Venice

I went to Venice for the day. There were two girls from my hostel on the bus to Venice proper, so we roamed around for a while. We didn't really have any goals other than to roam around and get a feel for it. Venice is very much like a labrynth. The streets don't tend to form any sort of grid, which means that you cannot see for any distance ahead, and there are many dead ends around a corner. Still, I did manage to guide us to several landmarks. By the time we got to the Realto bridge, it had started to rain and the girls decided to head back. I don't think they appreciated my navigation skills enough. As we were standing on the bridge, I asked them which way they would go to get back. They chose the direction away from home.
The rain was really quite intense. The streets emptied, but I had only the one day there and I decided not to let it bother me. So I continued on and saw San Marco plaza and a few other landmarks. There was a point where it was raining particularly hard and I stopped for a Campari and soda. It was dark by the time I had enough, and I was able to make it back to the busses only checking my map a couple of times. Just maintaining a sense of which way is North was a major feat. I am seriously bringing a compass the next time I go traveling. I can use the sun during the day, but being in a foreign city at night is quite difficult.
Saturday morning I got up and went to the train station, and since I was early, I took care of the rest of the things on my list. Of course, they were all food. I had Italian pizza, gelatto, and Canolli Siciliano. I still have yet to sit at a cafe and harass girls walking by, but there's always next time. Ciao Bella!
I had to wait two hours in Munich, so I didn't get back to Stuttgart until 01:30. The last train to Böblingen was at 00:55, so I had to spend the night in the train station. Again. At 05:35 I was on my way again, and I got in around 06:15. I fell asleep and slept most of the day. Only a few more day until I have to leave, but then I'll be in New York.

Ljubljana

I'm in Ljubljana. I don't really think I'm going to get to see the city, since I got in late, and am heading out in the morning for Venice. I was actually more interested in Verona, but it is very hard to find a place to stay at the last minute in holiday season.

Bratislava

I had originally thought that I would stay only one night in Bratislava, but I like it here and decided to stay another day. I went by the major landmarks yesterday, so today I am relaxing on the shore of the Danube.
Tomorrow I am going to Ljubljana, Slovenia. I'll stay there for one or two days, then go somewhere in Italy before heading back to Stuttgart. Probably Verona, but I may stop for a day in Venice. Just because it is Venice.

Touring Vienna

I met some girls from Ireland at the hostel, and we were out all day. In the morning, we walked around the city seeing the historical buildings. They're very nice. In the afternoon, we went to the big ferris wheel. We only thought there was the wheel, but there turned out to be lots of rides. We had some drinks and went on a few. In the evening we went to the Rathouse (Town Hall) where there was a film festival going on. We didn't watch the film, but there were lots of food stands. We met up with another group and went out to some bar.
When we got home (very late), there was someone in my bed. I was tempted to just make the person move, but instead I rang the night manager. I'm glad Austria is a German speaking country, because he didn't speak any English. I had enough ability to tell him, "In my bed is a man. I don't like that!" He gave me my own room for what was left of the night. I thought they should have credited me for at least the night, but it wasn't the Four Seasons.
Today I took the train to Bratislava, Slovakia. I'm at my hostel and about to go explore.

In Vienna

I am in Vienna, checked into mz hostel. It has a fantastic overlook of the citz, being verz close to a castle situated on the top of the hill.
I did travel with the Dutch girls from the hostel in Prague, and it was verz helpful to have someone else take care of the travel arrangements. Unfortunatlz we are not stazing near each other and have gone our seperate wazs.
Obviouslz, there are still a couple of issues with the kezboards abroad.

New Hostel

I am trying a different hostel in Prague today: Hostel Marabou. I think I like it more than the last one (A&O Hostel). I did make a couple friends at the last place though, so I am heading back there to meet up and go out tonight.
I met some Dutch girls here who are heading to Vienna tomorrow, so I may travel with them.

Prague Landmarks

The Prague Castle








The Charles Bridge

In Prague

Well, I am in Prague. The computer here seems to be set to Czech. Some of the keys are producing interesting results, such as y and z being backwards. I am checked into mz hostel for the night (Fridaz). I was originallz planning to be here Thursdaz night, but I got delazed and had to spend from 2200 to 0400 at the train station in Cheb (Cyech). I saz at the station, but not in. I met a couple of Korean girls in the same situation, so it was not so bad until thez closed the station and we had to go outside. It wasnät that cold of a night, but it got cold after a while, so we spent the night huddled together outside the train station. Dave sazs zou doät get to cross a citz off the map unless zou spend the night there. Iäm crossing Cheb of the map forever.
We got here earlz this morning, so I dropped off mz bag at the hostel and did mz sightseeing. I got through all the big attractions bz 1300. Tomorrow... Iäm not sure. I think Iäll staz here at least one more daz, then Iäm thinking Wein or Bratislava. Ciao.

Going on a little trip

I am finally going to get out and go. I'm planning to go to Prague, then Bratislava, Wein, and maybe more. I don't really have a great plan, but I have a phone here for emergency and enough money in cash to get back here if something goes wrong. Ciao!

Touchdown in Germany

I've made it to Germany. My plane leaving NYC was late, so I missed my connecting flight from Munich to Stuttgart. It wasn't really a problem, though. I just went to the customer service desk and they got me on the next flight (on their dime. They also gave me ten Euros for lunch, which was pretty good for airport food). Tomorrow we're going to the base to get me a pass so I can use the library and other base amenities.
I think I'm going to have a good time.

Museum of Natural History

Museum of Natural History. And the Hope Diamond. I meant to see if they had a replica in the gift shop, but I was there until close and the gift shop had closed its doors.

The National Air and Space Museum. From the base of a bunch of rockets.

8th & I

The oldest post in the Corps. Also, there is more than one 8th & I. I checked.

D.C. Tour

I'm on a night tour of the D.C. Monuments. The war memorials have a new significance to me after training this summer.

The Capitol

This seemed like an interesting building.

Tickets to Germany

I got my tickets to Germany today. I fly out of NYC on July 17th, and go through Munich to Stuttgart airport. I'll be staying about a month, returning on August 16th. I found the best fair on Expedia, using one of their bling fares where they don't tell you what time and airline you will be flying on until you purchase the ticket. I didn't care too much about what airline I would be on, but it turned out to be Lufthansa all the way. I'm glad it isn't some camel powered airline.

In D.C.

View from my friend's apartment in D.C.

Graduated USMC OCS Juniors

We graduated OCS Juniors on Friday. It's nice to be done. I've got lots of good stories to tell everyone. And now I can look forward to going back next year for more punishment.
I plan to stay in the Annapolis/ D.C. area for about a week, then go visit friends in Germany. I deserve a little vacation.
Thanks for all your encouragement along the way.