I got a tattoo in Berlin

I got a tattoo in Berlin, of a barcode that reads "coda" converted to the hexidecimal system. It runs across the back of my neck, so since I've started to grow a mullet it's not that noticeable.

Not.

One month until Christmas and already Germany is in full festive swing. In Berlin they were still starting with the street decorations and market villages - in Frankfurt it's like Christmas is a day away! In fact it's already more festive here than it's ever been in Cape Town on Christmas day. It's nice though, and feels more traditional than commercial.

Score another point for the tourist: I played the helplessly pathetic, unconversant backpacker yesterday at the train station before boarding the connection bus and got a free ride. That I had no small change to pay for the ticket also helped, which is probably worth a mental note.

I don't have any expectations for Frankfurt but so far it's impressive, as far as cities go. I honestly don't know what to do with myself as I sit here, numb fingers, banging out this arb blog and a few e-mail replies. I'm multi-tasking with a number of tourism websites for ideas - it's too cold to just wander around all day, and seems like a wasted opportunity to just sit indoors. Hmmm... city observation tower...

"The reduced price applies to schoolchildren, students, pensioners, the severely handicapped and groups of 30 or more."

I wonder if a handicapped group of 30 schoolchildren gain free entrance.

UPDATE: Well I didn't pass as a handicapped group of 30, but I did pretent I was a student and went up for half-price.. score another point for the tourist. ;) Photos from the breath-taking (literally, it was that cold) view are up at flickr as well as a twilight shot of the city from this evening.

If you like myself have ever wondered what GmbH stands for: 'Gesellschaft mit Beschränkter Haftung'. Now you know.

Elsewhere:

"Sydney police say a computer error is to blame for them unintentionally sending pornographic emails to New South Wales schools."

Those damn computer errors...