Since my last post there were quite a few things going on. After Albuquerque I went to Santa Fe for two days. It's a nice little city, and high above sea level. After that, I went to Amarillo, Texas, where I wanted to stay just for a day. So I got there, and the first thing I wanted to see was the Cadillac Ranch. It's on the west side of the city, a couple of miles out of town. Because I don't have a car here and everything is so far apart, I don't have many options. My best option so far has always been my own legs. I am fast and it keeps me in shape. But first I took the bus to the mall on the western part of the city. And then I started walking/running. Until I was there, I don't really know how long it took me, but I was there. And I really liked the Cadillacs. Arriving a minute after me, there was Ross from Oklahoma City, a salesman. With a car. So after taking some pictures, he got me aride me into city and dropped me off back at my Motel. He also gave me his contact card, because I told him that I wanted to go to Oklahoma City on the next day.
For lunch I wanted to go to the world famous Big Texan steak house, which is famous for their "free 72 oz. Steak (if eaten in one hour). And that was on the east end of the city. So I once again took the bus as far as I could until I was in the middle of nowhere but still 3 miles away. So I started walking on a side road. And after 10 minutes I got me another free ride. This time it was Jose and Maria. They drove me the rest of the way and just dropped me off in front of the restaurant. I ordered me a nice 8 oz. Texan strip steak with a potato and salade. It was really good as you would expect! And I got me some vanilla ice cream with homemade cookies for dessert. Then I was really full when I was leaving. So I decided to walk the whole way back to lose some calories :) whick took me around 90 minutes. Back in the motel, I got a call from the owner. He told me that the weather will get worse and the buses might not leave on the next day. I could not believe this! I just came back, walking under a beautiful blue sky, in my t-shirt. How fast could weather change?
So I went to the Greyhound station to double check. And they told me the same, my only option might be getting out of there on the same night (I later heared that the busses didn't leave that night) And the weather always moves to Olahoma from here, so it wasn't a good option anyway. I got back to my motel, pulled the Texan map out and was figuring out where to go on the next day I could leave. I was thinking about some smaller towns on my way to Austin. But none of them were appealing to me, either because of bad/no transportation systems, because I didn't had enough information on them and there would always only have expensive places to stay at. So I decided to go straight to Austin the day I could leave Amarillo. But I was stuck there for three days in the end, because they had to close all the highways because of the amount of ice and snow. So I ended in my motel, watching TV all day and only leave the place for food. On Friday I went out to the Greyhound station again to check on any updates. There I met Anthony who told me that the buses wouldn't leave for at least another 24 hours. He was a funny guy, joking around with all the people who were calling to also get some updates. He was a bit pissed, because it was his day off and had to go to work because he just lives two blocks away from the station. We were talking a bit (I hadn't any plans and couldn't do much anyway) He showed me some of his music and later told me I could stay at his apartment for a couple of hours if I wanted, to play some video games. So we exchanged phone numbers and in the evening we arranged a meeting. So I spent a few hours at his apartment, with his girlfriend and their two dogs. And on the next day, I could get on the first bus to the south. To Dallas with a connection to Austin. I had to take it because it was my only possibility to getting out of the snow. The only thing I didn't like was the fact that I was arriving in Austin at 1 am. I didn't want to take a cab to get to downtown and I didn't want to pay for a room and only stay half a night. So I decided to stay at the Greyhound station until sunrise. I had my iPhone with me, so I had all the entertainment I needed.
After sunrise I got on the bus to downtown where I was looking for a hostel which was recommended in my guide boom (which is about five years old). I could not find the place, I found the address, but it seemed out of business. So, once again taking the bus more south, crossing the Colorado River to the International Hostel which I knew still existed (I've found a flyer in another hostel a few weeks before). I explored the city and done everything on one day. Visiting the visitor bureau, walking around the campus and stadium, eating lunch at Sam's BBQ, visiting the LBJ museum, walking around downtown, having some ice cream at Amy's (which is the greatest ice cream place ever), walking along the Colorado river and finally Zilker park. For the evening I planned to go to some bar and listen to some live music. There are many places on Guadeloupe St. I decided to go to "the hole in the wall" which has 3-4 bands every sunday night for free. And cheap beer too! I was getting really tired, because I wasn't sleeping the night before. So I started leaving the place at about 1 am. I didn't want to take taxi from there to save some money (and I would have fallen asleep I guess). I wanted to walk half of the way up to 6th street which is another bar/club street. The way to there is going straight to downtown on Congress Ave. I decided it doesn't look to dangerous at night (though nobody recommends walking at nights here). All the homeless people are sleeping in front of the church, the students weren't to drunk because they had classes on Monday and the police and cabs were driving up and down the street. While walking in the fresh night I woke up again. But at 6th street I was still not in the mood of taking a cab and told me to get me one on first st. just before the bridge which goes over the river. But then I couldn't see one. So I crossed the river and went on. There were less and less cars on the streets the further I walked. So now my only option would be walking back. Which would have been at least 40 minutes! So I started running. With boots, coat and backpack! So I got back to the hostel, sweating and tired!
The next day was an easy one again, with getting up late, eating lunch, going to Greyhound, taking a over night bus to New Orleans. Though, first arriving in Houston, and waiting for 3 hours then transfering busses. At the station I met Scotty, he's in the army and was visiting his cousin in Houston and was on his way back to a base somewhere in Florida. So we talked until we could board the bus. We were almost the first ones, so we could choose our seats..but in the end the bus was packed with people. After Orange, TX (two hours after Houston) I had two seats for me and could finally get real comfortable to sleep!
Next morning I arrived in New Orleans, where I took a cab to get to the India House Hostel (which some peole recommended me earlier on) I hadn't any maps or anything for New Orleans. So at the Hostel (which is one of the best of tbe US if you listen to the ratings) I got all set with maps and ideas what to do. I checked out the French quarter, the Canal street (which is the main street with street cars every 10 minutes which is really convenient to get around.) I've looked at two cemetries and some parks and ate some great local food. Splitted up into two days.
Now it's getting evening here and I have to leave tomorrow morning to get back to Houston where I will be flying out of on Sunday.
I think this will be my last post from the states. I will add some pictures to this blog and facebook when I get home and will do a quick round up of the trip somewhen next week.
(I've written all of this on my iPhone which took me quite sone time. Excuse me for any writing errors, though there should not be to many spelling errors after re-reading the text)
Donnerstag, 4. Februar 2010
Samstag, 23. Januar 2010
worth the trip/what a day!
Hey everybody! I was in Las Vegas for the last three days which was really cool. It's a real special city, just how you would expect it to be. I've stayed a night at the Golden Nugget, which was quite nice for the price (it's low season right now, so all hotels are a lot cheaper than usual,, prices can be about 3 times hihger otherwise and on weekends) and they even upgraded my room for free because they had free rooms. So I got a bigger TV, bigger room and a more comfortable bed. Though I only stayed the night, because I was arriving late and it's just next to the bus station. The next morning I headed from downtown to the strip (by foot, which takes you about 2 hours!) I only found out later how the bus system works and good me a 3 day pass for the strip buses, which really is a good value because you defintely will be a lot on the strip, changing locations. So just after noon I arrived at the Luxor, which was my home for the next two days. I loved it! It's one of the nicest hotels around (and the 4th biggest worldwide) and the casinos, shops and restaurants are also a good mix. But the best things were the shows. I god good deals on the show prices because I was staying there, and I really enjoyed them! I did some shopping at the Las Vegas Outlet Center which has more than 160 stores and real good prices!
I was gambling a bit and won some money, but lost the most of it again. Though I have a positive end bilance. But my experience says me that Las Vegas makes you poor if you gamble or not. There's so many ways to spend money. For the last night I moved to the Stratosphere which also had amazing rates and specials (and free admission to the Stratosphere tower with a great overlook of the city). Sadly the weather was bad, except on the first day. It was raining most of the times, which didn't bother me for most times, but you could not ride with the rollercoaster or the other fun rides (the Stratosphere would have three rides on top of the tower!)
But I still loved the city and it was really worth the trip to get there.
But today when I wanted to leave it again, the trouble began. My plan was to take the 6.20 am Greyhound bus out of LV go get to Flagstaff Arizona, from where I would have been going (or trying to go) to the Grand Canyon. So I got up at 5 o'clock, checked out, got to the strip bus, to downtown, to the Greyhound station. Everything was goind as it was planed. And at the station the lady tells me the bus won't leave on schedule and might be delayed. 15 minutes later we get noticed that it's cancelled because they had massive snowfalls in the area around Flagstaff! And the next bus would be leaving at 8 in the eveing (if it does, who knows). So I am stuck in the desert because of snow!! It was 6 o'clock, I was pissed, hungry and tired (have been wathing a comedy show the eveing before and couldn't get to bed until midnight). It seemed like the worst day ever. Now I had to get back to the basics, to what I do best: think fast, improvise, change plans mand make decisions, LV doesn't have a train station, so I did the only thing left: I got on the bus again heading south again, but this time for the airport. I really didn't want to stay another day in LV to stick to my travel plans and who knows if the buses are levaing the other day or not. I wanted to get out of there. I got to the airport at about 7.30, had to stand in line for check-in and buy a ticket. ANYWHERE. The lady at the counter asked if I wanted to Albuquerque and that was what I had in my mind, because that would have been the next stop after Flagstaff anyway. But the next flight I could book was also at 8 in the evening! So I would have to wait the whole day at the airport, but with 250$ less in my pocket. Then she figured, that she could get me a standby ticket in the case that I could get on a flight earlier (though that wouldn't be a direct one, it would go through Phoenix.) First I wasn't sure if I really wanted to do it because how big's the chance to get to fly standby on to different flights on the same say! And the fun part: my baggage would go to Albuquerque with the first flight leaving. With me or without me. But I was in the mood where I just didn't care anymore and just wanted something to happen, so I took the chance! And in the worst case I would still have my ticket for the 8pm direct flight. And after three hours I could board a flight (the 3rd plance) to Phoenix! Others weren't as lucky, I met someone who had to stay the night at the airport because he had missed his other flight (because of security delays). I have no idea why I was in front of him on the standby list, but I didn't ask any quesions. I got the last seat and we could head off. The day seemed to get better. On the plane I hear that they had to close the airport in Phoenix and Denver yesterday because of bad weather conditions and high winds. We had some heavy turbulances as well (and one direct flight to Albuquerque also got cancelled just after I left) But now I was stuck in Phoenix, all four planes to Albuquerque were delayed and we were told that they were all fully booked and even oberbooked! That's not what you like to hear when your the 20th spot on a standby list. But still others weren't as lucky as me. I met a couple people who have stayed at the airport through night, just waiting to get out ot there somehow. (And they were also below me on the standby list..again, no questions asked). I think about 2 or 3 standbys could get on the plane, but there were more than 50 wanting to Albuquerque!! We were preparing for the worst, but still joking around and trying to have a good time. after another 3 and a half hours wait, the finally did what everyone was prayin for: organizing another plane! All of us finally could get onto a plane, which was on it's way to Chicago, but they arranged a drop off for us in Albuquerque! (And they could also take 8 passenger with them who were stuck all day in Albuquerque)
This was the ending of a pretty bad day, waiting for nothing to happen, being stuck in the desert which many other people. The flight crews were really nice (I've been flying with Southwest, they're the chepeast in that area and have the most flights)
And my suitcase really was waiting for me, it didn't take me five minutes and I was out of the airport! Grab the next taxi (it was getting late and I had no idea of the city or the transportation system [I wasn't in the mood to plan anything, I was just skipping plans]) And I figured the day already has been expensive enough so it wouldn't make a difference to spend another 20 bucks on a taxi. The driver was a real neat guy, showed me around the main street, explained me all the cool places and even shut off the taximeter a few streets ahead of the stop. So he good extra tip and everyone was happy. I could check into the Route 66 Hostel, which saves me some money again and also seems to be a real cool place. One of the guys stanying here told me that he's going to Santa Fe on Sunday and can give me a lift up there. Sunday is exactly the day I wanted to go to Santa Fe, so we made an arrangement.
Because I skipped Flagstaff, I am like 3 days ahead of my plans, so I think either I choose a city more to visit or just chill a fe more days somwhere where it's nice. Let's see.
Now that I have a bed, a shower, clothes to change and something to eat, life is good again!
What did I learn? Maybe if you get to the desert, be prepared to get out of it again and have a plan B.
As usual: Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst!
[I really hoped I could finally upload pictures from here but I am currently writing from an Pentium III without any USB ports! And the keyboard I am typ[ing on also reminds me of my youth]
I was gambling a bit and won some money, but lost the most of it again. Though I have a positive end bilance. But my experience says me that Las Vegas makes you poor if you gamble or not. There's so many ways to spend money. For the last night I moved to the Stratosphere which also had amazing rates and specials (and free admission to the Stratosphere tower with a great overlook of the city). Sadly the weather was bad, except on the first day. It was raining most of the times, which didn't bother me for most times, but you could not ride with the rollercoaster or the other fun rides (the Stratosphere would have three rides on top of the tower!)
But I still loved the city and it was really worth the trip to get there.
But today when I wanted to leave it again, the trouble began. My plan was to take the 6.20 am Greyhound bus out of LV go get to Flagstaff Arizona, from where I would have been going (or trying to go) to the Grand Canyon. So I got up at 5 o'clock, checked out, got to the strip bus, to downtown, to the Greyhound station. Everything was goind as it was planed. And at the station the lady tells me the bus won't leave on schedule and might be delayed. 15 minutes later we get noticed that it's cancelled because they had massive snowfalls in the area around Flagstaff! And the next bus would be leaving at 8 in the eveing (if it does, who knows). So I am stuck in the desert because of snow!! It was 6 o'clock, I was pissed, hungry and tired (have been wathing a comedy show the eveing before and couldn't get to bed until midnight). It seemed like the worst day ever. Now I had to get back to the basics, to what I do best: think fast, improvise, change plans mand make decisions, LV doesn't have a train station, so I did the only thing left: I got on the bus again heading south again, but this time for the airport. I really didn't want to stay another day in LV to stick to my travel plans and who knows if the buses are levaing the other day or not. I wanted to get out of there. I got to the airport at about 7.30, had to stand in line for check-in and buy a ticket. ANYWHERE. The lady at the counter asked if I wanted to Albuquerque and that was what I had in my mind, because that would have been the next stop after Flagstaff anyway. But the next flight I could book was also at 8 in the evening! So I would have to wait the whole day at the airport, but with 250$ less in my pocket. Then she figured, that she could get me a standby ticket in the case that I could get on a flight earlier (though that wouldn't be a direct one, it would go through Phoenix.) First I wasn't sure if I really wanted to do it because how big's the chance to get to fly standby on to different flights on the same say! And the fun part: my baggage would go to Albuquerque with the first flight leaving. With me or without me. But I was in the mood where I just didn't care anymore and just wanted something to happen, so I took the chance! And in the worst case I would still have my ticket for the 8pm direct flight. And after three hours I could board a flight (the 3rd plance) to Phoenix! Others weren't as lucky, I met someone who had to stay the night at the airport because he had missed his other flight (because of security delays). I have no idea why I was in front of him on the standby list, but I didn't ask any quesions. I got the last seat and we could head off. The day seemed to get better. On the plane I hear that they had to close the airport in Phoenix and Denver yesterday because of bad weather conditions and high winds. We had some heavy turbulances as well (and one direct flight to Albuquerque also got cancelled just after I left) But now I was stuck in Phoenix, all four planes to Albuquerque were delayed and we were told that they were all fully booked and even oberbooked! That's not what you like to hear when your the 20th spot on a standby list. But still others weren't as lucky as me. I met a couple people who have stayed at the airport through night, just waiting to get out ot there somehow. (And they were also below me on the standby list..again, no questions asked). I think about 2 or 3 standbys could get on the plane, but there were more than 50 wanting to Albuquerque!! We were preparing for the worst, but still joking around and trying to have a good time. after another 3 and a half hours wait, the finally did what everyone was prayin for: organizing another plane! All of us finally could get onto a plane, which was on it's way to Chicago, but they arranged a drop off for us in Albuquerque! (And they could also take 8 passenger with them who were stuck all day in Albuquerque)
This was the ending of a pretty bad day, waiting for nothing to happen, being stuck in the desert which many other people. The flight crews were really nice (I've been flying with Southwest, they're the chepeast in that area and have the most flights)
And my suitcase really was waiting for me, it didn't take me five minutes and I was out of the airport! Grab the next taxi (it was getting late and I had no idea of the city or the transportation system [I wasn't in the mood to plan anything, I was just skipping plans]) And I figured the day already has been expensive enough so it wouldn't make a difference to spend another 20 bucks on a taxi. The driver was a real neat guy, showed me around the main street, explained me all the cool places and even shut off the taximeter a few streets ahead of the stop. So he good extra tip and everyone was happy. I could check into the Route 66 Hostel, which saves me some money again and also seems to be a real cool place. One of the guys stanying here told me that he's going to Santa Fe on Sunday and can give me a lift up there. Sunday is exactly the day I wanted to go to Santa Fe, so we made an arrangement.
Because I skipped Flagstaff, I am like 3 days ahead of my plans, so I think either I choose a city more to visit or just chill a fe more days somwhere where it's nice. Let's see.
Now that I have a bed, a shower, clothes to change and something to eat, life is good again!
What did I learn? Maybe if you get to the desert, be prepared to get out of it again and have a plan B.
As usual: Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst!
[I really hoped I could finally upload pictures from here but I am currently writing from an Pentium III without any USB ports! And the keyboard I am typ[ing on also reminds me of my youth]
Sonntag, 17. Januar 2010
(A) Time to kill
So I've left San Antonio in the beginning of this week and have taken the bus to Las Cruces, New Mexico. It was a long ride through the night with a stop in El Paso, TX. But I had fun company on the bus, there were some real cool people from all over the USA. And we really had fun times together, at the end we were like one big family looking after each other. Because bus riding involves a lot of waiting and lonesome time, I bought a few books in a shop in Houston (which was closing down, so I got 50% off everything. I got me Grisham's "A time to kill". I only have read like 1/5 of it yet, but I really like it. And the fun thing: one of the other people I met on the bus is also reading it!
I've only stayed a night in Las Cruces and didn't really like it. Was a shitty motel anyway. So I got off again in the morning (after I could enjoy a nice sunrise in the desert, which gets pretty cold at nights actually!)
Got on the bus and once again met some real cool people. So the ride was over in no time! And I arrived in Tucson, Arizona which is the hottest town in the USA during January. I had a couple of real nice days here. I am staying at the"Roadrunner Hostel" which is a really great one! I like the place and there are quite a few interesting people here. Yesterday I rented a bike for the weekend for 5$ so I could cruise around and see eveything a bit easier. There are many good restaurants and shops around here.
But I will leave tomorrow and head a bit more northwest. I won't stay in Phoenix, I haven't heard anything good about it. Everyone who was there, doesn't like it. So I am happy, that I've chosen Tucson instead! (It will start to rain on Tuesday, so it's good that I am leaving tomorrow)
I had a nice stay and will keep the city in my memory. I've you're find yourself around Arizona, make sure to check this city out! It has real good museums, chilled people, great atmosphere and the best weather you can find.
I still can't upload any pictures because my card reader won't fit into the computer which is kind of sad. I really hope I find time later for it.
I've only stayed a night in Las Cruces and didn't really like it. Was a shitty motel anyway. So I got off again in the morning (after I could enjoy a nice sunrise in the desert, which gets pretty cold at nights actually!)
Got on the bus and once again met some real cool people. So the ride was over in no time! And I arrived in Tucson, Arizona which is the hottest town in the USA during January. I had a couple of real nice days here. I am staying at the"Roadrunner Hostel" which is a really great one! I like the place and there are quite a few interesting people here. Yesterday I rented a bike for the weekend for 5$ so I could cruise around and see eveything a bit easier. There are many good restaurants and shops around here.
But I will leave tomorrow and head a bit more northwest. I won't stay in Phoenix, I haven't heard anything good about it. Everyone who was there, doesn't like it. So I am happy, that I've chosen Tucson instead! (It will start to rain on Tuesday, so it's good that I am leaving tomorrow)
I had a nice stay and will keep the city in my memory. I've you're find yourself around Arizona, make sure to check this city out! It has real good museums, chilled people, great atmosphere and the best weather you can find.
I still can't upload any pictures because my card reader won't fit into the computer which is kind of sad. I really hope I find time later for it.
Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010
Southwest USA 2010
Last week I started my trip: A month long journey to the southwest states of the USA. I've landed in Houston, where I stated a few nights. I've visited downtown with all the tall sky scrapers. I've been visiting a few parks and I've seen all the Museums in the Museum disctrict that I wanted. I've also been to the Aquarium which was a total rip off. It's pretty small and surely the price is too high for it. Maybe it's fun for children, but it's still small and there's not really much too see. I haven't gone to the zoo, because most people say it's also not as good as it could be and also too expensive. I haven't checked on the admission but I am not interested in it anyway. So far I like the weather. It's sunny but windy which makes it cold. Though the temperature is alright for me, everyone around me is whining about.
I've also been shopping downtown and in Montrose which is a nice funky area with cool shops.
Houston is famous for dining, so I tried a few differnt things: Japanese, BBQ, burger, sandwiches and Mexican. I had one real good Burrito yesterday!
I met quite a few people, some interesting, and some just weird/crazy. Most people are friendly and helpful and everyone seems to like to talk. I don't know, I guess most of them see that I am a foreigner.
Because I don't have a car here, I stay next to downtown. Here aren't the nicest neigborhoods, but it's cheap and you can reach everything fast.
A few days ago I was at basketball game in the Toyota Stadium: Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks. It was a good game and in the end the rockets wot 105:96 (they were lacking behind 5 to 10 points the first half)
So what do I think about Houston: The city itself is nice and the sunsets are great colored. I've only been to the suburbs once and they looked really good.
Today I was traveling further south to San Antonio, which is slightly warmer. Downtown here is very touristly. I think that's because they have the famous Alamo here (which I visited just after arriving) and the riverwalk (not as nice right now because there isn't enough water). Tomorrow I will be visting the local Zoo which should be really good and it's not too expensive.
It's getting evening and I haven't eating anything all day except some chips (I was in the bus around noon) so I have decided to visit a steakhouse soon.
My Internet time is running out, so I better finish.
Sadly I can't uploud any pictures because the hardware is restricted here in the library, but I can try again in the next town in a few days.
I don't know when I will post anything new, but I think next week surely.
I've also been shopping downtown and in Montrose which is a nice funky area with cool shops.
Houston is famous for dining, so I tried a few differnt things: Japanese, BBQ, burger, sandwiches and Mexican. I had one real good Burrito yesterday!
I met quite a few people, some interesting, and some just weird/crazy. Most people are friendly and helpful and everyone seems to like to talk. I don't know, I guess most of them see that I am a foreigner.
Because I don't have a car here, I stay next to downtown. Here aren't the nicest neigborhoods, but it's cheap and you can reach everything fast.
A few days ago I was at basketball game in the Toyota Stadium: Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks. It was a good game and in the end the rockets wot 105:96 (they were lacking behind 5 to 10 points the first half)
So what do I think about Houston: The city itself is nice and the sunsets are great colored. I've only been to the suburbs once and they looked really good.
Today I was traveling further south to San Antonio, which is slightly warmer. Downtown here is very touristly. I think that's because they have the famous Alamo here (which I visited just after arriving) and the riverwalk (not as nice right now because there isn't enough water). Tomorrow I will be visting the local Zoo which should be really good and it's not too expensive.
It's getting evening and I haven't eating anything all day except some chips (I was in the bus around noon) so I have decided to visit a steakhouse soon.
My Internet time is running out, so I better finish.
Sadly I can't uploud any pictures because the hardware is restricted here in the library, but I can try again in the next town in a few days.
I don't know when I will post anything new, but I think next week surely.
Donnerstag, 31. Dezember 2009
The end is near
At least the end of this year! It was a great year and also an good decade! I wanted to thank everybody who helped me this year or cared about me. You are all awesome friends, thank you!
New Year isn't so important for me as it is for other people, so I don't write more on it now.
But I have to announce something: I will be travelling again next week. So hopefully this blog will get revived next week and the ongoing next 4 weeks. Yes, I will be on the road for 4 weeks. Destination: Southwest USA. I am so looking forward to it. I weren't able to really travel for quite some time!
I would write more, but I have to catch a train right now. So, thanks for reading this and hopefully keep reading in the future.
Happy new year!
New Year isn't so important for me as it is for other people, so I don't write more on it now.
But I have to announce something: I will be travelling again next week. So hopefully this blog will get revived next week and the ongoing next 4 weeks. Yes, I will be on the road for 4 weeks. Destination: Southwest USA. I am so looking forward to it. I weren't able to really travel for quite some time!
I would write more, but I have to catch a train right now. So, thanks for reading this and hopefully keep reading in the future.
Happy new year!
Sonntag, 4. Oktober 2009
raise from ashes
Hello dear readers, I know it's been some time since my last blog entry but better late than never.
In July I was learning for the first year exams, in August I did the exams and in September I got the message that I failed them. It's all or nothing. Insert coin and try again.
I don't know if I expected this result. I hoped it wouldn't happen but I had a bad feeling in my stomach and that's never lying. From one minute to the other, everything changed rapidly. For a moment it seemed that I lost a year. A world crashed.
I had to reflect about my situation. Where am I now? What are my options? Is there any optimal way now for the future?
I needed some opinions from friends and people who also failed. I did many phone calls and met many people. I now know even more what good friends are like than ever before!
After some talking I found the problems and the solution. I decided to take all classes again and try it next summer once again. So far I haven't regret anything and I have the feeling I won't. This second chance might be one of the best things that happened to me. Even that I didn't realize it in the first few minutes or days but I did over the first few weeks. I have now enough time to do every class properly, do every single exercice and even repeat other things. I can build a good base for the basics now which will be helpful later on.
And most important for me, I have wonderful and great people around me. Some of the best friends I have ever had are back to back with me. In the same struggle, the same situation. We will be successful! I will miss a few peoples, but the important ones I will be seeing as often as usual. So no biggie.
I changed my strategy and a new concept. New ideas and new motivation. Version 2.0 is ready.
And another great thing: I have once again a two month winter break. I am currently planning where I am going and for how long. I am in talks with some friends overseas. I can't tell too much as of right now because nothing is defintive until I get the plane tickets ;)
So what am I doing besides all the college stuff?
I am doing sports, try to keep fit. I am watching sports. I've been watching a rugby game yesterday between our local club and our southern neighbors. We won 17-8.
And I am enjoying life!
The only sad thing right now is that it's getting colder each day. This weekend I caught some of the last real sunrays we will get this year. The days of summer are counted and it was an awesome summer! Thanks to everybody who was part of it! I appreciate it.
I don't know what to add right now. It's sunday night, and I am watching a bit TV before going to bed and getting up early tomorrow. Next thing I am looking forward to will be a coffee.
So, everyone have a nice rest of the day and I keep you updated.
Attached are two pictures from the game. The guys with blue and white stripes are ours!
In July I was learning for the first year exams, in August I did the exams and in September I got the message that I failed them. It's all or nothing. Insert coin and try again.
I don't know if I expected this result. I hoped it wouldn't happen but I had a bad feeling in my stomach and that's never lying. From one minute to the other, everything changed rapidly. For a moment it seemed that I lost a year. A world crashed.
I had to reflect about my situation. Where am I now? What are my options? Is there any optimal way now for the future?
I needed some opinions from friends and people who also failed. I did many phone calls and met many people. I now know even more what good friends are like than ever before!
After some talking I found the problems and the solution. I decided to take all classes again and try it next summer once again. So far I haven't regret anything and I have the feeling I won't. This second chance might be one of the best things that happened to me. Even that I didn't realize it in the first few minutes or days but I did over the first few weeks. I have now enough time to do every class properly, do every single exercice and even repeat other things. I can build a good base for the basics now which will be helpful later on.
And most important for me, I have wonderful and great people around me. Some of the best friends I have ever had are back to back with me. In the same struggle, the same situation. We will be successful! I will miss a few peoples, but the important ones I will be seeing as often as usual. So no biggie.
I changed my strategy and a new concept. New ideas and new motivation. Version 2.0 is ready.
And another great thing: I have once again a two month winter break. I am currently planning where I am going and for how long. I am in talks with some friends overseas. I can't tell too much as of right now because nothing is defintive until I get the plane tickets ;)
So what am I doing besides all the college stuff?
I am doing sports, try to keep fit. I am watching sports. I've been watching a rugby game yesterday between our local club and our southern neighbors. We won 17-8.
And I am enjoying life!
The only sad thing right now is that it's getting colder each day. This weekend I caught some of the last real sunrays we will get this year. The days of summer are counted and it was an awesome summer! Thanks to everybody who was part of it! I appreciate it.
I don't know what to add right now. It's sunday night, and I am watching a bit TV before going to bed and getting up early tomorrow. Next thing I am looking forward to will be a coffee.
So, everyone have a nice rest of the day and I keep you updated.
Attached are two pictures from the game. The guys with blue and white stripes are ours!
Donnerstag, 20. August 2009
holidays!
So today it the day: I finally have holidays, yippie! Yesterday I had my last exam and after that we started celebrating our holiday begin. I kinda have a good feeling about the exams, but I have to wait for my results until September 10th.
Anyway, I enjoy my free time now to the fullest!
Yesterday was an awesome night. We were swimming in the lake at nights (the water was still so warm) and when we tried to hitchhike home, we got a ride by a local comedian. That was a funny ride home! Thanks again Jonny from Divertimento! Muchas gracias!
And today was also a great day, it was hot as hell, so I was at the lake the whole afternoon.
Now later, I gonna watch the premiere of Quentin Tarantinos new film "Inglourious Basterds". I am so looking forward to it, it's been a long time since the last Tarantino movie.
And then after that I might join the "Jazz Night" event which is taking place in town tonight and tomorrow night. So I am still pretty busy, even during my holidays.
Anyway, I enjoy my free time now to the fullest!
Yesterday was an awesome night. We were swimming in the lake at nights (the water was still so warm) and when we tried to hitchhike home, we got a ride by a local comedian. That was a funny ride home! Thanks again Jonny from Divertimento! Muchas gracias!
And today was also a great day, it was hot as hell, so I was at the lake the whole afternoon.
Now later, I gonna watch the premiere of Quentin Tarantinos new film "Inglourious Basterds". I am so looking forward to it, it's been a long time since the last Tarantino movie.
And then after that I might join the "Jazz Night" event which is taking place in town tonight and tomorrow night. So I am still pretty busy, even during my holidays.
Abonnieren
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