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I've had a bit of a heavy day so far viewing photos of conflict and suffering from around the world. First was the Foam gallery where there was a fantastic exhibition of photo journalist/activist James Nachtwey. His coverage of Rwanda, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, Romania, Somalia, and Chechnya got me thinking hard about my purpose in life. When you start to become aware of things that happen outside of your own little world, you wonder what you can do to well, do your part. I'm standing there staring at photos of atrocities against humankind and I'm thinking- I'm a single, healthy, somewhat educated man who has the opportunity to do just about anything. What AM I going to do?

Have some frites of course. While I was eating my fries, I saw these two girls that I'd seen yesterday writing bikes. I was standing outside of the Rijksmuseum and this lovely girl with short black hair, big sunglasses, and short jean shorts rolled by, head scarf blowing in the wind. It was dreamy. A cute blond followed behind. Later in the evening, I saw them again, walking through the red light district. Once again, I had nothing to say. And today, as I on some church steps munching away, there they were again! In least creepy way I could, I followed them. But alas, they weren't going where I was going...

If Nachtwey's photos weren't enough, I headed to the World Press Photo exhibition at Oude Kerk. These photos won top prizes in photojournalism and featured coverage of world events, sports, and nature. My brain was full. So I've headed back to the hostel to read some Catcher in the Rye.

I want to be a lover AND a fighter.

Labels: Netherlands