Welcome to Litsy!

'Compassion.'
Arno had said it. Or had he used the German word Mitleid? And was Mitleid the same as compassion? Arthur asked Victor.
'It's the same as the Dutch mededogen. To feel someone else's suffering. A mixture of pity and love. A mantle to wrap around someone else, like St Martin.'

Yesterday was All Souls‘ Day, a time to remember those who have died—so this #ThoughtfulThursday is a lovely opportunity to extend that remembrance. I‘m remembering my mom, who passed away in April. This picture is from her 85th birthday in March—a little over two weeks after this celebration, she was placed on hospice. My mother taught me to read when I was 3 years old—it‘s thanks to her that I‘ve been reading longer than I can remember. ⤵️

I finished my tour of Berlin and learned so much history of the city. We visited the Brandenburg Gate and I also enhanced my learning about the gate with a quick perusal of Wikipedia.

I will be moving on to The Netherlands, I think. #Reading1001 #1001books #backpackEurope

I read an article about Berlin's best nightclubs, and the number one club was listed as Berghain & Panorama Bar. They refered to it as the Church of Techno. I didn't go, but I found some of the comments interesting:

"Bouncers are strict; the chances you won‘t get in are considerable. Hints for you: Do not go in big groups, do not wear your best clothes, do not laugh out loud or have too much fun in the queue – they simply don‘t like that.”

I am now in Berlin! This city is quite urban and very hip. Food and nightlife seems to be a big draw. I have already indulged in kartoffelpuffer. Yum! #1001books #Reading1001 #backpackEurope

Arthur Daane is a lost soul. A Dutch documentary filmmaker and freelance cameraman, he has spent the past years wandering. Presently in Berlin, he walks the streets, filming, ruminating on history and memory, and having wonderful esoteric conversations with friends. Until he becomes obsessed with Elik.

I loved the fluid writing and descriptions, and was amused by the "chorus". But Nooteboom keeps everything at a distance. #1001books, #reading1001

Having my favorite treat ever, stroopwafels, while in the company of expat Dutch artists.

#backpackEurope, @JenP

#BackpackEurope #ServiceAnnouncement In case you're interested, this book seems to be mostly set in Berlin and the main character just visited Brandenburg Gate.

Finally checked into my Amsterdam hotel. Good thing I'll be spending all my awake time sight seeing, as the "view" of Rembrandtplein is rather dull.

#backpackEurope

#Backpackeurope

Home country: USA
Starting point: Netherlands, reading the tagged book
I haven't planned to "see" specific sites -- just reading books for various countries and playing it by ear -- especially since I've already had to make a change from the itinerary pictured here. ?
I'll be mostly posting updates on goodreads.

@JenP