Stranded in Berlin - boo couchsurfing

Last night I was set to meet up with the second couchsurfer in Berlin, Germany. She had told me that she would be available on the night of the 9th around 8pm to meet up in a well-lit part of town. I sent her multiple confirmations but got no other word back from her so I went to the location at 8pm and started the sit.

I saw the sun at first...

and enjoyed the park...
Then it grew darker and darker

In the end I left around 10 pm and found internet and sent out a message to let her know I would stay until 11:30 before giving up. At quarter until 12 I paid for internet to only to find that her plans had changed and that she was not coming back to town.

This so was not my fault because I had contacted her weeks ago and had been confirming the whole time. Luckily the second hostel I tried had a room for the next night so instead of a couch I got to spend about 50+ US Dollars to stay for 2 nights, plus I lost an entire night of going out.

The jury is still out on the couchsurfing thing but I have had 2 good experiences, 1 confusing one that turned out good, and now have been stranded once as well.

I

Heading to Berlin

After closing out the Prague chapter of the adventure I found myself at another train station and this time heading to Berling Germany where I would be doing a little couchsurfing.

Pictured below is this guy and Juma. He was my host for my first 2 nights in Berlin and the time was enjoyed. The first night we attended a beer-mile like event that had over 300 beers from around the world.

Then early the next morning we headed up tp the Baltic Sea (3 hours on a packed train) but it was a great day.


The water was chilly but not unbearable and a group of us sat out and enjoyed the sun and the company. The trip was unexpected because I had planned to sight see in Berlin but a beach is always a great way to spend a day.



Luckily we figured out that the busy train back could be avoided so we played games on a less crowded (yet slightly slower train).

Couch Surfing

I have been a member of the CouchSurfing website for a few year now and I am utilizing this trip to really test it out. For those unfamiliar with the concept let me explain... The site functions similarly to popular social networking sites (myspace, facebook, etc.) but instead focuses on generous travelers.

An individual creates a profile and can search for a couch in the city that he/she plans to travel to. Currently I am staying in Wroclaw, Poland completely for free with some local students. The concept is generally be hosted and then return the favor. The site also focuses on safety with user submitted reviews and vouching so that individuals can read about past experiences had through the site.

Currently I have places to stay lined up in Berlin and Riga, Latvia in the near future and will only have to buy a round or two of drinks while trying to be a gracious guest. If you are not currently a member I recommend checking out CouchSufing.com and signing up.

In Luxembourg

After altering my plans a bit I found myself back in Birmingham for a night instead of more time in Switzerland. This morning I flew out to Frankfurt Germany and eventually caught a bus out to Luxembourg City, Lux.

Here is a shot of the German countryside

These are some shots around Lux.

The castle look works for them.
Old-style buidings and churches are also readily available.
Now for a couple of shots of this guy.
Blurry nights?? none yet