Dummer August in July

Finally Günter Grass has responded to the ongoing debate regarding his previous involvement in theWaffen- SS as a 17- year old young man in the exhibition "Dummer August." In 20 pictures along with poems Grass details his feelings and thoughts. Unfortunately, I was a few hours too late to hear Grass read his own work. Today was the opening and I was too late.

The Future is the Hidden Present

Walking along the ancient streets of Luebeck, I pondered temporality & causality as defined in early Buddhism. Letting go of desires and attachment are parts of enlightenment. We often fill our closets with things we don't need only because our hearts are empty. We hold onto people and things not realizing time destroys us all. Detaching oneself from desire makes us supple and allows us to escape the effects of time.

I bought my new suitcase today. It is so. It's time to leave.

Longing for Berlin

Luebeck is really different than Berlin. The city is slower, greener and the bus fare is more expensive. Here there is no pissed stained Tacheles to dance the night away. There is no breathtaking view of the synagogue. Just an eerily peaceful monument to the city's war dead. After walking through this somber maze, I approached this super tacky fair. Once again a strange feeling overwhelmed me. The fair hadn't opened yet and we were walking through this city of false happiness and cheap consumerism. Ironically the leitmotif was everything American. American flags flying proudly and images of famous American sports and music figures juxtaposed against stands selling shitty crepes and fatty curry wurst. The whole day was just weird! I can't wait to get back to Berlin.

The end is the beginning. . . .

Finally the last night in Berlin came and went without any problems. I passed my exams and said my goodbyes and see you laters. However, the end is often the beginning. Continuous circle of life.