Much has happened since I last wrote from Vancouver while in Eren's appartment the day of my departure. Had a day in Amsterdam but something has happened. How can I say it all but not drag on. Well first let's start from the beginning which in my eyes now was actually the end of my planned trip. :)
The flight from Vancouver was what I expected it to be. Full plane, little leg room especially since some engineer decided that it was a perfect places for a metal component box, food was good, got the pasta option. Arrived in Amsterdam ahead of schedule and reached the city quickly with trains. God I love trains. The best form of fast transport. I began exploring the area, happended to walk right in the red light district. Not much to really see there. Women behind glass doors trying to intice men and couples in. I received many waves, winks, and hand gestures to come inside. Can't say I did. When I looked into the eyes of these women it was void of connection. I understood quickly that they were working. Hoping, wanting and wishing for the next client or the next 50 euros for 15mins. I had been asked if I wanted sex a few times when in Budapest. This was different. The product is the same 'sexual attention/affection/desires trying to be satisfied by clients but the providers are like many things on a spectrum, on one end we have providers who have complete control of how they work, when, who, how, where, etc. OIn the other end they are those whom have zero control to those boundaries.
I biked in Amsterdam!!! I went on a tour of the city with some others. Great fun. Raining the entire time. Got soaked, everything in Amsterdam costs money except the rain!! I rode without a helmut. I know, Inkow, surprised faces of those reading this. But it was great!!! Small allies, quick passes by cars swerving in and out of traffic watching for trams, cars, busses, scooters, and hundreds of people. Big smiles on my face most of the time, was really great to bike free to ride on the road again.
After dinner I headed back to the hotel. Thought to myself that I might as well check my email before bed. WOW!!! Good idea nick. This is when everything changed and the new beginning starts. Ok, so here is the news. Due to beaucratic problems with the bicycles processing at customs BikeTown Africa(Tanzania) has been delayed indefinately. That's right! The enitre purpose of this trip has fallen through at this time. Mere hours before boarding my flight I find out about this information. There is a slim chance that I will be able to participate in the program stil. Right now we are looking at a 2-3week delay. I'm here for 5 weeks! So I quickly thought of my options after reading this; go anyways, cancel everything, or run for president of Tanzania and make an excutive order to get the bikes through on Monday. Well both the later of the three didn't seem reasonable so I went to the airport the next morning, loaded onto the plane and arrived last night.
Thank you to all of you that I have heard from or spoken to encouraging me to more forward and go. It is a huge comfort to have your support.
Since arriving I've had a caucasian drunk fall on me, anxiety about obtaining a VISA and cause a 12 man, discussion(shouting match over which driver will take me to the hostel) outside the airport. It worked out most fairly in my opinion with one man losing out. He was attempting to take customers away from the taxi drivers. He is a travel agent and at times tries to get fares from the airport. The course of events was the perfect situation to cause a stir. I tried standing back and letting it progress to whatever point it was to become. I began smiling half way through the arguments. I couldn't nor wouldn't say no to this happening. "Welcome to Tanzania," Diana, one to the airport information officers, says to me. "Sorry it has to start this way." I tell her quickly that I am enjoying my self. That this is a real event. Not structured or organized in some package that I bought online. These types of events makes me whom I am today. I lay here here under my mossy met in my underwear with the fan on and mildly sweating, and I am thankful.
Soon security got involved and I was told that I get to make a choice bwtween the taxi or the personal driver. I asked him what would be better for the airport in the future? He looks at me and says, "Taxi." I quickly say to him, "Ok, I think so too." I turn around suddenly, at the same time as I yelled 'alright!' my hand comes down hitting the metal barrier beside me. A loud affirmative crash echos in the small tight area grabbing everyones attention. I tell the men that I will take a taxi. I thank the personal driver for his help and patience. He new what he had done was risky. The drivers spoke up and he got caught. I believe the reason he stayed around so long is because he was trying to save face in the end. I can imagine them all sitting down later and having tea together. Enjoying each others company on a social level. The airport situation was business, and truly nothing personal whatsoever.
As I walked with my Taxi driver to the taxi official table all the other drivers begin to applauding and cheering their victory. It was a wonderful situation to experience.
It is now half past midnight and I'm sleepy. Goodnight.
Nicholas
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment