Blondering- Edinburgh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blondering- Oslo, Norway

 

 

 

 

 

Mais fotos para a aula de Portugues

Blondering- Amsterdam

A beautiful, but broken city...

I don't think helmets are a thing in Amsterdam...

I think this must've been the lady from Mary Poppins...

For you, Mom

This is what the rest of the world believes the American diet consists of..

The singing was about equal to the costume. 

So. Many. Bikes. 

...and flowers. Lots of flowers along the canals. 

Harlem (about 30 minutes outside Amsterdam).

I just want to comment briefly on the Red Light District of Amsterdam. I didn't spend much time there, except for a couple of brief interludes where I found myself accidentally in it (quite easy to do unfortunately). I'm by no means an expert on to what degree the legalization of prostitution does or does not increase the rate of sex trafficking (statistics vary widely depending on what source you refer to, some say it increases trafficking greatly, others say it lowers it drastically). Regardless, as a Christian, I believe that all of us as humans reflect God in Whose image we were made. Having women displayed in windows as objects for sale is incredibly degrading to any human being, whether they "choose" it or not. Some prostitutes strongly advocate for their right to work in the city, but even if we don't view this from a Christian perspective we need to seriously question what social and structural issues would lead women to feel that their best option for earning an income is through prostitution.

Blondering- Brussels

        So Brussels... One of the scarier cities I've stayed in, partly due to my lack of planning. When I arrived, I did not realize that the city had a high Muslim population. I found myself in a mostly Muslim area of town, in shorts (long shorts, but still, I don't recommend this). I was promptly recognized as a foreigner, and within ten minutes a man had offered to show me the way to my hostel (in English). I responded in Spanish that I didn't understand what he was saying...unfortunately he knew Spanish! What commenced was an extremely awkward 10 minute walk to the wrong hostel, during which he attempted to "teach" me English. Apparently I wasn't a good student (no comment). Anyway, I attempted to politely decline his invitation for a tour along the river, during which time he planned to continue my English lessons. The prospect was slightly entertaining, but I managed to avoid busting up laughing. Fortunately though he brought me to the wrong hostel so he was unable to find me later. I left the next evening, after missing my first bus (note: remember the time difference!) I saw some of the major tourists stops, but only briefly. Lesson learned- always read about where you're visiting ahead of time.