Aachen

He came by train. "He came; he saw; he conquered." And so it was in Aachen. Benito got off his tall horse and moved a little to the right. 'Wo ist das Bahnhof?' And so did he find his way. An elderly lady asked him something in German which he could not comprehend. Englisch, she said. The train to Cologne finally came and Benito was quick to get on with his overly large suitcase. So, that was how the Köln cookie crumbled. But say nothing he did not as he loaded himself onto the train and the babies cried out with a leisurely way that was not all together in keeping with the environs, but at least they were in their baby-carriages. So, what do you say to that? Benito got out his notecards and the train filled to full capacity, but Benito had he none. The switch was in Cologne. He followed the path of no return. That was how it went. So, what could he do now that he had had a wiener-schnitzel? So, so, so. What do you say to that? But what he could not figure out was what in the world was that young man trying to say on the train? That young man named Dennis. At first, Benito thought he was trying to bum a ticket off of him, and then he thought he wanted some money, but none could Benito make of it all, until he wrote it down. And then he understood it still not. But what can you do? He looked at Benito's ticket, said 'Ah, so!' and ran away and Benito saw him naught anymore.

Arriving in Aachen HBf, he quickly made his way toward the 'Bücherei', but it was too small, so he continued along. Finding a man finally who showed him the way back to the train station and to a little bookstore where he bought a paper which to-date, he has not read. So, so, so. What do you make of that? But then, coming out of the bookstore, he found Claudia wearing her green, green jumper. They celebrated then for a time and moved on. 'Sprechen-Sie deutsche?' This was a question which Benito got a lot. Well, he spoke a little, ich spreche ein beißhen. So, that was that. Then, after giving a fiver to the homeless dude, they were off.

Coming to the house, they played some pool. Then some more. And later, some more. And even later, they went bowling, all from the garage! What fun Benito was having here in Aachen. Well, they went that evening for some traditional Chinese medicine. And that was good. Unfortunately, the doctor had no time for Benito, but that gave Benito some time to record some all-famous recipes, like for mint coffee for example. That is good. Well, after a long time or a short time, it came time to be leaving. They had played many a game on Quint's I-touch phone and now they were ready to be heading out. They had all experienced Zen, to be sure. So what now? Well, the cell phone store downstairs was closed, so they then made their way back to the parking lot, where Quint and Benito chilled until the others came a'knocking. And then the chimes started to ring out so that noone could hardly get any sleep, but then Benito met Thorsten.

An amiable man was Thorsten, who was fair: strict but fair. 'What have you to do in Aachen?' asked Thorsten of Benito. 'Why, I've come to see the sights!' said Benito, and so he had. Well, that is good. And they all ate chestnuts together and celebrated most whole-heartedly. That is good. And drank beer and sat by the fire. It was Thanksgiving after all, and turkeys were supposedly nearby. But what could Benito do but eat nuts and drink beer. Yeah! Oh, well...

The next day Benito went to the lab with Thorsten. ABIOLAB it was called. Benito then went into town for to see what he could see. What sights to see! Among them, the Aix-la-´Chappelle in all its glory. But Benito did not go there right away. Instead, he went walking along past the magic fountain with a man reaching out as if to catch something in his hand, like spare change. Then to the bookstore where Benito bought a lot of stuff, including a book by Robert Jordan, which he promptly lost, but that came later. Together with his bag, he had an Irish coffee and departed the premises for to find something to chew on. Finding then the Gluhwein. Oh, the magical Gluhwein. He would have much more later on! But for now, he was content. He had turned around and found the museum, the Clouvein, for which he had been searching and that was good. Then, he went to the phone shop, and while he was there, an older man came aknockin' singing, "Oh, Hohoho!" What could Benito do but help the old drink. He wanted to make a call, so Benito bought him a beer and held the phone up to his ear. "Oh, hohoho!" said the man to the lady on the other end. And thus was he able to secure a coat for the night, and thus was Benito able to secure a good deed and the man sang out, "Benito!!! This is my friend named Benito." With a hug and a kiss, he was off, as people looked down on him and held up their noses.

Then Benito left his stuff at the counter and carried on into the crowd, in search of more Gluhwein. Klasse! That is good. He saw many pretty girls, but with none could he speak, until he found a man smoking some Greek cigarettes. That, Benito could understand. Or at least, read outright. He struck up a conversation, finding out that he was a student at the University named Alexei. And he also had a Greek girlfriend. That is good. He was from Thessaloniki and recommended a destination in Rhodes quite highly, saying that it was very beautiful. Mykonos is good, he said, but only for make party. Otherwise, it is not so nice. So, they parted on good terms. Then, Benito took a seat, drank more Gluhwein, as the other party-goers saw him for the English-man that he was. Oh, well. The bells! But anyhow, Benito payed them little heed, for they were mean little Germans! But then, Benito went away from the crowd and found himself some new friends, whose names he can not now recall, but which were very nice. And so that was good. One thought Benito looked familiar, and another was a student of psychology. Benito suggested that she might psychoanalyze him! But that was all for naught. She showed promise, but with a German, Benito just could not get, using all his devices. Perhaps tomorrow? All Benito needed was a little more time, and then he was sure he could work his magic! Haha. Well, maybe in Paris?? That would be nice. When Benito came back to the place where his jacket had been, he found nothing. He asked, but to no avail. So, that was not so good. "You lost my jacket?!" Thorsten said at the breakfast table the next day. And so he had. But, what were the consequences. Could Benito yet again buy his way out of trouble? Out look not so good. So, what could he do. He bought another jacket. And after having found an apology waiting for him and a pardon, much like Obama's turkey, it was too late. The jacket could not be returned. So, Benito found himself in a pickle. What would you do? Now, he must steal the money back, or face his doom!

For now, however, Benito was content to wonder and wonder he did, what the meaning of life would entail. But together they went the next day back into Aachen for to do some shopping. It was a pretty laid back weekend. That was good. The model trains were there in town, but pay them attention, Benito did not and went shopping instead and back into the Aix-la-Chappelle, after spending around €0.30 to use the facility. That was good. Now in the chapel, he asked about the services and was pleased to find that indeed there was organ playing, just on Sunday. Benito did not unfortunately attend. That was not so good. But, he did have an eventful Sunday nonetheless, and another Weinachts Markt!

This time they went hiking in a swamp. This was good. Then it was windy. This was nicht sehr gutt. But, they survived, even if Quint had not so much fun after running barefoot in the snow, and Eric didn't feel like speaking English. But no matter Benito would try and sober him up. That was good. Thorsten was being an amiable God-father (oooohhh, the 'God-father') and helped Benito to button his coat. So, Benito played the part. Also, taking off his shoes. 'If somebody jumped off a bridge, would you?' Apparently, yes. Then they all went out into the small town in Belgium for some Belgian waffles. Shmechte-gutt! That was good. Then down the stream, ever following Vicki and company into the glass-blowing shop. Then for a little more way until they came to the town with the little houses. Go in the shops they did not, but buy more Gluhwein and some deep-fried potatoes, so they did. That was good. Benito's stomach was strong and therefore did not suffer the consequences. That was also good. At the end, there was a big Christmas tree and people playing a mysterious music. Thorsten bought a Christmas hat with long braids for his daughter and off they went into the night. Ah yes, and they also stopped buy the bridge near the kirche to take some pictures of the beautiful scene. That was good. Then, they were back on track and, Gluhwein in hand, made their way back. It had been a good time overall.

Oh yes, and Saturday night had been a house-warming party. That was also good, but there were a lot of older people, only one Benito's age, but that was Ok, for he agreed to show Benito around next week at the University and that was good. Then the Seiß family watched 'Ice Age 3' and all rejoiced, and large quantities of wine were consumed. Holla! Well, at least it's not whisky, which the Seiß's have a lot of, supposedly, so we shall see. Now, it is time for another sip of wine. Cheusse!

Edinburgh (Part Deux)

That very night. Benito had an encounter of the third kind when he came into contact with the Fairy Queen. Her name was Lara, which is also the name of the main character in PHillip Pullman's classic 'Golden Compass' series. No doubt, Benito was pleased to make her acquaintance. They met under the full moonlight, or rather, the light from under the castle where they were destined to meet like... well, it was super! Benito asked, 'Can I call you Arwen?' 'No', she had said, 'Just call me Lara.' 'Lara Lewis?' 'No, just plain Lara.'
And so they met there under the Scott Memorial, dedicated to one Sir Walter Scott, author of 'Ivanhoe' and 'Waverley', which Lara had to read for school at Edinburgh. What a coincidence! Benito felt like a character from one of those novels as they spoke. Sweetness!
They walked off together into the night, well around the next corner, being treated to a special dish of muscels, cooked to perfection, and chatting away about this and that, it coming apparent that Benito was really looking forward to going to Japan. Lara too had heard of Japan, but had had only one friend that had traveled to such distant lands. ah, well, that's how the muscels break and their shells fall to the floor! But not tonight, oh not tonight. No, tonight was about something special. The look in her eye, the way she folded her napkin, all bespoke of one thing. What would that thing be, thought Benito in that instant. But nothing came to him all of a sudden, save that she spoke in a ridiculously cute accent, befitting her rank and class. Nothing could have prepared Benito for that moment. That moment in time. When everything else seemed as nothing, and the moment infinitely expandable in her eyes...
She showed him the castle after dinner (and what a sight it was!), and that was that.
Afterwards, Benito greatly enjoyed his stroll down Prince's Street, feeling as light as a feather! He felt as though he were floating, dressed as he was, and the night carried him forward towards the giant clock tower in the center of town, and onwards up the stairs to his dorm room. But that would not be the end of his adventures, for no sooner did he wake up then he knew what he wanted. Was it a violin? Nay, it was a kilt!
So, it was up and Adam for Benito. and he approached North Bridge, buying somehting special along the way. What it was for sure is uncertain, although it rhymes with 'built'. Trying it on, he thought it matched his specifications and immediately was impressed by it and continued on his merry way, after first asking directions to Dundee from a friendly Scot, who suggested he try flying to Dublin. Yes, it seems everyone was headed that way and that was surely what Benito had in mind as well. But first to the birthplace of one Harry Potter.
After a brief and largely uneventful stop in the National Library, and a brief adventure to read Aristotle's 'Ethics' in the Public Library across the way, Benito made it to that hallowed place with a view to die for. He entered in and ordered a Cafe Mocha, which unfortunately contained powdered milk, so that would not do at all. So, instead, he traded it in for a cappucino, which was quite sufficient. What a fuss! Oh, well, at least he had a little sandwich. Pee-yew! he said. Then he sat down in one of the 'Elephantile' seats to toast Ms. Rowling and feast his eyes on the castle.
After night had fallen and all had gone to bed, Benito made his way down the street to buy himself a nice woollen hat, which he wears to this day! And then on down to a pub where some nice Italians were just entering and that was quite commodious. He sat down for a nice sheep burger, which came highly recommended. Mmmmm... even better the second time around. But after making the acquaintance of a fellow in the restroom where they sold condoms for 1 pound each, Benito found himself mesmerized by the TV screen for there was football on the tele. Hmmmm... Well, no matter, Italian or no Italian, Benito would have his fun! So off he went with a quick 'Ciao, Ciao' to an Italian fellow chatting away on his cell, and down the street, receiving a text from the Fairy Queen, saying that she could not attend the Pub Crawl that evening. No matter. Benito would have his fun, no matter the odds! So he headed for the Filmhouse where he found a lot of people, which was also quite commodious. It was a good film overall about this lady from Monaco, who was a real slut but knew how to have a good time. Benito had been waiting in line behind this real swell chick, but did not initiate conversation ,which was lucky since he found her to have another German boyfriend at the time. But no matter, Benito would have his fun, so he enjoyed the French film, first in the series. And one of the ladies who was introducing the film, sat down in the empty chair next to Benito, or rather leaned in against it, so that it appeared as though she were carousing with Benito, then came up on stage to announce 'Bon projection!' And that was that. After about twenty minutes of adds. then, Benito went to put on his new item of clothing. Quite fab! And proudly paraded in front of the local strip clubs, which he did not enter on account of moral reasons... what, Benito has morals? Oh, man! Well, no matter, Benito would have his fun, so he continued along past all these different hot spots, finally coming to a place just off St. George's Square, which was called 'Candy'. There, Benito had a drink, then a chick bought him a drink and they got to talking. Well, that was something at least. Everyone was very pleased to hear that he was from DC. Chill, they all thought, and Benito felt like dancing, so he invited the chicks to join him, but they did not consider it such a dancing joint and suggested moving down the street, except they left without Benito and he was left to count his curds and whey, but no matter, Benito would have his fun, so he moved on down passed a couple of clubs on George's Street to finally get to Hanover Street, which kind of reminded Benito of the grocery store back in VT, but no matter, Benito would have his fun. So, he entered the Bar Napoli, to be greeted by some fellow Italians. 'Lui parla un po' Italiano, non?' 'Si, veramente, d'accordo.' So, he ordered una pizza e bira and was quite satisfied, staying for the terra missu as well. Well, not quite $1000, but getting there. 'Ciao, Benito!' said the patrone. And Benito moved on down the street towards the next stop on the little tour, which was back to Prince's Street. haha. That was swell. It had been a good time in Edinburgh. And the next day was just peachy for it was time to check out of the Hostel. Oh, man. Well, Benito was up to the challenge and finally nailed down a meeting place ,after finding a Post Office to mail his postcards that he had written at the Elephant House. He bought some coffee from a girl named Catherine who had ball-boyed for the Australian Open, Benito was pleasaed ot learn. Then went in John Lewis for a spell before finding the Post Office, and being sequestered by a beautiful young blonde lady, wanting Benito to buy some expensive purses as a gift. 'Thanks, but no thanks!' said Benito, although he was extracted to some shoes in the front of the local Foot Locker. They have foot Locker in Edinburgh? First I heard. Well, St. James Shopping Center was quite the place. Anyway, Benito continued along without a hitch, for he still wanted to buy some scarves at a special rate, then meet up with Caroline for a class or two. But the bag proved more than Benito could manage and he ended up giving up after climbing two flights of stairs and several other appendages, walking a man all dressed up in Scottish Regalia walking down the street, and finding a store with some Spanish retailers selling cashmere. 'Thanks, but no thanks!' said Benito. And continued on to the next store were he found a two for one special being sold by an Indian man. 'Hello, Indian man!' said Benito. 'My name is Abu; I live in a shoe!' said the man. Well, that was all well in good, but where would Benito sleep if he did not catch his train! Then they parted ways, and Benito made his way to the Mound, where he considered going in both the Scottish Naitonal Gallery and the Castle. But neither option appealed to Benito, so he went down the Mound to some sort of a Central Park, where he wrote a little poem about his predicament which went something like this:

"Why am I so tired?
What the hell am I doing right now?
Why am I torturing myself like this?
C'est la vie?
C'est la distinguishing feature of the night!"

So, Benito made it to the John Knox statue afterall, and the school of Divinity. Ooh, Divinity? Well, maybe next time, and everything was on-line. Jumping on the train, he made his way north to Cupar, en route to St. Andrew's and the home of golf!

Edinburgh

Ok, well, ten min. is not enough time to go through everything from yesterday, but I shall try. You see, I started walking down Prince's Street, then came to Regent St., where I found a tall tower called the Nelson Memorial. There were some Chinese taking pictures outside, but I did not initiate contact. Instead, I went up to the top of the tower, from which point one could espy an island off the coast and people walking on the hill nearby. So, as soon as he could take in the view, Benito headed off in the direction of that landform, Arthur's Seat. It was a nice little walk down the spiral staircase, meeting multiple Italians along the way, and having quite a nice time for himself. You see, Benito was an Italian-phile. But off he went into the clear blue yonder, passing through the secret pass, and up the hill. There was a precarious spot where Benito considered whether to hop the fence or not, but decided against taking the risk as there were spikes attached. So off he went back around the Flying Scotsman and acroos the busy road to find some very attractive features in the rock.

The climb up was somewhat steep, but nothing compared to what Benito had faced in the past. It was quite exciting to be climbing up to the top of Arthur's Seat, and already the city was growing small below him and little joggers ran along the edge of the hills. So that was what he was experiencing as he went. And there were some couples and older people walking along, but Benito passed them all by, and continued until he could go no farther and said to himself, 'Oh, my!' for that was exactly how he felt. And there were even some rock climbers. Benito then picked out a nice spot to have hhis lunch as he was hoping for, and that was that. But little longer than he could expect there were more hikers to break his solitude, and Benito left a little trail behind of bread crumbs for the birds to pick up. 'Oh great, now he's making friends with the birds!' But Benito would not be disappointed, for he met some fellow students along the way, named Mary-Anne and Peter-Piper. Imagine that! They went to Edinburgh and St. Andrew's respectfully and were able to give good advice. But the real punch came at the top of the mountain, where Benito encountered some Belgians and Germans and they all smoked and took each other's pictures. How fabulous. Getting into a political discussion and such. Fabulous! Go Obama!

Guy Fawkes Night

So so so. You want to know about Guy Fawkes! Well, that's strictly confidential. You heard me! Off the books. Well, he passed this way the day before yesterday. But I'm warning you. If you so much as try to follow my path, I will have you and your men personally arrested!

...

Sorry, watching to much 'Public Enemies'. But, in any case, here's the skinny. We drove out to the pub where the festivities were taking place and immediately the issue was where to park? Driving around a few times, we finally landed a place. Bam! Right in the center of things. So that was that. The fire was raging and Benito was able to capture it on film. So that took care of that. But then there was the pub. A beautiful girl passed Benito out of nowhere and ducked out of sight. There goes the girl of my dreams, thought Benito, but there would be more. After receiving his Guinness, he moved on out to get a load of the huge bonfire. Unfortunately, they were charging: 2 lbs. of flesh. Ouch! What is this Halloween? Saw 3 & 1/2 or something? What do you take me for? The Undertaker?? Well, so much for that. We stayed at a safe distance and instead lit sparklers as other sensible people were doing and that followed some heavy lifting, but at least we had each other. And there were lots of smokers and women with baby carriages. Oh yeah, and some underage chicks. Beward the underage chicks!! Do not engage, repeat, do not engage. Well, once passed them, we were on our merry way and the firecrackers started to go off and then we were in Barney. But no matter, for there was cotton-candy nearby. Yum! There was a group then congregating around a young lady holding a bottle of wine. She assumed the pose of a dancer and Benito wanted to learn more, so he questioned the head hancho as to the whereabouts of said Guy Fawkes. Yeah, explained the officer, he tried to blow up Parliament sky high, but did not succeed. Intriguing. Well, what do you think of Guy? said Benito to the lady. I like them, she responded and went off to witness the fireworks by the bonfire, leaving Benito to ponder the weight of her response. It had been an eventful evening. Now he would go home to ponder his UK Asian Match responses, before hitting the sack. A-men. Good night one and all, and especially Jack Sprat, who could eat no lean. What a merry fellow. And, for the record, they do not except American Visa at Domino's. You see, they've got a few shady types wandering about. Alright, peace! -Benito