Happy Halloween!

Here in the UK, little kids celebrate Halloween in the customary fashion, knocking on doors for candies. A few pubs have their own Halloween festivities. At the golf course, they had all the trophies on display in the Clubhouse with 'Happy Halloween!' in big block letters overhead. It was a pleasant affair at the golf course today, going for the fun of it. First, though, we took a detour to Huddersfield, which was the nice private club. Going down the road, we didn't stop for there was a car coming up from behind. The players here were middle-aged men, all wanting an escape from their wives. Haha. Well, I didn't have a wife, so I plead the fifth and carried on. Coming to the roundabout, we headed in the direction of the public facility called Bradley Park.

Rolling up outside it was rather pleasant and busy, it being a Saturday and all came out to play! Benito headed for the pro shop, after having been dropped off, and looked at some of the fine merchandise. Sixty pounds for a t-shirt. Well, well, well. So be it. No, Benito didn't actually buy the t-shirt, but he gave it a half-second thought or two. In any event, he approached the counter and made his case. Oh, yeah. How splendid! Well, that was that. And how about the clubs. Benito received those as well. He questioned as to the glove situation, but since none were on hand except the new ones, Benito carried on about the business at hand. Namely, hitting the crap out of range balls. So, he made his way out onto the platform of nine and 3/4 and pitched his tent, so to speak. Lots one and two were reserved at one o'clock for those combatting the wilderness, but #4 looked right as rain! So, that is where Benito went. And the horror music started to play, for who should appear but an Indian man and his son. very scary. Well, what can I say? No, really, it's quite alright. Indian's are fine people, even if satirized on evening television, for example on the Simpson's. But no matter, we've got connections, so together they went across the park and made some nice ham sandwiches to eat. Mmmm. Ham. Honey ham. and that was that. Now what about the baker's man. Well, now that's another story. And we've had five, no ten, trick-or-treater's so far! Hoping for some more hot mom's! Well, there was this girl at the store with her mother, and Benito didn't notice her until it was too late, for since she was with her mum, there was little chance for him. But they had nowhere to sit, so Benito thought of offering them a place next to them. That would have been smooth, if he had had a previous conversation with the young lady. But, alas. So, there were all left to wonder what would be Benito's next big move. Until he pulled a hat trick like Michael Jackson and said, 'This is it!' And so it was.

Brighouse and Leeds

So I just put salt in my cereal again this morning, but no matter! Still good.

Anyway, I've had some adventures here in the UK thus far. The first position was a trip to Leeds, following a night of Bacchanalian feasting with a gay vicar. Oh, the joy! But I've had my shares of experiences with such parties, so there's really nothing new to report. A good time, suffice it to say, was had by all and ended in the morning discussing differing comic books for children, depending on the nationality and the interests involved, so that is how the British cookie crumbles.

But back to Leeds where we went a'visiting the University. It is actually quite a nice city, Leeds is. Past the bank and the large library we went and it was indeed special, but for now there's nothing to get our hopes up except for all the young people that we did see at the University at Leeds. First, it was a brief stop at Blackwell's Bookshop, which also operates in Oxford, as my previous adventures should dictate. As soon as we walk in, a beautiful gal with brunette hair walks by and up the stairs past Benito. Oh, my! Well, that was the first sight of the beautiful ones. Then, after a quick study we raided the chapel which had been completely modernized so that the offices were all set up in there. Coming up the stairs, Benito encountered the girl of his dreams who was waiting for some meeting or another and Benito quite fancied her, but made his way into the Chapel like St. More to pray where he found a group of young people gathered around in a circle. Ah, yes, very good. Benito joined them as they said the Lord's prayer, while the rest of them gathered round the priest, who was Anglo-Catholic. 'Please join us again next week!' said the priest. And so they would, but first for some coffee and cake. Another girl with blonde hair and blue eyes questioned Benito right there and then as to how he had heard about the prayer session. 'Happy coincidence, I guess!' said Benito with a smile. Ah, yes, the winning smile. So they all retreated at that moment into another room where Dave took Benito aside and introduced himself. 'Nice to meet you!' he said and made his move on the sandwhiches. 'yum!' said all in unison. And so the cat in the hat was pronounced as the most precious book ever, especially by Annie who was an English and Music major from God only knows where, but it was not New Jersey. Perhaps the old Jersey?? Who knows, but Benito somewhat fancied her. No matter, there would be another time. Benito also thought that her friend Emily kind of fancied him, so that was how it happened. James was there as well and promised to show Benito the world!! So off they went after a hug to Annie who made her way to the library.

'What a day!' said James. Yes, and what a day it was. They passed by multiple students, all good-looking. 'Maybe I should visit again!' thought Benito, as they entered the doors to the hallowed hall called Hopewell House, and so was Benito filled with hope. 'Yes we can! Yes we can!' he began to shout at the top of his voice, scaring a religion teacher out of his corner where he had been munching on some crackers and cheese. They would meet again in the bathroom, but for now he was content to scamper. And so did James scamper off with a fine how do you do! And how do you do?! He had been a politics and religion major, so that was that. After recording when the department would meet again to discuss the possibilities, Benito headed off again. This time, in the direction of the library, as James had suggested. It was quite a nice walk, during which period Benito almost got hit seven times by scooters and the like as there were no crosswalks to speak of. Ah, well, he received a very important call after having his photo taken by a little dark-haired, puffy girl outside the library whose name he did not catch, but she was happy to answer her 'Handy'. So that was how it went, as Benito questioned yet again. And again. The inside of the library was something to see. And Mr... Hyde gave the ring in, requesting that Benito come back by Christmas. Benito was not sure of his whereabouts at Christmas, but he knew it would not be near the cathedral unfortunately. Maybe in Italy, maybe in Germany, but not in Washington, DC. Which was unfortunate, for Benito wished that he might be home for Christmas, but not in the cards, for Benito also wished that he might be somewhere special for New Year's!

No matter, Benito entered the library after procuring a 'Day Pass' and made his way in to speak with a couple girls studying in the 'Law section' of the library, but as Benito found out, they were not in fact law students. No matter, Benito hit on them anyway, asking where he might procure a SIM card as the lady studying so intently also happened to have a Blackberry mobile. Oh, how cute! Well, that was all Benito got out of her before saying 'Good luck!' and good riddance. For Benito was headed towards the philosophy section in the basement, passing by the works of Berkeley and Kierkagaard and finally he found what he was looking for: a book on the philosophy of SEX. So, prostitutes, hmmmmm... But that was not the true treasure. For Benito also found the section with a smattering of Plato's works and commentaries on the same. Benito picked up a copy of a commentary on the 'Timaeus' which was some 500 pages long. Benito scanned through it, then noted the publisher and the University: Edinburgh. Now Benito knew where he must go and the fate of civilisation rested in his hands.

Bonn

The day had finally arrived to travel to that hallowed place, the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. And so he dressed up finely that day in anticipation of this, his second voyage from Mechernich. It was a cold, windy, and drizzily day and he had borrowed an umbrella from his host, so he was prepared, yet the timing of that trip was unknown as to when the train would be departing the station, so the host had a look and determined that the train would be leaving in that moment. "Run, Benito, run!" He boarded the train just in time! Then had a little switch at Euscherchen, where he would later go shopping with his host, but for now... a girl sneezed on the way there and laughed, looking at Benito who also looked. They were school girls. Benito smiled and said something to the effect that it had been a large sneeze, and so it had.

Getting off to switch in Euscherchen, Benito looked and then looked again, finding that the train to Bonn was just under his nose. He ran to board it at the same time as a little girl from Africa. "Is this the train to Bonn?" asked Benito as the little girl rushed inside. "Yes" she had said, and so it was.

Having arrived in Bonn, Benito noted when the train would be coming back, and rushed toward the city. After wandering down a street for some ways, Benito came across the intersection for the cathedral. Ah, the Münster. Benito entered boldly, the door being held open for him by another wayward traveler. What a wonder this cathedral was when presented for Benito to espy. He noted the Holy Madonna & Child in the back of the pews and lit a candle right there and then, so that his time in Bonn might be blessed. Walking down the left-hand aisle, he sat down for a time, taking in the place and its frescoes on the walls. The lights turned on over the altar and Benito could make out a special design on the pulpit. After a long time or a short time, Benito got up and started to cross in front of the altar, when he noted an underground crypt, so he summoned his courage and went down the stairs into the crypt. It was brightly lit and there were different saints pictured on the walls, some with flowers underneath them. As a sign suggested, Benito knelt there in the crypt and said a prayer, again that his time in Bonn might be blessed and briefly thumbed through the prayer book. It was in German and Benito understood some words, such as 'A-men'. After his prayer, Benito took a few more pictures before departing on that rainy day in Bonn. He asked for some directions, then followed his own directions, and after a brief stop at a Bonn bakery, Benito headed down the University gardens. A row of trees formed a roof overhead as Benito walked. It was quite pleasant and then he had to cross a treacherous road, but Benito managed it with aplumb and then came into contact with some students at the University. He asked directions and the male counterpart told him to come along as he was walking that way. So Benito and his new companion went a-walking down the street singing, 'Hey wha-doo diddy hey what he doo!' Benito found out from the man that he was indeed a University student and that he had lived in the States for a time. In North Carolina, to be exact. After pointing Benito in the right direction, he departed with a handshake saying, 'Please enjoy your time in Germany!' Then, he was gone and Benito was left to walk all the way down to the mansion in the south of the city. It was also quite pleasant and Benito hummed to himself, singing a little diddy. Oh, how nice. Then he munched on his Brochenne, finding a little child and its mother, a girl on a bicycle, waiting at the stoplight, and a Muslim lady. At one point, Benito had to pass under an underpass where there was another small bakery and a place for making keys. A homeless man was stationed under the overpass and a man was handing out papers on the other side. Benito paid them all little heed, but continued on his quest. Arriving there finally, Benito found more ladies with baby-carriages and wished he had another Brochenne for the ducks that he found under the bridge. This was indeed a pleasant place and Benito took some pics before continuing on his merry way.

At the mansion, he took a right around it as some more University students passed by with their lunches, dressed in black, and Benito found his way around to the University's Botanical Gardens. There there were a few men smoking and talking up a storm in German. Benito, on the other hand, made for the roses and the nice little pond in the middle. He attempted to enter the greenhouse, but was denied, finding instead a coalition of the Uzbek-German Society! They found out that Benito was an American and started to celebrate, wanting to take multiple pictures with the ex-patriot. The girl was suddenly fascinated with Benito's camera and was asking him for advice on theirs. 'Cheers!' he said. The girl repeating her Thank-you's.

Immediately after exiting the gardens, Benito confronted a beautiful blonde maiden, asking her for directions. She did not know the answer which Benito sought and turned the corner before Benito could ask for her digits. He continued down this land for some time, passing by the 'Beethoven-Straße' and finding his way, after a long time or a short time, to the Romanische Museum, but not before stopping outside a Thai grocery store to consider his map. Benito stopped at the museum long enough to use the facility and attempt to question some elementary school students in German, as well as Russian, but at this Benito failed and finally just said, 'Cheusse'. Next, Benito went in totally the opposite direction from where he was supposed to go and ended up in an unknown neighborhood. Soon, Benito found his way again after consulting a pedestrian on the street just past the Haydn Straße.

Under the train station once again, Benito considered buying a sandwhich, then decided against it, going for a kaffee instead. Mmmmm.... Bonn, take two! A woman was advocating some on-line group or another and Benito asked her for directions. She pointed out the map to Benito, and he set out in search of the Thomas Münster Straße. But elected to stop by at the Tourist Information Center first in order to come around in the right direction. So, he entered into that mecca of Ludwig van Beethoven, to find original scores on display, as well as advertisements for various and sundry concerts. He questioned a dwarf, who lead him in the right direction, but not before having his piture taken with a blue statue of the musical patron saint of the city. He would later have another photo of himself with the statue in the central square, holding his pen as if he too could be the next Ludwig van...

After passing by a Chinese and an Italian restaurant, Benito came to the cemetary where both Robert and Clara Schumann, as well as Beethoven's mother, are buried. The first gate he tried was locked, but he did not stop there and continued around until he saw somebody exiting the premicise and made for the entrance. There he found some gravediggers which, of course, made Benito think of his favorite Shakespeare play, 'Hamlet', which the Shakespeare Theatre Company had performed in the park only the summer before. Benito had gone five times. And now, here he was with the gravediggers, who directed him to find Herr Schumann's gravesite, and there was much rejoicing. Benito continued along to find other graves of famous doctors since disappeared into the ground and now with a tomb left to mark their rememberance. Friday was a good day to visit the graveyard, Benito considered, and hummed a little diddy to himself, which he planned to compose in honor of Beethoven's mother. So that was how he spent his afternoon. Then, it was off to the Beethoven-Haus for some more ramblings.

After a long time or a short time, noting the McDonalds on the corner, Benito came to a bridge which passed over the Rhine (?) and took a left after passing by a bedding store from Napoli. Benito remarked at Bonn's 'Marriott Hotel' and considered that that would not be a bad way to spend the night. But Benito had a train to catch in any case, so it was not to be for the time being. Maybe in the future Benito could splurge, but now he had to find the house of one Ludwig van. Asking an elderly man for directions on the street, this same man escorted Benito once again to his destination, speaking an indecipherable German as they went. He waved to a fellow citizen who was lunching in another McDonalds and lead Benito right to the doorstep. Then, shook his hand and went off on his merry way. Benito was there at Beethoven's house.

Noting the paintings of Beethoven outside and the sign above the door, instructing Benito that this was indeed the house of one Ludwig van Beethoven, he entered in. Paying the some five euro's which Benito had saved from the previous museum, he entered into the museum shop to let loose his valuables in a locker. Entering into the garden, Benito was greeted by several busts of the artist, who was born in Bonn and was a church musician at the age of eleven. Benito sat for a time in the garden of Ludwig van Beethoven and wondered at how he created such works of brilliance and how he might one day do something similar (i.e. compose music). Well, that is how the creative mind worked. In one movie Benito had seen, Beethoven was pictured as having visited the lake-side on several occasions, going for long walks and composing as he went. This was how the music came to him.

Entering into the house of Ludwig van, he was greeted by the music which arose by a piano marked, 'Rürend ist verboden!' So, Benito dared not touch, but instead read a book about the museum and how different groups of musicians had presided over the workings and had established this most splendid museum in honor of Ludwig van Beethoven. After a tour upstairs of Beethoven's instruments, a concert downstairs of a futuristic opera in Italian, and a chocolate from the museum shop, Benito made for the train once again, stopping in the marketplace for some Turkish yogurt. (Or was it Greek?) No matter, Benito had some more adventures on the train before arriving back in Mechernich. What a good time he had had in Bonn!

Cologne and Bonn

The train to Cologne left in the morning at half-past ten. It was a straight shot there and disembarking, Benito felt a sense that he had done this before. But no matter, Benito often experienced these moments of des-ja-vu! So off he went, following the crowd and found to his delight a lady in distress. He flagged her down and struck up a conversation, finding out that her name was Sara and that she was coming from some remote region of Germany, waiting for her friend. 'Ciao!' said Benito to the young girl in front of the cathedral. He made for the museum, but before that he stopped to buy some goodies at the local Asian memorabilia stand. 'Where are you from?' asked the lady at the stand. 'Oh, somewhere far, far away', said Benito. 'Well, then,' said the lady, 'Help yourself to some merchandise.' -- 'Thank you!' said Benito. There were some more girls standing nearby and Benito struck up a conversation with one of them. 'So' he said, 'Where are you from?' -- 'We are from Belgium,' she said in perfect English. 'Nous parlons un peu le francais!' -- 'Tres bien!' said Benito and off he went. The cathedral at Cologne was a sight to behold and there was the man making his sketches on the ground and the clown entertaining outside the grand doors. Benito made for the fountain where he attempted to take some pictures, but ended up getting all wet because of the blowing of the breezes along the 'wasser'. Memory full, read his camera. "C'est la vie!" thought Benito and off he went to the museum, which was closed on Muntag.

After addressing some Korean tourists and informing them that the museum was indeed closed, he went to check out the movie theater. 'Romeo + Juliet' was playing in a theater near you, well, in Cologne that is. A lady was looking at traffic moving under the bridge and Benito stopped as well to ponder the traffic. 'Mmmm' he said more to himself than anybody else, 'Traffic.' Well, he went up to the lady, who was bulbous at best, and addressed her saying, 'Das Museum est geschlost immer Muntag?' It was an honest question and deserved an honest answer. 'Yes, unfortunately' she said in perfect English. 'You might try the cathedral, and then the Romanesque church (which also turned out to be closed), and perhaps a boat ride down the Rhine!' Benito thought these were good ideas and so often he went, past some bars and some migrant travelers to the Romanesque church. Not finding the entrance at first, he made his way around the edifice to find a convenient toilet. 'Ah, what a relief!' he said to himself, putting in his coinage. He thanked the clean-up lady after he was finished and continued on his way, stopping at yet another fountain below the church. If you could not tell already, Benito enjoyed the sound of water. Then, he made for the Rhine and bought his ticket. With time to kill, he decided to investigate the Romanesque church. He went up an alley, similar to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, and came out at a square with a statue of Gustav Hermann Blaeser and compatriots. It was quite the sight and construction workers were on the move. Continuing along, Benito found yet another fountain commemorating what looked like something to do with WWII and there were other tourists there as well. Unfortunately, the church was closed on Monday as well, but Benito did meet yet another nun who asked him, 'Wo kommen-Sie hier?' or 'Where do you come from?' To which Benito replied, 'Plus longtemps du ici', for she spoke un peu le francais as well. 'Peut-etre, we meet again,' Benito said, and off she went, while Benito eyed a girl smoking nearby, who quickly left to get back to work. Much to Benito's delight, however, he found a 'Hard Rock Cafe'! Immediately, he made a V-line for it to purchase his collector's item. I measly 20 euro. Coming back, there was a woman with a baby stroller inside a pub and she asked Benito if he could be of some assistance. So, Benito opened the door and had a peek inside, promising himself that he would return at some point. It was a nice place to be sure, but Benito had a boat to catch. Buying an espresso at the local store, he made for the water once again.

With little time to spare, Benito ran to the boat at Dock #5. He had been keeping the boat waiting for him, or so it seemed. At the gate, the porter asked for his ticket to which Benito obliged readily and hurried on board. He planted himself at a single booth and asked how much was the beer. Finding it too expensive, Benito sipped on his beverage instead and made out some postcards in the meantime as the trip got underway. The voice on the loudspeaker gave the tour of the Rhine in German, English, and Chinese. There were some Koreans and some Spanish on board for the cruise, and Benito made their acquaintance, though not for some time. Ah, well, the joys of traveling solo. Benito made out a boat named the 'Bellissima' as well. 'Che bella!' he thought. There were also some museums he made out, including one dedicated to Liszt chocolate and some people walking along the beach, which Benito thought was a grand idea! So, after the boat trip, he made for the bridge where he found a lot of locks. He took pictures of some Chinese ladies and that was that. Coming to a movie theater at the start of the beach, Benito looked back over the water and admired the view. He had seen a dead pigeon as an evil omen, but didn't give it too much thought. It was a fine day to be sure in Cologne. Coming back across he considered buying some cigarettes, but decided against it. Instead, he found some Italians wearing nice shoes, but they appeared to be mafiosoes, so Benito decided against striking up a conversation with them. He was pleased to find them nevertheless and also found some Goth backpackers hanging out at the base of the cathedral, then Benito bought a hamburger at McDonalds and boarded the train once again.

Marywalt & Munster-Eiffel

Into the woods we traveled for a little while, the National Park of Eiffel, for to see the nuns in the forest. There were hikers and walkers going all around the natural scene. Birch trees lined the road as the two pilgrims made their way by horse-drawn carriage. You see, that is how one traveled in the early days,in the 13th Century. Old huts lined the streets and chickens cluck-clucked in the courtyard. The churches were beautiful to be sure, and this particular one in the mountains of Eiffel was particularly beautiful, complete with an organ and fine scene it was.

But first we had to try the particularly delicious pea-soup that the nuns make in their cloistered tower. They work all day just to turn out one pea, and then squeeze it out into a dish for all to enjoy. If you're lucky, you might just get a special sausage as well. "Schmekte-gutt!" said the pilgrim. And schmekte-gutt it was. After lunch, Benito the Pilgrim wrote some postcards, then made for the church. He observed a horse feasting nearby and then entered the holy sanctuary to take his seat. His companion entered later and together they contemplated the holiness for awhile. What a holy place here in the hills! The pilgrim signed his name: 'Bodenstein von Karlstadt' on the register, for that was indeed his name.

Then the pilgrims boarded the carriage once more to come out to the Rursee where they found a vast sea spread out before them. A boat was coming in to harbor and seeing the sailboats made Benito the Pilgrim think of Holland and ImJugene. But that was then and this is now. Now, the pilgrim asked a man standing nearby to create a photograph. He did not speak English, but managed to explain to him how he wanted the 'Schiffs' in the background. He muttered something imperceptible, then took the photograph. It was a good one. Then Benito took another picture of boat coming into port and then they were off! It had been a pleasant stay by the sea and another train was getting ready to take passengers to their next destination. 'Auf Wiedesehen!'

The next day, the pilgrims transformed into tennis players and went in search of shoes and tennis courts. It had been a good experience thus far, and playing tennis would be sure to top it off! Unfortunately, the courts were too wet to play, so the two players went for a day on the town. What a busy scene it was! Benito the Tennis Player scored himself a dish for his mother, anxiously awaiting his return back in America, and played with a music box before entering another antiques store and Glassware shop. "Ooh, look at all this glass!!" said Benito. They had many fine things there in the place. Then we passed beneath the gate.

There was a young lady walking her dog there and Benito reached down to pet it. He did not pet the girl, however, and regretted it later as he entered yet another 'Kirche'. There was a Rathaus as well where they were celebrating a wedding. "Gutten Tag!" said Benito to the assembled crowd. Music was all around to be heard, coming as it seemed from the tops of windows. A fountain stood nearby and people in traditional dress were also walking down the Straate. The church of Chrysanthus was very dark and he tried to take a photograph of the icon, but his camera died at that point. There was music also to be found in the restaurant nearby and many pictures with the Rolling Stones as well. Whitney Houston played on a small radio outside the Rathaus as the married couple came forward under the flowers of the assembled people and let loose some red balloons, much to the delight of all, as bystanders clapped and wished the married couple well and many years of bliss. It had been a good look in town and now it was time to say good-bye to this quaint little town. The two tennis playerss went back to the store to pick up their goodies, passing several pubs along the way, but none of them did they go in, for they had spent all their money and coffeee and cake cost lots of $$. They stopped at the bank for some more 'Geld' before continuing on to their next destination.

The indoor tennis facility stood all by itself in this remote valley and Benito would have liked to play, except playing indoors is expensive and besides he had no partner for his companion had hurt her shoulder. But that is how the chocolate-covered banana tastes when chewed in the mouth! And how about Obama winning the Nobel Prize! Well, that is something, but a discussion for another blog. And now it is time for a little nap, for Benito had stayed up late playing the piano for Van and now was very tired, but he had to first eat his curds and whey, a special treat in Germany, in addition to the Bratwurst and sausages, but that is for 'Mittag essen', whereas one gets a cookie for desert with coffee and that is considered to be delicious. 'Schmekte-gutt!' You see, Benito does learn a little German! But he is balling in his new Kangaroo shoes and occasionally tends to hop with them on. Ok, time for fish and chips. Cheusse!

Coming in Germany!

There was a slight upset on the train the other night, or more than a few, for you see Peter Piper got left on the train coming back from Amsterdam, for he had given all his change to a passer-by, then gone shoe and CD-shopping for to catch the Ä-train! Then, he had gotten carried away offering pickles to young Dutch college girls. Oh, my! When it came time to catch the proper train, he was at a loss, for all the lights had gone out. The train went, but then it was suddenly going backwards and then Benito wished he had the help of his prostitute friend. So, that is how it happened. Then the train came to a stop in the train depot and stayed there. 'Wo ist mein Zug?' thought Peter Piper at that moment. And so he got up and made for the front of the train, so as to find out where the train driver had gotten to. Oh, my, thought Peter Piper, this is a scene from one of my favorite Hitchcock movies! Finally, there came someone out to the train to rescue the poor Peter Piper. 'Poor Peter Piper!' he said, 'Kommen Sie hier!' So he went and they had to take a taxi back to the proper train station, for to get a train to Aerendenhout. 'How silly is that!' thought Peter Piper disembarking from the train.

Now Benito had to get up early to make his train the next time.