A tangled Web

I've been pretty immersed in Tudor England for a while - it all began with reading those fantastic novels by Philippa Gregory - From the perspectives of the Yorks and then Tudors during the War of the Roses, through the wives of Henry VIII and now I'm up to The Virgin's Lover, about Elizabeth I and Lord Robert Dudley.

I've been watching the Tudors and am caught up in Jonathan Rhys Meyer's Henry VIII and right now, I'm sitting here watching Elizabeth - with the beguiling Cate Blanchett.

I am slowly recognising the royal lines - not for any important reason.. but its fascinating. The closest I have found my tree to the Tudors is that one of my Cooke predecessors was christened in a church in Lambeth, London. And in the Tudors, Katharine of Aragon visited a church in Lambeth. Yeah, a tenuous connection at best hahaha. I wonder what my ancestors were doing then? I think that strain was from Lincolnshire... what would they be doing in Lambeth? I wonder which side they were on?


If they were peasants (Cooks? Though, Smother still believes she is of blue blood.. and related to Captain Cook. She also thinks she was Cleopatra in a past life and I was her slave... yeah don't get me started.. but wouldn't it make more sense that she was MY slave, and is reaping the benefits now?) I wonder where or how they lived. The information is out there... I just need the time. Fascinating :)


I wonder what their religion was?.... as far as I know we are from Catholic stock... And if they chopped and changed to save THEIR heads?

Religion is crazy. I believe in Faith. I believe in God- one God (I think of it more as the universe) perceived hundreds of different ways - think the Elephant story. (You know, where men were blindfolded and all felt a different part of the Elephant - then came out and described what they'd seen)

In Christianity alone there a so many denominations - I don't even know if I could name them all.. Protestant, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Anglican, does God really know what else? Where do the Pentacostal, the Christadelphians, the Evangelical fit in?

The Agnostic? The Athiests?

I don't believe we need the Church or priests to communicate with God. I had sex waaaay before marriage. I have bastard children. But I don't really believe God minds. The Universe is a wonderful mystical thing, and we will never understand everything - I love synchronicity, symbolism and the gamut of emotions our lives bring us. Of course I hate them at the time but that is what makes it so beautiful.

I don't know why we are here. I believe my soul chose this lifetime, for the joy of the lessons to be learnt and the experiences to be felt. We have a path, a journey.. a means to an end.. but we still have the illusion of choice. The Universe knows otherwise.

The macrocosm and the microcosm - seriously - cell structure and the solar system? How trippy is that? What about dreams? Deja vu? Intuition? 

I even have a theory on Adam and Eve that is explosive. It explains creationism and evolution. Its so obvious, I don't know why everyone doesn't see it the way I do. When I share this - I am met by bemused looks. Its logic, people!

We know the Bible was translated into many languages in such a way that fuelled and served the interests of those rich or powerful enough to command translations be made. Sure, there were honourable people who genuinely wanted to respect the 'word(s) of God'.. but I think Human nature is just as Hobbes said. We are greedy. Power is an aphrodesiac.




Adam and Eve were amoebas. Doesn't that make sense? Back then they had a limited view of science - human beings were the most basic form... Eve came from Adam - one amoeba splits into two.. and multiply. Now if the Jehovah's Witnesses who come to my door could just see that it negates any defensive reasoning about incest (for starters) maybe they would have more success with us heathans....

Hannover

26th - 27th May 2001, Staying at Youth Hostel, Fisherhof Ubahn station


It all started when I decided spontaneously to go somewhere for the weekend. I went by myself, which meant that I could do what I wanted to do, and when. I still believe it is better to travel with someone, because half the fun of travelling is sharing it with someone.

I arrived at about 11:00am with a slight hangover, put my luggage in storage, then went to the Tourist info. I walked to the big markets, that are in Hannover every Saturday, and strolled around, wary of all the eastern and southern europeans.

I found a Kraftwerk record, which I bought for Stephen. I also bought some old DDR money. After the markets, I decided to go and check in at the hostel. My knee felt sore, and I was incredibly tired.

On my way back, I saw an old church, which was open. I decided to go in an have a look. Once in there, I realised it was the first chuch I'd been in since Nanna died. The realisation overwhelmed me, and I started to cry. More of a releasing unknown pent-up emotion. It felt good. I felt Nanna's presence, and I felt God's presence. I wanted to light a candle, but they were sold out. I left there feeling refreshed and better.

Eventually I got to the hostel, checked in and sat down. It was only 4pm and I knew I still had about 6 hours of daylight left. So I went back to the city centre, and did the Red Thread tour. It's a really good idea. There is a red line on the ground, painted throughout the city, and you buy a small book and follow it seeing important sites. I returned to the hostel at about 6-7pm and was fast asleep by 8pm.

On Sunday I went first to the Herrenhauser Gartern, which was the palace gardens. They were beautiful. There was a maze (which I did get lost in) and statues. I spent a couple of hours there, and then went to the Zoo. I actually really enjoyed the zoo, it was cool to see all the different animals. My favourites were the Gorillas and the Polar and Grizzly Bears. So cute.

After the Zoo, I went to the Rathaus and took photos from the top. I went the day before, but the lift was broken. The weather was sunny on Saturday and rainy on Sunday. Oh well.

I really enjoyed my weekend away in Hannover. I might not (probably wont) go back, but I'm glad to say that I've been there.






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Reading this I have to laugh at my wariness of 'eastern and southern europeans'. It does sound a bit racist, but any young woman travelling alone in Europe will know what I'm talking about. I'm making a huge generalisation about them - thats true. I was referring to the men. There are Roma ('gypsies') hanging around churches in big cities begging for money.. and you hear horror stories and I was afraid of being pickpocketed... I even wore my backpack around the front.

Another fond memory I have of Hannover is a naked lady. The old unabashed charm of naked germans... I was in the hostel room resting and she had just checked in. We were chatting and then she just took her clothes off to get in the shower. She would've been mum's age.. I was taken aback.. and prudish.. but kept on chattering, trying not to look. I ended up doing the same thing (well not quite the same.. stripped down to my bra to change shirts) to a couple of Korean backpackers in Munich a few months later - I was germanised! Those poor girls were shocked and embarrassed. I didn't mean to!

Around the time my Nanna died (which I've gone on about over and over and over on this blog.. sorry ;p) I also fell off my bike one day while riding around Lueneburg with friends. I am unco anyway, and while riding I looked behind me to see where my friends were. I started to lose my balance, and veered towards cars but swung back and stopped by the wall of a building. Laughing cos I'm unco, I then lost my balance and somehow fell between the bike and the wall... landing with bended knee on a drain grate.

Yeah. Universe knows how that happened.

Once the pain set it it was horrible. Somehow, with the help of my friends I made it home. My knew swelled right up and Mum begged me in the middle of the night to go to the hospital. I didn't do that, but I did go to a doctor I had visited earlier when sick. Both times when I arrived in Germany I ended up with Bronchitis... even in little Lueneburg. Apparently the air isn't as fresh there as it is here in Oz...

I remember crying to the doctor, cos Nanna had died and he is prodding my knee apologising... then he sent me to the local specialist, who was also a plastic surgeon. After x-rays and an MRI (where I learnt the meaning of Schwanger) it turned out that I hadn't broken my knee cap or ended up with minisculis (whatever that is) .. but I had a permanent dent and a heamatoma there you can still see to this day..

what a great story ;p

The moral is get Travel insurance! My travel insurance cost $800 for 8 months... the MRI and doctors visits cost $1500!

The Columnist

So I have been off on other tangents for a while, but I'm still breathing.

I am going to be a columnist. And the fact that it will be in an e-mag based in NZ (bro) means that I reserve the right to be referred to as 'Internationally renowned columnist, [insert pseudonym here], BA LLB'. I'm designing business cards already. Well actually not yet... but I will have to eventually.

What do I write about? Universe knows. The first instalment is due by the end of July. I still need to work on a title and byline... two sentences to describe me. My first thought was 'disappointed non-runner in bridge to brisbane'.. but that crisis is over - its going to be the 10km so I can get to Uni on time. Yes, on a Sunday!

I'm not going to confess that I had to google 'columnist' just to be sure I spelt it correctly.

The underlying theme of this column is inspiration. It is meant to tie in with the e-mag's first issue, and Spring (when it is being released)... think bright colours, family friendly anecdotes and the whole "oh I'm a busy struggling Mum, but aren't we all, so let's have a giggle over a cuppa" type of column.


Google is great. I even googled how to write a column. This might not be the sign of an 'internationally renowned columnist' emerging... meh.

Copenhagen, Denmark

13th - 16th April 2001

it all started when at 3:15am this morning we boarded the bus on campus. Only having a few hours sleep beforehand, if any at all,our group of 12 was surprisingly awake. We had to wait about an hour and a half (possibly) for the bus to Copenhagen from Hamburg. It was freezing, possibly 2 degrees, and we had heard it was snowing here. We arrived about 10:30-11:00am, had all you can eat in Pizza Hut and then spent the next hour and a half finding the youth hostel, and checking in. Its a nice hostel.


 Judith, Jamie, Robert and I then went into the city, and looked around, bought postcards and took photos. Well, I mainly took photos. Or had photos taken of me! I'm so glad Im not feeling sick like last weekend. I enjoying here much more. It has a different atmosphere. I like it. Everyone speaks English - good because I don't know Danish!

Tomorrow we go on a ferry to Sweden, and I want to visit Christianhavn - hippy commune. Now to postcards and sleep. Goodnight! P.S I've already blown my budget. necklace - South American. nothing to do with Copenhagen! I've gone way beyond blowing my budget, but not too badly. I have one day left to explore Copenhagen.

Today we went to Christiania, where I bought a souvenier. Im now really paranoid, so I think I might go back there, to partake in the act of the souvenier. We all saw the castle, etc. Judith and I went to an Irish pub, after having lunch with Jamie and Roberto, and we met some English and Irish men who were interested in talking to us. After Jamie and Roberto returned from the Erotic Museum we returned to the irish pub. Pints are so expensive! Its Easter tomorrow, and I miss my family, but I'm happy to be here.

Sunday - Finding out the Ferry to Malmo was too expensive, Judith and I went with 3 others to find museums that were open. It was really really cold. We went to a Finlandia foto exhibition, good but too small ( not enough). Then we went to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek., where later I realised I'd left y black bag of important documents inc Passport etc . I freake and was very lucky to find it. We went to Australian Pubs (once at about 1pm and then with Jamie and Roberto at about 10pm) We had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen, and the bar manager was completely aggressive and rude to us, so Jamie and I complained, and Jamie and he began yelling at eachother, and ended up with a free meal.

 

Copenhagen is absolutely a beautiful city. and is a favourite. I recommend it. I had a really good time. Lots of photos!!!
Also visited Schwerin.

Berlin

6th - 9th April 2001 ... Staying at Let em sleep Backpacker Hostel, Prezlauer Berg


It all started when Berlin is a wonderful Stadt (Asli) We have a lot of rain gesehen (Judith) Und das ist alles (Asli).




After a late night last night (my birthday party) we have arrived in Berlin, after a muddled up train trip, battling lack of sleep and colder weather. After an in depth visit to the Reichsgebaeude, for an in depth view from the dome, we trundled to the Backpackers hostel, which seems to be in an arty part of Berlin. All our feet and collective legs are sore, yet we are going to dinner tonight. Berlin is modern, but grey and rainy. We all hope it brightens tomorrow. Bige says English is better than German. Bis spaeter.





Berliner Dom

Me,Asli and Bige, Berlin April 2001

10-04-01  For dinner on friday night we had mexican. It was delicious. The Italians are real party animals. Apparently they have a reputation for it. On Saturday, we went on a tour of the city. By the end all our feet were tired, and sore, but we didnt stop there! The tour was interesting, we saw the uni at which Einstein lectured, and the spot where the Nazi students burnt the books. We went thru a market, and I bought a Berlin t'shirt for $20.



Me and Judith, Brandenburg Tor

That night we went to the theater, and the play was real shit. It was so stupid and tasteless, and I felt sorry for the actors, who tried really hard. They were also using film projectors, and by the end, they relied on them too much. It went downhill from the scene where the main male character had sex with the ground outside his house. It was a pointless scene, it just made the character look disturbed.  Everyone hated the play. Afterwards we looked for a decent club, where we could party, and following the chboice of the swedish girl, we spent about an hour looking for it, and it turned out to be crappy. We ended up in a barcafe, like friday night, and then went home, tired and frustrated. I went hysterical on the train ride home, from a combination of stress, disappointment, homesickness, drinking beer, tiredness, the full moon and my period. (which arrived monday)

Judith, Me, Bige, Potsdam

Sansoucci in Winter with Heidi (in charge of us!)

On Sunday we went to a huge park in Potsdam, which is full of old castles and statues throughout the parkland. It was great, so beautiful, and exactly what you picutre royal houses and grounds to look like. I went to bed early Sunday night. Exhausted and sick with incredibly sore throat. Monday we went to the Berlin Wall, saw the 'topographie des Terrors' and the Mauer Museum at Checkpoint Charlie.

The Berlin Wall.

Berlin is a nice city, not my favourite, but definately worth the trip. You need more than one weekend to really see everything. The history and its aura are so strong, and I really enjoyed being there, although I was sick, so I couldn't enjoy it that much.

P.S Big groups (22 people) are a bad idea when travelling

....

I became really sick on this trip.. unfortunately. I think I ended up with tonsilitis. The fact that everyone smoked like chimneys didnt help. Every time we went to dinner or a cafe or something, people would all smoke, and the lack of ventilation would make every room a smoky one! I wish I had seen more of the night life while I was there... but following the Swedish girls was a mistake... shoulda gone with the Italians!

Im sure I would've liked Berlin more if I went there again. Being there for a couple of days doing walking tours is a great way to see the place, but its better if you have more time to absorb it, I guess..

I loved the castles at Potsdam. It was the first time I had seen castles and the like. They were built in the 1800s by the last Prussian Emperors (correct me if I'm wrong!). Friedrich II, son of Friedrich William I, must've had some kind of love for the ocean, and King Neptune. I remember the ballroom of the Neues Palais was encrusted with gold and gems and the them was King Neptune. Or under the sea or something. It was gorgeous. There was also a fountain in the middle of Berlin somewhere, of King Neptune. Which we crawled into and took a photo - it was winter and dry after all!

There were also memorials around the place - the museums about war etc. At checkpoint Charlie there is a sign that said in 4 languages "You are now leaving the American sector".. I remember getting someone to take a photo of me running away... with the sign above me :) Photo gone, but the memory is there. There were churches maintained as they were at the end of the war. They had a strange beauty to them.

Real World Luneburg

Luneburg, Germany, my home for the next 4 months
16th March 2001... Staying at Scharnhorststrasse 1a, Campus 1, WGIX, 21335, Lueneburg

It all started when I arrived here yesterday from Hamburg by Interregio train at about midday. It was a huge struggle with my luggage! The suitcase must be about 50kgs. My arm was so sore, during and after the struggle to the top floor of a five story building!

I met Silke at the station, she is very friendly and we got along well. She helped me get that suitcase up the stairs! We then went to the International Student places, she showed me the Supermarket, Library, Cafeteria and the Internet room. We then went to the cioty, and opened a Bank account for me, and I bought towels! Her english is really good, and I must stop spealing it!

I met a girl in the Hostel in Hamburg call Heike, and we spoke German because she couldnt speak English.

My room, possibly the neatest it ever was, in Luneburg

My room in Luneburg is big, with a mattress, desk, table and two couches. The window has a good view of the carpark and some red brick buildings and rooftops. It also has a window seat. I feel a bit lonely, but I guess that will pass when I meet some people.

Luneburg's main street

I have postcards and letters to write, and because I live 15mins walk from the city, I'm going to walk there later and buy an umbrella, or raincoat, because today is rainy! This weekend the Uni has organised a tour of the city, and on SUnday night a 'get to know you' session in the city somewhere.

I'm glad I have a telephone, because now my family can ring me. I'm feeling hungry as its about 8am, and I have been writing for about 2 hours! It's good to finally be here, and be able to leave my stuff somewhere, and come 'home'. There is no place like home, and in about 6 months I'll be home.
 

Luneburg's main street. This was taken after I fell off my bike :)

The city of Luneburg is gorgeous- its so old and medieval looking. Its beautiful. The roads are all stone, except the main highway, and the buildings are all red brick! And they are so picturesque. Everyone looks German, maybe not only in appearance but also in aura. There are so many little differences between AUstralia and Germany, that I am driving myself crazy comparing everything. 



My roommates are nice, but I've only met two. One is helpful, the other seems mocking. Anyway, its only the beginning, and Mum says it will be just like the Real World. Only in Germany!


For Hamburg and Bremen read travel diary.


....

Me, Sylvia and Liz, Roberts Birthday, May 2001.

Robert on his birthday, May 2001

I love the way I kept referring to the 'CBD' of Luneburg (so to speak) as the city. It was pretty small.. but old :) It could've been Sylvia, but I think the flatmate that was helpful was Robert? He was showing me around the Wohnung, I think he was making me tea etc. I couldnt believe he drank herbal tea. That, to me, was so ... um gay! Where I came from, guys didn't drink herbal tea. Especially not raspberry. :)

Frieder owned about 5 bikes. Obsessed!

The one who was mocking was definately Frieder. Herr Frieder Karl Frasch. He did come across as mocking, but he was actually nice.. and turned out to be a good friend there. I remember going back to Luneburg about 4 years later, and in the meantime, I had put on a lot of weight and Frieder was balding. Part of our greeting was to point this out to eachother :)

Silvia, Robert, Frieder and Nadine. I'm on the end. July 2001.

In this photo you can see Silvia, who you will see more of. I liked her, but she also got on my nerves after a while. I tried to stay in good humour.. but often I was cranky on the inside. One thing about Germans, is that they take friendship seriously. We don't. I wasn't always a good friend to Silvia. I do regret that. We walk past someone and will say "Hey, how you going?" without really waiting for an answer. It's really just an acknowledgement that you see that person. In Germany, some people thought I was fake or insincere. Not really. :) I just didn't really care how some people really were ;p Over there, if you acknowledge someone, and say hello, how are you.. you'd better wait for the answer. Even if you get stuck in small talk ;p

And thanks to Nadine, who I didnt really have much to do with, I finally learnt the lesson that not everyone will like me :) We got off to a bad start, and I don't think we ever really got along and we probably saw eachother about 5 times the whole time I lived there. I was whinging to Mum about her not seeming to like me, and Mum said those words. I got it after that. It still took about 10 years to actually take effect ;p

You will definately see more of Liz too. She got that romantic love story I so badly wanted. She met an American guy, Josh, and they fell in love. They are now married and have a beautiful baby girl, Alex. I have a photo of them, in the first flushes of love - unfortunately it was water damaged... but its still cute. Hope you like it Liz :)

Liz and Josh, May 2001

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.