Zinnny

Ich bin eine Berlinerin.. On the train, at some point between Manchester and Bolton, on the way home from Berlin, I heard the loudest sneeze ever, even louder than my dad's. And that's not the only reason I've considered myself lucky this weekend. I was very appreciative to be asked to go to Berlin and experience a very time honoured German tradition; Karneval. It's not every day that a non-German has this kind of experience, an experience very much through the eyes of a local. The wanderer in me cannot ask for much more from a foreign country and its people, to be taken under their wing, to be accepted and for them to share their traditions and local customs. With that in mind, I set off apprehensive, but quietly energised, about the experience in store. ... read more

Dusseldorf I was in Dusseldorf at the beginning of the year for a typically cheesy European celebration. Yes, that of Eurovision. I didn't, however, see much of what the town has to offer, so it was a pleasant feeling to be back there once again several months later. The first time I was here, I saw a lot of the train station, the football ground, and many ecstatic Eurovision fans. That's the best thing about Eurovision in my eyes... it's a chance for Europe to get together, and be silly together, and to make fun of ourselves and others. It's a shame that both times I visited there were major building works going on. It can really wreck the atmosphere of a beautiful city. But without allowing this to affect my visit I wandered on down ... read more

Aachen The most beautiful cathedral in the world So for most people, myself included, Aachen is not a town on their list of must see destinations. Most will not even have heard of it. I'm going to do my best now, to persuade you just to take a morning stop off there. You don't need much longer, but, honestly you won't regret it. Aachen is an understated city found on the boarder of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. Its geographical importance made it the centre of Charlemagne's empire. The surviving architecture from Charlemagne's reign is just beautiful; the ruby in the crown has to be the quite exquisite blue and gold Dom. Charlemagne was the king of the Francs, born in 747 he became ruler in 768 at the death of his father. For the young ... read more

Late night beginnings Whilst sitting quietly, watching all types of people saunter by, in an insignificant German park, it is easy to ponder one’s life and self. But that’s really not for me. I sat there inventing. Inventing stories of each and everyone’s life, everyone in that little park has a story, has a life, from the little old lady in the yellow raincoat battling with the excessive amount of steps rising up in front of her to the the man dressed in running shoes throwing a minute stick for his petite shaggy friend. It’s so easy to become self absorbed. I want to go past the self absorption into the lives of other people. I want to inspire just one person out there to go, go and explore the world, or just go and explore ... read more

Chicago I flew into Chicago from Bristol very early this morning, we left home at 3am, but it’s the only way to make the most out of the meagre 5 weeks we have to tour the USA and Canada. Not enough granted, but all the time we can afford! Consequently I have been up for 25 hours roughly, excluding the napping done on the journey! I flew Air France, and was delighted to be served camembert on the flight; only the French J My friend, Olivia, was arriving into Chicago on a different flight and as luck would have it, was delayed by 4 hours. I made good use of the extra time available to me at the airport and duly sat with my bags and observed everyone coming and going. The hellos and goodbyes are ... read more