reunited and it feels so good!

After what seemed like an eternity of travel, marked by alternating states of consciousness and deep sleep, I arrived at the Midi-station in Brussels to the sweet embrace of my best friend and travel buddy for the next couple of months, Gaby. Since then, I've been taking it easy and really enjoying the simple luxuries of a bed to rest my back on and hot water to shower in.  See out in the boonies of Berlin (the site of Couchsurfing's Berlin Beach Camp of 2009), you'd be hard-pressed to find a drop of hot water anywhere within a 5-mile radius. And that's how I spent my last few days in Berlin: roughing it in the wild with good company from around the world. Never in my life have I been received by so many smiles and warm welcomes. Within a couple minutes of knowing someone at BBC, they are already sharing their food, wine and any tent space they can offer with you. The kindness of a stranger there could work wonders at restoring a cynic's faith in people, not that I am one in need restoration. So despite the at-times unbearable cold weather and the slew of bugs swarming at all hours of the night in my shared tent with Kevin, I wouldn't trade this camping experience for the world. The last day was especially nice: After a very spontaneous decision to stay an extra night, we hit up the carnival of cultures in the heart of Berlin's Turkish quarter and danced behind unending floats parading the streets. Pictures to follow soon. As for the here and now, Gaby and I are getting ready to hit Amsterdam tomorrow. We've booked our first hostel called the Flying Pig, so I'd say that sounds pretty promising =)