Meeting People

You seem to meet more other backpackers when you're by yourself. I made it to 6 or so last night before I could no longer handle it. Slept until 10, then woke up. Figured I'd quietly read for a few more hours, then sleep until morning. Nah.. Sat and chatted (watched, I was kinda quiet) everyone. Interesting. Some people claimed there was way to many Americans in this hostel. I mostly talked with Sandra and Corey and we taught Sandra BS. I tried Super Stol, which is a beer with 9% alcohol. Like all beers, not my style.

Well, off to Brussels. Got a hold of Tesia, sounds like we're going to try to hook up and go to Bruges on the 15th. From there, I'll go to Sittard. Or that's the plan so far. Oh, and I've got a bed booked at BE Brussels-Generation Europe
for the next two nights.

As for my past job, I've mostly been quiet unless someone asks me. I just am not good at lying, so why try. Gotten no accusations yet about it, which is happy. For the most part, the nonAmericans at the hostel seem to realize that all the Americans in the hostel are liberal, and don't agree with the Bush/Iraq issue and don't hold it against us. Though did see a large protest outside Parliment yesterday.
-kel

Foreign Languages and Pachyderms

The problem with well developed software is that when you're in a foreign country, your livejournal options are all in French. Yep, I've made it under the Channel, and am typing away in my hostel. Which now has electricity. I'm not sure why, as I have yet to ask.

Oddly enough, I feel weirder not knowing the language here than I did in Japan. Maybe because I can almost read, especially when they have the German and French next to each other. And since English is a Germanic language with heavy French influence... you do the math. I got as far as the Metro stop near my hostel fine (except accidentally going the wrong way one stop, quickly corrected) but from there I had no idea where Rue d'Elephant (or Oliphantstrasse and please excuse my spelling, I'm doing this from memory in nonnative language). But this nice older man saw me walking in circles (my normal lost behavior - walk ten steps, look confused, turn around, walk, wonder if people are watching) and said.. well, I'm not sure what he said. But I told him I was lost, and he seemed to understand. He took one look at the hostel address and directed me to follow. Good thing, because 9 blocks and 4 turns later (and many greetings to other men on the street) and I saw Elephant.

This hostel is much cleaner and bigger than my last. But between the lack of lights for a while, the youth and yes.. the lack of English, I'm not as social as I was last night. Ok, they all look like they're in high school, and seem to be in a mob.. Save Me! Ok.. panic attack over. I did chat with my seat mates on my way here. Suzie is a nice retired classical guitar player is making her way to Greece to settle down. Ah, if I am only that spry when I'm ready for retirement. And willing to give away everything except one suitcase of clothes. Tom, you interested? Also chatted heavily with Martin, a runner from Leeds who discussed politics while carefully not commenting on the state of American politics (I said plenty).

Fun. Hopefully I find others to talk to. But at least I'm over jet lag. Off to see the European Parliament buildings and a couple of parks tomorrow.