It all started when ...

Hamburg, Deutschland/Germany
14th March 2001 ... staying at DJH Auf dem Stintfang, Youth Hostel in St Pauli's Landungsbruecken

It all started when I arrived in Hamburg at 9:10am, after 36 hours of flying and waiting to fly in from Australia. The minute I found out it was 4 degrees (much different to the 30 degrees at home) I realised I was finally in Germany. By the time I arrived at Hamburg Airport I was sick of flying, and I was awake but tired. What is jetlag? I'm not sure if I have it. I have thought about home alot, particularly about my family, Stephen and Natasha.

My German seems to be faring pretty well, however I have had to express myself in English when in German it was not possible. I discovered today that I had forgotten a towel, so I had to dry myself with my sweaty t'shirt! The one I wore during the flight! Then soon I found out that I'd forgotten to buy a European conducter that would allow me to recharge my mobile phone. Speaking of which, the bill will be high, because I've used it non-stop... relatively. I can only hope that there will be a home phone I will have access to. I don't hink I like the homelessness involved with backpacking, not to mention carrying it! I'm looking forward to arriving in Luneburg tomorrow. Its a game plan thing. I like the security involved with actually living somewhere.

I'm starting to notice differences between Germany and Australia. For a start, everyone looks solemn, the city of Hamburg is or feels like 100x bigger than Brisbane, and the cars are on the 'wrong' side, along with their steering wheels. I've spent most of the day walking around the area around the Hauptbahnhof (the main train station). I accidently found the sex shop area, and it wasn't the Reeperbahn! (The red light district)

Me, The Reeperbahn, March 2001. The chicks that get paid are behind the wall :)

At one stage, I was in a Supermarket, and whereas in Australia it is polite customary to show the inside of the bag, here it is not necessary. I was greeted with a disinterested look when following my 'obligations'.

My luggage is stored at the Airport, which I need to go to before the trainstation tomorrow. I might go via the S-or U-bahn. I'm sure one of these I'm not supposed to, but I cant remember which one.

I miss everyone at home, and want to talk to them. I feel so tired. Is that jetlag? I have a big day tomorrow. It will probably be easier than today, as I will/might feel more relaxed. I need to learn how to cook, and the names of food! Well that's all from me now. Its only about 8pm, but Im tired! Goodnight!

...........

It has already been more than 10 years. Only now am I starting to do something with the photos, memories and diary entries. Today I found this travel diary, given to me by Natasha, a best friend and stellar twin. I wrote about every city I went to. I had two other diaries too - One was called "Real World Luneburg", the other a green notebook I purchased in Leipzig, 6 months later.. I think. If I find them, I will add the relevant sections to the cities :) Unfortunately, over the years, some of the photos and postcards have disappeared. Its sad :( One of my favourite souveniers was postcards from every city. For some reason they were taken out of where I left them and stored under the house - and were flood damaged. Who can understand the reasoning of the selfish people that had to raid my treasure chest and discard my memories? These are my stories to tell. :) I hope you enjoy.