Well well, Western Europe - all of those nice safe places that normal tourists go. Why am I here, you ask? Because there is much to learn from this place, even though it cannot be branded as "dangerous" or anything silly like that. Here, in one of the world's richest regions, we are witness to a transformation of politics, nationalism, and a direct example of the effects of Globalization - welcome to the heart of the E.U.









Bittersweet? Can you say that about a currency? Perhaps only a Canadian would understand - on our side of the atlantic, there is always constant talk of NAFTA becoming more like the European Union - one currency, relaxed to no border control. Countries in name only. The difference in North America is that the U.S. would automatically overpower the other two countries in such a union, Canada and Mexico. But our spineless government is always looking for ways to please the southern elephant, which concerns me that we may one day turn into this sort of Union.
I'm always one to defend uniqueness, and a currency is integral to a country - on the notes and coins are the symbols of your nation that you see the most. You carry them around with you. You are reminded of where you are, and its history. In these times of becoming a universal culture, with a universal language, having that currency is important.













So that's why I'm here - seeing Europe at the beginning of the new millenium, for what it's worth. The end of the twentieth century - the same as it was a hundred years ago, and entirely different as well. All of these stinking European churches have weathered another century, perhaps the most difficult century, this continent has ever experienced. And it will certainly be an interesting region to watch over the next century.




My trip took me through those usual places - Amsterdam, London, Cologne, Brussels. Yes, you know the ones. I found little to do in Amsterdam, and I suppose many of you will hate me for saying that. The museum, will all of its Rembrandts, is worth checking out. Then leave. The countryside is far more interesting. Sure, you could smoke your dope and indulge in prostitutes that undergo regular health exams, but I found those things unecessary for my tastes. Best to move on, down to Maastricht, over to Aachen, and use Aachen as a base. Why Aachen? Well, it's pretty central. And I had a line on some free accomodation there, which is as good a reason as any.








But I had thought for this article I would move away from specific sights, and places - you can see the pictures and judge for yourself. Germany was experiencing its first few cases of mad cow disease when I was there. Now it's spread from the U.K. onto the continent proper, and I wonder if it could be the beginning of vegetarianism in Europe. Things that creeped me out, yes, creeped even me out, on this trip were the lack of border controls between the countries. No stamps, no customs, not even a sign to mention that you've changed countries. The only sign is that the language has changed on the train's announcement. Even in Canada we have signs between all of the provinces. This scares me - losing control of one's immigration and customs is a bad thing. Sure, it may seem so easy and less of a hassle, but once again this may be a Canadian thing - we are paranoid of losing ourselves in a fabric woven exclusively by the U.S. Over here the paranoia is lessened, because the cultures are easily distinguishable by language. However over time these cultures will intermingle more vigourously, and I wonder.










But don't look back - look forward. The new future of Europe. That's it for now, but I'll be back - everyone comes back to London eventually. With the advent of the EU and the fading of old divisions, this continent is going to change. Again. For the better, who knows.
A sauced lady was dancing around Picadilly Circus last night, yelling "free at last!" in people's faces. We owe our world today to the English. She also made a valid point.

Free at last? The EU might liberate countries into a better economic future, but no one is sure how high the price really is.
One day - one currency, one union. One country? One thought - this is not ideal for nationhood. It is fiercely debatable whether quality of life has improved due to globalization. Living in a hut in the jungle with your family must be far more rewarding than living in a dive on London's south end working for nothing. Face yourself, and face the most difficult task of all.

Differences? Set aside, I guess. Passing through borders without even a look at my passport frightens me more than it excites me. Common immigration in a place as ethnically and culturally partitioned as Europe seems stupid at best. How do you say "would you like fries with that" in Danish? Well, you won't need to know to work in Denmark. In theory, at least.

Liberation. Free at last. Abandoning old customs that no longer make sense. Coming of age? For Europe, maybe. Another age, at least.
Western Europe - almost the society it thinks it should be. Success? The ideology must be tested. But this will take years.



Unification, eventually. Focused, yet knowledgeable, and seamless. That's the goal, I think. Western Europe and I have a lot in Common.






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