In Mother Russia the Blog Keeps You

Happiness is an ocean away

Brought to you by the letter D

On Dubstep: it’s like tribal music for a bored generation of white people too afraid to listen to hiphop but too primal instinct driven to appreciate anything with more than one layer of sound.

Hello world outside of my own little Hamburger life.

So that was all a little while ago and I’m realizing that it’s impossible for me to share every detail of this trip with you all. It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I’m a terrible blogger with the attention span of a squirrel.

In the time since my last entry I have:

A) Primarily been occupied with the seemingly unending task of figuring out the German University system on my own with somewhat of a language handicap due to that fact that administrtive vocabulary isn’t really something I’m incredibly familiar with.

B) Going to an English speaking Stammtisch the other Saturday to see a gentelman who wrote a book about how Americans learn German. I’ve read the book. It’s decent. I went to the reading, its fairly humorous. I’ve met the author, he’s a bit of a prick and way too full of himself for having mastered the primary root language of English, his mother tongue. His accent is terrible and if I could hear it at all you must believe me. I ended up sneaking out of the Q&A with some british guy to score free wine from a Greek festival in the building! OPA!

C) Being exhausted and enthralled by Inga. I’m still exhausted just thinking about clubbing with her and Sascha (who came up from Berlin for the weekend to visit!!!) For those of you who don’t know, Inga studied at Temple last year and was just the sweetest presence in German Society. I simply cannot impress upon you enough in blog blurb form how hard this girls gets down. I went over to her house for dinner a few weeks ago while Sascha was here (salty but still very delicious) and afterwards we spent some time chatting until it was time to head out to the club (midnightish). Out first stop was a quick tour of the Reeperbahn on a weekend evening. Words can’t express. I really don’t think I can do it justice but imagine a smutty, peep-show ridden Mardi gras occuring weekly. That’s about it. We popped into a packed dive bar and got ourselves a round of Mexikaners (half tequila, half tabasco) YUM! Washed it down with a beer and headed to our real destination of the evening, Lokee. Lokee is probably the poshest bar I’ve been in after R2L. It’s exactly what you imagine the German club scene to be if you’ve cared to imagine it. It was loud, corwded, expensive and techno fabulous. Everyone was dressed in the latest fashions (the guys were so european to my untrained American eye they looked Gay Gay Gay) and each room was decorated and divided to have it’s own atmosphere. My favorite was the resting room. It was a dim, quieter room off to the sides filled with, not chairs but SWINGS!!!!! Rows of swings just hanging there with drunk and drinking Germans thrilled to have found the techno heaven in their heart of hearts. We danced and danced and danced and danced. Inga has one of those magnetic personalities. I find it amazing that no matter where she goes she makes friends. She really lives up to the hype :-) At around 5 it was time to go get a snack so dragged Sascha the mile or so to the FISCHMARKT! A real Hamburg necessity. We didn’t actually end up eating Fischbrot but we did find another live band singing American classics (half of which I had never even heard before). After dancing another few hours we finally convinced Inga that it was time to go home. I nearly fell asleep on the train and I think I only managed half a real goodbye to Sascha and around 9am I got home and passed out on the most comfortable bed. That girl knows how to party.

D) Inga has also taken to inviting me out with her friends! I had to go to a Sprechstunde today so I missed lunch but we went to see a screening of a popular Krimi the other day at Kulturhaus 73. It was free aside from the dirt cheap popcorn so it’s something I’d absolutely do again. Then we met with her friends for a movie last night. I wish I knew a bit more about the political climate of Germany in the 60’s because I got a little lost when they started arguing politics (pretty much the point of the film) I understood the rest though and I can’t complain about learning something new. Afterward we got some döners and called it a (rather chilly, rainy) night. Guilia and Annika are both really lovely girls and I can’t wait to see them again. I’m planning on tagging along this weekend to “Die Lange Nacht Der Museen” which should be cool so perhaps Annika is coming to that (Guilia is in Stockholm for a week teaching German).

E) This city has one of the best secondhand cultures I’ve ever seen. For those of you that actually know me, Consignment is the Boss and Fleamarkets are Born in the USA. That was probably the worst metaphor I’ve ever made but I’m too excited to care. Steinstrass has the absolute coolest Flohmarkt on Fridays and I could just spend my life there. I think I might.

SSSSOOOOOO…. Who’s coming to rent and apartment here with me and fill it with all of these lovely treasure? Lets Do This!

E) One of my notes said reading. I’ve been reading a lot, sometimes in German. I actually picked up a treat for myself today. not one but TWO German versions of the beloved Goosebumps series. Because reading in German isn’t any fun if it’s not crappy childrens horror stories.

F) Tomorrow night is my second official Madelsabend. Renee and I are hosting so she’s making Enchiladas and I will be making my perfect homemade traitional guacamole! <3 Thanks for that one Mum, best recipe EVER.

G) Oh, and I started classes this week. HAHAHAHA More on that when I know what I’m doing.

It’s that time again….You know, BLOGTIME! In fact I think I put this off a bit too long and now I have Oh So Much to talk about!

SO it’s been a few days and I’ve been a busy busy bee.

I went to the Hamburg Museum for Kunst und Gewerbe last week.

Spending a few hours wandering amongst the paintings posters sculptures and antiquities was just lovely.

(See! It’s not so different from home!)

I can’t say that it was much different from other museums i’ve been to aside from some of the content. There was a really lovely collection of porcelain from around the world that explained a lot of the history and gave a nice timeline of when different regions had their heyday and what they were know for. 

There was some really fun stuff that absolutely stood the test of time:

The Left is representative of Africa, the Right America and the glorious crowning center is of course the ever-benevolent Europe.

Brilliant.

The one particular thing I loved was an exhibit called: Pracht und Macht - Der Dresdner Hof um 1600 aka “Power to the Imagination. Artists, Posters and Politics”

The exhibit consisted of different political posters with tribute to artist’s who used their art as a form of protest. It was really fascinating to see some common imagery used to make such powerful statements. Seeing some of these pieces of art in context made them take on a whole new light.

The museum describe the exhibit as such:

Artists’ posters tell the story of protest, commitment to freedom and human rights, the fight for equal rights and tolerance.

z.B.

Another super thing I found hidden in the back room in the corner was a Puppenhouse! It was rescued from the chaos of multiple estates sales (poor Jewish people fighting for their inheritance!) but it’s really a treasure.

This was supposedly the first room built! Look at that detail! Fuck Fischer Price! It’s actually more of a scale model of a house built to showcase a family’s wealth and prized possessions.

Oftentimes furniture was recreated precisely so these houses wouldn’t have matching sets. They would have brilliant replication of expensive antiques.

There would also be people! Because who else could you play with in these masterpieces! (Hint: not Barbie)

Needless to say, I Want One.

I also took a lovely little trip to the Alter Elbetunnel! For those of you who don’t know (I’m assuming most of you because I didn’t even really know about it) The tunnel was begun in 1907 to connect St. Pauli and Steinwerder.

At the time of it’s conception it was a serious feat. Some stats:

 426 m (1,398 ft) long

 24 m (80 ft) deep

It opened in 1911 and seeing as Hamburg was one of the busiest harbours in the world it was kindof a big deal!

Nowadays it’s a pedestrian and vehicle tunnel so people like me can wander through to the other side! 

The inside of the tunnel is decorated with these huge bronze plaques enbossed with different sea creatures! How cute.

Apparently, in Germany Rats and Boots fit into that theme.

Wikipedia says: Four huge lifts on either side of the tunnel carried pedestrians, carriages and motor vehicles to the bottom. They are still in operation, though due to the limited capacity by today’s standards, other bridges and tunnels have been built and taken over most of the traffic.

Devon Says: This is what it looks like, nukkah!

So after taking my time going all the way across the city to walk through this deep dark tunnel I finally reach the other side to see….

Drumroll please……

Pretty much nothing.

A bunch of factories

Nobody (it was a kinda cloudy day)

There was a pretty spectacular view of the Harbor (Hafen, to be precise)

(St. Pauli is rather colorful dontcha think?)

Another fun thing I’ve been doing is Yoga!

Renee’ takes me to this really fabulous thing called SportSpass. I can’t even tell you how much I wish this existed in the states. It’s a city-wide gym program that has a couple dozen locations and only costs like 8 euro a month for membership. Sometimes the class you’re in might be in a school auditorium but the cost of just renting spaces in off hours means really cheap easily accessible fitness for all! Love it. So Renee and I started doing Kundalini-Yoga on Monday nights. I don’t think there’s anything more relaxing. It takes a little getting used to because there is a lot f Mantra chanting and singing. It’s not a strenuous workout at all but in the evenings I think it’s just a lovely way to unwind and meditate while getting a little it of a light workout in.

My new favorite is Power Yoga and as soon as I get my SportSpass membership (I need ot get my German Bankkonto set up first) then I will be going weekly because it is hard as hell but I’ll be damned if I didn’t feel absolutely fabulous afterward. I did hurt my hip a little bit but I was SO CLOSE to doing a split!!!!! Badass!

Renee, being the darling open kind sweet person that she is doesn’t neglect to invite me places (It’s really more than I could have ever asked for!) and had me along for Madelsabend with her friends!

We drank wine, Watched Germany’s next Top Model and read trashy gossip magazines!

Poor Liz Taylor! and Lol to the term Bieberlieber!

Renee had to take that off at the very last second…

So.Close.

A few of the ladies got makeovers but as you all know I’m far too pretty to begin with…. Either that or I already had too much makeup on. :-)

All in all it was a really fun night and I must say I haven’t had more than tiny hiccups when it comes to my ability to speak and understand. I think I have the most trouble when two conversations are going on at once. I want to hear both like I would be able to in English but I just still need a certain level of concentration here.

FTW ladies!

So that was on Thursday and I still haven’t told you all about my weekend! (hint, it was CrAzaY!) but seeing as how

A) I’m tired of blogging for tonight

B) I went to an English speaking Stammtisch Saturday with a gentelman who wrote a book who’s reading I am going to on wednesday and want to talk about in a later blog

C) I’m still exhausted just thinking about clubbing with Inga and I simply cannot impress upon you enough in an end of blog blurb form how hard this girls gets down. 

So that’s all folks. If you don’t care at least I’ll have my memories documented, suckas!

~Devo

I love you.

I know that it’s probably too early in our relationship to say a thing like that but I can’t keep it to myself. I am in love, with you. Remember yesterday when we watched that Fußballspiel together. I cheered with everyone of your delicious goals and you in return kicked major ass. HSV 6- Köln 2! Incredible. Remember also that evening the other night when I met up with the lovely Inga, her sister and her sister’s boyfriend. What a sweet evening chatting auf Deutsch and drinking the perfect local brew, Astra. I loved exploring your cool, down to earth bar scene and I can’t wait to see your wild Techno-disco clubber side. I know you have it in you!  Today I felt like I saw every part of you. I wandered through Hafencity, Hafen, Altstadt, Alster, and lingered for hours in your Botanical Gardens. I know that as the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter our love will flourish. Part of the beauty of our relationship is in the potential. We’ve been together for so short a time that it’s hard to imagine we haven’t know each other our whole lives but I know I have so much yet to see and do.

With heartfelt adoration,

Devon

PICTURES TO FOLLOW!

Settling in!

Whoa! so much blog!

Hey guys. So I”m still alive. Surprised? hopefully not. Disappointed? I don’t blame you.

So I’m at my second night at the adorable instant-sleep backpacker hostel. It’s incredibly cozy in here and although I didn’t necessarily meet anyone here I’ve had a very positive experience. It’s quiet and friendly. I think maybe I’m used to the Moscow mentality of smiling being the wrong thing to do but the smile i’ve gotten here have made it hard to miss home. I’ll try to get some pictures before I leave tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow….. I found an apartment and my lovely new roommate Renee has offered to meet me here and bring my things back to her place tomorrow afternoon! So sudden but it’s exactly what I most hoped for.  I’m sure I’ll write more about Renee later but she’s 27 and a project coordinator for…. something. I insisted that she speak German to me because it’s useless for me to skate by with all the english surrounding me. I veto it.

Anyway the room is so sweet. It’s nice open and sunny and larger than I would have asked for. It’s a little out of the way from the city center but it’s literally right next to the Ubahn so I can be in town less than 20 minuted from walking out the door (try doing that from anywhere in Philly using Septa, I dare you) I’m looking forward to another few months where walking underground to take a train doesn’t make me gag and I don’t spend 20 minuted being stared at by a homeless man while looking for the train.

Renee left a few of her things in the room to make it more cozy so don’t freak out about me bringing a painting and candlesticks abroad, kay? I know I tend to overpack but I think I did a good job! I’ll look so adorable and we all know how camera happy I get in Europe!

Because of the good luck I had with this room I don’t need to move in with the Couchsurfer I booked for the weekend (my dad is thrilled I’m sure) but he did invite me to a Soccer game on Saturday. I think it would be a slap in the face of all Germans if I refused an offer like that so I’m all in.

I’m so excited and relieved at finding a home that I keep forgetting to write about my lovely tour this afternoon.

After waking up and leisurely getting dressed (they kept locking the bathroom and I’m in the 9 person room with a few other guys so I had to wait around and be super sneaky to get dressed (that’ll teach me to sleep in in Deutschland). I eventually left the house and went foraging for my breakfast. Here’s a hint. There’s a lot of bread here. There is also a lot of chocolate and coffee flows like a mystical awakening elixir of plenitude. I’m in heaven.

I made my way to the center of the city in rapid time do to my unfailing ability to take subways. I know, it’s a gift people. We can’t all be so lucky. I’ll just say that the Germanness is seeping into me and being twenty minutes early is a manifestation of Germania (no, not De Germania the famous cultural study of teutonic tribes by the great historian Tacitus) But Ger-Mania a medical condition in which people become indoctrinated and enslaved by the charming and magnificent ways of the German people leaving them incapable of doing things such as arriving late or not recycling. I don’t know what magical powers the Turks have to avoid this powerful draw but I want no part of it. All I want from them is Döner.

SO ANYWAY. I arrived at the Uni’s Bh and wandered around for some time before meeting Sasha for a tour and a beer (everything I had been lacking at this point aside form housing) With his guidance I may just get my tranfer credit approval situation resolved and will get signed up for classes… and open my german bank account and get an actual student visa. Miracle upon miracles if I actually complete some paperwork.

So it’s getting a smidge late here (not really but i’m still recovering from the time change) and I’m thinking of going to communal sleep in my communal room. Nobody is on skype anyway! (don’t forget to add me I can send you little message-leins even if you’re away) Goodnight USA, send some aid to Japan you owe them after Katrina and try not to fuck over NPR anymore. I don’t approve of half the shit you’re doing over there government I have half a mind not to come back.

OKAY not getting started on that.

PEACE!

<3 Devon

So, I finally made it to Hamburg. I must admit this traveling alone thing doesn’t bother me as much as I think it would other people. After a 6 hour flight to London 45 extra minutes of scanning stamping and herding I hopped onto my connecting flight and arrived in Hamburg this morning (it’s evening here folks. five hours ahead). I popped into a cab because I’ll be dammed if taking 2 suitcases and a carry-on onto a new and complex public transportation after a full 12 hours of travelling sounded like a good idea. :-) So I chatted with my cab diver as he took me to my hostel and it turns out that I picked one of the cute hip districts to spend my first day or so in. Nice. I think I’m a winner. I haven’t noticed anything that I neglected to pack or plum forgot about. As soon as I go to the hostel dropped off my bags, popped in to ease the troubled minds of my parents and peaced for my mini-informal self-guided walking tour of anywhere that would bring me to a Mediamarkt or a store that I could get a local cell phone in. I somehow managed to take the bus straight there thanks to help form a few locals. (I wasn’t that lucky with the bus back, go figure) I feel rather accomplished seeing as I had both within a few hours, only got a little lost and made it back right after 3pm check-in opened up. Whew. I must admit maybe I pushed myself a little with the sheer amount of walking I did but I wasn’t about to pay for another cab just to get back to my hostel. It wol feel like defeat. First impression is that Hburg is a low city. There aren’t as many tall tall building and the streets are wider. I guess since they really took their time developing this city they didn’t have to smoosh it ll together. Hansa Hooray! I forgot my camera on my wanderings today so ya’ll are gonna have to wait for some wicked pix. Tomorrow I’m looking at apartments and meeting for a beer near Dammtur Bahnhof. Don’t let me forget that name lol. Remember to skype me guys. I’m looking forward to hearing from you all! Skype name: dkletko

<3

BTW It’s damp and cold. I am cold.

The day after tomorrow I will be in Germany. Awsome. See you then.

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