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So, to backtrack, other than the abandoned hospital complex, Berlin was pretty typical travel. I walked many miles, saw the sites to see, took the photos. I did stumble upon a crazy beer festival on Karl Marx Allee, complete with uniformed nuses serving beer to completely *wasted* dudes dancing in silly mock-country mode to “Ring of Fire.” Serious bratwurst n’ beer represented in this hood. I also made it to uber-hip Friedrichshain, visited the wall at the east side gallery, but just couldn’t stay out for any nocturnal adventures.

Met with the band tuesday in Hamburg and the show at the Molotow (off the infamous Reeperbahn) went well, much better than anticipated. The audience was very giving and attentive. Makes all the difference.

Wednesday brought us into Friesland for a free show at cozy little Cafe de Stam in Joure. Frieslanders have their own language much like the Basques in Spain, although I don’t get the impression they are fighting for their independence anytime soon. Douwe Egberts originated in Joure for you coffee, tea, and tobacco aficionados. Our hosts (Jan and Douwe) were quite gracious, show went well and was well attended, and I drank beers purchased for me until 4am or so without putting up a fight. Good people, good times.

Thursday brought us into Belgium, and the rain, to Zichem. Stayed at a very old world, twin peaksy hotel, filled with musty antique furniture, bizzare Flemish ornaments, childrens paintings. Just what were those wooden alligators on the table for? Creepy. But memorable. The show at the very cool Den Hemel club was sold out and except for a few minor screw-ups went very well. We were told the sound wasn’t very good though.

Next was Fonnefeesten festival in Lokeren. Inside the town center all done up fun fair style with waffle stands, round n’ round rides, and a plethora of stuffed animals. I believe this is the last of the 8 day festival, the smaller one, Pink having played the bigger one. Playing the show (first festival) I remembered how different the festivals are. Huge stage, spacious sound, sometimes difficult to follow what is going on. You also feel very under the microscope with all the lights. Despite a power loss due to the energy sucking projection screen, it went alright. Being a free festival in the middle of town, there were some tough customers not necessarily interested in Magnapop, but we made it.