Musings on housing

I knew living in Europe would be expensive, but as I look for apartments to rent, I see just how expensive.  Many apartments cost in the neighborhood of 600-800 euros a month and are usually split between three or four people.  The average rent price is 250 without utilities or 300 with for a small single room, think about 150 square feet.  The price to buy an apartment is even more, I recently saw a 300 mq (900 square foot) apartment going for 850,000 euros, that's 1.3 million!  It kind of makes me wonder why there's anyone left living in Europe.

11:45 - well, I rented a bike this morning, and it's turning out to be the best five euros I've spent yet.  I rode to the train station to look for roommate advertisements, but didn't find any (so I'm really glad I didn't walk all the way out there for nothing) then I went to tourist information, which I assumed would be a booth with a person inside whom I could ask about where else to go, but it turned out to be a broken computer kiosk, so that was a bust too.  Since the university is closed today (literally, I can't get into the building) I can't go back there, so now I'm back at the hostel sitting on my hands and praying for an e-mail response.   So in the meantime, here's a few pictures of the train station to keep you all amused (maybe). 

1 pm - finally!  I received an e-mail back about a room.  What a scam the web site is though.  I had to pay in order to read the e-mail, because apparently, you can search for rooms and e-mail people for free, but in order to see their telephone number or read any e-mails you get form other members, you have to pay.  Well, I did because I'm desperate, so pray this works out.  I will also be getting as many phone numbers as I can before my "upgraded membership" expires.

3 pm - Yay!  I have three appointments to look at apartments tomorrow!  Everyone wish me luck and send some good vibes.  After all that work, I think it's time for a nap.