Kyle’s European Adventure

Well, I’ve now been here a week, and I’m feeling rather settled. I’m still somewhat shocked at how quickly all the “Must Take Care Of” things were crossed off my list, and now I’m left with nothing but to live and enjoy the city and my friends here. Saturday was my first whole day on my own, and it was really wonderful. I slept in, made breakfast, went to the gym, then wandered around the city for hours. I told myself that I was going to find a different spot to read my book every day, and so this day found me with my feet in the cascading fountains at Alexanderplatz, enjoying the sun.

In the evening, I went and wandered Mitte for hours. I grabbed the occasional beer, and meandered all over the historic sections of the neighborhood. I found the street where all the prostitutes work (the girls were surprisingly polished and highly intimidating. They really didn’t know how to take NO for an answer.) I walked past the palaces of Frederick the Great and the WW I & II Memorials. I found a beach bar, where they’ve left a bunch of sand on the edge of the river and serve beers to people watching the sun set. I made it through the posh shopping district, and past the matching churches that Fredrick built – one for the Germans, and one for the French.

After going to bed WAY too late, I got up and met my new partner in crime, Marcos, for a day trip to Potsdam, capital of the Brandenburg state, and hope to many of Frederick II’s castles. We spent the whole day touring Sannssouci Castle and Gardens, where I decided that Fred the Second was a kindred spirit to Old Ludwig in Bavaria. They both REALLY liked to build castles, and Frederick the Great meant his to rival Versailles. We walked all over that place, and it did not disappoint. I was especially amazed by the wood-inlay work in the guest palace. It was absolutely amazing, and (OF COURSE) no photos were allowed. After all the castle excitement, we went back into Potsdam proper to walk around the scenic downtown, and see the historic Dutch Quarter.

I’m hitting the hay early tonight. Tomorrow I plan to take a blanket to the Tiergarten and enjoy the sun for as much of the day as possible. G’night!