Happy Birthday... to ME!!!

February 7, 2008- I am happy to report, my 23rd birthday was a major success! It all began on the 6th of February when the Grill family gave me a small party. It included: a cake, gifts, and dinner out, my choice.  It was super thoughtful and brought a tear to my eye, especially that radical smelling Versace perfume I have been lusting after the last two years. 

 

Recently, I had been feeling, not unappreciated that's not the exact word, but in need of some encouragement.  My communication with the parents is below par, and there is no structure to my job, often I get discouraged simply because I am not certain of their expectations of me are, and if I am doing what they want.  Therefore, my most cherished gift was a card that Zdenka wrote me thanking me for my help which she said is "perfect".  Also, she told me how happy they are with me and glad I am here.  These words were precisely what I needed to hear in this moment, as if it were orchestrated from her feminine intuition, sensing my need for recognition and appreciation.  It also made my heart warm to the family more, especially Zdenka because I know she was the one pulling the strings.

The following day, on my actual birthday, I boarded a bus at 16:45 that was heading to Prague.  Once in Prague, I navigated the metros to the train station where I bought my ticket, and asked the information man three different times if this particular train was going to Dresden and which platform I needed to be on.  Yes, I am an overly paranoid traveller, but in all fairness, the train's final destination said Basel, Switzerland, which is the exact opposite direction I needed.  (Apparently, the train split in Leipzig, Germany, one going to Basel and the other some German city. ) Plus, the arriving time of the train was different than what I had seen online. I ignored the irritation of the information man when I popped my head in for one last question.  

The train station was eerily empty and the only people lulling about were the many homeless people sleeping on benches.  Once I was on the platform, I asked another lady if this was the proper place for the train to Dresden, and I even asked one of the train controllers before boarding if this, in fact, WAS the train.  When I found a compartment containing only one guy, I joined, and then tried to ask him if this was the train going to Dresden. He couldn't understand me... magically, which made me a nervous.  Finally, when the controller came to check my ticket I asked him if I was on the right train, and if so, when would I arrive in Dresden.  He said, "Yes and it will arrive somewhere around 11." I was thinking, "Hey Bucko! I don't want vague figures here! When does anyone want generalized times when involving trains!? Never. Train systems are down to a very exact science!" Perhaps, my anxiety was palpable, because he smugly said after stamping my ticket, "I can check the exact time we arrive at Dresden main station, " Then he whipped out a handheld computer.  He flicked his eyes back at me giving me a grin that said to me, "Oh yeah... I'm a bad ass! You totally want me..." (Isn't it amazing how I can ramble about nothing for so many paragraphs. It truly is a genetic gift.  Next thing you know I will start writing what I got at the grocery store and how much grapes cost a kilo.)

At 22:45, the train pulled into Dresden hbf.  I was waiting by the door, ready to hop off the train tuck and roll style if I must, because I am that paranoid of a traveller.  I am not certain why I have so little confidence in my own traveling abilities? I have had no major complications in any of my journeys, perhaps my anxiety is slightly unwarranted.  All the same, I arrived and found André with his friend waiting... eagerly. For the first hour or so, André and I tortured his friend with reminiscing of Budapest, and only occasionally explaining who we were talking about. Poor guy! He was a super nice guy, too bad he had to sit through our conversation. 

We didn't go out this first night, and I was more than satisfied with this because traveling, especially being such a paranoid traveller, is tiresome.  We drank some wine and talked over my "Birthday Cake" André made me, which was actually a really delicious quiche, and a very sweet gesture.  I am not sure what time we went to bed, but it was a good night sleep in a exceptionally comfortable bed.  I woke up to André's smiling face, and somehow I managed to return a smile before burying my face in a pillow, even though my normal waking up reaction is a few grumbles, curses and evil glares. (I'm not such a morning person, you could say.) 

After some breakfast and the purchasing of a toothbrush for me, (yes, I managed to forget 3 of the most vital things at home: toothbrush, toothpaste, and face powder...) we struck out on the town.  Dresden is a city situated on the Elbe river and was once called the "Florence of the North".  However, on February 13, 1945 American and British planes dropped approximately 3,000 tons of explosives on the city killing an estimated 35,000 people.  After a mere 14 hours of attack, a city that had existed and flourished for centuries was destroyed.  

Unfortunately, I don't think Dresden was ever restored to it's original Baroque beauty, but that task is perhaps impossible, so much history and priceless artwork was lost.  Not to be misunderstood, it is still a lovely city, but there seems to be a lot of construction occurring, and I won't even go into the major punk scene they have.  André showed me August the Great's palace, a ruler apparently known for his Casanova-like ways, the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) which was destroyed in the 1945 air raids and reconstruction only began in 1990, and finally a cafe where we vegged out for several hours.  I am such a cafe whore, I love them.  Then, we purchased some goods at the grocery and he/we/but mainly he prepared lasagna for dinner.  Ladies, he can cook, he's smart, he's cute, he's German, and an eligible bachelor!! And after dinner, we met two of his friends, Sebastian and Sebastian, at a pub called Mondfisch.  We hoppedto two other pubs before we called it a night.  Now, that I am an old lady of 23, I can't handle such long nights! 

The next day was a rendition of the first with some slight variations.  We ate breakfast at lunch time, and eventually made it out to do some sightseeing.  We took a long tram ride to the part north of the city, (north I think?) and then went to a site where you can overlook the city and the Elbe river, and it was very beautiful.  After that, we used the remaining daylight to see some interesting building facades that were colorful, artful, and modern! Very cool! 

I was in dire need of a Mexican food fix, so we ate at a Spanish/Mexican restaurant, which ended up serving as André's hell. Germany recently passed some new laws prohibiting smoking in public places like restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, etc. except in designated and separated areas. At this restaurant, their non-smoking area was too small and crowded.  We were ushered to a two-person table beside a large party which had two babies and a little girl.  For the duration of our meal, there was one or two crying and screaming babies, a little girl standing dangerously close to our food, eyeing it and exclaiming, "I'm hungry!" in German.  Our server was friendly enough but she did a poor job at the actual serving part, forgetting my water until mid-way through my meal.  The food was no La Caretta nor Camino Real, but it helped the hand tremors.  André did not enjoy himself, and at one point said he felt like this was some evil, prophetic vision of himself in 10 years.... eating dinner at 5:30, screaming babies, whiney children, annoyed wife, and all the while trying to make the most of your night out. 

Our evening was far from over, so we headed back to André's flat to get ready for our night with yet another one of his friends (who knew he had so many!?!haha jk) Norman, or as some might say, Stormin' Norman.  The doorbell sounded and André forced me to open it.  >Open< "Hello." "Hallo!" Then, I was accosted with rapid German.  As it turns out, Stormin' Norman doesn't speak so much English.  The entire night he kept speaking German at me as if trying to prove it was some hoax and secretly, I was fluent in German. We were able to communicate in English enough for me to discover his interesting taste in music, such as Neil Diamond, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, and other old fogey American music ;-). 

After a very short visit to a pub called FlowerPower, which boasts 70s decor and music, we found ourselves Downtown, which turned out to be a club.  Finally, a place I could shake a leg.  In the main dance area, American pop as well as German pop boomed through the speakers.  Excitedly, Stormin' Norman stormed up to André and I beckoning us to follow him to the next room.  In the next area, Abba's "Dancing Queens" was blaring, and followed by Jon Bon Jovi's "It's My Life." I found myself dancing and belting out "It's now or never, I ain't gonna live forever!" with Norman.  André had made a quick and slick escape.  I am not sure what time we left but it was a fairly ridiculous hour I am certain.

As we walked home, we encountered three Spanish girls. Excitedly, I tried to speak my terrible and limited Spanish to one of them.  It was one of the most disheartening yet encouraging moments! Although, she seemed to understand me easily enough with my wretched broken Spanish, the moment she asked me a question, I became mush.  I understood nothing.  I caught maybe two words, but not enough to piece together what she was asking.   That part was extremely discouraging and simultaneously, made we want to learn Spanish all the more.  I asked her where her friends were from, she said "Alicante y Malaga" and I understood this AND know exactly where these cities are located.  As we parted, I yelled out "Encantada!" and she responded, "Igualmente!" ('Nice to meet you' and "Likewise") It was awesome! I must learn Spanish!

The remaining walk home, Stormin' Norman insisted on letting me hear some of his musical delights.  I put an earbud in my ear and walked awkwardly, head tilted, body leaning in on one side, very Igor-ish in attempts to keep the blasted earphone in my ear.  My arm and shoulder eventually started to hurt from holding it and walking so unnaturally.  Yet Norman insisted I "must hear it! sing to me!" He said, "You sing good." We tra-la-la-ed on down the road, singing "Brown Eyed Girl."  The next song, would come on and he would say, "Kansas!" I would repeat, "Kansas!?" thinking that it sounded absolutely nothing like the band Kansas.... next song, he exclaimed, "Kansas!?" to which I retorted, "Kansas!?! again?" Once again, another song and the exclamation, "Kansas!?" This continued all the way home, and I was baffled as to why he thought all of these songs were by the band Kansas!? The next day André explained he wasn't saying "Kansas" but "Kennst 'es?" which is slang for "Kennst du das?" which apparently means, "do you know?" SOOO, he was asking me if I knew the song, and I was saying every time "KANSAS, AGAIN!?" Ohhhh the joys of language barriers!

My last day in Dresden was perfectly uneventful.  We woke up once again at some absurdly inappropriate hour and ate breakfast when normal people were eating lunch.  We really had nothing planned and I had no strong opinions of what we should do. So, we ended up sitting outside near the train station, enjoying the lovely warm weather, being silent, or chatting.  My train left at 3:10 and I think both of us were a little happy to see me go.  I know how hard it is to host a person, always worrying if they are having fun and such.  

 

This introduces another topic.  I think sometimes I irritate the crap out of André with my passive personality.  André seems to respond really well to strong, demanding, decisive, opinionated, grab you by the throat or scrot to get what they want type of gal.  A woman who doesn't care who she inconveniences if she wants something, and she always wants something.  Basically, that's just not the type of person I am.  Sure, I have many strong feelings and opinions about a plethora of things, however, what bar or site we see just isn't one of them.  I don't think André comprehended that I didn't care what we did because I was just so happy to be away from Hluboka and hanging out with him, to me it truly didn't matter what we did. Plus, I was in Dresden mainly to see him not the city.  The city was just a pleasant perk. Sometimes, I get the feeling André thinks I am some mindless puppet who let's everyone be my puppeteer, and have no strong feelings of my own.  Perhaps, my culture is too polite and passive at times.  We (most Americans I know) are so concerned with not putting people out, we generally will go along with things rather than speak up as to not be rude.  In reality, I am somewhat that sassy, bossy, I want what I want when I want it girl, but I have learned to be flexible and roll with the punches.  Unfavorably, this is an area André and I butt heads a bit, seeing to the fact he is German and they are a more honest, out-spoken lot.  It does open my eyes to areas I need to be more assertive, and I respect André for calling me out on it a few times.

Finally, to finish up this snoozefest.  My two and a half hour train ride to Prague was spent talking to a boy named Daniel from Melbourne, Australia.  He was on his way to Budapest, and it was so great talking about Budapest like it was my child. I shared with him all the sites and things he must do whilst in my city.  

When I landed in Prague, I had a mere hour to get to the bus station.  I stood fumbling with the metro pass dispenser, staring at the poor descriptions of various types of tickets.  I had no clue which ticket I needed, and as I intently contemplated which one I would purchase, a person stepped into my peripheral, and I instinctively stepped aside, assuming they wanted to use the machine quickly.  As I side stepped, my eyes climbed their way to discover the most gorgeous man, who was in fact speaking to me. He was tall, light featured, exquisitely handsome.  He said something in Czech, followed by a "Do you speak Czech?" -"No"- "Do you speak English?" he asked. "Yes." I was a bit weary of him, but I stopped short of being rude because he was too tall, Arian and absolutely beautiful. "Do you want this ticket?" he said handing it to me.  With some trepidation, I accepted the ticket with a cocked brow, "How much?" I asked. "For nothing, For free. My sister just left," ( I thought about inserting, 'and your girlfriend just arrived!' but my tongue was on the ground..) "it's valid until..." he then reached for the ticket, our fingers brushing... >swoon< (it doesn't take much for me) "tomorrow at 3:00. So, you can have it if you want it."  A big smile spread across my face and I extended my hand (mentally I extended my whole body to him, "Take me! I'm yours" type deal).  "THHHANKS!" I exclaimed/drooled with my eyes fixated on his broad, toothy smile. Did I mention he was phenomenally good-looking? 

At this point, screw the metro pass! I could have just floated on a cloud of euphoria to the bus stop. He and I were on the same metro, but I didn't try and strike up a conversation, I mean how annoying would that be.  The poor bloke is simply trying to do a good deed, and gets stuck with some babbling brook of a girl.  Luckily, I ordered some self-control because he got off at the next stop. As he exited the metro and walked down the platform, I willed him to turn around so I could give him one last wave of gratitude, or my hand in marriage.  Surprisingly, he turned and waved and I eagerly waved back. Then, he smiled a big satisfied smile. The kind of smile developed after doing something completely selfless and good for someone else. I briefly considering stalking him, but decided against it.  It was a nice finishing touch to a really lovely weekend! 

A special thanks to my favorite Evilweiß- André K, Zdenka, and to the stunning, let's make babies, Metro ticket bestower, hottie!