Long as you chill, the others also will.

Admittedly this trip has been quite messy, but this could've been the messiest of a day had I freaked myself out. Looks like I won't get in to Amsterdam till about 9pm, resulting from a series of DB's imcompetencies which I had been warned and have seen not merely 2 days ago. I could've been stuck elsewhere in between Frankfurt and Venlo, had I not paid attention.

(Insert your own mantra here)

Even as things were very much "in flux" everywhere, they all found themselves in their right places. A few victims along the way; a coffee stain on a tablecloth, a lost ticket to Documenta to name a few, but my 2 night stay in Kassel was filled with inspiration and joy. I timed my arrival at the opening day of the bi-decadal art festival that turns this mid-sized Hessen city into an international destination. The first time spotting fellow Japanese tourists. I can spot them by the clothing, especially the artsy type from big cities that would travel half the world for something like this. We should have met earlier ;) A quick stroll throughout 4 exhibits turned into a walking master class of contemporary art, thanks to Lian and Emanuel who have seen and done more than my tiny noggin could immediately absorb. The only things I could come to an informed agreement with them were how visitor-unfriendly the "information map" was, and that we are living in a very sensitive, easily irritable and highly reactive society. 

For what these repeaters call "a rather boring Documenta," the official opening party seemed nothing but. Lian and I met Max at his ridiculously fly rehearsal studio (where another party was already going on) for the pre-game, and head to the old Kassel hauptbahnhof; a train station which had turned "cultural" after the erction of a new high-speed railway station nearby. The Documenta committee made this a gorgeous party venue which was crowded and lively yet spacious enough for chill conversations and interactions. Going through security was messy but way managable, especially compared to any party you try to get into in LA. Still, this was probably THE party night for the town youth, as the station was completely surrounded by Polizei keeping their eyes on them hitting booze and getting rowdy even before entering the vehue. Well done, Kassel.

Current alcoholic level = German. Ended up passing out till about noon both mornings, missed my ICE  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ At least no hungover like that day in Berlin. Whiskey, like an old friend, had joined the trip. and it had to be Laphroig. That smoky, violent but gentle aroma, much like that of an aging father. Mine was a coffee-and-cigarette kind of a man, but he would've been a scotch guy if he was born elsewhere with more alcohol-torelant gene I'm sure. More about that guy later.

Ken joined us after we exit the Documenta party, and we hit some local bars. It's 3:55am and the last call, then comes Jack, an old friend. That familiar burn reminds me of home, an ocean away, and the people. Then something else that is familiar comes on the PA; that voice. Undeniably 80s production. No. It cannot be.

I made a lot of dues
had plenty to lose
travelling across the land
Worked on a farm,
got some muscle in my arms
but still I'm not a self-made man
I feel the run for many years to come
I'll be searching door to door
And given some time
some day I'm gonna find
the freedom (freedom, freedom) I've been searching for

Again, friends; my clumsy ass would ruin anything in sight if it weren't for the hands of friends. Giving myself a selfie pass only when taken with friends. No stick allowed.

Here's the last stop in Germany for this train. #Tschuss