It is time again to move on. Today, I am boarding the ship for Europe. – Es ist Zeit zum Aufbrechen. Heute gehe ich an Bord für die Seefahrt nach Europa.
It feels strange to get on a ship so far from a coastline. Here is the Delaware River that will provide the waterway to take us to the North Atlantic. – Es fühlt sich komische an, im Landesinnern win grosses Schiff zu besteigen. Wir werden auf dem Delaware River bis zur Küste des Atlantischen Ozeans fahren.
Here I am in the Kensington area of Philadelphia.
The row houses in the Kensington area were originally built for workers in the vicinity of the factories that employed them. They are a monument to industriousness and dignity. The factories were not social institutions, but apparently it was possible for many families to live in their own little house in the neighbourhood. It was a short commute to the workplace. There were many little corner stores selling things of daily needs, and bars for those who had daily or occasional wants. Some avenues were commercial districts with a variety of stores and shops. I have seen a library in a park, schools and a hospital – all in a similar architectural style making use of brickwork, just the way the factories were built. And there were many churches to comfort the ones hit by hardship and to celebrate with the ones who were able to make it.
Continue reading “Map it out – the extent of obvious misery”
On a fully booked train, the fight for the best seats was on. Amtrak took no chances and its personnel herded customers like cattle to their wagons. No opportunity for independent responsible judgment.
Single file – no skipping – twenty at a time. Follow orders. Continue reading “Daily Random Act of Kindness #2”
I had enough time between trains to go for coffee. So I walked up to the Capitol to see if the president, or another representative would have time to have coffee with me. But, nobody home… So I enjoyed a walk around those massive buildings in a warming winter sun.
I really enjoyed the train ride from Chicago to Washington. I immediately remembered why I prefer this mode of transportation over the more expedient one in the airplane. I can really enjoy the land, the distance, the changing scenery. I guess, the transcontinental train ride is still on the bucket list!
Here is my 2012 in pictures! For thoughts to go with each picture in the slideshow, keep reading: Continue reading “2012 in pictures”
Thanks to Air North, Yukon’s Airline, I experienced this spectacular sunrise over the endless mountainous expanse of boreal forest in Canada’s North.
The early start today was refreshing. On my way to the airport, a bright setting moon was guiding me up the stair master at the end of Black Street. A faint display of northern lights covering my back. I arrived at the check-in counter at YXY with icicles hanging off my moustache and steam rising from beneath my jacket.
I feel fit for the pilgrimage, the mind cleared of many attachments to place already. It was a strange initial feeling when I turned off and put away the cell phone before locking up Celia’s apartment and depositing the key for the house-sitter. It was like shedding layers of security. But, I got a sleeping bag, some clothes, some privilege and financial means, and a whole lot of confidence in providence!
Ready for take off!
Air North, die einheimische Fluggesellschaft im Yukon, machte es möglich diesen spektakulären Sonnenaufgang über der endlos scheinenden gebirgigen Weite der kanadischen Taiga zu erleben.
Das Frühaufstehen war erfrischend. Ein heller, untergehender Mond hat mir den Weg gewiesen auf meinem Fussmarsch zum Flughafen. Hinter mir am nordöstlichen Himmel ein schwaches Nordlicht. Ich bin mit Eiszapfen am Schnauz und aufsteigendem Dampf aus meiner Winterjacke am Check-in Schalter angekommen.
Ich fühle mich fit für die Pilgerreise; ich habe schon viele Abhängigkeiten an einen bestimmten Ort, so was wie ein Heimatgefühl, in Gedanken losgelassen. Es war anfänglich ein komisches Gefühl, das Handy ab zu schalten und zu verstauen bevor ich dann die Türe zu Celia´s Wohnung abschloss und den Schlüssel deponierte für die Person die nach der Katze schauen wird. Es war wie verschieden Schichten eines Sicherheitsgefühls ab zu legen. Doch, ich habe einen Schlafsack, Kleider, Privilegien und etwas Geld, und dazu viel Zuversicht in Vorsehung!
Ready for take off!
Aufbruch – Departure √
(Deutsche Übersetzung folgt)
I am sitting with my black travel bag in front of me. I am checking the carry-on policies of the various airlines. The dimensions seem fine, a weight limit is not stated and I wouldn’t have a scale to check it anyhow. Later on the train and the ship, it won’t matter anymore. Good thing I am starting with the most restrictive mode of transportation.
The lid is still open: Continue reading “Aufbruch – Departure (+de)”
Today, I would like to light a candle. May this light shine for all of you.
I am also lighting this candle for my mother. I ask you to help me hold her in the Light during this time of uncertainty and healing.
Ich entfache diese Kerze auch für meine Mutter. Ich bitte euch alle für sie zu beten in dieser Zeit der Ungewissheit und Genesung.
OFRADIX 