I am definitely my father’s daughter!

I think for the most part I am really a combination of both my mother and father. I wrote about my jewelry pact with my mother, with whom I spend a great deal of time doing different things (including everything from travelling to pottery and water aerobics). The fire behind the eyes, the passion with which I work, the ability to take charge of a situation, my common sense approach (including the look that everyone who knows me says means a very sarcastic “really….are you serious”), and womanly conservativism (I still believe I posses this despite the fact that she referred to me as her flower child today) come from her. From my father I get my quick wit, fearlessness in trying new things, analytic skills and broad perspective. Whether at a sporting event, watching a movie, MSNBC and FoxNews, or looking at the newest gadgets…it is not uncommon for my father and I to openly debate the merits of just about everything (even the best way home…stoplights or stop signs). My father has a genuine appreciation for a good stinging one liner and will acknowledge a good one. All this debating sometimes catches people off guard, even my mother (who at this point just generally shakes her head). But really, the art of debating is like a family tradition and nothing but love.

So, when I was told that the final in-country project for the class would be a debate, I was a bit excited. We were hosted at the University of Amsterdam by the Debate Institute of the Netherlands. They train politicians, policy makers, and advocates across the Netherlands and were there to host a special session with us about the various tolerance laws implemented in Holland. At first, I was a bit apprehensive because we were given no advanced notice regarding the nature of the topics to be debated. We were divided in to three rotating groups of pro, cons, and jurors. The questions ranged from prostitution, addiction, and harm reduction and I found myself with far too many thoughts in my head to form a rationale statement (yet alone, advocate for or against something that I did not agree with) except on one occasion which I have now been told by a number of people will go down as one of the most unforgettable moments in the history of these student debates.

I was on the jury for the debate based on the notion that the”US should provide illicit drugs to all drug addicts” (or something like that). I listened as each side presented its’ arguments. The pro’s…. addiction is a chemical imbalance, often associated with mental illness, we need to allow for self-determination and dignity in the treatment of the disease. The cons…..honestly I can’t even remember what they said (other than one guys saying “PCP, who really needs PCP”). I was still stuck on the previous group. They also made statements about all the things having the potential for being addictive and that it would benefit both the individual and society for the individual to be given drugs so that they did not seek criminal acts to do so.

Here were my thoughts and interpretation of their position:

· People can be addicted to drugs

· There are any number of things for which a person can be addicted

· It is necessary to give people the things they are addicted to, so they do not have to resort to desperate or illegal acts to fulfill their addictions

After touring the Red Light District, seeing and speaking with prostitutes, and getting our butts kicked in the previous debate about sex workers... I asked,”So, if I were a sex addict would you make sure I was given all the sex I needed? And could you make sure it was from one of those prostitutes that you have been trying to legalize.” Let me tell you….people were cracking up (seriously… HA HA HA HA HA, no kidding). It was a smart a** comment. But people were rollin’ for a good minute, holding their stomachs (one of the instructors said they almost fell out their chair, another said they almost peed on them self).

At the end of the debate, I was given the “Slippery Award “ for the craftiest one liner issued during the debate. While walking back to the hotel, one of the professors said “I thought your comment was hilarious and right on point. What made you think of it? Where did it come from?” My response, “I am definitely my father’s daughter! And, I finally won an award for it.”

Ohh Ohhhh, Pretty Woman...

Today we got out early. Our original scheduled vist to the prison cancelled at the last minute without enough time to find a replacement. I was actually looking forward to going, but am exhausted after days of walking endlessly around this city. Every part of my body aches and my ankle is swollen again. So, when I learned that we had a light day, my immediate thought was that I would head home.

Then it happened…..I found the mother ship. It started with the smell of leather (take a deep luxurious inhale), the sound of clacking (a sign of a great pair of shoes), and stars (the glow of the diamonds). The sales people were all around hoping an American would happily spend their money. The music started and then I finally saw it , that one ( or 2, or 3, or 4…) item you never knew you always needed…..I was off and running. I felt like they would be disappointed if I did not buy….and so I did.

Do you hear the music?

Do do do do do...
Do do do do do...

Do do do do do, do do do
Do do do do do, do do do
Ohhhh, Ohhh, pretty women...

Sing it with me..

First, a jewlery store to get a gift for a friend who helped inspire me to start blogging (and kindly left a hint about what she might want…). Then shoes from Van Dalen, a european line that is stylish and comfortable.

And, finally the continuation of the mother daughter pact to purchase at least one piece of jewelry every where we go. She gets one for me and I get one for her. This time matching Swarovski bracelets – mine silver, hers red. Only offered in Europe and caught my eye as soon as I walked in the store.

Add in a little souvenir shopping and a few special gifts for people who helped make all of this possible and I am exhausted…..I am so glad I called and put preestablished limits on my credit cards.

Tomorrow is another full day, so I am off to bed!

Do you remember those old school field trips?

That’s really why I am here. I am not just sightseeing and gallivanting in the red light district (by the way parents….we had a tour guide with us the WHOLE time). I opted and was approved to take this study abroad course to the Netherlands in lieu of a Public Health Promotion course at KSU. The course is designed as a comparative analysis of health and social justice issues in the Netherlands versus the US. We are specifically examining issues related to euthanasia, sex workers, drug policy, and health care. Monday through Friday we have been in class from 8am-5pm daily (I have a few comments about that which I will place liberally and with my full birth name when submitting the course evaluations). This blog started with the trip and was an idea that I got from my friend Kelli whose blog I follow daily (yay Kel and thanks for the comments) and her husband Rondell (who once said, in response to news of an upcoming trip, that he was seeing the world through my eyes). This blog is an unusual practice of full disclosure and candidness.

While no one has ever accused me of being shy, this is different …

GROUP LEADERS KOOS and REUBEN

PART OF THE GROUP GATHERING OUTSIDE THE FACILITY

I have seen and heard a lot, and the past two days have been particularly challenging. Today we visited a residential facility for youth with mental and behavioral issues in Rotterdam. We met the director, staff, and most importantly the youth who shared their stories, asked us questions about being Americans and showed us what and how they live their lives in the facility. This was the point of “last resort” for children who had experienced sexual abuse, homelessness, abandonment, been witness to and victims of violence and other experiences that led to challenging behavior. I heard stories from the mouths of 8, 9, and 10 year olds of things that I am not sure that I could ever recover from. I looked dead ahead, did not flinch, or show any sign of emotion when listening to one particular girl whose story of sexual abuse had been so publicly recorded in newspapers across the country, sat on the lap of her counselor holding a teddy bear. At a separate rehabilitation facility for ex-offenders I met a young man whose struggle with mental health issues and addiction led him to prison. He cited his fear of hanging around his old friends again and hoped his belief in God would pull him through. He looked in size and skin tone so much like my nephew who is navigating his way through adolescence. I explained this to him and asked through an interpreter what advice he had for me. He said “Find the good, the things he does well and make those the focus of his success. You will not change him and should not try.”

It was hard not to cry today. Really hard.

Both of these individuals, and the majority of those in the social facilities and program which I am visiting are from minority populations. Tomorrow’s blog (which I have already titled “Where have all the Black people gone?) will focus on some of the issues of race and culture that are shockingly a part of this liberal Dutch culture. I have heard and seen some of the most ridiculous statements about race since being here…

The sights of Amsterdam

A fitting charge for a weekend romp around the city

On a canal cruise with my roommate Kim, and roommates Susan and Rachel.

This is the Diamond Museum, also something the Dutch are known for. Hmmmm...a new purse or a new diamond? What do you think?

This is the entrance to the Anne Frank House. No pictures were allowed in this exhibit. It wouldn't do it justice. It is perhaps the most moving experience I have had and is presented in a way that simultaneously builds a story, and the anxiety associated with the experience, as you move further and further into the house. The leg breaking stairwells were steep and intimidating. It was as chilling as experience as I have had since visiting Pearl Harbor.

I am going to become a biker chick so that I can arm myself with the weapon used most often here....the Bike. This is a bicycle garage with multiple levels. Bikes have the right of way at all times. The bing there horn and you are expected to get out of the way. People do not use breaks they would prefer instead to hit you. If you are crossing the street, look out because they will not stop.

The Dutch are known for cheese and chocolate.
The cheese is in this store and the chocolate is in my bag.

Great architecture. Beautifully maintained and restored buildings. HOWEVER, everything is narrow...the elevators, the rooms, and especially the stairways.

Despite the weather (21-34 degrees), I am having a great time. Tomorrow we leave for Rotterdam and a few people are planning a quick trip to Germany.

Love to All!

My momma says to "Say No" to Sex, Drugs, and Alcohol...

Apparently neither she nor Willis have been to Amsterdam! It is virtually impossible to avoid these three amigos here. The Dutch, known for their tolerance (which is crap, and I will explain in a later post), are also know for sex (in the red light district), drugs (illegal to posses unless you're in a coffee house or a certified addict), and alcohol (have I told you that Heineken is cheaper than water). It is impossible to avoid, but I have managed to hang on....and at least be consistent in avoiding sex. As of today I have been propositioned by two certified drug users (who started by telling me how pretty my eyes were) and at least three sex workers (one of whom I am pretty sure was a man and told me s/he had something I had never seen before). I have already admitted to drinking at least one Heineken daily and I have not intentionally done drugs. However, the smell is sooooooo strong in some places that I can't entirely be sure... but I think I was high (at least that's what I remember)!

My parents tell the horrifying story of me singing the song Street Life (you know "street life is the only life I know") in church. I learned the words after listening to my sister play it on the radio. Well, in Amsterdam there is plenty of street life, particularly in the red light district. You know you are there when the little red street lights appear in the middle of the street (almost like a miniature stop sign). Then the windows of women appear. Literally, there are windows like the ones on your house with a nearly naked women (and occasionally a transsexual) in it. The window is as big as most front doors and show the room in which their work occurs. There is often a bed, sink, night stand....and any number of other things readily in sight. Basically, a women is selected, the person goes inside, and she draws the shade on the window while working. It is one of the craziest things that I have ever seen. It is really an evolution in my thinking to call it sex work and not prostitution. I struggle with that and actually met with the sex workers union leader yesterday. It's amazing how union leaders, regardless of discipline, sometimes advocate for things that are unreasonable. For example, there is no mandatory STI/HIV testing, nor is the use of contraception mandatory AND when the question was asked about why these things were not required....she was actually offended and cited the rights of sex workers over the safety to those workers and the public. There are no pictures of the women because it is considered rude and was also cited a safty risk (I believe the comment was something about angry pimps jumping out to stop you and snatching your camera).

I also visited a user room today. This is a place where certified drug users are legally able to use cocaine and heroine. The idea is considered a harm reduction approach. Essentially there is acknowledgment that drug use will occur so instead of outlawing it, the government has provided guidelines under which drug use may occur. IV users are seperated from smokers and while no drugs are sold in house, the facility provides all the necessary supplies for users to use safely. We met the staff at two locations and all of the users "RAN" out of the buildings as soon as we arrived. I understand, am a bit conflicted, and feel like we violated their space. I have a great deal of compassion for those who struggle with addiction, who often have mental health issues, and really lack a sense of belonging.

Today was an interesting and difficult day. This place challenges your spirit.

Thanks to all who have read and posted.

Finally here!

I left Cleveland on Friday at 2:50pm, connecting in New Jersey, and arriving in Amsterdam bright and early at 8:45am. Saturday morning. After about an hour delay outside of customs, we grabbed our luggage and were on our way. There are about 50 of us here from CWRU on this Netherlands trip. We boarded a big travel bus and headed out to our hotel in Leidse Square.



We literally dropped our bags and headed out on a tour led by Dean Gilmore to become more acquainted with Amsterdam. At a glance, it is a beautiful Eurpoean city built for people (nothing too big, nothing too small). The streets are narrow, as are the houses which also have very narrow stairways. Things are tight here. Most of the houses have a hook and plank at the top that is used to lift furniture in through the windows becausethey can't fit in through the doors. It is an arts and culture mecca, where in just this short time, I have managed to meet people from everywhere. And, it is very expensive....I paid 1.15 euros for ketchup and someone else paid 8 euros for bottled water. That's like $1.60 and $11.20 respectively.

Some interesting things about Amsterdam....they are referred to as the "Americans of Europe". They have very liberal social policy and are notoriously known as a place where "anything goes". In less that one day I have seen just about everything...from bicycles everywhere (they have the right of way and will hit you),coffee houses (coffee and weed), public urinals (placed out for men to use on the weekends after leaving bars), and sex workers no pictures...sorry!!!).

So far, so good! I got a great night of rest and am ready to take on the city. Today we will be taking a canal boat tour, going to the Anne Frank museum, the Heineken museum, and then shopping (I already saw some great purses). And, in case your wondering, no I haven't, and no I am not bring back any special brownies. More to come...

The Madness of Packing

It is just after midnight and I am two days away from my departure for Amsterdam. I had hoped to have everything finished on Sunday (LMAO!!!) The process of packing is a nightmare and I can't believe that I don't have this down to a science, especially as often as I travel. I went for my final Target run today (I will be going back....) and have finally managed to close my suitcases. I haven't weighed them yet so keep your fingers crossed. This is what my room looked like two hours ago...after more than two hours of packing. At this point I am just about done and am downloading movies and music for my laptop and iPod.

I am taking two suitcases, one to check and one to carry one. The checked bag is full of things that ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NEED TO ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM (this is my way of putting that request out there in the universe)but combined are too much to fit in an overhead bin. Checking a bag these days is like betting against the house in Vegas. I only have one connecting flight so I am not as concerned. My carry on is all of the things that there is no way in the world that I would go to Amsterdam without! One of the things I always worry about are the travel restrictions for liquid and medicine. All of your liquids and gels (except medicine) need to be less that 3 ounces and all fit in a 1 quart bag.

I know deep, deeP, deEP, dEEP, DEEP down in my soul that this is for my protection but I am not a fan of the TSA. I am in no way convinced that those people (only those at security checkpoints) could save.....I'll just stop there. One time a TSA agent took my benedryl because it was the children's formula. I had been bitten by a spider and was a swollen mess (those of you who know me know how often this happens...). The rationale for taking the medicine was that I was an adult and didn't have any children with me. I guess walking around like a zombie mumbling aimlessly or laying out on the concourse with swollen eyes itching, and scratching was a better alternative.

Anyways, I have learned valuable tricks since that time and want to share one of my favorite buys with everyone. Johnson and Johnson makes a baby travel kit with lotion, powder, soap, and shampoo that fits the TSA criteria. It is super cheap and can keep you going for a bit in the event that yourluggage doesn't arrive on time. Throw in some deodorant and toothpaste and you're all set. The only down side is that it includes diper rash cream....I haven't exactly figured out what to do with that yet.

Off to bed! Dinner tomorrow night with the family and a bit more packing to do

UPDATE: I was up all night with an upset stomach. Anxiety! I'll explain more later...