The Sixth Estate

Europe Wrap Up

RoninKengo — Sat, 03 Jan 2004 03:46:28 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "I want to die peacefully, in my sleep, like my grandfather, not screaming, like his passengers." - Unknown

SONG OF THE DAY : The Pixies - Where is my mind?

LINK OF THE DAY : The Adventures of #86/68

I rather would entreat thy company
To see the wonders of the world abroad,
Than, living dully sluggardized at home,
Wear out thy youth with shapeless idleness.

Pure Kramer.

I needed a break from my blog. It was the only vestige of my home life when I was away... and now that I'm back I just needed some time to get back into the swing of things, sans blog.

There is no real way I can sum up my trip. I'd love to try, but it would be nearly impossible to do an experience like that justice with words.

So what did we learn? More accurately what did I learn? (Sharing this blog with so many people during my trip kind of makes me feel like you were all with me... awww)

1) Jet-lag is not fun.
2) European women are awesome.
3) Beer is best served in 1 litre glasses.
4) German people are cool.
5) Dutch people are weird.
6) The Alps are pretty damn big.
7) Cacti are pointy.
8) Maps are a valuable resource.
9) Australians are EVERYWHERE. There's one behind you right now.
10) Paris smells like a rotted corpse died in someones colon.
11) People everywhere else in the world don't like George W. Bush.
12) Rugby is awesome.
13) Pigeons must die.
14) Amsterdam... How about that Amsterdam?!
15) Never take a night train across a border.
16) Jesus will indeed pay for the theft of my knife.
17) American culture is being crammed down everyone elses throats too.
18) People know jack squat about Canada.
19) You'll get weird looks if you have a wooden sword strapped to your backpack.
20) Scooters are insanely fun.
21) Italian people are very friendly.
22) Irishmen can drink like fish.
23) Languages aren't that hard if you immerse yourself in them.
24) Being abroad, by yourself teaches you a hell of a lot.
25) There's no place like home.

That brief list of 25 barely scratches the surface.

I hope to scan some of my 405 pictures that I took during my trip, must get the scanner working first though.

I'll be covering some of the details of my trip in the future on, but in the mean time onto more pressing matters.

I start school on Monday! I'm so ready for this. If you take time off from school their comes a point when you just want to get back at it. Yes, I'm just as amazed as you that I just said that... but it's true. I can't wait for school. Should be good.

Had an awesome New Year's Eve. Went to Piccadilly Circus downtown with the boys. It was awesome. Big contingent of Malvernites there too, good to see some of them.

And that is that.

Happy New Year!!!

2004... wow.

-Will

They Got Saddam!

RoninKengo — Tue, 16 Dec 2003 02:34:40 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "We're gonna bring these Evil-doers to justice... Now watch this drive!" - George W. Bush

SONG OF THE DAY : Chemical Brothers - Electronic Battle Weapon 6

LINK OF THE DAY : RedNova

Poor naked wretches, wheresoe’er you are,
That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm,
How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides,
Your loop'd and window'd raggedness, defend you
From seasons such as these?

President Bush sends his regards.

This is the first thing I see on TV when I get home. Saddam has been living like me for the last 8 months. He lost weight, he's disheveled, and he slept in holes in the wall that were too small for him. Aside from the whole being hunted like a rat thing and the fact that I'm not a brutal dictator(Yet), I can relate to this guy.

Anyways, nothing I can say on this subject hasn't already been said by the never ending cavalcade of talking heads on TV, radio, and the internet etc. So I'll leave it at this:

Anyone who thinks that capturing this guy is a bad thing is an idiot. If you were against the Iraq war or if you were for it... it shouldn't matter. Getting this tyrant behind bars is a good thing. A guy like Saddam Hussein should be locked in a glass cell for the rest of his life in a zoo, so people can walk by and laugh. He doesn't deserve to be executed, and should be made to live out his days in isolation. Normally I wouldn't wish this kind of thing on anyone... but come on this guy is a mass murderer... give him what he deserves. That is all.

So... how about that Europe? Good stuff. I had an awesome trip, and plan to try and sum it up tomorrow on this blog. Right now I'm just trying to adjust to the time. It's 11:30 pm EST. Which is 4:30 am GMT tomorrow. Good times. Damn Jet Lag.

Good to be back in Canuckistan, now if I can just get used to this cold ass weather.

Cheers.

Will

Back in London

RoninKengo — Wed, 10 Dec 2003 09:54:43 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Back in London... Meh."

SONG OF THE DAY : Free Agents Ft. DJ Kemo - Clash of the Titans

LINK OF THE DAY : Eminem's Brothers Website. Horrible.

My pride fell with my fortunes.

James Brown has been appointed Secretary of Funk for the U.S.

Well I made it London.

I used my wit and charm to get aboard a Eurostar train to London. Convincing 4 Eurostar employees that my Eurail pass covered the trip to London, despite the fact that it doesn't.

So, I got a 75 euro train ride through the chunnel for free. Damn I'm good.

Just reading my brothers LiveJournal, funny stuff. I'm glad he finds it hilarious that I was stuck in Paris. Well in your face Evan... I made it to London. And as soon as I get home I will cut you !

So I do have a bit of money, enough to last 4 days. Just looking forward to when I get home, when I will have no money. In fact I'll be $2500 in the hole. Ah the price we pay for good times.

It will have been worth it though.

I have a job, and I intend on getting another job to fork on weekends. Yes, I'm going to be a busy guy when I get back.

The first order of business is to pay the credit card bill, and then get rid of the credit card. As I've found on this trip, the convenience of 'Free money' is too tempting.

Had my first full nights sleep in 5 days last night. In the past 5 days of travelling I probably slept 8 hours total. So today I'm just going to relax and chill. Maybe go to a museum or something.

Cheers

Will

The Long Road Home.

RoninKengo — Mon, 08 Dec 2003 22:52:20 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Ah crazy French keyboards... How I missed you."

SONG OF THE DAY : Chemical Brothers Feat. K-OS - Get Yourself High ... Again

LINK OF THE DAY : Song of the Day

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.

The Long Road Home.

Very tediously making my way back to London. Yesterday I was in Nice, the day before that Palermo. Now I'm in Paris. I've been travelling by train for roughly 2 days straight and this 5 hour break is the longest I haven't been on a train in that time. In 5 hours I get on another train, to London. Hooray.

Just so you know that's a total of over 3100 kilometres, by train that I've travelled in less than 48 hours. Only 500 to go.

So for now I'm just chilling at this awesome internet cafe. 12 euros for 6 hours of sitting around playing games ain't bad. Plus it's cheaper than a hostel, and better than sitting on my ass at the train station.

Good times. I just want to get to the Generator in London and sleep. Sleep all day to my hearts content, on a bed that isn't going 100 km/h.

But in the mean time, I'm going to whoop some French ass at Counter-strike and Generals. Time to go to work.

Happy hunting, see you in London.

Oh and by the way. I maxed my credit card and I have 3 dollars to my name. Good times indeed.
Shall I resort to parental intervention? I will I use my charisma and inginuity to somehow make it home.
We all knew this would happen, and now it has. Just take it all in stride.

Will

Dov e Pompei?

RoninKengo — Fri, 05 Dec 2003 17:07:12 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : ''Dov e Pompei?'' - Me, wandering through the Italian country-side

SONG OF THE DAY : The Godfather Theme Song

LINK OF THE DAY : Pompei

But, alack,
That monster envy, oft the wrack
Of earned praise

''Dov e Pompei?'' I asked.

''Dov e POMPEI!?'' I yelled

''WHERE THE �$%! IS POMPEI''

Yesterday, I wanted to go to Pompei. It's the ancient Roman city that was covered in ash and perfectly preserved when Mt. Vesuvius erupted. I walked 20 km, but sadly when I finally did find it... it had just closed to the public.

Now I've had some 'Fun' days on this trip... but this about tops all of them. The morning started off fine, I was going to take the train from Naples to Pompei... a simple endeavour according to everyone at the hostel.

Unfortunatly on the way the train broke down, and had to go back to the station. From that point I got on the wrong train, though I didn't know it because I had no idea what the announcement over the loud speakers had said.

Shit, I realized I was on the wrong line. But I looked at the map and figured I would just get off at one of the stations on the other line, that was paralell to Pompei.

Of course the map was not to scale, and what I didn't realize at the time was that Mt. Vesuvius ran between those two train lines, that on the map were only an inch apart.

By the time I realized my error I had already gone to far to turn back.

6 Hours ! Of walking aimlessly through the country side surrounding Napoli and Sorrento. Some of the sketchiest areas I've ever been too, I was afraid I was going to walk onto the Don's property and get my ass shot.

''Dov e Pompei?'' I would ask the occasional person. Where is Pompei?

They would point in a direction and I would go that way. Only to be pointed in another direction by the next person I asked.

Now this is Southern Italy. It was hot. I had brought my jacket for some stupid reason, and was wearing my big, thick, green striped rugby shirt. At mid-day the temperature probably peaked at about 28 degrees.

Six hours of walking, I had no clue where I was, I knew the general direction of Pompei, but it didn't seem to help.

Here are some highlights from my walk. I was almost run over by a dude riding a horse drawn buggy. I walked into a cactus a la Homer Simpson. Nearly stepped on a dead dog. Single handedly made an ass of the entire English speaking world with my inability to speak Italian. Had my foot run over by a scooter. Was cursed at by a strange old Italian gentleman. And ate pizza in the middle of nowhere.

Hell of a day. As I said when I finally did get there, my feet were like stones, and my legs were cramped up the yin yang.

''Ah finally Pompei !'' I exclaimed as the ancient town came into view.

''Chiusi'' The security guard said.

Closed. All for nothing. Admittedly it was something I'll remember the rest of my life. But it seemed rather pointless to walk all that way for nothing.

In other news. Two days ago I hiked up Mount Vesuvius. Incredible view. 4000 feet up, just incredible. The volcanologist said they expected another eruption soon. Always a comforting thought when you're sleeping in the city perched below the volcano in question.

Now I am in Sicily. Palermo to be exact. Took the night ferry from Naples last night.
Cool place. Damn hot.

I figure I might take a quick jont down to Tunisia. It's only a 3 hour ferry ride. Then I can say I went to Africa as well.

Good times. I'm in the old country, land of the real mafia.

Arrivederci

Will

Welcome to Roma

RoninKengo — Mon, 01 Dec 2003 11:51:10 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "You'll pay for that Jesus!" - Me, In St. Peter's Square after discovering my knife was gone.

SONG OF THE DAY : Chemical Brothers Feat. K-OS - Get Yourself High

LINK OF THE DAY : The Vatican

Hear my soul speak:
The very instant that I saw you, did
My heart fly to your service.

So hear I am in Rome.

Sitting in an internet cafe with 50 cent playing in the background. I look to my left and I see a Subway restaurant, I look to my right and I see the Pantheon. So modern, and so full of history all at once.

I've been having a great time here. I've been hanging out with a cool group of people from all over the world.. As usual hehe. Spent most of yesterday at the Vatican with this cool girl from Western Australia, Naomi. She left this morning for the Italian Riviera and we agreed to meet up in Nice or Marseilles.

The Vatican is mildly impressive. That's an understatement, it's mind-blowingly amazing. St. Peter's Basilica is monstrous, it's really incredible. The Sistine Chapel was awe inspiring, and the collected works in the Vatican Museum were unreal. Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, Da Vinci, Donatello, works by all the ninja turtles were there.

The security was insane. Metal detectors, guards with MP5 submachine guns and of course the Swiss guard. Despite their crazy costume the could kill you 4 times before you hit the ground. They carry a giant poleaxe which I'm sure they are well versed in the use of.

They wouldn't let me bring my utility knife into the Basilica, so I asked one of them if I could leave it with him. Of course he said no, and I ended up hiding it under a garbage can in St. Peter's Square. Of course, this is Rome and when I came back the knife had been stolen.

"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT JESUS!" I exclaimed.

I just wanted to see the Vatican and some stupid bastard steals my knife. I liked that thing, and has proved invaluable on this trip.

After the Vatican we just walked around the city. Checked out the Pantheon, and many of Rome's other cool sites.

Back at the hostel we all played this funny drinking game involving cards that this dude from Boston showed us how to play. You can get a 750 ml bottle of beer at the super market here for 84 cents. Suffice it to say, we all drank quite a bit of beer.

Today I'm just going to do my usual walking aimlessly thing. Should be fun.

Ciao

Will

Florence I Love You

RoninKengo — Sat, 29 Nov 2003 10:11:28 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "The World Is Yours." - Scarface

SONG OF THE DAY : Jimi Hendrix - Purple Haze

LINK OF THE DAY : Ostello Archi Rossi

If thou remember'st not the slightest folly
That ever love did make thee run into,
Thou hast not loved.

Just chilling in the lobby of Ostello Archi Rossi in Florence. If you follow the link of the day you can see where I was sitting. If you look at it in the next 10 or 15 minutes you might even see me, but seeing how it's 7 am in Toronto I doubt that anyone will.

Rented a vespa scooter yesterday. Zoomed around Florence and the surrounding country side. It was great. This area is so disturbingly beautiful it's hard to describe.

After motoring around most of the day I met up with Chiara. I had met her in Amsterdam and we agreed we would meet up down here. She lives just outside the city.

I had a real Italian meal with a real Italian family. It was awkward though, I speak very little Italian and her family speaks no English, so she basically was translating everything I was saying.

After that we went to a local club in Florence. It was a cool place, for the locals. Not tourist-y at all. It was a cool night a good time was had by all.

They have a big screen tv and vcr here with tons of movies. Ended up watching Taxi Driver. Quite a film. I had never seen it before and had some time to waste while waiting for the train. Well worth watching if you haven't seen it.

Hmmm... what else is new.... I'm going to Rome today... that should be cool hehe.

I suppose that is it. Loving it over here, but looking forward to coming home.

Will

Fair Verona and Afterward

RoninKengo — Thu, 27 Nov 2003 14:21:43 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Where is your ticket?" -Conductor on Bus in Verona

SONG OF THE DAY : Radiohead - Sit Down, Stand up

LINK OF THE DAY : Firenze/Florence

Hercules himself must yield to odds;
And many strokes, though with a little axe,
Hew down and fell the hardest-timber'd oak.

The hostel I was staying at in Verona was an amazing place. It's in a building that used to be the residence of a prominent Italian Viscount. It was built in the 16th Century, and now it is a youth hostel.

Today I travelled to Firenze, aka Florence. Only took a few hours, and I got to stop in Bologna for lunch.

So now I am in Firenze. Beautiful city. After I got to the hostel the first thing I did was go for a walk. I went to the Duomo, the 4th largest cathedral in the world. After that I went to see Michaelangelo's David. It's a hell of a lot bigger than I thought it was. Seeing it in person really makes you appreciate the time, effort and skill that went into making it.

After that I just walked around a little more. I was pleased to discover that I had stepped in a giant load of dog crap. Something in the European's blood must compell him to not clean up after his dog. Everywhere I've gone in Europe there have been giant, wet mounds of dog shit lining the streets like clockwork. Why can't they just pick it up? I always see numerous footprints in the crap, someone else is stepping in it... does anyone care?

That's the only bad thing that has happened to me in Florence so far.
This morning however I got a 22 euro fine in Verona. On the bus to the train station I dropped my ticket. It was very crowded and I wasn't able to find it anywhere. I brushed it off thinking everything would be fine, but it wasn't fine... it was a fine hehe. I got off the bus and this conductor guy asked me where my ticket was, I explained the situation to him, but he didn't speak more than a few phrases of English. He spoke the one that counted though,

"Ticket. 22 euros."

Doh. Shit happens I guess.

Staying in Firenze 2 nights. Meeting up with this girl I met in Amsterdam tomorrow. Should be good to have a local show me around town.

And that is all.

Ciao

Will

Vienna to Verona

RoninKengo — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 11:20:21 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "They're pretty big I guess..." - Me, on The Alps.

SONG OF THE DAY : Luciano Pavorotti - Nessun Dorma

LINK OF THE DAY : Verona

Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

It's been a hell of a few days. To sum it up. When I last left you I was in Munich. After that I headed to Vienna. Now I am in Verona, Italy.

First off let me say the Alps are pretty amazing. Leaving Munich, my train rushed towards the gaping maw of the mountains. They encompass you, and steal the horizon. They are something to see. The mountain towns along the way are amazing. Villages full of red thatched roof cottages, with a giant churches in the middle of each one.

Stopped in Salzburg, incredibly beautiful place... most places in this region seem to be insanely nice. Vienna was cool. Reminded me of Berlin quite a bit. The hostel I was staying at, The Wombat was one of the best I've ever seen. If you're in Vienna you must stay there.

Now you'd think I was a fugitive from justice or something. Every time I get on a train I end up being confronted by the police. As I was leaving Munich, I was calmly sitting in my seat eating some brautwurst with mustard, I see the conducter and two dudes walking towards me. I immediately thought, "Ah he must be showing them to their seats or something."

One of the men said "Hello." I of course replied by saying hi. Next thing I know he's flashing a badge in my face

"German Polizei, Passport please."

I was like... whoa... ok... sure here you go. They then proceeded to search my bags, seeing that my passport had Amsterdam stamped on it.

"You know drugs are illegal in Germany?" one said.

"I know the rules, I don't have any." I replied.

After going through my stuff for about 10 minutes, they just stopped and said "Danke." And left. Leaving my belongings scattered all over. Nice guys hehe.

Then just last night. On the night train from Vienna to Venice. You're supposed to be able to sleep on this train. No such luck for me. I left at 7:30 pm and was due to arrive in Verona at 7 am. With a brief 2 hour stop over in Venice, which entailed me sitting on my bag outside in the cold.

Anyways, at about 1:30 am we stopped somewhere. I could only assume it was Italy, because the last stop was a border town in Austria. I was just starting to doze off when three giant, military looking guys through my cabin door open. Startled I said "What the hell?"

"Italian Police, passport, now." the mean looking guy said.

They were dressed in civilian clothes, and it was the middle of the night. It was kind of sketchy, so naturally I asked to see one of their badges.

"Badges?" The mean looking guy said. He then muttered something in Italian, which I'm sure was something along the lines of "Badges... We don't need no stinkin' badges!"

So I gave up my passport, they didn't search my pack but they asked a lot of questions about what I was doing in Austria, and what I was going to do in Italy. What did I do to deserve this? hehe.

After they left, I had settled back down again when the ticket guy barges in. 30 Minutes later the train security guards do the same. So long story short I was up for 24 hours straight by the time I finally got to the hostel.

Verona is amazing. They have the 3rd largest coliseum in the world. It's called The Arena. Too much cool stuff, can't even begin to scratch the surface.

So for now I leave you.

ARRIVEDERCI

Will

Munich: Is For Beer Drinkers

RoninKengo — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 15:30:12 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "What was the name of the bad guy from Tron? Oh man this is going to kill me." - Peter Griffin

SONG OF THE DAY : Anything by Kid Loco

LINK OF THE DAY : They own the world.

Our doubts are traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing to attempt.

I'm leaving Munich tomorrow. Where I don't know. How am I going to get there?... I haven't decided yet.

This place is the party capitol of Germany. I went clubbing last night. At a real industrial club. It was in a warehouse on the outskirts of the city, it the club district. And man was it crazy.

Saw a DJ named Kid Loco. That's the reason I went. I had heard some of his stuff in Paris, and randomly was told that he was playing at this club. The FiereWerk was the name of the place. One thing I've noticed. German girls are by far some of the most beautiful in Europe, if not the world.

I went with a bunch of people from my hostel.
Long story short it was awesome, and I love this town.

As for my next destination. Suggestions please. Austria, Switzerland or Italy. I'll probably see all of them... just the matter of where I'm going tomorrow that I can't decide.

Suggestions are appreciated.

Aufweidesehen

Will

Down and Out in Munich

RoninKengo — Fri, 21 Nov 2003 11:33:59 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "I'll have the 1 litre lager." -Was said by me a few times too many last night.

SONG OF THE DAY : Troy Maclure - The Planet of the Apes song from the Simpsons

LINK OF THE DAY : Euro Youth Hotel.

The cannons have their bowels full of wrath,
And ready mounted are they to spit forth
Their iron indignation 'gainst your walls

Good times. Had 80 euros stolen from my money belt last night, while I was asleep. That money was supposed to last me for another week. All I know is that I had the money when I went to sleep, and when I woke up my money belt was zipped open and the cash was gone.

Who the hell robs someone while they're sleeping. Coward. If you want my money, try and take it from me when I'm awake. Then we'll see who will come out on top.

You know what the best part of it is though? That's like $230 Canadian, and I know have very little money. How ironic that I'm now reading George Orwell's Down and Out In Paris and London. I can really relate hehe. Down and Out in Munich as it were.

So now I might have to ask the folks for some financial aid. I can't really help it though, I was robbed and I need to be over here another month. I can't take an earlier flight back if I run out of money, I'm in this for the long hall. It's ok though, I have a credit card and will use it if need be, plus the train pass is still there, so I can leave if I need to.

Good times, luckily this is free internet at the hostel.

Take it easy

Will

Amsterdam... Quite a Place

RoninKengo — Thu, 20 Nov 2003 20:11:35 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "There are only two things in this world I hate: People who are intolerant of other cultures.... And the Dutch." -Michael Caine as Nigel Powers

SONG OF THE DAY : Radiohead - Karma Police

LINK OF THE DAY : Max's Increasingly Depressing Blog

Thus sometimes hath the brightest day a cloud;
And after summer evermore succeeds
Barren winter, with his wrathful nipping cold:
So cares and joys abound, as seasons fleet.

Hmmm... No comments from my last post. And yet 50 people have visited the site since I last posted. The way I see it, my friends were afraid to say something inappropriate in front of my family, and my family was just embarrassed that I went to Amsterdam.

The way I look at it, you kind of have to go there once. I was in France on my way to Germany so it was a logical stop over. Plus I've heard it's a pretty wild town. Indeed it was.

But I wasn't constantly smoking pot or perusing the red light district. It's a historic town as well, and very beautiful. I went to the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank's House, and The Sex Museum which was a surprisingly classy place with people of all ages.

It was also a cool time to be there. The Euro 2003 Football match between Holland and Scotland took place last night. The city was full of Scots. Thousands of them, kilts, bagpipes and all. And I pose this question to you... What is funnier then thousands of drunken, stoned Scotsman? Not much hehe.

Anyways, I admit while I was there I did smoke a few joints. To state otherwise would be lying through my teeth, and everyone knows it. It's a normal thing to do there, and everyone does it... so when in Rome...

"Oh Will... you shouldn't have done that." Someone is thinking.

If you look down on someone who smokes cannabis very rarely, like myself, then you should also look down on someone who drinks alcohol occasionally. Or someone who smokes occasional. It's all bad for you, and to look down on one of them as being bad, and the others okay is dumb. None of it good.

Toured around the red light district with a girl from Australia, a dude from New Zealand, and a girl from Italy. It's the kind of thing just have to see to believe. I was pretty weirded out by it, so were the others. I mean from our stand point the whole notion of legalized, legitimized prostitution is just weird. The Scots lost the football match so many a drunken hooligan were down there trying to make up for the fact they lost. The whole thing was just weird. I mean apparently it's tightly regulated, and a lot of the women are really beautiful... but damn I don't understand why someone would choose that as a profession. I guess it pays well.

I just wanted to see the city to say that I'd been there pretty much. I met some cool girls there too... at the hostel not in the red light district hehe. Hung out with this Italian girl, Chiara most of the time I was there. She lives east of Rome, so I'm going to meet up with her when I'm down there in a few weeks.

So to sum it up. Amsterdam is crazy. And I have mixed feelings about it. But it's definately worth checking out. Because if you're into something crazy, chances are you can do it in Amsterdam.

I was going to stay another day, but somebody stole my SCARFACE T-SHIRT !!! This enraged me so much I just had to leave the city. That was my favorite shirt and some asshole stole it. Boo to that.

It was my thing too. Everywhere I went people would call me Scarface because of the shirt. I actually met a lot of cool people because of it. "Hey Scarface, I love that movie." But not any more... now I'll be forced to wear my Bruce Lee shirt. Stupid bastard... who the hell steals a shirt !

Now I am in Munich. Beer capital of the world apparently. Tomorrow I'm going to the BMW Museum, as for tonight I think I'll hit the hostel pub.

Very long post.
Good night and good grosses bier!

Will

Arrival in Amsterdam

RoninKengo — Tue, 18 Nov 2003 17:42:12 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Amsterdam is #%@$ing crazy man!" - Chris, Albertan I met at the Paris hostel.

SONG OF THE DAY : Crystal Method - Trip like I do.

LINK OF THE DAY :
The Flying Pig

This was the noblest Roman of them all:
All the conspirators save only he
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar;
He only, in a general honest thought
And common good to all, made one of them

Well I decided on Amsterdam. It's quite an interesting place... too say the least. I'm at a pretty cool hostel, already met a few cool people.

To put it bluntly, the people here are ultra liberal. Nothing seems taboo to them. Should be an interesting stay. Going to check out Anne Frank's house tomorrow and the Van Gogh Museum, Among other things I'm sure.

Should be a fun few days, and then I'm going to Munich, Germany. Hooray for beer !

Anyways, Good night to all.

Willl

20th Birthday in Paris

RoninKengo — Mon, 17 Nov 2003 10:02:03 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Happy Birthday to me... *tear*" -Me hehe

SONG OF THE DAY : Radiohead - Planet Telax

LINK OF THE DAY : Something Awful.com

You sign your place and calling, in full seeming,
With meekness and humility; but your heart
Is cramm'd with arrogancy, spleen, and pride.

Wow. 20 years old. Doesn't feel any different. Just kind of sucks that none of my friends or family could be around to celebrate with me. I really appreciate all the emails and messages I've recieved.

It's all good though, I had a good birthday. Treated myself to some sushi for dinner, and had dim sum with 4 people from the hostel for breakfast. It was a really crummy day though. Raining, cold, and windy, but I didn't let it dampen my spirits. How often are you in Paris on your birthday?

There was another plus to turning 20 aswell... alas I say good bye to being a teenager, but I got a free nights stay at the hostel !

Onto another topic. The Mona Lisa. I always thought it was bigger. It's pretty small actually. I know it's an amazing piece of art but I kind of felt let down by it. The Louvre has so much amazing art, and I probably only saw a quarter of it.

Where am I off to next? Well that's a bit of a conundrum. I have 2 choices. North, to Amsterdam and then on to Germany: Or South to Southern France and Italy. I'll be seeing both eventually it's just a matter of which one to do first. Suggestions are appreciated.

So I'll belatedly wish myself Happy Birthday again, and say that I miss everyone back home hehe. But I'm having a great time over here so it's all good.

Later

Will

Wandering Paris

RoninKengo — Fri, 14 Nov 2003 15:59:52 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Where's Quasimoto?" - I exclaimed as Notre Dame Cathedral came into view

SONG OF THE DAY : Sloan - Rest of my life

LINK OF THE DAY : Zatoichi Trailer

I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fix'd and resting qualities
There is no fellow in the firmament

Me and Gavin Ward my friend from Toronto in front of the historic Westminster Abbey Coffee Club.

Paris... Paris. I don't know how I feel about Paris. At least it's internet cafe's have North American keyboards. Thank god for that hehe.

I got here last night. I'm staying at a pretty cool hostel call Le D'Artagnan. Met some cool people there, and we went touring around the city today. Quite a crew we were. A Canadian, A Romanian, A Malaysian, and an Australian. And I was the only one among us who spoke any French. Good times. We started off the day by going to Notre Dame Cathedral. Then we just started walking aimlessly. At some point we decided to split up. I then proceeded to walk aimlessly around the city for about 7 hours. I wasn't lost... I just didn't know where I was.

Good way to experience a city I think. Screw maps, screw asking for directions. Just pick a street and walk down it... then pick another. You can find some cool places that way I've found.

After 7 hours of walking I had to take a break. I literally couldn't will myself to walk any further. I found my self sitting on a bench in Bastille Square. So I just chilled there for a while.

To my surprise I discovered that the movie theatre across the street from where I was sitting was playing Zatoichi. Zatoichi was my favorite movie at the Toronto film fest. I didn't think I would be able to see it again until it came out on DVD. But low and behold, there it was. Apparently it's been released in theatres all over France. So this was a great opportunity. I could rest my feet while watching the coolest Samurai flick made in years. Twas a good day.

Yesterday I visited the grave of a cousin of mine who was killed in World War II. I'm the first one in my family to visit his grave and it was quite a moving experience. To see someone that you're related to who was killed in the war really brings it home. I put a Canadian Flag and two poppies in front of his headstone. The guy died 40 years before I was born, but he's family and I had to honour his memory. He was just 23 when he was killed, and after only a month in Combat in Operation Overlord. I'll be 20 in 2 days, that really gives me some perspective on this I suppose.

Anyways this internet cafe is a rip-off, so I must get out of here.

Take it easy everyone.

Will

Well he must be dead...

RoninKengo — Wed, 12 Nov 2003 08:22:23 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "EN GARDE !" - Crazy Frenchman at the Paris Train Station

SONG OF THE DAY : The Darkness - I BELIEVE IN A THING CALLED LOVE

LINK OF THE DAY : France

I count myself in nothing else so happy
As in a soul remembering my good friends

"Well he must be dead. Meh." Said all the people back in Toronto.

Well I'm not dead. Though many of you probably think that a week sans computer for me would be fatal.
So where have I been?

When you last read, I, your humble narrator was about to see The Matrix Revolutions. I did indeed see the film and enjoyed it quite a bit. After the movie is where the fun begins though.

To sum it up, I was arrested by the Czech secret police, and placed in a labour camp. Why? I don't know. The point is after a week in captivity I heroically slaughtered my way to freedom. And thusly here I sit.

Of course I'm kidding, and that didn't happen. Or did it?

Anyways, I actually spent 4 days with some family in the midlands of England. It was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of London. I'll be returning to the UK near the end of my trip to visit some more family.

Before I go any further I'd like to take a moment to curse this FRENCH KEYBOARD AND THE PERSON WHO DESIGNED IT! It makes the German keyboard seem like a walk in the park. It has literally halved my typing speed.

So yes. I am in France. I'm doing the Guerre Du Monde II(World War II) Canadian War Tour. Spent yesterday in Arras. Went to Vimy Ridge. Very appropriate considering it was Rememberance Day. They had a small service for all the Canadians that were there, and there were quite a few. The landscape up there is pock-marked with hundreds of thousands of craters. You can explore the tunnels and trenches that have been preserved, it's really amazing.

I'd like to take another moment to curse this French keyboard. The previous paragraph took me 5 minutes to type. That sucks because in an Internet Cafe... Time is money.

I am currently in Caen. For anyone who has seen Saving Private Ryan or Band of Brothers you will know that this city was the site of some of the fiercest fighting of the D-Day campaign. This afternoon I'm headed a few miles North to the Beaches. Juno Beach to be exact. The beach where Canadian Forces fought their way ashore. Should be a good experience.

Language-wise I'm doing ok I think. My speaking French is pretty basic, but I can understand people well enough. I know what's being said, I just don't know how to respond properly sometimes. And when in doubt ask "Parlez vous Anglais?" Failing that... well you're screwed. I don't want to come off as American, so I do my best to speak French. I was in Paris for about an hour yesterday on my way here. Most people there seemed to know a little English. Caen though is in Northern France and it's not a very big city, so it's hard to find people that speak English. I guess they don't call it France for nothing.

So for now... Adieu.

Damn this crazy keyboard !

-Will

Partying in London

RoninKengo — Wed, 05 Nov 2003 10:31:20 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Do you want red sauce with that?" Dude at Burger King

SONG OF THE DAY : Cream - Crossroads

LINK OF THE DAY : Ah, How I miss Homsar.

I go, and it is done; the bell invites me.
Hear it not, Duncan; for it is a knell
That summons thee to heaven or to hell.

Good day yesterday. Good last day in London. Went on what you could call a date with this girl Sophie yesterday. Went to The Tate Modern Art gallery, St. Paul's Cathedral, and then for some Indian food. All were good. Then we headed back to the hostel pub for drinks etc. All in all it was a very good day.

Monday night was cool too. If you had told me last month that I would be sharing a pint with 4 complete strangers from all over the world... I'd say "You crazy man!" But there I was, having a Guiness with an American, an Irishman, and an Indian. Cool blokes too. Now I'm talking like a local hehe.

The American, Chris was on submarines in the US Navy for 4 years. Hunter Killer sub marines designed to kill other subs or stalk them silently. He was the Sonar Operator and he told us some crazy stories, scary stories.

The Irishman, Alan does construction work, just down in London looking for a flat. Rough, mean looking guy but he's the nicest person you'll ever talk to. Big drinker, and since he's from the West coast of Ireland he has a really thick accent. This makes it a little hard to understand what he's saying sometimes... but it's all good.

The Indian, Raj is a student. Kind of like me I guess, taking some time off to travel a bit. Cool guy, not phased at all by the hustle and bustle of London. He's from Mumbai(Bombay) after all which is like 3 times the size of London. We made sure he tried Guinness beer, The look on his face was priceless.

Those are just a few of the interesting people I've met so far. Damn I guess I've been away 2 weeks now. How time flies.

I'm about to go see The Matrix Revolutions. 2 PM show means I get to see it before most North Americans. So just remember, as you're eating breakfast, or on your way to work, or in your first period class, Will will be contentedly sitting at the Odeon in Tottenham Court watching Revolutions.

Many people have been lighting off fireworks the past week, something about Guy Fawkes. I don't know much about that guy, but I'll have to look into that I guess.

Heading up to Bambury tonight. Meeting my Grandfather's cousin Gillian for the first time. I'm going to be spending the next 6 days meeting family I've never met before. I have so many relatives here it's almost hard to believe.

After that it's off to France, and Vimy Ridge.

Adieu

See you after the Matrix.

-Will

Touring London + Drinking and Carousing at The Generator

RoninKengo — Mon, 03 Nov 2003 09:42:43 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "HEY ! SLAG OFF YA BLOODY BASTARD !" - Someone on the streets of London.

SONG OF THE DAY : Lost Prophets - Burn Burn

LINK OF THE DAY : Start a blog, it lasts longer.

Yet I,
A dull and muddy-mettled rascal, peak,
Like John-a-dreams, unpregnant of my cause,
And can say nothing;

I've been having a great time. I've met a lot of cool people. Lots of Australians, and New Zealanders. French people, Japanese people. Americans, Canadians and some Britons too. And yesterday I met a girl from Norway.

On the subject of the girl from Norway. Her name is Sophie. And damned if the stereotypes about Scandinavian women aren't true. She's quite a looker, to say the least. And smart to boot.

My room at the Generator is a 4 person dorm. A guy from Maine, who is the most conservative person you will ever meet. A well dressed Australian who always seems to be sleeping, myself, and the Norwegian lady.

She just spent 4 months in Dublin working at a bar, and is in London on her way home. I seem to be the only person she'll talk to in our room, which I see as a good thing. The guy from Maine seems terrified of her, and the Ozzy, of course is asleep.

I've spent about a week total in London. So I know my way around the town pretty well now. I started talking to Sophie this morning about things to do and places to go, I recommended lots of places she should check out. The museums and art galleries, the food, and the nightlife. And near the end of the conversation she says to me.

"I still don't know what I should do today." And then she asked me what I was getting up to that day.

Now a smart man, and intelligent man, A man who realizes what is going on says "Hey I've been here a while I could show you around if you'd like."
Whereas I say "Well there's a lot of stuff to do in London, I'm sure you can find something." Shortly after saying this I began mentally punching and kicking myself in the head. I really need to get wise to the situation quicker.

Not to worry though, Sophie is staying at the hostel for another 3 days, just like me. So there is still lots of time. Better brush up on my Norwegian.

To those relatives who read the site, and are weirded out by this insight into my personal life I say this.
It's just the way it is. This site is a place for me to be candid and tell it like it is. I'm not going to suger coat it, I have to be honest.

On another note, I went to the Czech Embassy today and got the paper work to fill out a visa application. It sucks, Americans don't need a visa to go to the Ceska Republika, so why do I? Everybody loves Canada... I thought it was the U.S. that nobody liked?

Takk und god morgen.
means Thank you and good morning in Norwegian.

-Will

Halloween at The Generator

RoninKengo — Sat, 01 Nov 2003 09:14:41 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Take a chance on Chancery lane !" - Gavin

SONG OF THE DAY : Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody A favourite on the Hostel Jukebox.

LINK OF THE DAY :World's Smallest Guitar.

By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes.

Had a good halloween. The Generator Hostel is an awesome place. They have a pub/club right in the place. Open until 2 am. There was a big Halloween Bash there last night... lots of people came in costume. I went as Backwards Man ! Which entailed me wearing all my clothes backwards.

So anyways, Gavin was coming to London yesterday from Oxford. I read that on his blog and that was all I knew. He said he was coming in at 1:40. So I was kind of annoyed. I'm in London, and I have a friend who's in London but no means to contact them.

But it was ok. I'd already made some friends at the hostel. There was Brian the former US Marine who served in Bosnia, and there was Marjolaine the university student from France. So at least I knew some people, and it wasn't that bad.

Early last night I was chilling in the turbine, which is basically the TV and eating room area; waiting for my laundry to finish. I got bored of watching some British talk show, so I decided to go to the reading room area. I walk around the corner and who do I see reading a brochure about Toronto Hostelling, none other than Gavin.

It caught me off guard. I did not expect to see someone I knew from Toronto randomly in London. Apparently he had read on my site that I would be staying at The Generator so he decided to go there.

Later, we decided to check out the town and find a good pub. We found a pub about 15 minutes away from the Hostel. However we somehow managed to get lost. Really lost. I said "Oh we'll just take this street back to the Hostel!" After two hours walking in the rain with no jacket we finally found the hostel.

Went back to the Generator bar, and a good time was had by all.

Today we just walked around London, making asses of ourselves on Gavin's digital camera. Scaring pigeons, giving colour commentary on various amusing things, ah technology.

Chilling

-Will

Return to London

RoninKengo — Thu, 30 Oct 2003 12:20:02 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "No I'm sorry, I don't think so." -Snooty Englishman's response when I asked if I could get by him on the train.

SONG OF THE DAY : Rob Dougan - I'm Not Driving Anymore

LINK OF THE DAY : The Generator: Where I'm staying for the next 3 days.

Now I am alone. O, what a rogue and peasant slave am I!

Arrived back in London last night. One last night of relative nicety, and then I become a bottom feeder. My Uncle put it best... I am now a transient youth. I am what I'm wearing and have in my backpack.

I don't feel worried or scared. I'm enjoying this. I'm just taking everything as it comes.
I'm doing touristy things, but don't act like a tourist.

I see so many people, who are obviously from out of town. Fanny pack, giant camera around there neck, and map in hand... Squinting as they look to the street signs to find out where the hell they are. It's like saying to thieves and pickpockets

"Here I am. Please rob me !"

I think I'm the opposite. I just walk around with the shirt on my back, camera and utility knife attached to my belt. I do have a fanny pack of sorts, but it's meant to be worn under your shirt. I keep all the important stuff in there, so if I were to be mugged I could just casually hand them my wallet and not worry about losing my ID.

I really think more people should travel like transient youth. I've met many other people like myself, and we all laugh at the hardcore tourists.

The only way I would really be distinguishable from the average Briton were if I opened my mouth. They would hear my ever present Canadian accent with a tinge of Maritimer. That and the fact that I don't wear my jacket very often. The poor Brits call this weather cold. They obviously have never lived in Halifax(Nova Scotia that is).

So the lesson is. See as much as you can, experience as much as you can. Take it all in stride, no need to get all worked up over something that will probably work out in the long run anyways.

My Uncle is bringing back some pictures from his digital camera. I'll get my hands on them somehow and post them here or send them out to people.

I wish everyone the kind of experience I'm having.

Signing off.

-Will

Chilling in Berlin

RoninKengo — Mon, 27 Oct 2003 11:55:57 -0500

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Ich h�tte gern ein grosses bier!" - Me. By far the most useful expression in Germany. I would like a large beer.

SONG OF THE DAY : Beethoven's 9th Symphony. In honor of my visit to Germany.

LINK OF THE DAY : KaDeWe. The greatest store in the world.

And thus I clothe my naked villany
With odd old ends stol�n forth of Holy Writ,
And seem a saint when most I play the devil.

So here I am. In the heart of Berlin.

Quite a town. Admittedly, my German needs work... but I can get by with what I know. Plus a lot of people speak english. So when in doubt just say 'Sprechen sie Englisch ?', works like a charm.

Explored the city a bit last night. Went bar-hopping, met some fellow travellers and had one to many grosses biers. Then I came to this internet cafe to talk to people back home. Between 11 and 1 at night seems like a good time to contact people. The time difference can be a little annoying at times.

Berlin is disturbingly historic. If you think about it, this city was the geopolitical cog that kept the world turning in the 20th century. From World War I, to the depression. During World War II, and the Cold War. It was also where the Cold War ended, and the Soviet Empire collapsed. Yes indeed, a great deal of history.

Visited the Siegess�ule last night. It's a massive monument that Hitler had erected after Germany's victory in France. Very beautiful monument dedicated to a very bad thing.

This morning I walked around old Berlin. The Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.

Checkpoint Charlie in case you didn't know was the only link between East and West Germany for 50 years. It now sits amidst commercial developments and apartment buildings. Prisoner exchanges, international espionage, human smuggling all took place there. It was very unique to stand where that had happened.

One thing I've learned about Germany, is that I don't like their keyboards. Certain keys are reversed like Z and Y which makes it very hard to type coherently if you're used to a North American keyboard. However I rectified that situation by using a knife to pry out Z and Y and reversed them to what I'm used to. I knew that knife would come in handy hehe.

Today I've just been wandering around the city, aimlessly but with purpose. Just want to see what I can and absorb it all. I've already met a lot of great people, and I haven't even been gone a week.

This evening I'm going to meet up with my Uncle and we're going to search out the location of Hitler's Bunker. It's obviously not a big tourist draw, but you can find it if you look hard enough. Ironically, it's now a childrens playground.
I'll stomp the F�hrer's grave a few times for you all.

This one's for the Kaiser !

-Will

P.S. For the love of god somebody post comments. I want feedback and I miss everyone back in Toronto... leave a message for your old buddy Will.

Twenty Minutes of Darkness

RoninKengo — Sat, 25 Oct 2003 21:58:45 -0400

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "There's an old saying where I come from. You can fool me... Fool me once... Shame on..... ...... ..... Shame on you..... ..... You can fool me but younot gonna fool me agin." Dubya

SONG OF THE DAY : The song from the funny beer ad I saw today. You had to be there.

LINK OF THE DAY : 20 Minutes of Darkness.

The weight of this sad time we must obey;
Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.
The oldest hath borne most: we that are young
Shall never see so much, nor live so long.

It takes 20 minutes to do, and it's black as night. Yes I'm talking about the Chunnel (Channel-Tunnel). Not much to see when you're going through it. Kind of cool to think that just 10 years ago... travelling by train between Europe and England was impossible... now you can, very cool. The train is bloody fast too. Goes about 200 km/h. Dang fast.

So now I'm in Brussels, Belgium. Kind of scuzzy, but charming at the same time. Seems to have a cool nightlife from what I saw... checked out the pubs and the sites for about an hour and a bit tonight. Going to check out more before I leave tomorrow. It's very old and I'd like to stay longer... but at least I can say I've been here now.

Tomorrow off to Berlin. Should be fun. I'm really interested in WW2 stuff... but the Germans are not too keen to talk about it, it seems. Can't really blame them though. Admittedly the Nazis were horrible and evil. But they united Germany and accomplished incredible feats for a nation of their size. It's kind of not fair that there are no memorials to the German war dead in Germany. They weren't all Nazis. Most were just brave young men who wanted what was best for their country... most didn't know they were acting in the name of evil. History is written by the winners though, and that's just the way it is.

This is not pro Nazi or anything just to let you know... just expressing my thoughts on the matter. Germans seem pretty tight lipped on the subject... I'll have to explore it further.

So for now I will go chill and then sleep. My legs kill, I've been walking so much and so often... feels like my shins are about to split in half.

Let the good times roll.

-Will

Westminster Abbey in London

RoninKengo — Sat, 25 Oct 2003 10:07:06 -0400

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Who are you and what are you doing in my home?" -Lionel Hutz

SONG OF THE DAY : Moonlight Sonata - That's what I woke up to today because someone in the next room was blasting it at 7 AM.

LINK OF THE DAY : Westminster Abbey. Very cool place.

And pity, like a naked new-born babe,
Striding the blast, or heaven's cherubim, horsed
Upon the sightless couriers of the air,
Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye,
That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself
And falls on th' other -.

Too much to see. Too little time.

Walked around London all day yesterday. And I do mean all day. Got up at 6 am. Got back to the room around 11 pm. My legs were killing me, but it was well worth it.

Started the day off with a visit to Westminster Abbey, continued on to The Imperial War Museum, had lunch at the historic Geoge Inn Pub, checked out the Tower of London. After that I made my way over to the British Museum, which was so huge I had to leave because it took so long, I didn't even see half the museum !

I left the museum and walked around for 3 hours, just exploring the city. Checking out cool shops and places throughout the city. I love just walking around Toronto, so London is like a dream for me. Buy a day pass for the tube and you're all set. You can get anywhere.

Westminster Abbey is perhaps the most extraordinary place I've ever been inside. The age of the building and the city itself boggles the mind. There are tombs of people who died 1000 years ago in the Abbey. Incredible. You'll want to be careful where you step too. I stopped at one point to just look up and admire the ceiling, only to realize I was standing on Rudyard Kiplings grave. "Oops sorry Rudyard!" I said as I backed up onto Laurence Olivier's grave. Everywhere you stand there is history right underneath you. A very cool experience.

When I walk around London, I don't have a backpack on, and my camera is safely inside my jacket. I don't advertise the fact that I'm a tourist. I was mistaken for a local 4 times yesterday. "Do you know how to get to the tube from here?" A fat American asked. "I'm as lost as you buddy hehe." I said... He looked surprised that I didn't have an accent.
I suppose I do look like a British person though, considering that's my primary lineage... maybe I'll pretend to be a local the next time someone asks me for help.

Went to some pubs last night. The places the locals hang out, not the tourist haunts. It really gives you a feel for the city, I've already met a lot of cool people.

Later today I'm headed to Berlin for a week, and then it's back to the UK. But not without stopping in Belgium and Amsterdam. I've heard Brussells is pretty boring, but Amsterdam is... well you know, crazy. Should be a fun little trip.
Plus I get to go through the Chunnel.

My next post will probably be from somewhere in continental Europe.
So until then... Keep watching the skiis! I mean... skies !

-Will

The Long Night of Travelling

RoninKengo — Thu, 23 Oct 2003 08:34:12 -0400

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Shift 2 = " ? Damn crazy UK keyboards !!!"

SONG OF THE DAY : Kelly Osbourne - Pappa Don't Preach. Only Because it's the first song I've heard today. Horrible.

LINK OF THE DAY : LONDON!

What would he do,
Had he the motive and the cue for passion
That I have? He would drown the stage with tears
And cleave the general ear with horrid speech,
Make mad the guilty and appal the free,
Confound the ignorant, and amaze indeed
The very faculties of eyes and ears.

18 hours of travelling. With a non existent night... I am so confused right now. My watch says 5:30 in the morning... but it's clearly 10:30 am outside. The bleary eyed traveller has arrived in London without a wink of sleep in nearly 24 hours. And I still have 3 more hours to kill.

London... London... What to say about London? Well Considering I just got here I can't say much. That's why when I'm finished this I will go for a little walking tour.

Just checked my bag at the hotel that my Uncle and I will be staying at for the next few days. Damn space bar ! Work !
This internet cafe is located right across the street from Victoria station. Which in relationt to the rest of London... is somewhere in the middle.

Took the tube from Heathrow. That is a big frigging airport. Counted 23 jumbo-jets on our way in. The tube was unique. Not like the subways in Toronto... nice and smooth. The London underground is a jarring, bumpy, stop and go experience. I'm sick of moving vehicles for now... so I will walk.

First stop: The British Museum. It's free... and supposed to be incredible. We can all gawk at what England raped and pillaged from so many countries during it's imperial reign.

Anyways, I'm so very tired and confused right now. So I will leave you now.
More... Later.

-Will

The Night Before the Trip

RoninKengo — Wed, 22 Oct 2003 00:59:54 -0400

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Like a midget at a urinal, we will have to stay on our toes." -Unknown

SONG OF THE DAY : Saves The Day - Anywhere With You.

LINK OF THE DAY : Canuck Abroad

Good night, good night!
parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow

My journey will begin at 5:30 AM tomorrow. It will complete sometime on December 14th. That's a long time.

It's going to be one hell of an experience. All packed and ready to go... I think. Obviously, I'm excited. People seem to think that I should be nervous... I'm not. Anyone who knows me, knows that I take everything in stride... I'm very laid back. I'm sure there will be some pitfalls, but there will also be some great times. But enough blabbering, it has been a busy day and I am very tired.

So for now, I will go and sleep. My next post will probably be from some internet cafe in London.

-Will

P.S. If I die promise me you will avenge my death. And avenge it good. I would do the same for you.

Is Will ready for Europe?

RoninKengo — Thu, 16 Oct 2003 04:03:39 -0400

QUOTE OF THE DAY : "Lies are the only ultimate Truth." - Ruddiger von Epplestinger

SONG OF THE DAY : U.N.K.L.E. - Eye for an Eye

LINK OF THE DAY : My DVD Collection

This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle,
This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars,
This other Eden, demi-paradise,
This fortress built by Nature for herself
Against infection and the hand of war,
This happy breed of men, this little world,
This precious stone set in the silver sea,
Which serves it in the office of a wall
Or as a moat defensive to a house,
Against the envy of less happier lands,--
This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.

Is Will ready for Europe?

And is Europe ready for Will?

So my Uncle emailed me last night. The plan was to tag along with my Uncle on a business trip to Europe, and then I would just stay over there for about 2 months. The exact date of departure has been up in the air... But the email I received last night confirmed when I would be leaving.

One week from today. One week from today I will depart on a trip that will last two months. Talk about time to plan... This next week will be insanely busy for me. Organizing... Planning.... Packing... Chilling... Fretting... Anticipating. DAMN this is gonna be sweet!

I purchased my Eurorail Youth Flexi Pass today. It lets me travel anywhere in the EU for 15 days in a 2 month period. I am going to see as much as I can in that time frame.

I know I'm going to run out of money... But I can be thrifty when I need to be.

New people, New places... Good times. You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to this.

The plan is to update my blog from various web cafes while I'm over there. So check back to see my progress.

In the next week I have to : Get my Youth Hostel card, Outline where I want to go, Get a credit card, Make amends with my lady friend, Have a going away party with numerous people, And somehow grasp the fact that I'll be on my own for 2 months. As pathetic as that last one sounds I've never been away from family and friends for more than a month... Sue me.

Now if you'll excuse me all this talk has made me hungry.
*Takes a bite out of a lemon*

-Will