Rumours, Anxiety and Planning

Careful Planning and Anxiety: Even with such an idea of quitting our jobs, everything and almost anything must have an idea and a plan. Though, Attila talked a good game about the endless possibilties of finding work in Spain, we were all certain one fact, we were not citizens of the European Union. With that in mind, we knew very well that any job obtained was going to illegal and the pay would not help us to buy a villa even in Andalucia. I played the possible scenarios in my head day after day, hour after hour, I even would bring the discussion up beyond several times. I guess that I had to make sure that we were not going to leave our job in Germany for uncertain possibility of finding work in Spain. We finally agreed that concluded that this move was risky and we will homeless for weeks or months until we actually find work. The kind of work we were hoping to find (being realistic here) were bar jobs, house cleaning, gardening, waiting tables, dishwasher, bus-boys, basically shit work. But, we all had to take care a few loose ends. . . .

Let's leave!: At this point, we could have left the following morning, Nate already had enough funds to take off, Attila had already planned on leaving for Spain, he just came to Germany to hang out for only two weeks (it turned out to be over a month) and I was no where near close of having the funds for such a risky venture. It seemed that every night at work, Nate and I would talked, analyze, over-analyze, plan out, replan, direct, redirect what the hell we were planning to do. In the end, we concluded that we had to leave and from that point, there was no turning back.

Secrets, lies and no video-tapes: It never cease to amaze me on how some people couldn't keep their mouths shut. I will refrain from using names, but one guy we thought we could trust, did everything to ruin our chances of leaving quietly, without having the entire work staff knowing that we were going to quit our jobs and leave for Spain. And I thought that the rumours of 'who's sleeping with who, or who might be lesbian, or what the hell who is doing what' had so much importance with my fellow AFRC co-workers. Well, thanks to a so-called good friend of ours! The entire gossip network got something even better to talk about, us!! "Hey, I hear that you guys are leaving for Spain, 'I heard that you are quitting your job' 'So, what is this I hear about you two leaving Germany for some job down in Spain?' 'Hey, is it true?..............." Thank, friend for not keeping this to yourself!

Since timing and financies were the issues, we had to wait until the last week of March before taking off. Attila was planning to visit us for a short while, take off for Spain, and meet up with us later. I was hoping to continue working until the end of my contract in the month of June and then take off for Spain. Nate couldn't bare the idea of working graveyard security any longer, or live in the Abrams and not being able to travel. It was set in stone, our greatest of escape was date for March 29, 2005. The following morning, Nate and I turned in our letter of resignation. Turning in that letter was the greatest feeling ever, I could have smoked a joint. But leaving this place would also mean leaving good friends behind. One friend in particular, Tom! We will see him again.

We took everything in our room down, posters, pictures, flyers, everything. We had a dorm style garage sale, our bed sheets, clothes, tv, dvd player, everything! We sent several boxes back to the states just enough to carry the basics for our journey. All of winter gear either were given away, thrown away or sold. Spain was not going to be a place for such clothing. Finally, we established a simple way of looking at our lives at this moment: sell it, ship it or throw it away. Bascially, we tried our damnest to minimize our lives to these basic necessities:

• Jeans
• T-Shirts
• shoes and sandals
• backpack & daypack
• camera
• socks
• underwear
• sleeping bag
• toilteries
• and unplanned destination

We finished our out-processing, calmed down the rumours, had a few beers, mapped out all of Spain, balanced check books, closed accounts, updated bank accounts, called family and friends, argued, nearly got into fights, controlling attitudes, keeping friendship alive and left Garmisch, Germany on March 29, 2005 at 8am for Munich Central Station and from there, Spain and the unknown! The Greatest of the Great Escape, complete!

Volume V: Valid Passports, expired visas: Deportation

The Greatest of the Great is complete. We were away from the American-Germanic world of Garmisch, AFRC and Edelweiss all of it. It just seemed way too easy, as we finally closed our room door for the very last time. We even had a couple of friends stopping by to wish us a safe journey. One friend in particular (again no names) came by to say his good-byes by smoking weed by our room. We knew that was the sign for us to leave. Considering that all of us could have been busted along with our pot-smoking friend. "Chance nothing, we are leaving!" I said.


I had to admit that I was a bit nervous about this journey we were taking. Plus, upon leaving our job, Nate and I will automatically considered illegal immigrant, considering that our job in Germany was contracted through the U.S. Department of Defense. I worried that some German immigration officer would approach us, or more so me, and ask for our passports and possibly deport us back to the United States.



Finally, We arrived at the München Hauptbahnhof (Munich Central train station) and to continue further on our trip, we had to get some train ticket information and purchase a Euro Multiple Country Pass. Getting this rail pass was the final step of getting out of Germany. Attila suggested getting this eurorail pass, because of the low cost versus having to purchase a single train ticket over and over again. But, the pricing was also based on age. Basically anyone under 26 years of age could receive a discount. I was fucked! We told the Eurorail ticket agent that we were heading to Bayonne, France. With the connection through Paris, it cost me about €105.00 Euros! All tickets were purchased, I was already sweating from the cost. "I hope that we find a job real soon!"

During our train ride to Paris, we still had to deal with the culturally ackward Germans and their overly quiet nature, silence, boring, unfriendly and down right strange people of middle Europe. I hate to stereotype people, but I guess we wanted some openness, friendlier, positive, engaging, basically something typically Latin cultured. The ride was nothing to write home about, just plain flat fields, grassy hills, nothing! Attila provided entertainment with his ipod, luckly he had an awesome feature where he had mulitple mini-ear speakers, so we all can enjoy the music together. Though the train ride was eight hours long, it seemed like forever to get into France. I became more worried at anytime I saw a man dressed in offical uniform, but that fear was no longer as we crossed over into France.

Bonjour! Bayonne, France

Travel Journal Entry: March 30, 2005

Gare de Austerlitz-Paris

It was 10:30pm, we finally arrived in Paris, France. I remember many days and weeks I used to spend in this magical city. But, we had our minds as well as tickets designated for Bayonne, French Basque country. Nate at least saw a quick view of the Eiffel tower. We flagged down a taxi car to take us to the other train Parisien train station, Austerlitz. I only wished we had more time to explore this great city. While waiting for our connecting train, I had a quick sense of depression. I think it was related to the uncertainity we were about to face, not having the convience of a living quarters, my bed or a real sense of employment. Though, I've traveled this way for many years. Even with my past exprience as a poor international vagabond, I guess I felt as though I had more responsbilities on this trip. I also knew that if things don't work out as expected or planned, I would face more consequences than my two traveling mates.

Bonjour! It's 6:30am, welcome to Bayonne, France! We walked around this beautiful city, though nothing was opened to take us in. We arrived very early in the morning. "We did it!" I said to Attila and Nate. The adventure begins. . . .

Nothing better than starting off our new morning with a Petit Dejeuner or breakfast with some french bread and some mint tea.

Later on that same morning, we found a nice hotel room with three beds, no petit dejeuner, but there were plenty of grocery stores to help the newly poor travelers in this small city.

Even with the stunning views and beauty of this city, it was not worth staying another night. We left the next day for San Sebastian, Spain.

Euskadi-San Sebastian, Spain

Journal entry: April 1st, 2005




Attila has raved about this great city of San Sebastian even from the first time I met him back in 2002. And I can see why! Welcome to the Capital of Basque Country (In basque, Euskal Herria for the Spanish this is known as País Vasco.



As soon as we arrived in Donostia, or San Sebastian, we were hoping to find a hostel near by, but we immediately greeted by this kind-hearted woman, who had pictures and flyers to her Residencial (let's call it a hostel) within the heart of the city, within walking distance from the train station and with a good price of €15.00 Euros.



We paid for two nights in this unoffical Residencial, which had three beds, clean bathrooms, a terrace and with an awesome view. Nate and I were still going through not-working-culture-shock. Normally, we would be sleeping to get ready for another night of graveyard security. Those days are over!

Later that same day, we went to find a cyber-café. To check up with who sent e-mails, stories, gossip (yeah even gossip) keeping up with old friends and wanting to know what our former work staff have been saying about us since we made our great escape. We'd probably stayed there for over an hour. We were getting hungry at this point. Later, Nathan was telling both me and Attila about an e-mail he'd received from his mother. She was not too happy about the idea of him quitting his job and going down to Spain to look for work. She was also not to happy with me either and she was begging him to come home. Just our first day in Spain, Nate and I had an argument and I didn't think we could keep going on this journey until he took care of the issue with his mother. I suddenly felt responsible for him leaving Germany. Fights and arguments happen even with good friends, we resolved the issue. "The adventure must continue!"

The second day in Donostia, Nate and I got up early in the morning, considering that was probably our first time in a long time actually seeing and expriencing morning without walking home from work. We did our travel usual: taking pictures and more pictures, walking around different corners of the city. But, the great part of this journey was, we didn't have to worry about going back to work right away. We knew that this new life away from graveyard work was going to be a new challenge. Still, was it worth it?

Later late afternoon, Attila got up from his long nap. He wanted to take us out and show us all the important sights, monuments and areas of town, he used to frequent. We spent a few hours at the beach within silence. It was a great feeling to be next to the sea for a change. We had enough time to go hiking up the infamous Statue of Sacred Heart of Jesus on Urgull Mountain. From the top of this mountain, we were able to see all of San Sebastian. Attila suggested hitting the town for Tapas and Bocadillos.

The night in Donostia, the city was alive, great music being played on almost every corner of town. The smell of great food dominated. This is Spain! But even with this great atompshere, some people just have to ruin all the good fun. Apparently there was some soccer game between Spain and Ireland. There were a lot of pissed drunk irishmen walking around causing trouble and looking for fights. I was surprised there weren't a riot. But, with Nathan's already on edge attitude, I suggested that we all go back to our hostel, so no possible way we would be involved in a fight.

Without giving it much thought, we packed our bags. Next destination, Portugal. I called a few friends around Lisbon to tell them that we will be in town and to meet up with us later for some drinks and good talks. The train to Lison from Donostia, will be about ten hours. Good Luck! That same night, as we were sleeping, someone opened our door to our room. The light from the hallway luminated one side of our room. Without my glasses on, I saw a naked white figure standing over Nathan's bed. Was someone trying to rob us, trick us, or giving us pleasure? The mysterious naked woman was never seen again. The mystery still unresolved.

Lisbon, Portugal

Journal Entry: March 4th thru 6th, 2005

A ten hour train ride from hell. We left Munich to Paris, 8 hours. Then from Paris to Bayonne, another 8 hours. 1 and a half hours from Bayonne, France to San Sebastian. Fuck, fuck, we're just fucked! And to top it all off, we were constantly awaken by two mid-aged portuguese drunks. Finally, the train conductor kicked them off. Still, long train rides blow.



Praça de Comércio-Lisboa




In any case, Portugal is very much like my second home. I've been traveling back and forth to this wonderful, beautiful country since the age of 19. This time I am not here alone.



During this visit, I was lucky to see my old friend, Nuno and his new wife, Vanda and his other friends. Though, we stayed in a youth hostel in Almada, Nuno still found time to visit us and show us around.

This was the best time of our lives. Finally, I got my best friend, Nate to exprience the world of traveling and finally see my second home of Portugal. Though, we spent only two days in Lisbon, it was worth it. Tomorrow, we leave for Lagos.

Lagos, Portugal

Journal entry: March 6th thru 12th, 2005



3 hour train ride from Almada to the city of Lagos. Lagos is a small portuguese city in the southern of Portugal, known as the Algarve. Basically the Portuguese Rivera.

As soon as we walked away from the Lagos train station, an old man came to us telling us about his residencial in Lagos. He at first spoke with us in English, but when learned that Attila and I were able to speak Portuguese, we became even more kinder, as well as giving us a kinder price for the room eight euros a night.

Attila felt that Lagos would be a great start for finding work. I was glad at this point, "vacation time needs to end" I said. The following night, we walked around this small town, checking out the scene and the bars, expericing the night life. We walked into one bar and from the looks of it, I thought they might need someone to hire. I inquired about what jobs they had. In fact, Attila and Nate were also curious as well. I guess somehow Nate stood out from the both of us, considering that I was the first one to ask. Nate was hired on the spot. "Nate doesn't even know how to speak Portuguese!" In any case, we celebrate his new job by showing up for some drinks.

Even with Nate's landing a job, Attila and I spent a lot of time checking other regions around Lagos, especially in the city of Sagres. While in Lagos, we ate at a local cafe in town, where we met this cool Portuguese guy named Marco. He hooked us on Super Boc beer and something to eat.

Three days already passed, Nate is working and Attila and I were asking all around town. I guess we didn't fit the right look or profile to work with these people. Not portuguese people, mainly English living and working easily in southern Portugal. Jealously looms high above.

It seemed as though Attila and I can't make it in this town, no jobs and all the girls wanted Nate. Our luck got even better, we finally landed a job passing out flyers. "There's no money in this shit!" Even with these discouraging realities, Attila and I would spend most of our times either in our residencial or going out to Sagres to visit Marco and his friend, Victor.

A long lonely road to the infamous point: Cabo de São Vincente
Taking a drive with our newly found friends was a great get away from the British and the eye-candy girls who had eyes only for Nate. I worried that jealousy will ruin our good times. Can we make it together as friends?

Cabo de São Vincente

Attila and I seriously were considering what will happen if he and I don't land a job? What about Nate and his job? We had to stick together I said, but it wasn't going to easy with one person working and two only being able to pass out flyers with the hope of making 10 euros!

Nate meet this cool Dutch guy, named Oscar, who came to Portugal just to surf. Oscar landed a job working in the Canary Islands for the summer as a surfing instructor. We would have risked going there with him, but nah!

Nate met this guy named Burk who was a tatoo artist. Nate decided to give Burt a try and get a tattoo on his arm.


The symbol of Peace!

"Fuck this shit!" Attila and I stopped passing out flyers. We went to almost every bar in town. Same fucking story and more lines of bullshit. Since, we didn't have the MTV look or Spring Break attitude. So we spent of our days at the beach. We stopped caring at this point. Even the jealousy with Nate was over. He was our friend. Attila and I went out and had Bacalhau (salted cod fish) meal for lunch and Indian food for Dinner.

Six days, six damn days, we've spent in this town and can't find a job. "whats the point of even staying here any longer?!" Nate went to work, Attila and I stuck in our small room, reading and listenting to music in order to remain calm. Nate came back to the room earlier than schedule. Nate got canned, probably for giving us cheap to almost nothing in price for beer. We agreed to stick together. The next morning, we left for Huelva, Spain. "No work and Brits dont mix, let's get out of here!"

Welcome Back, Spain!

Journal Entry: April 12th-13th, 2005

¡Hola! Welcome back to Spain

We arrived in the early evening in Huelva. Like the last time when Attila and I first met back in Morocco traveling with our other travelmates, Huelva had to nothing offer back then and it still doesn't! To bring back good memories, we actually found the same hostel we stayed in back in 2002. Cheap and basic, no food, no service, here's your bed, checkout time is at 11am, pay now, Buenas Noches! We left the following morning for Sevilla to catch a train to Granada.


On to Granada! We left at 9am to catch a bus to Sevilla Santa Justa's train station to head out to Granada. The train ride was amazing, fast train zipping through the Spanish terrain, passing everything in sight. The train ride was only 3 hours. 3pm, we arrived in Granada. Bringing back some good memories again, but I had to be open to new adventures as well. We walked a good 30 minutes to find this Backpacker's Resort of a hostel in town. With our heavy backpacks and hot weather, we had to learn to ajust to this place. However, we weren't the only backpackers around, there were plenty of guys & girls going towards us, away from us, left, right, everywhere. "This is the travel life!"

Welcome to the Funky Backpacker’s Hostel!

For only €15.00 Euros a night, this place was beyond worth it. The rooms had bunks beds, a safe to put away the most valuables items. Small bathrooms and shower. Rooms were not divided according to sex.

This was the perfect place to stay while in Granada. The People we've met were amazing, especially the hostel staff.

That same day, we decided to go out and get some tapas. Tapas, for those who never been to Spain: Tapas are small meals or snacks, in which you receive once you order some beer. Tapas are free along with the beer, which you paid for. Primeros, Segundos and Terceros, basically you get your first taps with your first order of beer and Segundos (or second serving) with you order the next thing of beer. And the rest is very simple.


In Granada, many university students, as well as backpackers usually go to Tapas bars for the cheap price of beer with food. Makes sense? That is how we spent our first day in Granada.





The rest of the day, we just hung out with our new traveling neighbors, exchanging stories, past history, ideas and so on.

Spain: Granada Days

Journal Entry Dates: April 14th-18th, 2005

Faith & friendship. Can it help?


The infamous Alhambra
Most of our days were spent checking out many sites around the city.



Attila showed us many places around the city. Since, he has studied in Granada, he knew all the great spots for picture taking and scenary.


Our hostel not only provided the best travel lively atomsphere, but entertainments like Flamenco dance shows, Paella, Wine and meeting new interesting people from all over the world.


Though, we tried to keep good spirits alive, trouble was also lurking. It seemed that Nate and I were not getting along. His luck is running really good; as he meets an English girl who wanted tag along with us around Granada.


Though, our friendship is somewhat falling apart, I know that in time, things will fall back in place. I miss my family at this moment, wish they were here to see what I see.



Though, we are enjoying the many things this city has to offer, I am somewhat bothered by the fact that none of us are looking for work. "what the fuck!"

Granada! A great city, but even a great city like this one had a its share of problems. Within our second day in the city, we went out for walks during both the day time and at night. We moved around this city like any other European city, just exploring and seeing the people. It was 1am, Attila and I left our usual Kebab restaurant. As soon as we walked outside in the street, we were surrounded by five to six guys. They were yelling at us with words we never heard of, I don't think they were speaking in spanish. One guy was trying to hump on Attila's leg, weird! One guy was trying to give me a high five, I didn't give him one. Let's consider one fact, Attila and I had our Falafel sandwiches in our hands. This was the opportunity for us to get robbed!

Attila's falafel sandwich is thrown on the ground and the remaining pieces of his sandwich thrown on his shirt, I thought a serious fight was going to take place. Nerves are calmed, as one of the guys tried to offer my friend another sandwich as the rest of his friends left....very quickly! It was until I started to recount in my mind several events while we were harrassed by these guys. "One guy tried to apologize by trying to give me a hug, but I remember he put both of his hands in my jacket pocket. . . . .I think he's trying to get my wallet (which was in my front jean pocket)" Attila soon realizes that his wallet was stolen and his so-called friendly peace maker, soon to make a run for it.

That same night, Attila and I went to the police station and gave our descriptions of the guys who stole his wallet. The Guardia Civil (police) was also kind enough to give Attila a phone to call to cancel out his bank-atm cards. Though, he also learned from speaking with a bank respresentative, that it will take about three weeks until he's able to receive a new card. And that card will first be sent to his mailing address in the states and from that point, his father will have to mail to him in Spain or elsewhere. Basically, Attila is fucked!

While heading back to our hostel, we ran into Nate and he too had a story to tell. Apparently, he went to hang out with this guy to score (smokes if you will) and the place Nate ended up going was very, very creepy, dark, abandoned building. Nate said that he was really scared for his life, as he ran for his life back to the hostel. At this point, with both Attila having his wallet stolen and Nate close call for death (maybe going a bit too far here) I felt that there had to be some sense of order. Meaning, letting the other person(s) know of one's whereabouts. In the meantime, Nate and I agreed to stop competiting against each other and work togther, considering that we both will have to pay for Attila's way until he gets back on his feet, emotionally and financially.