SB - Recap #1

Since there is so much to say about Spring Break ill try to keep this short.



The power of a cities ability to recall experiences is quite amazing. Returning to Wiesbaden was very refreshing. The weather wasn't as glorious as I remember being there in the summer, but it was great to see the town, and David and Ethel and my friends.


Marktkirche


Sonnenberg

My advice is to never wait too long to visit a place you lived/loved. It might be bittersweet, but places stick with you for a reason and the time you are there is always present. I see younger people at the Schlacthof dancing/drinking beer and having a great time and I see myself six years ago and simultaneously today.


The Schlacthof - an awesome Slaughterhouse (literal translation) turned dance hall and bar

The infrastructure of Germany has been so well developed and planned that the way cities function and grow is so stable. I was re-acquainted with my favorite term and part of any German city the "Fußgängerzone" it literally means "foot-goer zone" or as we say in english pedestrian district. Every German city has a district without cars, its usually the old core or "Alt Stadt." It has all the bakeries and pubs and shops you want. And when I think about it the district is so much more sustainable than current city centers. In Germany they build things and when they work they keep them that way.


Johnny in Mainz Altstadt

France

Southern France has been great so far... I really enjoyed Marseille other then the death-mobile motorcycles that plague every corner. I took a ton of pictures (too much if you were to ask me) Here are some from the Calanques just south of Marseille. Ill post in detail later. Oh and the TGV ride from Marseille to Nice was ridiculous.

Spring Break

All is well in Germany and France. It was great to be back in Wiesbaden and I just arrived yesterday to France... my first time ever here. Marseille is France's second biggest city so it has a lot of character and has been a bit grungy so far, I really like it!

Today I am off to the Calanques! Should be pretty awesome, I'll post some pictures soon!

Wiesdbaden: 4 _____ France: 7

I spoke with David + Ethel this weekend and they were very excited about my visit. It was great to hear them and they also mentioned that Igor is still around! He is the gigantic awesome Neufoundland, that I used to walk all the time... I hope he remembers me. I'm pretty stoked.

In suspense for my re-visit, I have been trying to rebuild My Euro Playlist from the last time I lived on this side of the pond. Here is what I have remembered so far.

Jimbo's Euro Summer 2003:

Outlandish - Aicha
Craig David + Sting - Rise and Fall
Dave Gahan - Dirty Sticky Floors
Stacie Orico - Stuck on You
Blur - There's No Other Way
Fettes Brot - Schwuhle Madchen
And the best ever: Robbie Williams - Rock DJ

Anyone else go Euro that summer?


the sun is coming out in Helsinki

Mornings

I really love mornings. I wouldn't necessarily categorize myself as a "morning person" not really sure of what that entitles, but I do enjoy getting up early and having the whole day ahead of me.

Mornings are when cities are in their most raw form. The sky and clouds identify themselves through an insecure mist. People are rising from slumber, adjusting and going from place to place. Here in Helsinki the transit system is in full swing. And the sun is fighting vigorously to show its existence by casting shadows. It feels like the city is running but nothing has officially started yet.

And I love how people are also in their most raw state. My uncle mentioned once that it is better to do yoga in the morning because you have less distractions. It's true, we are most focused (not necessarily most productive) in the morning. Even though we may be drowsy whatever we are seeing or doing gets our entire attention.

So here is my morning for you. It's my journey from bed to studio; every 4 minutes or so.

Best Song Ever, Ever

You guys haven't lived if you haven't gone all out space cadet on the dance flo or chased a couple of girls with a briefcase around the city, to Darude - Sandstorm. If you don't think this is the best song that ever existed then you clearly are an unsophisticated fool.

Darude - Sandstorm (Youtube)

It's amazing! I somehow stumbled across this video and found it quite awesome/hilarious. The reason why is that the whole chase Scene takes place right here in Helsinki! The beginning is on the steps of the cathedral in the Senate Square and then they run all around town. Pretty freaking awesome that the video for the best song ever was filmed in Helsinki.

...ok maybe its not the best song ever....