New Places and Familiar Faces

Hitting London, Budapest & Vienna was not part of my original itinerary. In fact, Prague was a game time decision as well. But one place set in stone was Berlin to visit Olin, Natascha and the kids. After arriving late in the evening, the next morning I was greeted by the kids and a traditional German breakfast. Because I wouldn't likely get another chance to see them for a while, I stayed for an entire week. 

These days, Berlin is often visited for its wild and unique nightlife. However, I desperately needed to take some time off after the weeks prior. I'm actually really happy it worked out this way because I was able to spend a lot more time with my friends. Over the first few days we went out and saw parts of the Berlin Wall, Christmas markets and other attractions. Like the other European cities I visited, Berlin has its fair share of old buildings to remind you just how much history is all around you. Except, unlike other cities I visited, Berlin looks mostly modern with wide roads and modern architecture suppressing the older buildings. 

Of course, while visiting Olin we had to get in a round of disc golf. We found a course in Berlin but unfortunately it was not as developed or well maintained as we were accustomed to back in California. On just the third hole I dislocated my shoulder on my drive. The white hot pain was absolutely excruciating until I was able to get it back in the socket. Then it just settled into normal extreme pain. I threw the rest of the round lefty and pretty much didn't use my right arm for the next three days. FUN!

From Berlin I caught an overnight bus (horrible) to Amsterdam to meet up with a few friends I met in Asia. My buddy, Rich, and his friend Dan came across from Cardiff to stay for the week as well. We rendezvoused with Lars, Ruben & Rene who all live in the Netherlands and hadn't crossed paths with since Cambodia. Good times were had and everyone lived up to their reputations. 

As the rumors accurately depict, Amsterdam is the capitol and epicenter of a pretty liberal country. Of course, we all hear about the red light district when the city is brought into conversation. For whatever reason, in my mind, I pictured a wide road with big sidewalks that stretched for a mile with prostitutes dolled up behind thick glass shop windows and all sorts of street merchants and hustlers. 

On our first night out, I was caught by surprise. You see, Amsterdam is a city with canals running all through it just like city streets. And in the downtown area, the roads seem to lend themselves better to walkers and bikers more so than cars. So while walking down these beautiful small cobble stone paths among the vascular system of canals, I was completely caught off guard when I heard a tapping next to me. I look over to find some young mostly naked woman starring back at me inviting me through her glass door. With all sorts of confidence and swagger, I looked away.. looked back again.. before awkwardly continuing along down the street. 

I also spent some time in Utrecht staying with Lars after Rich and Dan left back to the U.K. On my last day, we hit a quick disc golf session nearby. However, my arm was still wrecked so I once again threw lefty. Lame!