Recent pictures

I've been away in the past few weeks, because of my course on space law, and also because of my short holiday breaks. There are tonnes of pictures to share with you, so here they are:


HAPPY VIEWING!!~ : )

Pics of my space law course:

• ESA test facility
• GOCE
• Models of spacecraft and satellites
• Rocket models
• Ariane rocket
• Launch III
• Launch II
• Launch
• ISS command centre
• ISS III
• ISS II
• International Space Station
• ECSL Summer Course 2007

Pics of my trips to:

• Luxembourg II
• Luxembourg

and

• Route du vin IV
• Route du vin II
• Route du vin
• Obernai II
• Strasbourg IV
• Strasbourg III
• Strasbourg II
• Strasbourg

and

• Haut Koenigsbourg Castle V
• Haut Koenigsbourg Castle IV
• Haut Koenigsbourg Castle III
• Haut Koenigsbourg Castle II
• Haut Koenigsbourg Castle
• view from Haut Koenigsbourg III
• view from Haut Koenigsbourg II
• view from Haut Koenigsbourg

and

• Heidelberg III
• Heidelberg II
• Heidelberg

• Miltenberg
• German road trip II
• German road trip

Coming home

It felt a little strange to be driving into the Netherlands again (more correctly, riding since I can't drive!). For one thing, the speed limit is only 120km/hr, which seems really, really slow compared to limitless in Germany! Another reason is because after four days, and around 2000km in and around France and Germany, we were all really tired and looking forward to falling into our own beds.

It was a really pleasant trip, even though all the places we went I've already been a couple of times. But it's true that the same places are different each time you visit because of the company you have. With my 'craving' to share beauty and pleasantness with others, I've always wanted to show my mum (and to some extent brother, I guess) all that Strasbourg, Alsace and Heidelberg has to offer. They heard me talk about it, seen all the pictures, and it was about time for them to see how magical these places really are.

We set off early on Monday, and drove through Belgium, towards Luxembourg, where we made a short break. I remember my first-ever trip in Europe was to Luxembourg, and the only thing that stuck to my mind was the stunning view of the valley and the arch-bridge that runs across it in the middle of Luxembourg City. It is today as stunning as before, if not more.... perhaps because now that I'm older I can appreciate the beauty much more.


Then from there we drove toward Strasbourg, and made it there by evening. We weren't all that tired, so we set our luggage down, and off we went exploring in the old city. I've spent so many moments walking around Petite France and the city centre by myself, so I know the alleyways and buildings well. We sat down to dinner by the river-side, at an ancient-looking (but so-so-tasting) restaurant, and clinked our glasses to our family reunion. It's been over six months since we last sat down together to eat.



The next day, I was the navigator (more reliable and accurate than any GPS/Tom Tom ever will be!) and guided my brother to the Alsatian countryside. First stop was Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, an ancient castle built already in the 13th Century, and saw many exchanges of hands between the many pricedoms and kingdoms of medieval Europe until today. We tread the castle grounds, wet from the occassional rain that fell and stopped, fell and stopped, and admired the gorgeous panorama view from the top, despite the chilling temperatures. Thin clouds shrouded over the valleys and hills, at times pierced through by a weak but beautiful sun, making the experience even more memorable. After that, we took the wine route (Route du vin) through one of the best and renowned wine regions in Europe, passing quaint little villages and vast tracks of vineyards and rolling fields. By then the weather had cleared, making it pleasant. A few glasses of fresh wine later, everything seemed even more so.



That evening, I met up with my friend and my godson, both of whom I've not seen since June. As usual, baby Sunny is a delight to see, and how much he's changed since! We sat down to dinner, but all throughout he kept on running around excitedly, testing out his new-found ability to roam freely wherever his legs carried him... everything that could be touched and grabbed on was his plaything... the toilet, the bin, the chairs, other dining guests he went around to to play with. As we were dining in the basement of the restaurant, he had this urge to climb up the stays every five minutes, and just sit on the staircase and smile. The waiters were getting a little annoyed of having to avoid stepping on him and avoid spilling food all over him, but his light tapping of his shoes and clapping seemed to take all the annoyance away. He could climb up the stairs, but getting down was difficult. And he'd then stretch out his hand, as if to ask for my hand. Once he grabbed ahold of it, he'd slowly climb down. Sweet.

Heidelberg we went to on the third day, and enjoyed a wonderful hike through the castle grounds, and through the old university town.


That evening, we arrived home early at the hotel, and since I was staying with my mum in the same room, we had a long and hearty talk. She told me about her plans to retire soon... if not, then at least take a long sick leave of a year or so, because she feels her job is too overwhelming and affecting her health. I've told her many times that she should retire soon, especially since she's still recovering from having a long cancer treatment. Together with living with my dad, which involves constant cold war and non-communication, she feels really unhappy. Just leave all that unhappiness and stress behind, and come settle down again in Europe, was always my suggestion. I was of course glad that she herself was thinking about retiring, and change her life (if only temporarily).

One thing that my mum does really well is worry. Worry a lot... about me, about my brother, my dad, about everything and everyone else, except for herself. While we sat there and talked about many things, she said again that one big thing she worries is my sexuality. The last few times that we met in the past few years, I made it pretty clear to her that I'm gay, and that she shouldn't hold any hopes of me getting married with some girl and having a family like she'd want me to. She said that she's disappointed by that... not in an angry or upset way. Just disappointed, even though she said she suspected all along. She'd rather I have a 'normal life', at which point I responded that I do live a normal life:

"Man-woman, man-man, woman-woman! What does it matter who sleeps or loves who? I live my own life, and it's not the concern of anyone else! Not yours, not relatives or friends! So I'm gay. Why should that be your worry? To put it very bluntly, you can live your remaining years worrying about me, but I'll still be gay and I'll still be me. Do you want to live your life happily, or with regret and disappointment about things that don't really concern you?"

Perhaps a little harsh... but I felt relieved, and felt like I needed to say it out loud and out clearly. She didn't say much after that, just a simple "It's your life." And we left it at that. That night, I slept, feeling a little lighter and as if a big burden had lifted... somehow.

Today in the morning, we left early, and headed home, but first made a big detour to visit this outlet shopping mall that my mum wanted to visit. I'm not such a big fan of shopping, but to be honest things were really cheap there compared to shop prices, so I did buy some things...

On the way we drove through some amazing scenery... green valleys, trees slowly changing their colours to put on an autumn coat, meandering rivers surrounded by lush mountains and rock faces, dotted with church spires, cottages and grazing cattle. It was so beautiful, so quietly romantic...

... and I manage shared it all with my family, for a change.

Vacation!

I've not had a vacation for months, and the same day that I finished my summer course, my mum arrived to stay with me for around three weeks. It's really nice to see her again after more than half a year, and seeing that she and I (and my brother) all need a little break, we're all going to France and Germany for a few days.

I've always wanted to share the beautiful cities of Strasbourg and Heidelberg with my mum, so we'll be staying there a few days. Also gives me a chance to see my godson, who I haven't seen for a almost three months.

Back Friday! :)

Summer Space Camp

Me watching the live launch of Russian-built Soyuz rocket lifting off on Friday 14 September!

“It’s not really goodbye, just a ‘See you later’.”

With that I ended my two week stay at space camp in the tiny seaside village of Noordwijk with some forty students from all over Europe. Well, perhaps it wasn’t the same sentiment and feelings I felt towards everyone, but at least there are a select few in the group I have grown fond of, and will miss their company. Just earlier this afternoon, I got a gift and sweet note from three girls. On the note it said:

”If there were many more people in the world, it would be a better place to live in. Please don’t change!”

I was extremely touched by the gesture, and was really, really surprised what effect I could have on people, even in such a short time. I mean, I didn’t do much, and was just myself, but that somehow managed to leave an impression on people. It’s a real boost to my self-confidence!

It’s funny to observe a large group of people, and how people interact. There are those who try very hard and try to impress everyone with their joking and imitations and clowning around, and then there are those who are mostly on their own and so quiet you don’t really notice them. And there are those in between these extremes. The first few days you mingle and try to make friends with everyone, but after a while people group together. Minds flow alike, as they say.

We were all brought together by this course in an obscure but utterly fascinating field of space law, and now two weeks later we go our separate ways. Perhaps some people I’ll never see again, perhaps some people I’ve not really gotten to know well, but I’m glad I’ve managed to make connections with a number I’m sure I’ll “see-you-later”.

It was a pretty hectic and intensive summer course, and I really can’t remember the last time I had so many lectures after one another every single day. Almost 50 in total, from all sorts of speakers, and all crammed into two weeks. Towards the end I was so exhausted and drained that I often dozed off in class. It wasn’t such a great idea to be always sitting at the front, but then again from all my years of studying I’ve managed to develop this technique whereby I nap, but every few minutes or so I nod my head in agreement, make a few ‘Hmm’ noises to express my understanding, or turning the papers in my hands profusely to pretend I’m following very attentively. Take a look at the notes I’ve made, and you’ll see scribbles of lines that just fall off the page which I can’t even understand any more!

Everyday the day starts at sevenish, and by eight we have to be at the bus, ready to ride into the research centre of ESA. It’s literally a different world in there, full of thousands of scientists, policy makes, lawyers, working toward progress and realising the dreams of soaring into space and discovering all that is out there in the universe. Through the two days of lectures we’ve had, I just realised what an unexplored area of the law space law is. All these conventions and regulations dating to the sixties, but so much progress has been made in these decades. The problem of the launching state, liability for accidents, problem of space debris, and just the matter of amending age-old legal instruments seem such political and cumbersome tasks.

But I did enjoy it all very much, especially the team assignment. Even though team work took up every single evening, I really had a lot of laughs working together with all these people from different backgrounds. Our assignment was to think of a creative idea linking ‘entertainment and space’, and focus on the legal, political and other aspects of the project that we write about in a report and present before a jury. We were up until at least midnight every evening, just working, researching and discussing. At times there were conflicts within us, and a number of members didn’t really get along well. One disagreed with everyone, and had to be outvoted before our project idea could move forward. He funny eventually changed from opposing everything to the one who seemed to be doing all the hard work and leading everyone else, even though the rest of us were cursing lowly and confused what he wants to do. I bought drinks and snacks everyday, and tried to make sure there was better harmony between people. And I guess it worked well. Eventually we actually made it to second place. Had we observed the rules of writing a report and presenting the arguments, and not gotten penalised for it, we would have easily been the first! I’m happy with the result, especially when the jury mentioned that the legal part of our report was the best out of all eight competing groups!

There’s this German guy that caught my eye almost from the very first moment. I caught myself looking often in his direction, but he was always hanging around these girls, and I never dared to venture close, and only managed to admire him from afar. Then suddenly on the second day, as we were allowed to have some free time to take some pictures in the ‘high bay’, where all these model space crafts and compartments are, fate kissed me. I was just minding my own business, and this guy told me to go stand in the picture. I didn’t know what was happening, but before it I was pulled into the picture, and standing next to that cute guy. After the picture was taken, we both stood there nervously, and laughed at the surrealness of having been forcibly had our pictures taken. Then he introduced himself, and we struck it off instantly, laughing and joking around, and getting to know one another. He has such boyish features, dark brown semi-curly hair, and a pair of beautiful blue eyes that stared into mine as I talked. He listens so attentive, and responds so intelligently and gently. It’s like finding a match I’ve been longing for. Even on the bus, he sat next to me, and we talked all the way back to the hotel. He was so close, I could feel his knee slightly leaning on mine…

Turns out, he’s not gay after all. I found out playing this ‘psychiatrist game’, and the person who is the psychiatrist has to guess who all the other people are by asking different questions. I was the psychiatrist, and I asked him whether he likes boys or girls. The answer was a little disappointment. I guess he was ust very friendly, and giving out all the wrong signals. But that’s alright, I guess.

Yesterday morning, I carried my suitcase and bagback, and went home really early, alone. But not at all empty-handed.

Space camp

I've been many places, but nothing will compare to the journey I'm about to embark on. Sometime ago, when I was still wondering what to do with my life, a friend suggested I attend a summer course. She said it would take me to places "beyond this world", literally.

So I signed up for Space Camp. It's a two week course organised in Noorwijk, which is a sea-side town containing the site of the European Space Agency's research and technology centre. I only have to pay a bit of registration fee, and the rest of the two weeks is expenses paid, including accommodation. It'll be two weeks of compact lectures and seminars, focusing on space law and space policy. I guess with my background in international law, it helps to be already a little prepared, even though I don't really know anything about what kind of laws and regulations govern space. It'll also be a chance to see so of the technology and things they use in space. Maybe even meet an astronaut or two.

I grew up watching Star Trek, and have always been fascinated by the big, big world beyond this one whenever I look up at the skies. And this will really be a great opportunity.


I really haven't been giving this camp much thought recently, until today or so, because I've just been too busy sorting out my life and future out. I wanted to prepare a bit, and do some background reading, but I guess I'll just have to attend without knowing anything. Which could be a good thing... or terrible!

Funny thing is, I was dreaming last night about camp! I have to share this room with this other guy I never met before. I only know his name and that he is from Austria... and the rest I don't know anything about. In my dream, we were somehow really intimate.... if you know what I mean. That's what happens when you've been single and had no sex for a long, long while~

Onto space camp! To boldly go, where no one in my class has ever gone before!

Induction

I'm not a new student, so technically I don't need all that craziness and drunkedness in the first week of university. But today happened to be someone's birthday party, and I went. To be honest, I was a bit reluctant, because there was nobody I knew at the party, except for the birthday girl, and my best girl-friend. I actually made me appearance at the party conditional on my friend being present.

It actually didn't turn out to be too bad, and I met a nice girl who is about to start the same degree that I'm doing. So I spent some time just chatting with her, and telling her all the ins and outs of our programme, and she seemed genuinely interested. And the food wasn't too bad either, and there were plenty of drinks and snacks to go around.

As the evening went on, someone suggested that we go down to the local discotheek. This week happens to be 'induction week', and all these new students were coming into the town I study. We joked that there would be 'fresh blood', and that we might be able to pick up people by going to this dancing bar.

A bit reluctant I went. And it was just as I expected... terrible music, deafening to the ears, and all these strangers all over the place I didn't know, which made me feel a bit comfortable at times. I did dance a bit, with people I knew. And I looked around, looking at all these new people that are new in town, wondering whether there would be someone out there.......

But let's get real. How do you meet someone at a loud disco where everyone seems to be so drunk and confused? I certainly would never want to meet anyone like that. It was smoky, choking, and full of people looking for other people to get laid it seemed. Sleazy...

We danced around a bit, and the girls I was with were looking around and checking out guys, pointing out and whispering which one they thought were good-looking and suitable. I listened to their conversation, and in that sweet and 'innocent' voice of mine asked "Guys? Where? Where? Show me!"

To that one girlfriend responded by asking me: "Are you gay?"

"No, no. I'm not gay," I replied, smirking and took a drink out of my wine glass, looking and sounding smart, "I just like guys. Can't you tell?" I smirked some more. Obviously not.

At around two in the morning, I left the dancing bar with a friend who lives in the same city as I do. She and I cycled to the train station, both of us recovering from the horribly loud missing, and still hearing the hum in our ears. Both of us somewhat relieved to get out of that place.

Graduation

Your personal charm and attractiveness has a positive effect on your career, reputation, or public image. People see you as a loving and lovable person and as someone who is aware of their needs and feelings, which can benefit you at this time. Others are willing to help and cooperate with your aims. Your interest in the arts or in promoting harmony and good will between people is brought out at this time.
Horoscope 31 August 2007

It was exactly a year ago that I started my master's studies, which was supposed to last one year. One year later, I passed all my subjects with good marks, and am more or less able to graduate, if only I could finish my thesis. The good thing in this country is that you can 'study' as long as you want... as long as you don't finish your thesis, you're still 'studying', even though you're not going to classes anymore.

So, with today in mind around a month or so ago, I proposed to our course convener that we should organise a graduation event. Even if people are not yet finished with their studies, we deserve a celebration to mark our year together. We worked hard, were constantly given assignments, and we were good as a group. My lecturer liked my proposal, and went to ask the department whether there is 'room' for a graduation event.

No, no. No money. I was not so much surprised, but just shocked. OK, it's not a tradition for people in the Netherlands to graduate together, because like I mentioned everytime takes their time to finish off their degree. But I'm doing a degree which also has international students, and the department should have at least considered something to bring the class together before we each go our separate ways. Like I told my lecturer it's such basic knowledge that people who are at the end of their studies have some kind of final get-together event... but I don't know whether the department staff is too incompetent or too stingy to even give the idea any thought. I mean, how much is it to organise a small reception? How much effort does it actually take??

However, what gets me even more shocked and upset is that there is another degree in exactly the same subject as my degree that is running parallel to mine. The difference between my degree and that other degree is that the other is (so-called) 'advanced', which in terms of contents is more in-depth. The other difference is that the other degree costs around ten thousand Euros more than mine. In the end, we both have a masters degree in Public International Law.

Ever since the beginning of the year, I've noticed differences in treatment between the two groups. On the first day for example, my group was left to walk around by ourselves in the faculty building, whereas the other group got invited to tea and cake with the lecturers. My group is not allowed to have classes in a new posh building that opened last year, but the other group can (it's the same building I work in, so I guess I'm the exception to the rule). And about the graduation: the other group has a proper graduation attended by VIPs and with proper pompous ceremonies... but my group has to organise our own graduation. This is what I call 'education Apartheid' based on the ability to pay. And it really disgusts me.

No matter. Where there are obstacles in the way, where bureaucracy tries to slow you down and undermine your wishes, you resort to self-help. My proposal to my lecturer was that we organise a 'pot-luck' event! So from the beginning of July till this week, I've been busy arranging for a ceremony of our own. I've mailed around asking my classmates to attend, and have been in contact with my course convener and invited the other department staff to attend. I managed to book a beautiful room at the place I work for this evening (see pictures!!!), and asked people to bring food and drinks so that we can have a wonderful get-together, even without all that pompous and fancy stuff.

Everything seemed to be set, and I was just about to buy the decorations and plastic cups and party hats.... then suddenly four days ago my lecturer mails me saying that the very time that our graduation is taking place coincides with the ceremony of the other group. Which basically means, none of the department staff will attend. My lecturer asked me for suggestions, and I said that perhaps we could merge our event with the official event. That was not allowed, because the room in which the official ceremony is taking place is "too small", and it will be odd to have people from our group there. That was the response.

I was so disappointed, frustrated and a bit bitter. What kind of department is this? Again my doubts and fears of working at the university was confirmed. So much politics, so much power-struggle and pompousness and snobbishness. The discrimination, the inequality in treatment... disgusting. Just disgusting.

All that hardwork, all that planning, and the department doesn't even seem to care at all. My lecturer asked me to reschedule, but I told him frankly that it's pointless and I don't want to. I'm not willing to commit myself to more hassle planning an event that people are not going to show up at. Why should I? I'm a student, and I like all other people pay for education. We pay for service, pay for recognition and respect, but instead we get treated like second-class citizens.

I left work together in the evening. Before I left the building, I walked into the room that was supposed to be the room for our graduation. It was dark, and silently empty. I stood in the room, touched the wooden walls and admired the neatly place tables and chairs, and I imagined.

Imagined what it could have been like to have a proper ceremony, there and then.

Job x3

What's wrong with me?!

Within the last three weeks or so I got three job offers!
First, at the university where I'm already working... then at the criminal tribunal for the former Yugoslavia... and now, totally unexpected and out of nowhere, another offer to work as an intern for the Charles Taylor defence team!!!

What to do? What to do?
What to choose? What to choose?

versions of Dragostea din tei

Suddenly had the urge to listen to this song! It was a great summer hit in 2004, by Moldovan band O-zone.


Original (Romanian) version: Dragostea din tei
(translation of the song here)


Misheard version



Dutch version: Allo
(This version is a parady on speed cameras and traffic policemen everywhere!)


Taiwanese version: Shabu Shabu~
('Shabu Shabu' is a sort of fondue popular in Asia. You cook all sorts of vegetable and meat in a communal pot, which can be really fun and exciting especially with close friends and family.)

Rosarium

Was feeling a bit stuffy today the whole day, so after dinner went for a walk in th Rose Garden nearby (click for pics!)

It's the end of summer, so some of the flowers were in full bloom.

Bericht publiceren

Night out

Just got home and stripped into a shirt to sleep in. My skin is red and warm from the drinks, from the two bottles of lovely red wine I had sitting next to a warm open fire at a beach cafe.

Dinner was lousy, the food was horrible and expensive, but the drinks afterwards in a warm quiet cafe made the evening just perfect. Just me, and two girlfriends, sitting there, chatting, sharing and bonding. The three of us became close a few months ago because of school work that brought us together. One of us is leaving soon for good, but tonight seemed to prove that we will still be together even though we're apart.

We've been close before, but tonight brought us even closer. I don't like saying directly "I'm gay", partly because I think it perpetuates labels and stereotypes, but there was a perfect occassion to tell my friends that I'm more than the 'average guy'. Wine brings out a lot of character and confidence. They started to share they love affairs and personal things, and I shared mine.

Basically, they have complicated and dramatic relationships... guys that don't seem to be able to show they're true emotions, but at the same time find it hard to let go... guys that are warm one moment, but cold suddenly... guys that are difficult to understand, made worse by this incomprehensible thing called love.

I listened closely, and nodded. I couldn't really share, I said, because I don't have any relationship going on at all! Whatever bits and pieces of my last close relationship was four years ago, I said.

One friend smiled and told me not to worry. One day I'll find a great woman to be with. To that I responded that I don't think I'll ever want to have a woman to be with. They looked at me, smiling and understanding. And realising.

It's funny. I always joke around and openly 'poke fun' at sexuality and sex, but nobody seems to pick up the subtle suggestions. So they were surprised, in a positive way, that I am gay. Both were equally surprised, and never suspected anything. They just see me as "David", someone who's sensitive and so gentle, someone who's unique and so different from other guys, but nothing more than that. Someone who's caring, compassionate, and so soft in his words and actions, and nothing more than that.

I blushed hearing that. And they were right. I'm no different from other people just because I like guys. I knew this already, but the experience was like an affirmation, and a boost of self-confidence as I start to like myself more. Sexuality is just a part of me, like the gentleness, the soft-spokeness and my weird sense of humour all are part of me. And that's what makes people attracted to me... to my smile, to my kindness and to my warmth.

It was emotional hearing them say all that, and felt like I'm really worth something, worth something more than I believe myself to be. So much more than I think I deserve. Because, as they said, I'm just one of a kind, a rare find, and just 'me' as real and true as people come. I deserve the very best, and they were saying that not just because they were my friends, but because it's true.

I blushed somemore and stared into the open fire that jumped and danced in front of us, and felt the warmth circle and embrace us.

Trial....

32.6 Orahovac (near Lazete): In the late evening hours of 13 July and during the day of 14 July 1995, personnel from the Military Police Company of the Bratunac Brigade working together with other individuals and units transported hundreds of Bosnian Muslim males from in and around Bratunac to the Grbavci School in the village of Orahovac. These Bosnian Muslim men had been captured from the column of men retreating from the Srebrenica enclave or separated in Potocari. On 14 July 1995, VRS personnel including members of the Military Police Company of the Zvornik Brigade guarded and blindfolded the Bosnian Muslim males detained at the Grbavci School. In the early afternoon of 14 July 1995, VRS personnel transported these Bosnian Muslim males from the school at Grbavci to a nearby field, where personnel including members of the 4^th Battalion of the Zvornik Brigade ordered the prisoners off the trucks and summarily executed them with automatic weapons. Approximately 1000 Bosnian Muslim males were killed. On 14 and 15 July 1995, members of the Zvornik Brigade Engineering Company used heavy equipment to bury the victims in mass graves at the execution site, while the executions continued. On the evening of 14 July, lights from the engineering machinery illuminated the execution and burial sites during the executions.

32.7 The Petkovci School: On 14 July 1995, VRS and/or MUP personnel transported approximately 1000 Bosnian Muslim males from detention sites in and around Bratunac to the school at Petkovci. These Bosnian Muslim men had been captured from the column of men retreating from the Srebrenica enclave or separated in Potocari. On 14 July and the early morning hours of 15 July 1995, VRS and/or MUP personnel struck, beat, assaulted and shot with automatic weapons Bosnian Muslim males being detained at the school.

32.8 The "Dam" near Petkovci: On or about the evening of 14 July 1995 and the early morning hours of 15 July 1995, VRS personnel from the Zvornik Brigade including drivers and trucks from the 6^th Infantry Battalion and the Zvornik Brigade transported the surviving members of the group of approximately 1000 Bosnian Muslim males from the school at Petkovci to an area below the Dam near Petkovci. They were assembled below the Dam and summarily executed by VRS or MUP soldiers with automatic weapons. In the morning of 15 July 1995, VRS personnel from the Engineering Company of the Zvornik Brigade, working together with other individuals and units, used excavators and other heavy equipment to bury the victims while the executions continued.

32.9 Pilica School: On or about 14 and 15 July 1995, VRS and/or MUP personnel transported approximately 1200 Bosnian Muslim males from detention sites in Bratunac to the school at Pilica. These Bosnian Muslim men had been captured from the column of men retreating from the Srebrenica enclave or separated in Potocari. On or about 14 and 15 July 1995, VRS military personnel with automatic weapons summarily executed many of the Bosnian Muslim males who had arrived, or were being detained, at the school. On 17 July 1995, VRS personnel from the "R" Battalion of the Zvornik Brigade retrieved the bodies of the victims from the Pilica School and transported them to the Branjevo Military Farm. On 17 July 1995, the Engineering Company of the Zvornik Brigade buried the victims of the Pilica School executions in a mass grave at the Branjevo Military Farm.

32.10 Branjevo Military Farm: On the morning of 16 July 1995, VRS personnel transported the remaining members of the group of approximately 1200 Bosnian Muslim males from the Pilica school by bus to the Branjevo Military Farm. These Bosnian Muslim men had been captured from the column of men retreating from the Srebrenica enclave or separated in Potocari. After the Bosnian Muslim males arrived at the Branjevo Military Farm, they were summarily executed by automatic weapon fire from members of the 10^th Sabotage Detachment and the Bratunac Brigade, working.........
(from Indictment against Vujadin Popovic, 26 March 2002)

...just doing some background reading for the latest job offer at the international criminal tribunal.

It's shocking... sickening, and makes your mind go numb from the attrocity and cruelty. It reads like a horror(ible) war novel, but the truth is it all happened. The truth is these are thousands of people who were tortured and exterminated because they were of one race or religion... The truth is there are many out there who are directly or indirectly responsible for giving the command for these deaths to happen...

...and am I to be involved in all of this?

Job x 2

I took a trip today! Not a day off to just relax, but it was a work-related trip. As a student-assistant you get all sorts of jobs that nobody wants to do, but must be done. So I was sent to go to a little town in the countryside to pick up somethings.

It took me one hour to get there by bus, and one hour to get back. Besides the bus driver, there was no one but me, so it was like a special service. I reached the town of Lisse and managed to find the accountant's office I was looking for. I was a little nervous, because I had come to bring the accountant bad news. He had been doing the book-keeping for a while, but because it was getting to be too expensive, we decided to do it ourselves.

I guess he was polite, but he looked at me and asked very directly who was going to do the accounting. Somehow I felt like he was thinking that I'm taking over his job, and he wasn't too happy about that. Oh well, I left his office five minutes later, with a big box and began my journey back.

Fields, tractors, flowers, farmers, and sunshine! What more could you expect from the countryside? I enjoyed the ride, read the newspaper a bit and before I knew it was back at the office again.

I managed to get the afternoon off, because my boss thought I did a great job. Carrying boxes and taking the bus does take a lot of time and effort, indeed. But I didn't go home straight away, but stayed at the office to work on my thesis.

After reading a few articles I felt my eyelids start to close. The sudden nice weather didn't help cure my sleepiness. So I yawned, rubbed my eyes and lay down on the floor of my office and took a sweet nap.

When I got up it was already past 4pm. I yawned and lazily got up and sat myself down in front of the computer. Unable to get rid of my habit of checking my email every five minutes, I checked my email.

And there was a surprise email.

About a week ago I applied for an internship at the ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia). Just because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, and was thinking "Why not? What do I have to loose?". It would be a great experience, working for a Defence Team, helping them defend some of the people (notoriously) accused of war crimes during the conflict in the early 1990s in the former Yugoslavia.

And suddenly I got an email saying they'd be happy to have me there! I sat in front of the computer, and read and re-read the email, in disbelief. No prospects it seemed for so many months, and suddenly two offers within two weeks?! Crazy! Unbelievable!

What's next, I wonder. The sweet, sensitive guy of my dreams to sweep me off my feet?

Loving Annabelle

Sweet but short was this movie I watched today. And so will be this review!

A rebellious teenage girl is sent to a Catholic all-girls school. She smokes, has a pierced nose, and wears this bracelet she refuses to take off. A frustrated teacher, who devotes more time to her students than her own love life with a wonderful man, begins to see through the girl... and see herself.

Great movie, with touching songs and quotes, like:

For one human being to love another; that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks, the ultimate, the last test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation.
Rainer Maria Rilke

Accordion girl

I held up two bottles of juice in front of her and smiled, signaling her to pick one. She was hesitant, perhaps puzzled, as she sat cross-legged leaning against the entrance to the supermarket, lost.

"Which one do you want...?" I said softly, and gestured with the two bottles. A silent morning breeze blew. The headscarf on her head wavered.

She looked up at me, finally understanding. Perhaps not what I said, but what my intentions were. Under her soiled cheeks was a natural red rouge. Under her long lashes a pair of dark, but energetic eyes hid. "Danke... danke..." she said, in German strangely, and took the bottle of red raspberry juice from my hand.

The accordion which was crying sad soulful notes, and which attracted me as soon as I stepped out of the train station, dropped to the ground. She quickly opened the bottle of cold juice and drank. Temporarily she closed her eyes as if in bliss.

Realising I was still standing there, she looked up at me. Colour seemed to return to her previously pale face. "Danke... danke..." she said again, almost in a whisper.

I smiled back again, and said nothing. I walked on.

But for many moments I could still see the fallen accordion and trinkets of coins spread across a dirty cloth glisten under the dull gray sky.

Fireworks

I was at the beach last night to watch Germany and Brazil compete as part of a three day international fireworks competition. It was rainy and windy, like a storm was passing through just as the fireworks climaxed, but I stood bravely there on the beach and continued to watch. Alone.

Tonight was Spain and China's turn to compete, and of course being the inventor of fireworks, China seemed out-shine and out-bang the rest. I sat on the sand and felt the salty sea drench my pants. It didn't matter, as the big explosions of colourful flashes lit up the dark, dark sky. It was like watching flowers suddenly blossom above you, brightly red, green and yellow... big balls of bright flowers that suddenly wilted as the splinters and sparks drooped and fell to the sea.

I sat on the sand, and admired the fireworks, with my head turned up to the sky, taking in the spectacular sights and awing sounds that gunpowder can muster. But at times I looked to my side. And for a change, I wasn't alone tonight.

They say that beautiful things are even more beautiful when shared. Which is true. Despite having told many friends that there's amazing fireworks every week at the beach this month, this was the first time that I could enjoy it with someone special. And that made it even more special. Just sitting there with my close girl-friend on the sand, oooo-ing, and aaaaah-ing, and at times turning to one another and seeing the excitement in each others faces.


After the fireworks, we warmed up next to a warm fire at a beach cafe, sipping hot cups of tea.
Such a simple source of pleasure, to just sit there and talk to someone, and to listen, but it means so much more.



More pictures of the Fireworks Competition at Scheveningen CLICK HERE!!! : )

Slow take-over

[...] whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with. Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property, life and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you. And that prince who, relying entirely on their promises, has neglected other precautions, is ruined; because friendships that are obtained by payments, and not by greatness or nobility of mind, may indeed be earned, but they are not secured, and in time of need cannot be relied upon; and men have less scruple in offending one who is beloved than one who is feared, for love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails.
'The Prince', Michiavelli

Shiveringly scary...! But imagine if I were somehow to become some kind of power-hungry and people-manipulating person who would do anything to get his hands on influence and respect!! It would go against everything I believe in, and everything I stand up to, and everything I promised myself a long time ago I would never become...

At work today, my boss spoke to the bigger boss, and the proposal that I stay on for the coming year has been more (or less) OK-ed. There are just more details to be worked out, and more people to be informed (read: convinced). To put a long story short, it involves a lot of power politics, and complicated people politics. It exhausts me just to hear about all these things that go on, and to think I could be part of the 'system' makes me a little intitmidated.

It amazes me every single time to see the bureaucratic and long-winded decision-making process in action. As I found out, they had almost four months to look for someone to be the director in charge of the office I'm just temporarily staffing over the summer. But nothing was done. No initiative was taken. At all.

My boss was really pushing for the idea of me staying on, and again today said I would be really suitable for the position. Last night I lay in bed, until three-ish in the morning, thinking about the whole idea and just wondering a bit whether I could be in charge of a whole office with 'staff' underneath me. Imagine the responsibilities... but then also the powers and contacts that I could gain. I was just lying in bed, and thinking back at the year I was volunteering there... I was basically just doing what was necessary, and if I had questions or was unsure what to do, I could always turn to my boss, and who would make the decisions, and indirectly also bear the responsibility. Just thinking about me being in that position at this age just seems like a very strange picture! I guess I've never seen myself as a 'leader', as someone to be in charge of others and in giving directions. It takes a lot of courage and confidence, and faith in what I'm doing... which I don't really think I have.

But that close friend I have reassured me and kept on reassuring me: people are placed in a situation and they realise they have abilities they never knew existed. And besides, she said, there are different kinds of 'leaders', some stay in the background and may not seem to say much, but do a lot. And it'll be a wonderful opportunity to learn and to make contacts. And to think of it, what is in a title?

It's all still a bit daunting, and I really need to push myself to believing I can do it all. And again, things are still not set in stone, so it's really not the point to open the champagne just yet.
Of course, I was really grateful to my boss for believing in me, and putting all these proposals down and thinking also about my interests and about my future plans to move to another country and start life fresh next year... I kept on thanking her, and was a little embarrassed. But she turned around, and thanked me instead, saying something along the lines of she has just as much to thank me compared to what I have to thank her for.

That left a smile on my face.

"Am I competent enough?"

"Am I competent enough?" I asked, for the second time.
And my boss said yes. "Why not? You have a master's degree in law... well, almost!"

We were just talking, about work, and suddenly out of the blue she made an offer. I was totally surprised and of course excited. But being the very insecure person I am, the first question I asked (after thanking her of course...) was whether I'm competent enough. She quickly reassured me, and told me of all the good work I've been doing at the office. I just couldn't believe the whole suggestion and offer, because it seemed so surreal... but it certainly helps a lot to build my confidence to know that people see me in a positive way, and believe in what I am capable of...

Funny... just as I was worrying and wondering till my head hurt about what I want to do next (see last entry!!!), a sudden job offer came! It's to basically stay on working at the university, and be the manager to organise the big international law competition I've been helping out with for the past year for free. But of course, the job offer is paid! I was so excited and very happy, and smiling the whole way home that I almost got hit by a van (partly also that driver's fault for driving and turning so fast in a small lane).

At this point nothing is certain yet, and my boss has to have the suggestion approved by the big(ger) boss. Though, without being overly confident, I suspect the chances are good for me. They really need to find someone ASAP to take over the office I'm manning during the summer period, because I officially finish work at the end of the month. To get the whole organisation (and it's a LOT of work!!) of the competition going by September, they will need to look for people with experience and background within two, three weeks. Which is going to be very difficult. And I guess after having worked at the office for almost a year, I know many of the ins and outs of how to run everything... and plus I know the people there too. And I think they like me... and like the way I work and do things so quickly and efficiently...

Nothing is certain yet, and anything could change... But imagine the possibilities, and what that would do to cut my worries about finances and being unemployed....!

Lazy...

I’ve been sleeping most the day today. And not been doing much over the whole of last week. Again, another lazy episode in my life, even though I know that the deadline of my thesis is looming near. In the back of my mind I’m thinking to myself I’m lazy now, but when it comes to the day or night before the deadline I’ll be kicking myself and regretting how I spent all those days doing nothing. It’s always like this!

Just heard from my mum that she’s planning to visit next month. It’s all very sudden, and of course I’m happy to see her again. She told me how she really needs a break from her tiring job, and also partly (I’m guessing) to get away from living with my dad.

It’ll be good that she’s coming in September, because (hopefully!) I’ll be able to graduate then and be able to share the experience with her. Even though in this country we don’t have any official ceremony or celebration, it’s still a special day, and my parents have never been to any of my graduation yet.

To be honest, I’m a little ashamed. I’m about to graduate, but I don’t have anything waiting for me. Most of my friends are already planning to move on to the next study, or to do an internship somewhere, or starting to work… but I’m still here wondering what to do and how to support myself next year.

But my mum told me not to worry over the phone. She said whatever I decide to do, and wherever I decide to go, she’ll be there to support me.

I heard that, and felt like crying…

Why can’t I be independent yet? Why can’t I go out there and get a job to support myself yet? Why can’t I decide what I want to do in life and just settle somewhere and stop having to rely on my parents? Am I really that useless? Or just lazy?

She said I shouldn’t worry too much, and that she’d do anything because I’m her son. She kept on encouraging me, telling me not to give up, not to feel upset that I didn’t manage to get the dream job I wanted at the European Commission.

She told me to just try, and keep on trying. Get an internship somewhere for a few months… get some experience and prepare myself for the job market… even if the internship is not paid. None of them are paid, but they are like a full-time job, which means there’s no time to get another part-time paying job. But without experience, I’m nothing with just a degree from university! Frustrating…

Mum said she has planned it all, and it’ll be alright…

But it’s not alright… I feel so guilty!

Creepy....

I ran out of the cinema as quickly as I could. Fumbled for my keys, unlocked my bike and dashed home like crazy.

A quiet night alone at the movies turned out to be a complete creepy nightmare! I had been wanting to watch this Mexican movie called Broken Sky (El cielo dividido) for sometime, and finally had the chance tonight, since this local art-house movie theatre was showing it as part of a series of gay-themed movies they're showing over the summer.

Bought the ticket, and stood around in the hall waiting to get in. I immediately noticed people staring at me, mostly old(er) men, and I just looked away, pretending not to notice. I felt like I was some kind of exotic object, and people were just watching and watching... I was just dressed as I usually am, just being myself, but that somehow attracted a lot of attention. The unpleasant kind of attention... I'm not that good-looking... am I?

As the gates to the cinema opened I lined up to get in. And I noticed this old man looking at me, and watching my every move. He let people go first, and 'accidentally' stood next to me. I ignored him, and just go into the cinema quickly. I noticed him following me, so I made a big circle and went to the furtherest seats, and sat down next to a couple.

There were many seats, more than enough. But to my surprise that creepy old man sat down next to me. I smelt his body scent as soon as he sat down. I took out a pamphlet, and pretended to read and keep myself busy.

The movie started, and I was captured by the beauty and silent powerful emotions of the film. It was so artistically shot, the characters deep and touching, sceneries smooth and telling. Even though there wasn't much dialogue, their movements, kisses and love-making were able to tell a complicated love story more than words ever could. Love, and the way it consumes you, the way you long for it like a drug, and the way it leaves broken and ghost-like after it slips away....



I would have enjoyed it more, but throughout the two hours I was sitting literally on the edge of my seat very uncomfortably. Not because of the suspense in the movie, but so that that creepy man wouldn't touch me. I was trapped, sitting in the middle and couldn't get out at all. Every now and then, he'd just turn to look at me, and make me so uncomfortable and disgusted. He put his arm on the armrest of my seat, and had his elbow really out toward my body. So I basically was leaning to the other side so that we wouldn't touch. He had his legs wide open, and I swear a number of times he 'accidentally' brushed his leg against mine.... sending shivers up my spine.....

I felt pretty sick, and was hoping he'd just go away. In my mind I was thinking of things to say to him, and wondering what he wants from me. This isn't the first time people have done that to me, and it really frightens me. I thought if he touches me I'll scream and say something so that everyone would know he's a pervert trying to stalk me...

All the while, the movie was playing and there were all these homo-erotic scenes of the two main characters making hot, passionate love... It was beautiful to watch, but then next to me was this perverted old man who kept on watching me everytime I moved...

Normally when I finish watching a movie, I sit there a while, and watch the credits and let the responses that the film triggered flow over me. But this time I didn't have time. I just wanted to get out as quickly as I could.

The creepy man stood up, and looked at me again and had his eyes all over me. Quickly I grabbed my jacket, and pushed passed the other movie-goers, pushed out the door and ran to my bike. Shivering, creeped out, and feeling dirty from the whole experience....

"Dear son..."

An email forward that moved me so....

Dear son...

The day that you see me old and I am already not, have patience and try to understand me …

If I get dirty when eating… if I can not dress… have patience. Remember the hours I spent teaching it to you.

If, when I speak to you, I repeat the same things thousand and one times… do not interrupt me… listen to me.
When you were small, I had to read to you thousand and one times the same story until you get to sleep…

When I do not want to have a shower, neither shame me nor scold me…
Remember when I had to chase you with thousand excuses I invented, in order that you wanted to bath…

When you see my ignorance on new technologies… give me the necessary time and not look at me with your mocking smile…
I taught you how to do so many things… to eat good, to dress well… to confront life…

When at some moment I lose the memory or the thread of our conversation… let me have the necessary time to remember… and if I cannot do it, do not become nervous… as the most important thing is not my conversation but surely to be with you and to have you listening to me…

If ever I do not want to eat, do not force me. I know well when I need to and when not.

When my tired legs do not allow me walk...
… give me your hand… the same way I did when you gave your first steps.

And when someday I say to you that I do not want to live any more… that I want to die… do not get angry… some day you will understand…
Try to understand that my age is not lived but survived.

Some day you will discover that, despite my mistakes, I always wanted the best thing for you and that I tried to prepare the way for you..

You must not feel sad, angry or impotent for seeing me near you. You must be next to me, try to understand me and to help me as I did it when you started living.

Help me to walk… help me to end my way with love and patience. I will pay you by a smile and by the immense love I have had always for you.

I love you son…

Your father

Out for the night

Sometimes you come home after a day out with friends, and you feel a little empty inside.
Maybe it's because it's 3.49am...

I had a Baileys, one of my favourite drinks, and that was all for the night. It got me through three hours of clubbing. I guess in the beginning it was fun, since I really haven't gone out for a long time with friends.

We had agreed to go to the fireworks together... and finally after three weeks they showed up. It was pretty spectacular, as usual, but the weather was freezing cold! Afterwards, we decided the beach was too crowded (and expensive) so instead headed into a bar in the city centre, where two of our friends were.

It was pretty empty, and the whole place was full of international people... people doing their internships at the UN tribunal here in The Hague. I felt so left out, as they all had this 'I-work-for-the-UN' feel surrounding them, and weren't really all that approachable.

After that Baileys I did feel a bit loosened up, and so people suggested to go dancing. Oh well, might as well go I guess.

Getting into the club/bar was difficult because a girl from our group got barred from the bar (ironically) beacause she "looked drunk". How do you look drunk? And aren't you supposed to be a bit drunk when you drink? The bouncers were really rude and just wouldn't let her in. She ended up in tears, and said she'd been so hurt and had her self-esteem ruined. I didn't know the girl very well, but I stood there thinking why all this drama? Why did we spend ten minutes outside a bar which was making it so difficult to get into anyways? Why should we be treated like dirt?

Anyways... eventually that girl went home alone, and the rest of us ended up going in.

Loud music. Flashing lights. Deafening, and oh so crowded. Though some of the guys were somewhat cute.... I danced around, together with two girlfriends, and we were pretty much enjoying myself. I may not go out much, but I think I can dance pretty alright if I have to. And I guess it was nice to 'loose' yourself and just let your body move to the rhythm.... if anything, it's good exercise, I guess.

As I was dancing, I looked around.... all these people around my age, flirting, dancing, touching, kissing, hugging. Some probably don't even know each other, but just saw what they liked on the dancefloor, and bang are glued to each other's bodies. A bunch of guys were just dancing hideously close to girls, and giving them the flirtatious look and trying to pick on the prey...

I think to myself, as the music boomed, lights flashed and my body moved... what is all this? I felt I was there, but not really there. I was enjoying it, but then also dreading it. Why do people do this? Pick up meat just like you do on the market... and call it a love affair? How much can you really get to know a person from the moves and eye contact and flirts?

I breathed deeply as soon as I got out of that bar/club, and felt like my ears was ringing from the long exposure to the loud music. It was wonderful to breath fresh air again, and to feel the cold night air wake you, and shake you from the drowsiness that came from the alcohol, smoke, and crowdedness of all that sleazy people and atmosphere.

I guess I have a different definition of fun.

Horoscope 090807

Following that last post, this was my horoscope today:

Unexpected pleasures, new friends, or a more playful, adventurous attitude in your relationships make this time period stimulating and delightful. You want a break from your usual routine and, because you are willing to experiment and to be spontaneous, you are likely to experience a refreshing change of pace.

So suprisingly true.....!

Push and pull

Sometimes, people need to be pushed, or pulled. Or in my case, push and pulled.

It's tough having to grow up many years without family there to support you and encourage you in what you do, but then you learn to find substitutes for love and care in life in yourself, and others. Up till now, I've more or less been going my way on my own. It takes courage, and hard-work, and dedication I guess. But after a while you loose that and begin to slow down, like I seem to be in the last few months....

And out of nowhere a friend appears. To push and pull you, to confront you with your fears and anxieties, to look through you and see the real you, to criticise you when you're weak and not assertive enough, and then to praise you and tell you what an amazing person you are, and how much more you can do with life. It's rare, it's unique, but these friends do exist.

So imagine how surprised I am to have stumbled across one. I don't make friends easily, and I guess I choose them... or they choose me. But either way, my friends are more than people you say 'Hi... bye...' to, but people who you can really talk to and who can touch you.

We've been doing almost everything together for the past few weeks since she moved into my city... studying, working, cycling, going to the movies, cooking... it's really like a relationship, but without the sex! And I treasure it a lot, and the feeling is mutual. She and I just have much in common, and can really understand one another's problems and worries, and are there for one another when the need arises.

I like to compare friends (real friends) to mirrors... they are people who reflect you, who you are, and actually also who you want to be. She's really been like a really polished mirror that's been reflecting not just my present, but also my past and also giving me images of the possibilities of the future.

She can tell I'm confused, lost, and struggling to find who I am and what I want. Not many people (if at all any) see that. And I guess I've known it a while, but she told me straight and clearly: I need change.

We talked almost an entire evening about this, and I was so touched and emotional by what she's trying to do to help me help myself. At one point I asked her very bluntly: "Why are you being so nice?"

It's not that I think she has a motive or anything. It's just not many people have been so nice and encouraging to me, or at least not in a long, long while. And she answered simply:
"Because you're a good person".

I am....... ?

And because I deserve so much more than what I have. I deserve the happiness, the opportunities and the chances to really show the world what I am capable of. I need to change, and I need change to change! For that, I really need to just start life fresh somewhere, pursue my dreams and hopes, and take risks if I have to. Sometimes it's when you are really far, far away from your current life that you finally realise who you are, and where you want to go. Sometimes you're stuck in the same place with the same people for so long that you begin to loose who you are and what you want. And that's what's happening now.

There are things that I'm looking into now... plans and ideas that may or may not be realised. I've been browsing some websites, and looking at the possibilities, and I realise there is such a big big world out there waiting for me, and I really don't have to be in this place and stuck with these people who are limiting me and keeping me down when I want to go up.

I'll not reveal anything at the moment because things are still in that fragile stage and I myself don't really know what may or may not happen. But from my friend I got a lot of advice, and she's really willing to help and support me all the way.

Thanks to you, my friend.... thanks to you.
You know who you are, my dear friend.

And to you I am grateful.

"Enough is Enough!"

Six months ago, he said that those Muslims who want to stay in the country must “rip out and throw away half of the Quran ”. Today, in an opinion piece in a Dutch newspaper, he went further:

Enough is enough. Let us stop beating about the bush with political correctness. […] The core of the problem is fascistic Islam, the sick ideology of Allah and Mohammed as laid down in the Islamic Mein Kampf: the Quran. The texts from the Quran do not leave much to the imagination.

In different Suras, Muslims are called upon to suppress, persecute or kill Jews, Christians, believers of other faiths and non-believers, to hit women, and to rape, and to establish a worldwide Islamic state with violence. Suras call upon and instigate Muslims to death and destruction.

Ban that book like Mein Kampf is also banned. […]

How ashamed I am for the Dutch politicians. Their naivety and sickly strive towards the utopian moderate Islam, which will only bring our country hell and doom. How ashamed I am of those in and outside of the Cabinet and Parliament, who refuse to stop the Islamic invasion of the Netherlands. […]

The Hague is full of cowardly people. Scared people who are born cowardly and will die cowardly. Who believe and advocate that Dutch culture will be founded on a Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition. […] Who [ignore] the interests Dutch population and cooperate in the transformation of the Netherlands into a Netherarabia as a province of the Islamic superstate of Eurabia.

I have had enough of Islam in the Netherlands: no more Muslim immigrant. I have enough with the worship of Allah and Mohammed in the Netherlands: no more mosque. I have had enough of the Quaran in the Netherlands: ban that fascistic book.

Enough is enough.

Strong words. Provocative words. Insane words from a raving Parliamentarian with a great big shock of dyed blond hair called Geert Wilders. He and his Part for Freedom (Partij voor de Vrijheid) managed to gain 9 seats in the last elections with (most notably) calls for a complete stop to immigration and the rooting out of Islamic elements in the country. To him the cause of crime and nuisance is Moroccan and Turkish “street-terrorists” who behave and think in ways that are at odds with Western ideas of liberalism democracy. Whether on the issue of treatment of women, homosexuals or fundaments of democracy, his warned that “tsuanami of Islamisation” is beginning to swamp the Netherlands and before you know it this will be a country governed by oppressive Sharia law. We must firmly reassert “the dominant Dutch culture”, he says, and no more mosques should be build, because he claims he’s “going crazy with all those mosques”.

Crazy indeed, but was he ever sane? All this preaching and threatening tones about Islamic radicalisation and creeping fundamentalism doesn’t help at all to the growing misunderstanding and divide between large segments of Dutch society. Instead, Wilders’ cheap rhetoric echoes those tried and failed populist insinuations and stereotyping that stirred the entire country when Fortuyn-fever swept through the country a few years ago. Two high profile politically motivated murders, a heightened state of alert, and a continuing wave of Islam-phobia later, and Wilders still wants to provoke and beat the already battered corpse of xenophobia and feelings of them-against-us.

Funny thing is, within the last six months the contents of the Quaran has not changed at all. If anything changed, it’s Mr. Wilders, who has become the very hardened extremist and militant raving village lunatic that he has been warning people will ‘invade’ this country and lead us all to ‘death and destruction’.

The Quran is but a book, a holy book with special meaning to over one million Muslims in the Netherlands. Admittedly, it does contain passages and words that are incongruent with this age and place, but it is not the book that kills and radicalizes. People kill and radicalise, people commit murders and rapes and incite hatred and others towards violence and revenge. It is people who hijack the Quaran, just as people have hijacked the holy Bible or Tora or any other religious text, to justify actions that defy all the teachings of love and compassion contained in the same books all in the name of ‘religion’.

Wilders’ allusion to Mein Kampf is telling. Some sixty odd years, millions of deaths and untold suffering caused by that infamous book penned by Hitler later, Wilders wants to ban a book in a free and democratic society where the freedom of press and belief are fundamental rights of every citizen regardless of race or creed. Who is the fascist now?

Thank goodness no else one in Parliament supports Wilders and his rants, and already a civil suit has been filed against Wilders for inciting hatred between racial groups.

Wilders was right about one thing though…

“Enough is enough”!