So, it's been a while

Yeah, so I know it's been a ridiculously long time since I actually decided to post something on this blog, but I figured it'd be both a good way for me to collect my thoughts whenever I felt it necessary, as well as be able to share my adventures and experiences with my friends, and whomever happens to stumble across this...blog.. I seriously find that word so annoying.

So I officially embarked on my five month journey yesterday, finishing packing and driving up to JFK airport in order to catch my flight to Germany, where I'll be living and studying for the next while. I currently find myself at the London Heathrow Airport, where I sit waiting for my connection flight to depart. The flight here was....rather uncomfortable, and I didn't sleep at all, so as a result, I am running on the same batteries as I was yesterday.

From the next flight, I'll take a train to Tuebingen, my new home, and seek out the Youth Hostel, where I'll be spending my first night. Come Wednesday, I move into my apartment on the opposite side of town. I currently have no map or train reservation, opting instead to work things out as they come because in today's day and age it's far too easy to destroy a true adventure with technology. So I might get lost for a few hours, I can deal with that.

I also have no idea what my apartment looks like. I just hope it has a kitchen.

I've actually composed a short to do list once I get my apartment:

1. unpack some stuff
2. buy some beer
3. drink aforementioned beer
4. buy a bicycle

I have about a week until I actually have to start doing things for school. I figured this was adequate time for me to unwind, get settled, and perhaps meet a person or two.

As many of you know, music is very important to me, so I'm also going to post short playlists that are downloadable for anyone who's interested in listening to what I'm listening to. Here's the first one:

1. (+/-) - The Important Thing Is to Love
I'm not even entirely sure why I'm all about this song. It was stuck in my head at the airport for some reason, and then when I put the iPod on shuffle, it came up immediately. Crazy.

2. Mogwai - Travel is Dangerous
Off the infamous Mr. Beast that people rip to shreds. Okay, it's no Rock Action, but this song is good, and slightly ominous considering my situation. Also a Celestine Prophecy type shuffle. eerie.

3. Chin Up Chin Up - We Should Have Never Lived Like We Were Skyscrapers
First, I love this song title. The song's pretty good too. This band is from Chicago and their old bassist was killed when hit by a car on tour.. eeeeeee.

4. Blitzen Trapper - Summertwin
One of my favorite songs in the recent past. Listening should explain everything

5. The Arcade Fire - Intervention
Off the new album (that just came out) called Neon Bible. I really like the way the organ sounds in this. It's also #1 here in the UK. I didn't expect that.

6. The Microphones - You'll Be In The Air
My favorite song about flying. period.


I know this all seems very random and not well thought out, mainly because it isn't. I'll figure it all out eventually.

-brendan