After a mere matter of weeks it was clear to me that I had a good shot at running shit in my new world. My partner had over 14 years experience and at the time he was, I think, 27. So as luck would have it (or so I thought) I had broad access to resources and information, all at my disposal. But at what cost?

This song captured the breakup (in a dear John letter) and my realization that together with my new cellmate, I was going to rise to the top of the shit heap; C-Block in Stadelheim prison.

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Right now out my window.

Thus far, I’m quite happy to be back and already business (for example) is opening up to new possibilities despite the realities of the countries economic strife.  I’ve never been one for good timing, ha!  Nonetheless, good times are another thing completely.  I have a sense, beyond the great events of recent past, there will be plenty of really good times to talk and write about for the next months to come.

What’s missing so far, at least in this Southern California area, is the sun!  I have to say that the European summer that I left behind is much more like summer.  As many of you know, I was in Los Angeles last year around election time and also early 2009 and it was quite hot; just like I like it!  I’m looking forward to days like that here in Los Alamitos too.

As I type, it’s raining and chilly outside. No sun and only about 18 grad outside. Brrrrr….  Seeing that we’re 10 minutes drive or so from Seal beach, I should not be surprised by the weather down here.   I’m thinking about getting a bike and doing some physical commuting instead of driving everywhere like most of the Cali-heads down here do. That’s likely the biggest culture clash that comes in to play for me; not being able to walk or take the Bahn any and every where I’d like to go.

My digs in central Amsterdam.

So, to put things in perspective, about 10 days ago I was hanging out in this neighborhood.  It was the kind of area where all you needed to get around were some good shoes.   Okay, luxury would be having a sturdy, light bike.  A car would basically be a big pain in the lower posterior, so if you find yourself in that part of the world do yourself a favor and leave the car at home!

On the left and right of the canal (what is also typical) are cafe’s, fresh fruit and vegetable vendors, pubs, hotels, coffee shops , medical services, a police station and more.  The weather that day was fine, just cloudy in the direction of the photo.

My new neighborhood in "Los Al"

Now the flipside.  My new hood in Orange County California, or the OC as folks seem to call it around here.  It’s not a bad place to live by any means, simply different.  The pace alone is something to get accustomed to.  I’m over my Jetlag, however I’m not getting a lot of energy (not yet anyway) from the surroundings and I’m attributing it to the weather.  It’s been quite dreary to say the least as of late but for some reason yesterday (when I took the pic) was one of those days I’m hoping is what normal is around here.  I’m assured by complete strangers that it is.  We’ll see, so stay tuned.

This street is next to mine as I was walking (oh no! the “W” word) to the strip mall one more street over called, Katella.  There you’ll find a few restaurants, tanning salon, beauty salon, a 24h 7-11 (beer store), a donut shop, somekind of fitness supply shop and a fast food joint.  What else could someone possibly need within walking (Doh!) distance from home?

There you have it.  A visit to and from the other side.  I’ll be around here the next few months for sure as I figure out more exactly where I want to land.  I really like being near the water which both Hamburg and Amsterdam had to offer me the last several years.  Although I’m open to being inland of course. It will all come down to opportunity and circumstance.  Such is life in the Kam-lane.