We had a funny moment yesterday. Sitting together with a group of
friends, suddenly the girl next to me points out that there is a flock (or is
it herd?) of cows leisurely strolling in through the gate and coming into the
property. A random trail of thoughts passed through my mind including, “that’s
interesting... maybe the local cow-herder has an agreement that he can bring
the cows in to graze on the football field...” However, my thoughts were
quickly interrupted (and proven wrong) by a couple of the guys jumping out of
their chairs when they realized what was happening and running outside to shoo
the cows back out using palm branches. I was amazed at the speed of their
reaction (the guys, not the cows- they seemed in no hurry to leave, although
they did eventually make their way out the gate again). It was what you could call
and amusing interruption.
Amsterdam. It still has that muggy feeling in Summer, and a constant flow of people which if you stop to think about it, it's quite amazing that there would even be space to accommodate them all. But then I guess they are not all staying. Just passing through on their way to or from somewhere. It's always good for the heart to visit somewhere that was once home. The familiarity of streets and customs makes it easier to embrace what might be new as well as the joy of being reacquainted with old friends. Friends. So many of them to be found in this city, ready with hugs and good words that are uttered when seeing someone who was away again. Friendship. A treasure that cannot be bought. Cobblestones trodden by many, including myself. Sitting on a bench. Praying. Remembering the first time I stumbled upon this area lined with windows with red lights and curtains. An area which has come to represent no longer windows, but people to me. Some still behind a window. Others who have ...