a quick short & dirty update from prague

This is not my travelogue as I have a *lot* to write from my experiences, when I return to Boston. For those of you on my facebook list, I hope the little “twitter” status feeds is keeping you engaged (sorta marketing) on my europe backpacking trip

4 days in Amsterdam was a blast, coffee shops and understanding marijuanaFromTheSource is a great experience. Every person in Amsterdam has 1.5 bikes. YES. And many more, a lot more than that. Met this guy from Seattle, was unusually sweet for a guy (?), and another guy from Reunion Island (ever heard of it?) He had a mixed race of African, French and Indian. Picture that. Can’t write more on Amsterdam as it’s *discrete*

Then it was off to Brussels, the first day was completely sloshed out at the world’s largest stock of beers (2004) — Delirium cafe. Met an Italian guy and soon two beligian girls and then I saw the time. It was 3:30 am. Brugges was beyond beautiful — swans, palaces, river, churches and cobblestone street, you get the romance part. Met 3 spanish guys/girls at my hostel and by the night, we were eight. Met another guy from Venezuela. The guy said to me, “You’re the best guy I know from United States.” Apparently, Spanish people hate the US.

Hamburg was a just a short stay but quite refreshing. Met this great Finnish guy from the hostel, who gave me a crash course on Finnish history and went for a straight 5th drunken night, the night when my throat gave up. Oh, it wasn’t the danish girl’s effect at the bar, which was yetAnotherNameInMyAddressBook. 4 days in Berlin, was the best so far. Learnt so much about WW2 and German history, I could write a little wiki. I wanted to live in this city after 4 days. Serious. Met this Canadian guy in the hostel, who basically took his backpack just like Chris McCandles from “Into the wild” without a return ticket. When asked him, “dude, how long?”, he said, “maybe 6 months.” I hope he gets what he wants. And he’s safe. Well, he has a mac and a hacked IPhone … he aint stupid.

Oh there were tons of Aussie guys everywhere, for the first time I was forced to talk about cricket!

Berlin has completely changed my observation of Germany, its people (so polite) and it’s history. (not hamburg or frankfurt). And then I met these two Austrian girls on my day trip, we met for drinks later for a couple of days. They were really sweet. There was a guy from Brazil, made friends with. He promised he will show me the Brazil Carnival if I come to Rio, next year. I think I’m all set to Rio, next February.

Coming to Prague, was a totally different observation — the first scent of “eastern europe” with different looking people and strange languages. So far, its a place with staggering beauty and the beer costs 1.5$ in the bar. Yes, cheaper than Belgium. Met a girl from Brazil in the hostel and did a day trip together. We’re attending the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, live, tomorrow, its a dream come true.

I have met so many wonderful people in this trip already, cant say more. 3 more days here and off to Munich. My throat is better now and Oktoberfest should be a treat. And then it’s Budapest for 3 days and to Madrid for 4 days to meet dear Ines, again.  We’re calling this “After Sunset.”

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