DE NEDERLAND INDEPENDENT
Transition
Aynsley speaking:
I have taken time over the past week to remember all that Rich and I have accomplished here in Amsterdam. One would say we did not accomplish much in terms of material posessions but I would claim we accomplished person growth together as a unit, yet also as individuals, priceless There have been many mountains that we have had to climb in order to succeed in achieving our goals. Our determination along with our amazing friends allowed us to get to the top every time, and for this I am thankful.
I write this today as I am in a transition. My time in Amsterdam has come to an end. I have several paths that I could follow, not one clear enough as of yet to take. There have been waves of stress and uncertainty, yet in between this time I have fallen in love with the adventure of the unknown. I have too many good friends/family along with a wonderful partner to be scared of what is to come. I think about how in a months time I will be working my 40 hours a week again yearning for what I feel inside right now; excitment, fear, sadness, anticipation....
What is planned for my future?
Transition
It is the gap of transition that shakes us.
Those moments before true movement has been achieved,
that bring us to a level of uncertainty.
Let us embrace those moments when change has not yet come.
To see that this is a necessary moment,
before a new race has begun.
In quiet mindful moments the transition shall appear.
As we open up our hearts to hear the silence, we are now willing to hear.
To see past all the dancing of the mind,
as a friend we can lovingly leave behind.
For we are now ready to embrace a new level of tranquility,
that is reflected at a deeper level of ourselves.
As we accept change...We may move forward...Embracing all that is meant to be.
I have taken time over the past week to remember all that Rich and I have accomplished here in Amsterdam. One would say we did not accomplish much in terms of material posessions but I would claim we accomplished person growth together as a unit, yet also as individuals, priceless There have been many mountains that we have had to climb in order to succeed in achieving our goals. Our determination along with our amazing friends allowed us to get to the top every time, and for this I am thankful.
I write this today as I am in a transition. My time in Amsterdam has come to an end. I have several paths that I could follow, not one clear enough as of yet to take. There have been waves of stress and uncertainty, yet in between this time I have fallen in love with the adventure of the unknown. I have too many good friends/family along with a wonderful partner to be scared of what is to come. I think about how in a months time I will be working my 40 hours a week again yearning for what I feel inside right now; excitment, fear, sadness, anticipation....
What is planned for my future?
Transition
It is the gap of transition that shakes us.
Those moments before true movement has been achieved,
that bring us to a level of uncertainty.
Let us embrace those moments when change has not yet come.
To see that this is a necessary moment,
before a new race has begun.
In quiet mindful moments the transition shall appear.
As we open up our hearts to hear the silence, we are now willing to hear.
To see past all the dancing of the mind,
as a friend we can lovingly leave behind.
For we are now ready to embrace a new level of tranquility,
that is reflected at a deeper level of ourselves.
As we accept change...We may move forward...Embracing all that is meant to be.
Feelings
Another amazing video Aynsley uses with her special needs clients. So dam cute !!!
Title.
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De Hoge Veluwe National Park.
Two hours east of Amsterdam Central lies a vast landscape of sand dunes, wet lands, Savannah's, and forests in an outstanding National Park called De Hoge Veluwe. We camped in the National Park for a little sum of 5 euros each, and used the free bicycles offered within the park to take in all the eye could see. There were moments when we looked out into the landscape and felt we could be in Africa. We felt a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam city life. A museum, located in the middle of the National Park, had an outdoor sculpture garden. Many art pieces left a huge question mark in your mind, yet were esthetically pleasing. One in particular, a large camera in which you sat inside, took you on a psychedelic journey through the life of a camera, using snap shots of yourself.
The art museum attached to the sculpture garden consisted of art pieces from Picasso and Van Gogh. Amazing.
Highly recommend this trip away to anyone coming through Holland.
The art museum attached to the sculpture garden consisted of art pieces from Picasso and Van Gogh. Amazing.
Highly recommend this trip away to anyone coming through Holland.
Cricket in Amsterdam
Rich and his Cricket team, playing on a sunny, warm evening.
Its over....
Alas our summer of football has come to an end. Unfortunately the 'oranje' just couldn't get over the final hurdle, the city was primed for the type of celebrations not seen since the Beetles toured the canals in the 60's. I am told that on that day there were many boat sinking's and drownings.....
Saturday afternoon teaser....
Interview with A.L. Petrie
Our 'partners at the 'Asian' have demanded we fulfill our contractual obligations and interview people. Adele is a friend from New Zealand staying with us until she sorts stuff out in London where she is now living.
So whats the best thing about Amsterdam?
Canals, boats, heat, bikes, trees, flowers, friendly people, and Aynsley and Rich off course.
Your take on the football? Should Puyol have been red-carded?
Football is cool, but I don't really know who Puyol is and cant remember when he got a red card.
Where are you living in London?
Currently homeless, but looking at a flat in Chapham North on Thursday night. Its close to work so I can bike/walk/run.
London or Amsterdam?
Amsterdam, thats not hard.
What music have you been listening too lately?
Whatever Rich puts on. Its good, I like the old French stuff.
How was your 1st swim in a canal?
Dirty but delightful, and we seem to have survived with no rashes, infections etc.
(COMPULSORY ASIAN CONTENT)
You recently spent time in volunteering at an Orphanage in Vietnam. How was the food?
I didn't eat at the Orphanage, the food was bad, mostly rice or noodles, barely any veges or meat etc. Not the best for growing children. I tried to take fruit and yogurt with me each day. The yogurt was great, they were so confused by the flavor and pursed their lips from the bitterness but still wanted more.
We are planning on moving to Hong Kong at the end of the year, how do recommend the best way to deal with the heat?
Trees and water!!!!
So whats the best thing about Amsterdam?
Canals, boats, heat, bikes, trees, flowers, friendly people, and Aynsley and Rich off course.
Your take on the football? Should Puyol have been red-carded?
Football is cool, but I don't really know who Puyol is and cant remember when he got a red card.
Where are you living in London?
Currently homeless, but looking at a flat in Chapham North on Thursday night. Its close to work so I can bike/walk/run.
London or Amsterdam?
Amsterdam, thats not hard.
What music have you been listening too lately?
Whatever Rich puts on. Its good, I like the old French stuff.
How was your 1st swim in a canal?
Dirty but delightful, and we seem to have survived with no rashes, infections etc.
(COMPULSORY ASIAN CONTENT)
You recently spent time in volunteering at an Orphanage in Vietnam. How was the food?
I didn't eat at the Orphanage, the food was bad, mostly rice or noodles, barely any veges or meat etc. Not the best for growing children. I tried to take fruit and yogurt with me each day. The yogurt was great, they were so confused by the flavor and pursed their lips from the bitterness but still wanted more.
We are planning on moving to Hong Kong at the end of the year, how do recommend the best way to deal with the heat?
Trees and water!!!!
Le Tour de France
Adele and I headed down to Rotterdam last weekend for the 1st stage of the tour. On the way back we stopped in a little town called Gouda...yes its where the cheese comes from and its pronouned Howda!
I was an arms length away from Lance Armstrong. He looked directly into my eyes as he zoomed past...we had a moment. I tried to grab a photo of him but my stupid slow camera sucks. I think its him in the 5th photo but in true 'le tour' fashion controversy reigns supreme! Aynsley sternly questions the photos ligitimacy and is calling for a full inquiry including blood tests. Floyd Landis is yet to comment...
I was an arms length away from Lance Armstrong. He looked directly into my eyes as he zoomed past...we had a moment. I tried to grab a photo of him but my stupid slow camera sucks. I think its him in the 5th photo but in true 'le tour' fashion controversy reigns supreme! Aynsley sternly questions the photos ligitimacy and is calling for a full inquiry including blood tests. Floyd Landis is yet to comment...
The obligatory canal trip
Bella's birthday. Sun, wine, cheese, boat.
Summer has arrived.
It is finally time to put on our short shorts and sandals YAH!!! Yesterday we sat outside, baking in the sunshine, by our canal. Needless to say we are loving life at the moment.
Heres a funny clip which Ayns has been using with her special needs children.
