Here's the original entry I wrote three days ago...
I've arrived safely in Germany after an uneventful (and nap-full) ride on the ICE (Inter-City Express) train. Why does public transport have to be so bad in the States? During the last leg of the journey at the transfer station we were redirected onto another ICE train rather than the local one we were supposed to take due to delays. I gave up my seat for a bent-over old German man and rode the rest of the way in style, standing up.
I'm staying with Gerhard and Gertrude in Bochum. If you haven't heart of the city, I'm not surprised. It's not a tourist town. I chose to come here first because I didn't feel like paying a hotel or arranging a hostel stay in a bigger town. We'll see some castles, old churches, and idyllic villages from here without the trouble of crowds. As I said before, big cities are overwhelming- especially alone, and I figure I'll have a chance to see Berlin and Koln later in life. Right now, I want to take advantage of the opportunity to see a few out-of-the way places or, instead, do nothing at all. This is, after all, vacation.
Secondly, Gerhard and Gertrude share my family name. My grandparents on my father's side found their son when looking in a Berlin phonebook and connected with Gerhard, who is very into genealogy. He has traced our family roots back hundreds of years and it only took a little legwork for him to find out how we're related. He's been showing me his documents this afternoon and I'll share photos with you later. Interestingly, one of the descendants in my line is Katarina Dupre and I wonder if she's related to Jacqueline Dupre, the famous musician. It'd be funny if she was because Jackie is related to my mother's side distantly (I think, tho I should check) and it'd be sort of incestuous.
Anyhow, it's time for the afternoon rest here at the GG Haus, so I'm going to sun myself in the yard and do nothing at all. Then maybe take some more touristy photos.
UPDATE: Today I saw several very old churches and small castles before visiting a charming historic village. The first church had a graveyard with stones from the 16th century and older-- the church itself is from 1100. While we were there, the organist entered the chapel, which is off limits to the public and behind glass doors except when a service is in session, and began to practice alone. What music! What acoustics! Amazing. I wish I had a recording to share. Truly an incredible experience.
As I can't share that, have some random pics instead...
For the ladies:
For the d00ds:
For everyone, from Germany! Cheers!:
Oh, and look at my ZOMGSundae!
Posted on July 13, 2006 @ 2:59 PM | 3 comments
I've arrived safely in Germany after an uneventful (and nap-full) ride on the ICE (Inter-City Express) train. Why does public transport have to be so bad in the States? During the last leg of the journey at the transfer station we were redirected onto another ICE train rather than the local one we were supposed to take due to delays. I gave up my seat for a bent-over old German man and rode the rest of the way in style, standing up.
I'm staying with Gerhard and Gertrude in Bochum. If you haven't heart of the city, I'm not surprised. It's not a tourist town. I chose to come here first because I didn't feel like paying a hotel or arranging a hostel stay in a bigger town. We'll see some castles, old churches, and idyllic villages from here without the trouble of crowds. As I said before, big cities are overwhelming- especially alone, and I figure I'll have a chance to see Berlin and Koln later in life. Right now, I want to take advantage of the opportunity to see a few out-of-the way places or, instead, do nothing at all. This is, after all, vacation.
Secondly, Gerhard and Gertrude share my family name. My grandparents on my father's side found their son when looking in a Berlin phonebook and connected with Gerhard, who is very into genealogy. He has traced our family roots back hundreds of years and it only took a little legwork for him to find out how we're related. He's been showing me his documents this afternoon and I'll share photos with you later. Interestingly, one of the descendants in my line is Katarina Dupre and I wonder if she's related to Jacqueline Dupre, the famous musician. It'd be funny if she was because Jackie is related to my mother's side distantly (I think, tho I should check) and it'd be sort of incestuous.
Anyhow, it's time for the afternoon rest here at the GG Haus, so I'm going to sun myself in the yard and do nothing at all. Then maybe take some more touristy photos.
UPDATE: Today I saw several very old churches and small castles before visiting a charming historic village. The first church had a graveyard with stones from the 16th century and older-- the church itself is from 1100. While we were there, the organist entered the chapel, which is off limits to the public and behind glass doors except when a service is in session, and began to practice alone. What music! What acoustics! Amazing. I wish I had a recording to share. Truly an incredible experience.
As I can't share that, have some random pics instead...
For the ladies:
For the d00ds:
For everyone, from Germany! Cheers!:
Oh, and look at my ZOMGSundae!
Posted on July 13, 2006 @ 2:59 PM | 3 comments
Comments:
Jah, zee Ho Haus!
Looks like so much fun!
By 
Rachel, at
3:10 PM, July 13, 2006
Um, for the d00ds? That car is SO mine. Wedding present?
By 
Lazy Lightning, at
3:15 PM, July 13, 2006
mmmm lotus...
By 007ben, at
11:19 AM, July 15, 2006
