"Run for your lives! But carefully."

Oh, Iveta.

So! It's been awhile since I updated last. Well, the other day we had a lecture in Amsterdam by this woman from an organization called Women on Waves. Basically, it's an organization started in 1999 by the woman who spoke to us. She and some other people go to countries where abortion is illegel and anchor the boat off-shore in international waters where they fall under the jurisdiction of Ducth law. Then they perform abortions on the ship. They've only had three campaigns in Portugal, Ireland, and Poland. The idea is not to give an abortion to every person who needs one . . . it's more to get the debate started again. And they have become an international phenomenon and gotten abortion back on legislation in all three countries. While I am still kind of in the middle on abortion (I can see both sides of the debate), I certainly admire the founder's ability to have an idea and put into action--and it actually have a huge impact. It was an incredible lecture.

So! I started writing this blog in Utrecht! I can't believe it's been so long since I have updated! I am in London now, of course. The lectures here have been awesome, the best of any country we've been to. We had one from Del laGrace Volcano, who is a photographer dealing with transgender/transexuals and so-called hermaphrodites. Del was really interesting. Anyway, I can't write much, as normal. I will be in London another week, then at Taize! My trip is almost over. :(

Jennifer

Procrastination is the name of the game

Would someone please save me from myself? :)

Well, I am updating, but mostly to procrastinate.

Yesterday, we spent most of the day in Amsterdam. We had a lecture in the red light district, which was a good lecture. (and yes, the red light district really has red lights . . .) I also bought two shirts, which doesn't sound all that exciting, but I have been wearing the same five shirts for about 2 months now. They kinda smell (though of course I have been washing them) and are getting a little worn. :) (speaking of smell . . . pretty much the whole city of Amsterdam smells like pot!)

Anyway, back to yesterday's lecture. It was talking about prostitution in Holland and the laws surrounding it. Basically, it is legal--the only thing that is illegal is coercian (as in pimping). This makes a lot of sense to me because then they can regulate health and working conditions in brothels, as well as decriminalizing women who really do choose this for their profession. I know how controversial that is, but what can I say?

Today, we had a lecture by Rosi Braidotti, who is one of the foremost scholars in feminst scholarship. She is almost too smart for her own good. Her lecture was very interesting. . . she was mostly interacting with us, reacting to our questions. She talked about sexual difference, embodied identity, post-structuralism, and psychoanalysis (a little bit) to name a few things. What was most interesting for me (although it was all interesting) was her critique of graduate students' tendency to chose a thesis topic related to defining identity . . . in other words, choosing a topic that relates to personal identity such as heritage, etc. . . her challenge to us (as soon-to-be graduate students) was to choose a topic that asks why we have this need to search for a definite identity, a certain truth written down out there. . . I don't give her challenge justice, but still, it was intriguing.

Tonight, we have a group dinner at a vegan restaraunt. It should be good. :)

Anyway, that's about all I have for now.

Jennifer

"Is the word 'bible' the same in every language? You know, like 'toilet.'"

Oh, my friend Julie. :)

Well, the last few days have been fabulous. :) Utrecht is a nice city. One day we had high tea and went to the park because the weather has been amazing. We have also gone shopping. Today, I went to the University library and tried to do work. I am getting some stuff done, but not as much as I would like. Oh well.

I am at a stage where I am homesick, but at the same time, not. It's so weird. That is, I miss being around people I love and who know me well. But I also love all the people here--they are so awesome. Julie is a bit reserved, but crazy and guillible when you get to know her. Karen just recently came out as a lesbian at home and is so excited about that. But there's much more to her than that. She is also one of the nicest people I have ever met. Mercedes is kinda crazy as well, but also amazingly nice and sensitive to not only boundaries within the group but cultural boundaries as well. Lexi grew up going to boarder schools and stuff, so she is smart and always has something interesting to add to the conversation, as well as being a nice person. Bobbie is a bit intimidating when you first get to know her--she definitely tries to bend gender boundaries. But, when I got to know her, she is one of the most sensitive, intelligent people I know now. Shalimar is always loud and very opinionated but is also a faithful friend and very funny. Kara is quiet (sometimes) but quirky and a political science major, so she also adds a different dynamic. Emily H. is sensitive to what's going on her around her and is very intelligent. Laura always add something to the conversation about the way gender is perceived and is also very humorous. Emily A. is funny and smart. Rachel is also very opiniated, but there is more to her than meets the eye (as with most people). Jackie seems really sweet and innocent--and is, but only to a degree. Jasmine comes from the Northwest and definitely has an exotic feel about her--but is also so nice. Aran is quiet at times but has a lot to say about sexuality. Anat is kinda of quiet, too but sweet and intelligent. Kelly, our program assistant, is a great mediator and a philosopher, which is a nice addition. Iveta . . . eh, how can describe Iveta? She's . . . smart, crazy, sometimes a little too blunt. So everyone is amazing . . . it's just a different dynamics, you know? I want to be here and at home at the same time . . .

But being here is still amazing. I can't believe I have been given this amazing oppurtunity.

I should get off the computer. There are people waiting. :) Good night all.

Jennifer

OH! Happy belated Halloween.