I spent last week with the lovely Giulia in the Netherlands for a training on international advocacy in Leiden, which is the sweetest little college town. The training was interesting with such a diverse crowd of interesting and passionate activists. One of my favorite parts was a "field trip" the Special Tribunal of Lebanon and hearing about the impending trial. Giulia and I spent a lot of time wandering the town for coffee and hot chocolate and beers.
On Thursday night, we headed to Amsterdam and stayed at the Hans Brinker Hostel. For the most part it was pleasant, with a large cafeteria/bar area and courtyard and free wifi. There was a great cafe, Stach, just around the corner and The Dolphins just down the block! On Thursday night, Giulia and I had drink with our new friend Anna at Cafe de Pijp until the wee hours (we crashed her blind date). Giulia and I were walking back saying that the young people in our room would most certainly be partying until 5am and come in and wake us up. But when we got home at around 2am, they were all fast asleep and I felt young again lol :)
On Friday, we hit up a demonstration for the rights of indigenous peoples, facilitated by Survival (for the Tribal Peoples) and attended by reps from Amnesty International and UNPO, etc. It was amazing to see different cultural practices from around the world, including dancing, praying and singing, from, for instance, West Papua.
After that, we hung out with our UNPO friends, Rehma and Adar, for a bit before meeting Elisa at Hannekes Boom for drinks and nachos. I was so happy to see her again! And that place was absolutely amazing - right on the river and full of hipsters = lovelovelove
On Saturday, Giulia and I wandered around for a bit and then took the train home. I was greeted by Almaz and Matheus. We had figs and watched The Boat that Rocked. A very good evening with very good people.
Yeats on the wall
On Thursday night, we headed to Amsterdam and stayed at the Hans Brinker Hostel. For the most part it was pleasant, with a large cafeteria/bar area and courtyard and free wifi. There was a great cafe, Stach, just around the corner and The Dolphins just down the block! On Thursday night, Giulia and I had drink with our new friend Anna at Cafe de Pijp until the wee hours (we crashed her blind date). Giulia and I were walking back saying that the young people in our room would most certainly be partying until 5am and come in and wake us up. But when we got home at around 2am, they were all fast asleep and I felt young again lol :)
Oh the hostel life
On Friday, we hit up a demonstration for the rights of indigenous peoples, facilitated by Survival (for the Tribal Peoples) and attended by reps from Amnesty International and UNPO, etc. It was amazing to see different cultural practices from around the world, including dancing, praying and singing, from, for instance, West Papua.
After that, we hung out with our UNPO friends, Rehma and Adar, for a bit before meeting Elisa at Hannekes Boom for drinks and nachos. I was so happy to see her again! And that place was absolutely amazing - right on the river and full of hipsters = lovelovelove
On Saturday, Giulia and I wandered around for a bit and then took the train home. I was greeted by Almaz and Matheus. We had figs and watched The Boat that Rocked. A very good evening with very good people.
In Antwerp for a minute for a connection - beautiful rail station
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