from those stores unless I am in absolute need and am desperate for nutrition.

Supermarket:

It takes me a long time to grocery shop but I really enjoy the process of finding what I need and figuring out the best deal. I hate feeling like I am holding others up in their process, but I enjoy my ability to be slow and methodic. I like to think things through and make a decision about what it is that I need/want. I don’t like to be rushed. When I’m grocery shopping I’m alone with my thoughts and I feel in control. I like knowing that I’m getting the best deal and am choosing what I am going to consume. It’s a powerful and very ‘adult’ feeling that I get. I like it. That probably says something about me psychologically, but I’ll let you psychology majors figure out what is wrong with me and let me know. Today I went to the store to buy food for the time I am in Berlin. I spent 10,79 Euros – probably about $16 or $17 and I got a whole loaf of bread, some Muenster Cheese (my fingers still smell like it), a 1 liter bottle of beer (German beer #2), a bag of carrots, a bag of apples, a container of nectarines, a bag of chips, a large chocolate bar, yogurt, granola, and milk. Considering that if I’d opted to have breakfast each morning at the hostel it would have cost me more than what I spent on all that food, I think it’s a pretty darn good deal.

Don’t worry though, I still will eat out on occasion and get the experience of Germany. Goodness, you people worry too much. ;)

I’m afraid of Russians and Germans:

Ok, I’m not really afraid of them, but again this goes back to my conditioning, everything I’ve ever seen or known about these two countries has been very intimidating and harsh. I’m not a fan of intimidating and harsh. I don’t want to be grabbed off the street and pulled into some dark alley, thrown into a van, and taken to a strange prision where my identity is wiped away never to be heard from again. I KNOW this is not going to happen to me, but I just don’t like dealing with authority. I think this is the root of my fear of the military and even police. Yes, if you didn’t know, I have an irrational fear. I know, there is something wrong with me.

Anyway, I found out today that there is another “bump in the road” so to speak with my Russian visa. Last week (or maybe the week before) I requested a letter, through a US agency, that would allow for me to visit Elizabeth in Russia. I got the word that the letter had gone through and I have a scanned copy of it online/in my e-mail. The problem is that the Russian consulate requires an original document when applying. So, I asked the US agency to send me the letter in Berlin where I would pick it up at a post office. I discovered today that the post office I directed them to send it to does not exist. Apparently in my haste I did not check the date of the website where I was getting my information from. The site is 3 years old and in a more current website I found information indicating that the post office I had directed the mail to go to did not exist. I have e-mailed the US agency to see if I can get another letter sent to me at a correct address in Berlin (or another city) but I also talked with Eddie and he suggested that I find a post office here and see if they can track the letter. Maybe it is elsewhere in the city and I can pick it up. We’ll see. Say a little prayer for me that it’ll work out. I’d very much like to visit Elizabeth.

My hostel here in Berlin is pretty typical I guess. It’s very cheap, so I’m a fan of that and I’m quite glad to be able to use the fridge and kitchen area. I even have a stove available to me. I may have to cook some sausage tomorrow night. The internet is spotty. For some reason my computer will pick up the network but doesn’t want to connect. I had trouble with it at the last place I was staying too. I hope my little netbook investment isn’t beginning to give out on me. I’ve still got 3 ½ months to go! Hopefully I can make it work.

I have a small callous/blister developing on one of my toes – the fourth toe, would it be the ring toe like your ring finger? I don’t know. Anyway, it’s sore. Hopefully it’s better tomorrow – I have a lot of walking to do! I may go to bed early tonight – I’m getting tired already and it’s only 8:30pm. I guess a day of traveling, some stress, and a beer will do that to you. Maybe it’ll be good for my toe to rest. Haha. Well, here’s to tomorrow – good weather, good news, and good luck.

Off to Berlin

I’m on the train to Berlin! Once again, I am quite proud of myself for managing the system. I guess my few previous bumps were learning experiences. I was surprised how easy it was to get my rail pass validated as well. It didn’t take nearly as long as I had anticipated and so I was able to catch an earlier train – what a wonderful surprise. J

My last night in Hamburg was restful. I loved the bed I was able to sleep in and did not want to get up! When I left in the morning the kids had already left for school and Hannah, my host, was still not at home. I guess she returned from her trip sometime yesterday but then left again. So, I was not ever able to meet her, but I am thankful to her and her family for allowing me to stay with them.

On my walk to the train station this morning I realized that I had forgotten to share with you the embarrassing moment I had at the Art Museum (Kunsthalle) yesterday. After I had seen everything I went back to the coat check area to pick-up my bag but decided to use the restroom first. Well, I was tired and hadn’t eaten much all day so I just glanced at the restroom doors and went into what I thought was the women’s restroom. Well, as you can probably guess by now, I did not go into the women’s room but instead went into the men’s.

At first I did not notice that I was in the wrong place. My immediate thought was that of disappointment because all the stall doors were closed. I was thinking to myself that it is typical that there would be a line in the women’s room when all of a sudden a man appeared from around the corner (not sure if he was coming from a urinal or a sink). My mind first thought, “What are you doing in the women’s room?” It then immediately jumped to, “Oh no, I’m in the wrong place.” I just looked at him and said, “Oops!” and then turned around and left. No harm done really. Ironically when I went into the women’s room there was no one in there – I had my pick of stalls to use. Funny eh?

My train arrives in Berlin a little after 12:30. I can’t check into my hostel until 2, but I think that by the time I find a map and decide if I want to get a museum card and/or transportation card, as well as figure out the transportation system and get to the hostel, it will easily be 2. After I check in my next course of action will be to find lunch and I will probably try to go to a few museums before the day is out. There is a lot to do in Berlin, so I am sure I will stay busy this week. I am changing my plan a little bit and on Friday I will take the day trip to Wittenburg (where Luther nailed his 95 Thesis to the door of the church). Saturday I will head to Cologne – I’m still not sure if I’m couch surfing there or staying in a hostel. I guess that will be a project for tonight if I can get online! :-D

Hamburg - An Overdue, Thus Really Long Update!

I am settling in for my second night in Hamburg and trying to get the internet to function! Hopefully this entire post comes through.

I am couch surfing here in Hamburg with a woman named Hannah. I haven’t actually met her yet (maybe I won’t since I leave in the morning) but her three kids are here and they have been quite hospitable. I have a spare room once again so there is a bit of privacy. I have definitely been lucking out with these couch surfing hosts. They’re all wonderful and generous and very hospitable. It’s going to be tough going back to the hostel setting tomorrow night and sharing a room with 6 other people. :-\

Yesterday’s adventure from Ribe to Hamburg was a success! I made it to the bakery in the morning and was able to spend all but 5 kroner (about $1) on two pastries and I still have some Danish currency to keep as a souvenir. I ate them at the train station waiting for the train that would take me into Germany. I arrived at the station on time and had half and hour between trains so I sat and journaled for a bit and froze. The weather yesterday was off and on rain mixed with a lot of wind. I was super layered up but it still cut through on occasion.

The second train ride from the connection town (Niebull) into Hamburg was a longer train (a little over two hours) so I was able to read, sleep, and journal there as well. I was so proud of myself for finding a seat (there are no assignments) and being in the right area! I didn’t have to move and the conductor didn’t have to help me at all! J There was a couple sitting across the aisle from me who kept making out which was more surprising than anything else and there were two little kids of thought it was the coolest thing to run and up down the aisles gleefully. It was very funny and cute.

In Hamburg I had a few objectives, to find a map, to withdraw money, to get a sim card for my phone, and to confirm that I had a place to stay for the night. Well I started by heading to the tourist center in the train station (usually a good place to pick up a good free map). I got one of those and asked where a good place to get money and a sim card were and she directed me to a street just outside of the train station. Great! The only problem was that I still had both packs and didn’t have any change to use to put my larger pack into a locker while I walked around the city. I didn’t particularly like the idea of marching around with it in the rain all day – besides it’s heavy!

Fortunately I found an ATM inside the train station (not quite sure why the lady didn’t tell me about it in the first place) and was able to withdraw some money. The money I had was in paper bills though and I needed change. Ok, no problem. I had decided that I was going to purchase a Hamburg Card (it gets you free transportation and discounts to some museums, restaurants, sights, etc.) if it allowed me access to the S-Bahn which was what I would be using to come to and from my couchsurfing host’s home each day. I confirmed that it did allow me free transport so I purchased a one day card (good starting at 6pm the day it was good for – so really 18 hours of use).

I paid for the card with cash and asked the lady at the booth what kind of change I would need for the lockers, she told me and I assumed she had given me appropriate change. I guess it’s not a good idea to assume as she did not. I had 1.50 euros and I needed 3. Boo! No one would exchange money for me and there were no machines. I didn’t want to wait in line at the tourist office for a third time so I found a small little bakery and purchased a pastry for 1 euro. I put my pack in a locker and headed out into the city, finally!

The first place I went to did not sell sim cards and they directed me to find some other street where they believed there was a store that did. Well on my way to the other street I came across a T-Mobile store and so I just went there. J Easy enough, right? Well yes, but the strange thing about it was that I had to give them my passport so that they could activate the card. Weird. When I checked out at the store the lady rang me up and started this whole conversation with me because my last name is German but I didn’t speak German, etc. It was fun and she was very nice. Thanks T-Mobile lady for welcoming me to the city.

Now that I had my things, I set off to find a place to sit and eat something and figure out my game plan. I found my way to a park bench and proceeded to read my map amongst the wind and rain. It was quite a challenge, but I managed to figure out a few places that I could go that I didn’t need to use my Hamburg card for and I also marked down the places I planned to visit today that I would use the discount card for.

I visited three churches yesterday, St. Jacobi, St. Petri, and St Michaelis. St. Jacobi is known for it’s Arp Schnifger Organ and was founded in the 13^th Century. It was fun to be in this church at the time I was there because the choir was rehearsing so it just sounded beautiful. I climbed the tower at this church and was able to get some fun shots of the city from above.

At St. Petri Church I arrived at 4:25 and they only allow entrances to their tower until 4:30, so I was just in the nick of time! I set off to climb the 544 steps (132 meters) with great ambition because I didn’t want to keep the nice lady working in the gift shop around too long after 4:30 just to make sure I came down from the tower. Well, 544 stairs is a lot, plus I was wearing 3 layers of clothing (because of the rain and wind) and I was carrying my daypack still – which had my full Nalgene, computer, several books, a few apples, and various other things. I thought my legs were going to fall off and I was sweating – a lot.

I did make it to the top (it only took about 12 minutes) and once I reached it there were three guys crammed up in this tiny little space with one chair – not at all what I have experienced in any other tower climb. The guy sitting in the chair immediately got up when he saw me pop my head through the doorway. Obviously I looked like I needed to sit down. I took him up on it, drank my water, and took a few deep breaths. I think the guys were Italian but they said to me in broken English, “oxygen!” Yes, I needed oxygen! I was so thankful that it wasn’t a really hot day, the climb would have been even more impossible! It made me feel a lot better when I was descending that there were two fit looking Irish guys climbing up who had death grips on the railing. They were definitely struggling as well – at least I wasn’t the only one – but at least they didn’t have any bags!

The third church, St. Michaelis is the icon of Hamburg. It’s a baroque church built from 1751 to 1762 and is quoted as being “the most important baroque church in northern Germany.” I climbed the tower here as well. After the last tower it didn’t seem as difficult as the walkways were wider and there were more people around, but my legs still felt he burn. The top of this tower was also much clearer and I was able to get some good pictures.

After my tower adventures I walked around the city for a little bit and then was headed back to the train station when it began to rain hard. I decided to try the S-Bahn and see what kind of adventure I could go on. Well, I found my way back to the train station, found the locker with my backpack, and found my way back to the platform for the S-Bahn to take me to my couch surfing location! Yea! I’m such a successful navigator when I’m not rushed for time.

It is about a 10-15 minute walk from the S-Bahn stop to where I am staying but it was not too bad of a walk – even with my pack. I found the house alright, just before dark thankfully and was welcomed in by the children of my host. They gave me water and some butter and jam for my bread and we chatted for awhile. They asked about my trip and I learned about their recent endeavors and future plans.

This morning I got a late start, which was very nice. I was able to talk to my mom and Eddie for awhile online and on the phone. I left for town a little after 11 and found the English speaking church (that I had looked up online) just as it started at 12:30. Several people introduced themselves to me. If I was living in Hamburg it would be a nice place to call home. The service was pretty good, nothing too spectacular, but it was nice to be in a place where I didn’t have to wonder if anyone would understand me and I could hear people speaking English and was able to sing and talk freely. It was great!

After church I walked through Rahaus (the parliament building). I didn’t actually go through the building, I just walked around the exterior and through the lobby. I wasn’t that interested in learning about the politics of Germany or seeing the interior of the building, so the few pictures I took were just fine with me. After that I went to Kunsthalle (the Art Museum). They had quite a bit of pieces and it took awhile to go through the building. It’s always amazing to me to be able to see works by Matisse, Monet, VanGough, Picasso, Renior, Degas, etc.

I decided after visiting the museum that I needed to eat something. I had noticed that all the grocery stores I had seen were closed because it was Sunday so I decided to treat myself to a bratwurst and a beer. I consulted my map and found a restaurant called Edelcurry that was supposed to be cheap and serve a good traditional German brat. I was so proud of myself for locating the restaurant (it was not marked on the map, just an address was given) but was highly disappointed when the waitress informed me that the restaurant was closing. So lame and it was only 6 o’clock!

I headed back to the Rathaus plaza where there was a bratwurst cart sort of thing but bigger – kind of like a German version of Dick’s. I ordered a currywurst brat and a .5 liter beer – all for only 4.10 euros! I sat in the square and enjoyed the view of the building and people watched for a bit. I read my book, and finished my beer and then jumped back on the S-Bahn to my host’s home, which is where I am now!

I’m all showered and ready for bed. I am aiming to catch the noon train from Hamburg to Berlin, which means I do not need to rush around too much in the morning. I’ll arrive in town just in time to check in to my hostel and should be able to see a few sights before things start to close down. I’m excited for Berlin. I have heard lots of things about it and had many sites recommended to me. I will try to post an update tomorrow so that you don’t get another massively long post, but we’ll see. I can’t remember if there is free wi-fi at the hostel or not, so that could affect how much I’m able to update you all.

Oh, and there are more pictures up on facebook. I took some more today as well but those may not get uploaded until tomorrow. Enjoy!

Ribe, the Oldest Town in Denmark

Before I get to my adventures today, let me update you about yesterday.

It was pretty uneventful, and I loved it! I had a late morning and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with my host and one of her friends. We didn't finish breakfast until sometime around noon and then she helped me figure out my train ride to Ribe for today. The plan had been to go into town to experience the festival, but it was raining fairly heavily and we just did not feel like venturing out. So, instead, we had a nice day in.

I did a lot of research and contacted several different couch surfing hosts to try and find a host for my time in Munich. I also researched a bit more about the visa application process for my trip to Russia. I read some as well and was able to Skype with my parents, sister, and Eddie. It was a good day! My host and her housemates were wonderful. They made me lunch and dinner yesterday and I was just able to relax and enjoy some downtime.

This morning I got up and left around 9am. I made my way to the train station and purchased my international train ticket from Ribe to Hamburg for tomorrow morning. I then boarded my train for Ribe with a little hesitation because of my last train experience, but confident that as far as I could tell I was on the right train. If there was going to be any problem with my train this time it was not going to be my fault! Fortunately I did arrive in Ribe as planned and all was well. The only unfortunate part was that it has been raining all day, so upon my arrival I was greeted with an assault of wind and rain as I trudged through town to find my hostel.

I had written myself directions to get to the hostel but somehow I got turned around. I found the tourist center and a map and was able to locate the hostel. When I called last week to make my reservation they informed me that there was only one bed left in the entire building so I quickly confirmed that I wanted the room. I have now checked in and settled into my room a bit and I am surprised to see that no one else has arrived. It is a four bed room (although only two of the beds are currently set-up) and there is a private bathroom attached to the room. It is almost 8pm here and I have a feeling that no one else is going to arrive for the night. I may just be fortunate enough to have my own room for the evening.

After I put my things in my room I went out to see the town. I visited a Viking museum (that was not really that exciting to be honest), did a little shopping for souvenirs, and visited the main church in town that has a tower overlooking the city. I climbed the tower and took my panoramic pictures. The rain did stop for a little bit while I was up there but the wind did not. At times I felt like I was going to fly off of the roof!

Ribe has been a fun town to walk around in. It is the oldest town in Denmark (at least according to the literature they gave me when I arrived) and it is fairly well preserved from the middle ages. The church is the largest building around and everything else seems so miniature compared to it. There is a definite sense of what it might have been like "back in the day." Pictures from today are posted on facebook in a new album. So, if you don't have access to facebook, the link ishttp://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2063637&id=42900023&l=6ba2f169cb.

On my way back to the hostel I decided to stop at a bakery and see what they had. Since it is my last night in Denmark I get to try to use up my Danish currency as much as possible. I had fifty some-odd kroner left (about $10) when I went into the bakery and I discovered that many of the items there are not so unreasonably priced. I saw some sandwiches in the window for 33kr so I bought myself one for dinner and still have about 25kr left. I plan to visit the bakery in the morning when the items are fresh to purchase a few pastries. I should be able to get two or three items with the remainder of my funds. When I arrive in Germany I will need to pull out some Euros from the bank.

Tonight at 10 there is an evening tour led by the city's night watchman. I am considering going to it but I have been informed that it is mostly in Danish with bits and pieces of English intermixed. That mixed with the fact that it's raining - and I’ll feel the need to tip him (even though the tour is free) - is leading me toward the inclination of not going out. Being warm and cozy in my room saving my money for pastries in the morning sounds like a much better plan. I suppose I'll wait and see what the weather is doing closer to 10 though. I'll be sure to let you know tomorrow what I do. :)

Tomorrow morning I am off to Hamburg. I should arrive in the early afternoon. I will probably spend most of tomorrow taking care of things such as getting money from the bank, finding a new sim card for my phone, and figuring out the transportation. I am couch surfing in Hamburg for two nights and the place I am staying is a little bit out of the city, but not too terribly far.

Well, that's it for now. I'm off to enjoy my last Danish evening. The next time you hear from me I'll be in Germany! God nat!