So its been over a year since I first thought up this story opening. It was stalled by the delivery of Abduction, which has sat untouched for over a month now, in its re-written state, much longer since new material was introduced… So it’s been a while, and only brought to my attention because a recent comment reminded me this gem was sitting here.

I’m newly revived from my trip, and suffering only slightly, to the time difference, which isn’t all that traumatic, because frankly, I don’t sleep like I should.

(more…)

Clear the path… I’m home.

Leaving the hotel is proving difficult. It isn’t that I don’t want to see more of London than I have (I’ve been here many times before), but that this hotel is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. I’ve been in luxury hotels before, I’ve encountered the abundance they place so readily at your feet, but frankly, this is a dominant’s paradise. Minus sex, pain and nudity.

Though, I think the concierge could arrange that too.

It was a stroke of luck that found us here. We hadn’t booked and this place is booked out very far in advance I’m told. I certainly see why. However, luck favors me/us from time to time, and viola, timing found us in the right place and the right time.

We’ve already decided that we don’t want to eat anywhere else for the rest of the trip. So that’s out. I’ve already gotten a massage that found me proposing marriage to a single mother of two. She wouldn’t have me, she got a few spots that had me cringing like a school girl at her first horror flick.

I’m convinced the bed must make the airplane ride with me. If you’ve got ideas for me while I’m here than can be done on short notice, isn’t touristy and fun, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll be back soon, other details forthcoming.

We spent the early portion of the evening club hopping in downtown Berlin. Somewhere along the way, found ourselves in the German version of ‘The Church.’ I found a bloodletting scene that was by far a bio-hazard complete with makeup and misdirected youth. I’d been offered drugs at least 12 times since walking through the door and thus, made a quicker than usual exit. Everywhere else has been standard, except, and perhaps this is because I live in the bible belt, the boldness of the women. Color me happy.

Aside from that, the hotel is incredible, located in the Potsdamer Platz section of Berlin which lights up like Tess’ face when she pictures me in pain. I’ve eaten something I couldn’t identify, but really enjoyed at a local pub. I’ve gambled away some of my Euros - which doesn’t hurt because I haven’t gotten the conversation rate down. It’s bad, but if I don’t focus, I’ll remain oblivious. Thankfully, I can’t gamble too much without my asshole puckering up. I’ve not gotten caviler with money.

The Berlin Cathedral was wonderful, and highlighted a lot of what is missing in the US, a sense of history. I say that amid the beautiful and very new buildings that surround me, but those of you that have been here/ live here, know what I mean - it is a way of being that is centuries old and woven into the every day fabric of life here.

Luxembourg is next, followed by Paris. My French is nearly insulting in quality, so that should be amusing.