Classes Begin!

Oi yo,

Hey all.

Well, it's that time of year again. The time of year when you've moved in, gotten your classes, drank too-much too-soon and are completely comfortable with your living situation. This time, instead of humble little De Pere, WI... I have found Harrow, England. this time my drinking too much has been completely legal (...boring), my mates are British, my classes are film-related and room is all to myself!

Things are going very well over here. I love my modules (classes) and my new mates (friends, buddies).

I'll write more when there is more to write.

Love you all.

Nicholas

moved in

Hey Mates,

How's Life? Well, one of the scariest things I have endured is now over. That may be an overstatement. In fact, it is. But I say that now after everything's over. And that very thing, that terrifying scary horrible thing... was moving in with Foreigners. Yes. But, I'm all moved in and everything's ok. I'm in one piece. In fact, I love my flatmates. They're all British, which is so unbelievably awesome. I'm learning so much about their culture and having a great time. We've been checking out the pubs and figuring out the cooking situation... which will be a continuous adventure... But, I'm in and happy.

So, I'll get around to putting pics and shizzle when I get the chance. Fear not!

Well, hope everyone's smashing!

Cheers

Solo London V. 2

Oi lads,

I'm going to make it quick this time. I have 3 things to talk about. 3 reviews. As you know, I'm back in London killing time (and mostly £££) until I can move into my flat... which is tomorrow. I'm ready, believe me. But, I've been here seeing some sights, buying a butt-tonne of things off of Bond and Regent Street (it's their 5th Ave. NYC). I've also been indulging in some of the finer things that London has to offer, musical theatre. Over the past 3 days I've seen 2 shows and one film.... and get this, this is really rare, they, all 3!, blew me away. Yeah, and in Completely different ways. Now you probably wanna hear what I saw, yeah? Grab a Stella and sit back mates. this is what I saw.

Billy Elliot, Little Miss Sunshine and Avenue Q.

Billy Elliot:
Musical Version of the successful film version from a few years back. This is hailed as one of Britain's greatest modern shows by many many critics worldwide. And it doesn't let down. not one bit. I laughed, I had the chills and I cheered for this truly entertaining and uplifting show. I loved the story, the acting, the dancing and the power of this performance. Kate, if you're reading this, I thought of you the entire time. Well, for obvious reasons... it's about Ballet. but, beyond that it's a terrifically done show and holds many elements I know you've said you bring into dance. So, if you haven't seen it, please do. The actual dancing may not be the Russian Ballet, but that's not the point. It's about a mining town run by tough guys and how this 12 year old kid dancing changed their lives forever. I can't say enough about it. My only complaint is that I had tickets in the very very front row, so my vision was slightly strained. But, other than that, excellent.




Little Miss Sunshine:
A new indie film about a dysfunctional family. Drama, comedy, great music, great shots, well acted. The story is very cliche and predictable, but it is done so well and the characters are so compelling that it is disregarded almost entirely. The filmmakers clearly had fun making this and their joy shines through. If you see my name on the silver screen one day, it will be to a film of similar merit and stature. Loved it. I'm not sure what America thinks about it, but Britain freakin' loves it. Anyway, I don't think it's playing in the US anymore, since the films here are several months later than yours. But, see it regardless! Plus, its got the best poster art this year.










Avenue Q:
This was another spur of the moment hit-up. I grabbed the tickets at the box office for £20 and sat in a £60 section. Very nice. It would have been worth the 60... It's a musical comedy featuring actors and puppets. The puppets are operated and performed by people who are in clear view. They sing and speak along with the movements of the puppet. At first it was a little distracting, but, being able to see the actors expressions added to its effect. I haven't laughed this hard in a very long time. It was the funniest show I've seen since "The Producers" and the funniest act since "Triple Espresso". It's racist, vulgar, obscene, but ultimately completely honest. That's why it works. It's sooooo wrong at moments, but you just have to laugh cuz it's so true. But that's comedy right? Well, if so, then they've mastered it. I loved every second. The music is actually terrific and they laughs don't stop. But I can't say any more, cuz you should see it too. It's also in America. So book now!

So, that's all for now. Hope you are well, well, well indeed. Have a bloody brilliant day.

Cheers

Back in London

Oi,

After a delayed flight, a long long long bus ride to somewhere not really close to my hostel in Central London, and another "Encounter", I made it.

EasyJet my ass. excuse my French, but it wasn't an "Easy" flight at all. Delays, delays and more delays. Actually is quite an enjoyable ride, save the super pricey food. But it just took forever... and we actually used an "Air Finland" plane. which was kind of cool.

So I made a reservation at a nice little hostel in Camden Town, which is No. London, very nice area. The bus dropped me off somewhere near West London, not so nice distance, but another nice area. So, city bus it was to be for me. Oh, wait. I forgot I am incapable of taking London busses. My Americanism or Tourist phobia disallow me riding in the right direction... Who knows. SO I start walking. and walking. It's pouring rain, typical London. Always at the perfect time. Walking walking walking, pouring, soaking wet. Yeah, I should really stop and ask someone. I set my soggy map against a brick wall and investigate the map. After some time, I hear a thick British accent from across the street... "I say sir, are you alright? Can I be of some assistance?" I wheel around in my soggy Converse All Stars and smile. I don't know if it was the accent or the incredibly ridiculous kindness that got me, but I had to grin all the way across the street.

I get there and it's a gentleman of about 50 something. He's wearing a full suit and tie, and get this, a MONOCLE! He was wearing glasses, but he had the monocle in his hand like a true Englishman. "I simply couldn't bear watching you suffer out there sir. It's so frightfully cold!"
I reply, "Well, thank you sir. I really appreciate it."

We begin to talk. I tell him where my hostel is and he informs me that it is not on the map I have been pouring over... Sweet. I ask him about which bus I should take. He wouldn't stand for that. No sir! Much to my surprise, he simply states, "Here's what I'm going to do. You hail a taxi, young man. You seem to be much more athletic than I am. Then, I will pay your way."

"What? No no no sir. I can pay my own way, thank you."

"I insist. I insist. It's the least I can do. I have been in your position before. It's no fun. Sometimes you must allow others to step in."

speechless, I agree. We next begin to talk about some various housing situations he has to offer... A free place to stay if the guest would cook 4 meals a week. Hell of a deal I'd say. I say I'll ask around for him. I also tell him about Gumtree.com. He hasn't heard of it, but I explain how it's perfect for his situation. So, he did get something out of our meeting after all!

So the taxi comes, he informs me it's too wet to talk. He gives me his card, pays the driver, opens my door, bids adieu, I thank him again, and with a thrust of the cabbie, we're off and my English Savior fades away into the distance.

What a way to start my semester. If this is what true English character is all about, I can't wait to spend more time among such excellent and admirable people.

Well, that's all for today. I'm going to see a show tonight. Not sure which one, but I want to be entertained, badly. I'm thinking about Billy Elliot. K, hope your well.

Cheers.

Santorini ---> Athens

Yasu,

Yesterday was a bloody nightmare. A crimson blood bath of a nightmare... Like a Nightmare on bloody Elm Street kind of a nightmare. It was no fun. But, before I tell you, I'd like to take a moment to say what a wonderful time I had in Santorini...

My time spent on the beautiful island of Santorini was absolutely great. I slept at this amazing little hotel for only 20 Euro/night. It was about a 5 minutes walk to the black, volcanic sand beach. I spent my first day on the beach reading and sleeping. I was served CocaCola Light by an adorable Greek maiden. (Which, I must say, is very very rare. The women here are pretty hideous...) But, the day at the beach was fun. More topless women, and this time they weren't over 70. So that was nice. That night I ate some really good pizza right on the beach front and watched a bright Orange Moon rise over the Mediterranean. That was also nice. I went back to my humble little Greek hotel and slept like a baby.

Without an alarm clock, I arose to greet the day. I ate bread, toast and some other bread product for breakfast. It was delish, but bready. Then, I walked towards my destination: Santorini All Day Boat Trip. O yeah. and only 16 Euro! So I get there and wait for the bus with a bunch of Aussi's... They, by the way, are inescapable. If they carried a contagious disease, the whole of Europe would be infected. We board the bus for the port. 15 minutes of cliffs and windy roads later, we get to the port. There, shimmering like the mighty Black Pearl is our Vessle: The Albatross.

The Aussi's and I board our ship and wait for the orders. After our Last of the Mohican's' Daniel Day Louis-tour guide gives us the daily low-down in every European language, we set sail... or motor. Our first stop is the island just south of Santorini's main island. It is an active volcano, but hasn't erupted in 50 years... that's reassuring. We get off, pay 2 Euro and climb on the mountain. As we climb, I couldn't help but think of Frodo and Sam climbing Mt. Doom in Mordor. If only the Great Eye was on the lookout for us and the skies weren't perfectly blue and cloud-free... then I could have related a bit more. But, it was very cool. In several spots on the way up, holes in the ground can be seen emitting steam. On the very top their were actually volcanic grills to roast your Gyro with Mother Earth. On top the 'Cano, You could see the entire Island. It was absolutely Breathtaking. You could see that the island was indeed ring-shaped. Supposedly, 3000 years ago, this island was one of the largest volcanoes in the world. In 1350 BC or something, the island exploded. Traces of its rock have been found in both Greenland and California. After the explosion, the sea water rushed into the void that the explosion has created (or Caldera), leaving simply a horseshoe shaped ring around the caldera. That is how it appears today. So you can imagine the dramatic cliffs and amazing landscape. Beautiful place.

Next, we set sail to the hot springs of other volcanic island. The ship anchored about 200 meters from land and Daniel Day said that anyone who wishes to swim in the springs, must jump off now. So, about 15 of 200 jumped off The Albatross into the Cretan Sea, swam 200 meters and reached the spring. The spring was bright orange. Sick. Luckily I was wearing my white swim trunks. Awesome. I get back to the ship and everyone is laughing at me. The Aussi's and everyone. I look down and my white shorts have turned the color of an Oompa Loompa's face.

The next stop is another island. This one isn't volcanic. We have lunch at a little seafood joint, then lay out in the sun for a bit. I skip rocks on the ocean and get an icecream. It was such a gorgeous little village. Then we're off again.

Our next and final stop is back to the Mainland of Santorini, but it's northernmost town of Oio or Aia, I'm not sure which one. This is a village perched on top of rugged cliff. Every building is one-story and colored a bright white. It almost has the appearance of a snow-covered mountain. We get to the small port, say goodbye to our Fur-trading, red-coat slaying, half-Indian, friendly, multi-lingual tour guide and step foot on Santorini once again.

I start walking, most of the time backwards, because every way I look I am in awe of the natural beauty. I get up a small hill and realize that I has a crucial decision to make. Dare I walk up the rugged cliff or... do I pay 4 Euro for a DONKEY. Yes, a donkey. Obviously, I choose to fork over the 4 E and ride the beast up the mountain. This wasn't a smart decision. Why? Ah, because I almost died. Yeah, the scruffy Greek Donkey-Wrangers failed to tell us any safety precautions or techniques on our journey... My Donkey and it's enemy ahead of me were the competitive ones. My Aussi friend and I had to give into the nature of the beast and witness raw, animal competition. They cared not for my sandled feet or, bare legs, or the 2 foot ledge that separated life (the trail) and death (the 400 foot drop down the cliff). My sweaty grip would not have been enough if the donkey ahead of me had given a swift hip-check to mine. But, the Aussi'd Donkey ahead of me hasn't heard of Ice Hockey, so he wouldn't know how to Hip Check. So I survived... but barely.

I reach the top of the mountain and the site that was once great, got better. The sea was far below, the white buildings were slightly orange in the setting sun and I was happy to be alive. I meandered a bit and found a nice little cafe. I popped in, sat down, took a picture, look at the prices, vomited and left. I then found a little square in which to sit and watch the sunset. Some frazzled British Girls were in search of place to watch, I told them about the cafe and another that I was thinking of. They soon replied, in British, "Well I suppose you should join us then?" Of course, my voice cracked, i got red in the face and replied, "duuuuuh, ahhhhh, yeah,,, ahhh, i dunnoooo, sure" just kidding. I was almost as smooth as our tour guide. But, I didn't have flowing black locks. The girls and I grabbed a couple Mythos Beers and sat in the little square. They were from Newcastle, England. A northern city on the east coast. We talked of Britain and the US, school and how this sunset was weak. I told them of my plans for studying in London and residing in Harrow. I also told them that I thought Harrow was a bit Dodgy. Soon into this conversation, a bloke behind me cuts in, "Ay mate, I grew up in Harrow...and it's not the least bit dodgy. Don't worry mate." Blimey! What are the odds huh? So, we watched the sunset, caught a bus back to the girls' town and had some dinner had a few drinks and walked around Fira. We exchanged e-mails and they are probably going to read this blog... so I better watch what I say about 'em. I then said goodbye, caught a bus home, and slept once again in my Greek Palace.

The following day, yesterday, I got up with an alarm! I bought one in Fira with the English girls. I packed, went outside, ready to check out... but where is the owner?? Desperately searching high and low and I find no one. Much to my luck, a pair of beautiful Aussi women come to my aid. We team up and eventually find this Rogue Concierge. I catch the bus to the port with some more Aussi's, get my ticket, and board the Ginormous Vessle... without Cash. Merde! Nothing. I search for an ATM. Nothing. They only accept cash on board. I look through my bags... One Corte D'or chocolate bar and Two "Pick Ups" from Belgium. This will be my only food for the next 12 hours! Yes, my friends. I pulled a Gandhi. I didn't eat yesterday until 10:30 pm. I left my hotel at 8:45... without a breakfast. So, whats a boy to do? Cry? Beg? No sir. I slept most of it off and used the little food that I had to last me the 12 hours. It wasn't easy.... in fact it was one of the most miserable experience of the trip. But, I have a story don't I? Isn't it funny that my demise is your entertainment? Well, not really, I enjoy this as much as you do. And, looking back, I laugh...

But I got into Pireas, Athens' port. I start walking. nothing's open. No internet cafe's, no restaurants, nothing. I continue walking. I find a German-titled, Octoberfest themed restaurant... So I enter. They couldn't be more friendly. There are 6 staff members sitting there, waiting for me to enter. I'm the only customer. I sit down order my chicken sandwich... wait.....forever... then it arrives, the steaming heap of glorious sustenance. Food has never looked so good! I indulge and love it. It could have been baby food and I would have been happy. But it was good. I pay the waitress... then ask for directions to the train station. She tells me and i say ok. But, apparently, she saw the weary and fatigue in my American eyes. She then say, "No Problem, I take you there." WHAT? "Yeah, sir it's no problem, I was just in Malta and loved the way people treated me. I treat you the same. No talking! Come!" ... Ah, scary. So I follow this women outside. She takes me to her Motor Bike and climbs on. I get on the back and hold on for dear life. She then says, "I good driver. I think... hahahahaha" Hehehe.... yeah..... with a kick of the starter and twist of the steering wheel, we're off. As I'm riding on the back of this MoPed, buzzing through Pireas, I can't help but think of the movie Amelie. This is quite possibly the coolest thing that has happened to me thus far... and maybe even ever. I mean, I didn't know this girl... yet, she was so willing to dangerously transport my tired carcass across Pireas, Greece. When she dropped me off, all I could think to say was, "I don't know how I can thank you enough...wow" then she simply replies, "I need no thanks. have a safe trip!" And with that, the ghost of a girl speeds off into the night... and I didn't even tip her.

So, I metro it up to Athens, find a hostel, go there... get inside after miles of walking through dark alleys and what does the concierge tell me. "We're booked solid sir." Ah. aha, ok. "Sir, I'll take anything." I say.. "I'll sleep on your floor if you let me."
"Sure. We have an extra mattress. You find it upstairs, passport please." He holds out his hand. "Oh, nice, ok, perfect," I give him my passport and head upstairs. I then find my completely filthy mattress soaked in Zues-Knows-What. But, luckily, once again, I brought my sleeping bag. So I bagged it for the night on a mess even Mr. Clean or the Oxy Clean guy couldn't handle. What a day, huh. Oh, it's been quite like that every day here for your very own "Culture Vulture".

Thanks for reading.

Oh, Hannah, this is for you. On my way out of the port, I passed a huge group of old people waiting to get on their guided tour bus. They were all cute and everything, you would have loved every second of it.
...Oh, and I almost forgot. They were French.

Sant

Santorini

Well, today I traveled by ferry to the volcanic island on Satorini (or Thira as the Greeks call it). The Island is a gigantic cauldera, or an exploded volcano crater, that has submerged into the sea, leaving dramatic slopes and black-sand beaches. I've only just arrived, so I've only been to the beach and checked into my room... which, by the way was not entirely my decision... The Greek hotel salesman basically shoved me into his van after seeing my eyebrows rise at the mention of his price... 20 E... which is double what i paid for last night... But, I've got my own room, bathroom, TV, and it's 150 m from the beach. So I said yes. I'm thinking that today or tomorrow I'll rent a motor scooter and explore... The island is only about 6 miles long in its longest and incredibly dramatic. But, I'll soon be able to post pictures. If not soon, when I get back to my computer in London, I can hook it up and do it for sure.

But, yesterday I took a bus from Chania to Iraklio along the coast. It was tremendoulsy gorgeous... reminding me very very much of Maui, minus the intense vegetation. Crete was a very rocky place, without many trees. Same for Santorini... It's very beautiful, but in different ways than many of the tropical islands I have come up to know or have been to... The hills are rocky and weedy. The trees, if any are imported (i think). But, I'd love to come back. But, anyway, yesterday... right off the bus I asked a man for directions and it turned out that he was Australian and was headed in my area. So we walked together, discussing various likes and dislikes of travel in Europe. He told me how he was arrested in Russia and was exported to Turkey, then somehow wound up here. But, he was a nice guy and we ended up going out that night with another Aussie in our hostel... we had a few drinks and ate some Greek cuisine (BARF)... it was ok... Moussaka I believe it was called. Kind of like lasagna, but with eggplant and ground beef.. kind of good... then, ARRGG... he gave us shots of this godawful liquor on the house... woa... if the moussaka wasn't enough to make us spew. But we had a good time, the 3 of us. I learned quite a bit about Aussies and about Greeks... But then I slept, caught a ferry, watched Tarzan in Greek, arrived in Santorini and was thrown into the back a 1980 Dodge Sprinter. Traveling is fun!

Be back later. Hope you are well.

nick

Greece!

Well hello, hello my friends,

Your very own Waldo is here to let you know where he is. This time, I am reporting from the fabulous Greek Isle of Crete. The land of blue waters, mountainous landscape, beautiful port towns and friendly people. It's paradise my friends! But, as is everything in life, these rewards only come to those who take great risks head-on. Or, maybe just me. Well, my story begins in Athens...(insert cheesy citar music and wavey screen)

Yesterday, or so it seems, many many days ago, I was in the ancient city of Athens, Greece. There I saw the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus and the Archeological Museum. All of which were very very interesting and amazing. However, each stop was a test of heat and endurance... From the Greek climate and the Greek people... Athens is a very very busy and loud town unfortunately. But, I am glad to have seen such marvels.

After missing several buses and barely making it back to the travel agency to collect my bag after already making a $$$ decision on not staying in Athens that night... wooof. I took the train to Pireas, a major sea port in Greek. There I approach the docks where I am looking for my humble little ferry to Crete... Right. I get there and the Titanic's yellow and blue sister is waiting for me. What?? I only paid 30 E for the ticket? And it's a 10 hour trip... I was expecting "The Minnow"! But, after riding the escalator and being pointed to my destination... I realised just why I only paid 30 E... I had no room. It was the open air for me!

Luckily the Mediterranean nights are unbelievably beautiful... sleeping on the bench with my sleeping bag was actually enjoyable.

I awake at 6:30 to sound of our captain. I open my eyes to the the sun rising over the sea and this spectacular island looming just before my eyes! We've made it! I depart and wander about the sea port with no goal in mind... rubbing my eyes and pretending not to be lost. After 2 hours of guessing, worrying, asking non-english speaking Greeks for directions and 3 cups of coffee... I realize that I'm not in the right city. Woops. But, not woops. It's easy to assume I was in Chania... Because they told me I was... Not that I would arrive 10 km from Chania! Well... I start walking... and walking... trying to talk to more and more greeks....none of them knowing English... I'm passing tiny farms with family gardening, old people dressed in black carrying their groceries... It's quite the sight! Then I see a bus stop... thank Zeus! I wait, attempt to speak to another Greek and then get on the bus.... without a ticket... So i hold out a handful of coins for the driver and he picks what is necessary.. no biggie....right? well, yeah, i guess so. before I know it I'm in Chania!But, I didn't know it... yet. I just got off because it seemed like the right distance... But, I got off... and started walking... backpack and all...

2 hours later I find myself in the tourist information center drenched with sweat... he is nice enough to show me where to go and I go... I follow his directions and walk in a little sea port town... and O My Lord it is beautiful... right out of a romantic movie starring Matthew McCannahey... A little harbor town lined with tiny shops, restaurants and street performers. It's so great... and totally worth all the effort. It's now about noon. I then find a cheap hotel, shower, and go to the beach. The day has been really pretty great after all. Now, on the the pictures!

Oh, and Greek guys really scare me. They always seem to be stalking you... luckily Chania is a tourist town... I don't wanna mess with 7 Greek Olympians...

Athens, Greece

Hey,

Well, as you could have probably guessed... I made it to Athens today. I took a 6:45AM flight out of Brussels on Virgin Air. So, that means I had to get up at 4am. Yeah. Oh, and thanks to Astrid and Stephanie I didn't get to sleep until 1am. It was fun though. My last glimpse of Mechelen, Belgium... God what a wonderful place. I can't wait to go back. I'm also going to post pics of the town and expereices from the last couple of days... when I get the chance. Cuz they have rocked.

So, I've been up for 14 hours... But it's ok, I'm running on mostly adrenaline anyway. I don't think it's really hit me that I'm actually in Greece... Greece. One of the most beautiful countries in the world... I'm there. Although the internet cafe I'm in right wouldn't be considered quite that caliber... but, it's been great thus far. I'm going to do a formal post in a while when I can figure out how to post my pics on here... but until then, nope. sorry. You're gonna have to just imagine beautiful white sand beaches, blue water, rugged cliffs and ancient ruins of the Acropolis and other Greek civilizations. do it. while you're doing that, I'm going to take a stroll outside where the women are beautiful, the air is warm and the food is even better. Until then. seeyou later

Nicholas