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ik ben nog in Amsterdam

25 January 2005, 14:27

Well, I hope Travis doesn't mind because this was originally an email to him, but since some of you have been asking, I thought maybe this would answer some questions (or perhaps only make more).

* * * * *

travis,

as far as me, there is much to tell also. i'll give you a rundown:

i cook three days a week for the hare krishna's at a program called food for life. they give free vegetarian meals to the homeless, which is how i came to meet them. i have been frequenting the temple, attending lectures, and they are pressing me to move in to the temple and become a monk there. i'm not too sure about that though. i am definitely learning a lot, even sanskrit, and reading the bhagavad-gita. every sunday, there is a huge "spiritual vegetarian feast" with music and dancing and drums and singing. it's really nice.

tuesdays, i attend circus school at Circus Elboog (which means elbow circus, in english) for two hours, where they are teaching me (FREE!) how to perform such miraculous feats as blowing fire, juggling, tightrope walking, and riding unicycles! it's really fun, and eventually when i get good enough, i can make money in the street. maybe i will never have to work again...

also, free dutch lessons from de kloof, a homeless shelter here, once a week on thursdays.

then, there's yoga. i have never tried before, but it's really fun. it is three times a week, but i usually only make it to one. i am already so busy, and it's really exhausting. after i leave there, the day is finished, and all i can do is read or something until i fall asleep.

so, that's pretty much my schedule, take us much of my time. i am busier now than i have been in so long, but it is all things i absolutely love. i don't get paid, and i don't pay anyone. i really haven't spent a dime since i have been here (19 days now). the rest of my time is spent fixing my new apartment (also free), sort of an anti-squat situation, in a really nice area of town. i have been meeting many amazing people, one of my best friends is a guy named justin. but he looks exactly like the rasta jake from lsmsa that i used to know. if you can't have the real thing, why not settle for a dutch look alike?

it has been snowing here now for two days. it's so beautiful. the snow will fall and then the sun comes out even when the last flakes hang in the air. the whole world sparkles, and it looks like glitter is falling from the sky.

so... that's that. but, as far as sending something, it may be a while. i will have to go juggle somewhere to earn postage.

take it easy, and write back, since i now have fairly regular internet access.

love,
jason

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