Get In My Face

As most of you that read this know there has been a lot of devastation in Haiti. Its hearth wrenching when you see the images on the tube and net. For me it conjures up memories that I had repressed. The memories of why I abandoned my plan to head to Brazil after departing Canada in my quest for freedom. I arrived in Amsterdam after a 12 hour flight from Vancouver international airport. The tears still fresh in my eyes, from hours of un-restrained wailing. The elder woman sitting next to me had no idea why I would be shedding so much water from eyes. I knew in my heart it would be a long while before I saw anyone in my family again, if ever. Upon landing I went almost direct to a coffee shop with Internet access to write to my mother and tell her of my travels and that I was safe.

I stayed a few weeks in an expensive room at the top of a laundry mat. It was a few blocks down from the Hemp Works on the New Dyke in Amsterdam. The New Dyke is 800 years old. While sitting in the Hemp Works puffing with some fellow Ex-Pats, I came across a guy named Ed Borg. He is also an Ex-Pat that lives in Amsterdam was heading out a few days after the High Times Cannabis Cup to Bangkok Thailand. Ed invited me to feed his cat while he was gone and I was happy to have a place to stay. It was while I was living in Ed's apartment that on the day after Jesus's birthday (boxing day) that the Tsunami in South East Asia occurred. Ed's land lady called the apartment to ask if I had heard from Ed, because she knew that he had gone to Thailand. I learned about the tragedy from her. I told her I would try to get a hold of him and let her know. She was genuinely concerned for his well being.

Ten days later I was on a plane to help. My intentions were to arrive and get my hands dirty doing what ever was needed to ease the suffering. The day after I arrived, on the front page of the Bangkok post I read that the Thai government did not want any outside help.. However I can not tell you in words the feelings that were going through me as I walked down Koh San road where on a huge wall had become a make shift bulletin board for people that were dead and missing. We have all seen posters in our life have you seen this little girl, or that boy. However to see a wall go on for a block then turn the corner and have it continue with photos and help needed notes was almost more that I could take..Again the tears began to flow..

That is all for now..

Next Why I decided on Cambodia.