Berlin 2010

My visit to Berlin almost was delayed due to striking French workers on the Thalys line. This was averted thankfully! I remember waiting at Gare du Nord and noticing the delays of 1 hour of trains coming from the north due to striking workers blocking the tracks. I had heard about the issue regarding the age of retirement and the govts stance on raising that to 62... politics follows me everywhere I go.

The train ride was brilliant because it was the only ride that had wifi and I could use my itouch to check in with my facebook and twitter friends. Eight hours later, I arrived in Berlin to meet my friend (who I was totally in love with once upon a time) and he was brilliant. I returned to Berlin at least 20lbs heavier and he was greyer and losing some of his hair. We are both aging, who am I kidding? I met him back in 1998 ala AOL chat and message boards and we are still friends. I adore him but I don't think I could ever have a relationship with him. He's content with doing what he's doing, while I want to do much more! I thought at one time we would marry and have children (his parent's seemed to think this would happen as well) but he didn't give off any signs that this is what he wanted - so I've backed away. I don't want to settle for the next best thing even though I love Berlin and I love his family and I think (from a German perspective) I think they are open to me becoming one of their family, I don't think he's over China or doesn't want to let China go. (China is some girl he met and moved in with, who scammed him some money and then her visa ran out and had to return to China, now she is thinking of returning, and I think he wants her back). I mean, in the scope of things, wouldn't you want a girl from Canada who has her own place, vehicle, job and could support herself than someone who wants to sponge off of you?

Anyhow, it was great to be back in Berlin. I was able to pick up some contacts for a report I was doing on tourism and attacting tours to Canada. I was doing a research project on behalf of a company that will be looking to attract German tourists. I haven't been paid for this project but am compiling a report and hopefully will get some payment. I am trying to start my own business and its very hard due to the other jokers who are being paid to consult to this Aboriginal community. I'm learning the language with a desire to work in Berlin.. but I don't think much will come of this unless I can get someone on the inside to help.

Paris 2010

So I've already mentioned what I had planned to do... yes, I did visit Jim...

Its been my fifth visit, and I think my 2nd visit offered the best photo, but its always an experience of awe when I visit this cemetery.

Paris has become such a dirty and unwelcoming place. As I mentioned, I've been five times already and this time, I didn't visit all the usual tourist traps (Champs Elysée, Louvre) and stuck to the 5e and 6e districts. I'm probably one of those people that are not accustomed to change. I love the French, and I don't like to see it mixed up with other cultures. Sorry, there, I said it. When I visit a country I don't want to see other cultures mixed in. I will get used to it, but I'm starting to see what other Europeans are expressing and where they are coming from. I believe they have the right to go where they want, but they should adapt not change the existing way of doing things. This was a recurring theme where ever I went in Europe and I have decided that I don't want to visit for some time.

Vacation's Over but I want another one!

It's been a few months since my vacation came to an end - I returned home via my Air Canada Executive Class flight - and all I have to show for this flight is a cheap little satchel with socks, eye patch, and lip balm stuff. Well the one I received travelling to Europe was much nicer then the one received returning home. My trip was partly work and pleasure. I am in the middle of trying to start my own business and needed to make some contacts for a report I am writing on travel and tourism in Germany (with respect to Aboriginal tourism and coming to Canada). It was just some initial research about future prospects for an Aboriginal art/tourist business and their ability to attract German visitors.  I am back at work and have made a few inquiries about getting some work, but it doesn't look good (from one source). There is already a consultant working with the company, and quite honestly I don't think they would give up any work to me. I know they won't.

Anyhow, so as November rolls out, I am starting to think about my xmas vacation and my trip to New York (and New Jersey - outlet malls!!!). I always travel with the dogs and they are both looking forward (I think) to this trip.

I am considering starting a new blog... I need to start writing about what I want other people to read and learn from... this will always be my personal thoughts, but I need to start writing more professionally and about relevant topics.

ciao,

Jennifer