Hello.

So apparently the youth of today are into the whole voluntary self surveillance thing, which I've thought was strange for a while but am now beginning to understand in a limited "old man" kind of way. Recently I have experienced a wave of communication from back home (thanks to everyone for writing) and have been numbing fingers responding. I thought that posting would be a better way to communicate, so, this is a "blog" that I am going to periodically post pics and amusing stories that will hopefully become relatively up to date in the next little while. That first pic is from the Vondelpark in A'dam which is a lovely, idyllic place to sit provided it is not raining. Also that is me in the picture, in case you forget what I look like (click on it to make it bigger).

In Holland it is highly illegal to go to the bathroom without paying money and then buying candy from smiling, yet vigilant, women.






This place is called Niewendijk - it is one of many nice old buildings here.











My new place is located right beside a petting zoo which looks a lot more sinister on a foggy night. Not to be trifled with.






Beware.

They don't really believe in traffic lights here because everyone rides bicycles, but, they do have these all over the place. Which is helpful.










Night time is popular in this country too.







When it rains, for municipal taxation purposes, you are required to brandish an umbrella that represents your particular district. In my case it is "de Jordaan".





Casey: belgian beer connoisseur, post-black-metal aficionado, accomplished dungeon master, all around nice guy.










Amsterdam is a dangerous place.











Well, that was my first post ever. Check back every once in a while and I promise to continue the cross cultural exchange including last hallowe'en, Paris, Ireland, Germany, Istanbul not Constantinople, New Years and Disc Jockey Pics.