Some tree

More Berlin and some Strasbourg

Saw some more cool stuff in Berlin. An elderly Japanese man exuberantly offered in German to take a picture of me. At first I thought he was speaking Japanese which I don't speak either. Nice last day exploring shops including a comic/art store.

I crossed the border into France yesterday. It is interesting that it is not really noted when you cross borders within EU countries. Or maybe I just don't understand the train conductor's announcement. Distinct possibility there.

Currently in Strasbourg, capital of Alsace. It is a really cool city with lots of old buildings, which you know I love. It feels like I have stepped into Belle's town in Beauty and the Beast except more singing in the streets hete. Couple pics here and more to follow!

And a couple random things. I almost stepped on the prettiest butterfly that couldn't fly for some reason (sad) that I moved to a windowsill probably to end up being eaten by a bird instead but somehow that seems more dignified than being stepped on. Also the black thing with the dog face is a bike seat cover! Will be very handy on rainy days, I have used a plastic bag for the purpose of keeping my bum dry but now I can keep it dry in adorable style. Yay europe!

Berlin

I have been in Berlin for a few days and it is AWESOME! Coolest city. Everywhere you turn there is some quirky cafe, street art, performers like the wine glass player below, and just funky loveable randomness. My favorite place so far.

Today I walked around and saw a shell game type thing. I stood nearby and watched, which turned out to be a mistake--soon there were three different people yelling at me to join the game. And they were playing for keeps! Like 100 euro at a time. Crazy people. There were markets going on around there and I got some cool art and neat trinkets.

I also saw the most ornate church ever--you can tell Germany likes flashy. It was cool though you could climb the stairs up the highest dome and go on the roof of the church, with lovely accompanying views.

The architecture here in general is awesome, even normal residential buildings look so sleek and chic. People seem pretty chill too. I liked seeing a family of five cycle by each on their own bike.

Seriously everyone should visit Berlin it is great. Also apparently the housing is much cheaper, like $400 for a room in a shared apartment. You wouldn't get that most places in america let alone a major city. I could live here!

Oh also they sell liquor in the checkout line with candy and cigarettes. I find that intriguing. There was a homeless man sitting outside the grocery store, and an old lady got him to watch her terrier and then paid him with cigarettes.

German cafe

How many layers do you see in this cake? I count 13

Berlin tomorrow

Osnabruck, Germany

I am in Germany. People continue to speak in German to an uncomprehending me. Osnabruck is a small town I am chilling in for a few days before Berlin.

Today while walking around I saw a white supremacist sign. It was a little disconcerting, I felt a little uncomfortable being out and about afterwards.

But really cool buildings and a pretty church here. My b&b room is a duplex of sorts and has a spiral staircase! See below

Amsterdam

Been in Amsterdam a few days. It is a really cool, really chill city--except an old Dutch lady who spat at me to get out of her way in colorful language as we approached each other on the sidewalk from opposite directions. A dad with a stroller was kind enough to translate.

Took a canal cruise today which was super touristy but super worth it. Really neat to see everthing from the water level. I learned thay Amsterdam is actually 1500(!) islands connected by bridges.

Oh also saw a parking garage for bicycles. Multilevel like a mall garage. See below

Heading to Germany tomorrow!