Hey everybody. I left Hamburg too days ago, and took a 20 hour train to arrive in Nice, France on the Mediterranean Coast. It is pretty warm here, and the city and beach are beautiful. Yesterday, I went to Monaco, and saw more Ferraris in one place then I ever thought possible. It is an amazing place. I promised that I would retire on the Mediterranean instead of Florida, but longer planning like that doesn't really fit into my time schedule right now. We will see.

Today, I think I am going to bum around on the beach, which here isn't sandy. It is rocky. Really small pebbles. The kind that can float :)

Hamburg is such a great German city. The nightlife there is alive, and I was staying in the anarchist/student area of town. Hamburg is also home to the greatest second hand record store I have ever visited. It even had Jimmie's Chicken Shack Bring Your Own Stereo. I was shocked.

Other highlights of Hamburg include the dock area, the Wesley Willis concert, and the lame Halloween party. I am hoping that I will never have to suffer Halloween being a non-event again. There was one bar with the DJ in costume, and a couple of Goths on the train, but it is Halloween everyday for those people. The graffiti scene in Hamburg is also really alive, I spent an entire day walking around and looking at tags. It was truly an art form.

Meeting my dad in France in a couple of days, and then maybe Barcelona.

Today I am in Hamburg, Germany. I don't really have an impression of it yet because I have just arrived here.

When I arrive in a city, I transform from the Mike you are all familiar with, into MIKE URBAN NAVIGATOR. Armed with only a map, a keen sense of direction, and a strong desire to put down my pack, I traverse great distances in all kinds of weather. Upon arrival at my hostel, I can often be heard letting out a victory yell to thank the gods of lost children for finding me.

But seriously, (and perhaps better written), I am becoming impressed with my own resourcefulness when it comes to navigating unknown cities. I have yet to be totally lost (knock on wood), and am never lost longer than a minute or two. I guess this is a survival skill that I need, and it is a kind of sink or swim situation. I am pleased to report that I am swimming.

Also, those of you who are aware that I am travelling with a GPS satellite system can put away your comments of descension and ridicule, because I have not used that remarkable toy in over 3 weeks. Thank you very much...