So the other day Gareth and I realised how fat we have gotten this year from eating delicious food and drinking too much German beer. We didn’t want to come back to Australia as the couple that put on crap loads of weight whilst overseas so we decided to go for a walk. I wanted to show Gareth how fit I was by attempting to do speed intervals. After I told him what I as doing he said “don’t you require speed to call it speed interval training” – what a smart arse! Suffice to say I am now sweating like a pig as someone that hasn’t exercised properly in over 5 years.

We leave Berlin in a week and have been trying to fit as much in as possible. A lot of it includes trying a few places our friend Matthew (from Newcastle but we met him in Berlin funnily enough) suggested we eat at – like Burrito Baby and a crepe place. While walking to these wonderful places along the gorgeous canal near our house we were breathing deeply, soaking up the fresh air along with the pungent smell of dog shit, only to have a man stop in front of us in broad daylight and pull out his penis and begin urinating right in front of us. You’re all class Berlin!

Here are some interesting facts about living in Berlin;

1. You must have a beer or radler (shandy) as a roadie at all times. It is just completely un-berlinish to NOT drink while walking to the U-bahn or police station or even up the road to get the groceries. Oh how I will miss the freedom!
2. You may urinate wherever and whenever you like. Just the other day I saw a lady taking a dump behind the bushes on the main path along the canal. When Gareth asked how I knew she was doing a number 2 I said it was her scrunched up face and deep concentration.
3. You must eat doner kebabs regularly. They are on every corner and usually cost 2.50 euros to 4. Trust me the durum doner for 3,90 euros from Mustafas is a must.
4. You NEVER have to pick up your dog shit. Just leave it in the middle of the walkway - it’s all good.
5. There are no rules.

Last week as many of you already know Hudson Arc toured the North of Germany. We were joined by Paul Liddell from the UK and had loads of fun and dramas. Every time I nagged Gareth or questioned something the boys were doing Paul would suggest putting it in my blog. I think he was taking the piss most of the time. Most of you that know me at all, know that I am not the kind of girl that wants to sleep on a couch in a place that smells of smoke. Scrap the smoke, sleeping on a couch in general is never comfortable. I mean seriously, who would choose to sleep on a couch over a bed? Your legs are all squishy and you can’t roll over (I know what you’re thinking – pull out your little violin).

I have added some pics of the venues we played at below AND if you want to check out our live un-amplified gig in Rensow go to the video section of this website. You won’t regret it – there is an amazing dog and kid in the video.

Until next time,
Tad xx

Ok so I am a little embarrassed to admit this but I just wrote an entire blog in the title section and then accidentally deleted it! Yes I am that technologically challenged. 

I am not sure where to start...I guess it seemed about time that Hudson Arc got its own blog and because I enjoy talking so much I thought it should be me. Apparently if you are in a band people want to know more about you and blogging is a great way to get chummy. This advice also consisted of telling people what kind of pants you are wearing at the time of blogging. Apparently this is of great interest to people - I think NOT! But if you are interested I am wearing a pair of poo coloured trackies that have a hole in the crotch that my cousin Kristina gave me from her flight on Emirates. You see, when I first moved to Germany I stayed with her for a few weeks. My suitcase was overflowing (as you could imagine), although thanks to my Mother's amazing packing skills I somehow managed to fit a gazillion pairs of shoes and pretty much my entire wardrobe in there - minus my trackies. 

So it turns out that Gareth and I have been in Europe for almost a year! It is crazy how fast the time has gone. Even though about 7 months of it was bloody freezing and the snow was around for most of that time. During this time we have been lucky enough to go on tour and play to and meet so many amazingly cool people. We also attended a German language course for a month - it was an intense 4 hours/day. In hindsight it probably would have been beneficial to learn a bit of German BEFORE moving to Germany! Touring and playing took priority and it turns out we know enough to get around. I use the term 'enough' loosely. Plus, it is hard to learn when almost everyone you converse with starts speaking back to you in English as soon as they hear your totally 'Non-German' accent. Everyone does not include tax office administration, police or anyone you are in dire need to speak to in English. 

This Sunday we are going on tour through the Northern parts of Germany with Paul Liddell from the UK! We got to tour with this crazy talented guy in the UK when we went over there in April/May. We have some new songs - Gareth has been working hard on songs for the new album and I think I am allowed to say he is pretty much done. What a legend! Am I allowed to compliment him or does it seem biased because I am his wife? 

I will endeavour to stay connected through this blog! Below are some photos of us on our travels. The first is my reaction after eating snails for the first time! I also wanted everyone to see how natural Gareth looks when he plays violin - what a bow hold! He was showing off by playing  'Smoke on the Water'. He also seems to attract feral cats everywhere we go. Until next time - 
Stay safe!
Tad