Tag: en route

En route – Antwerp

 

Die Kathedrale von Antwerpen – the cathedral in Antwerp
Many old brick buildings in Antwerp have survived time and the wars. But they do not shine like in the glory days of this port city.
This is not the cathedral: It is the central railway station. Belgium was not always a marginal region within the EU. For some decades, it was mingling among the colonial powers of the world.
Witness to the hidden sources of past wealth and affluence: The stately Congo Trading Post on the waterfront. There are no more commercial docks along the riverfront in the old city. The ship all land in modern docks in the industrial port north of the city.
The former glory still reflects in the puddles of the streets and lanes that leave a strong melancholic, if not depressing impression on the visitors.
The consequences of various crises are highly visible. Some of the prominent buildings are being restored and maintained with money from the European Union, while other, more humble ones are abandoned or have disappeared completely.
The grave of the unknown refugee. A unique monument to acknowledge the many refugees from all over the world that never make it to the Western world on their quest to escape social injustice and to seek a better life in the affluent parts of the world.
De Begijnhof in Antwerpen. This is a unique settlement within the city. It housed until 1986 a community of Beguines. Now it is a secular residential complex, maintaining the peace and quiet of its history.
Another view of the Béguinage in Antwerp. The small houses in this walled court were built to accommodate women who chose to live a religious life outside of a monastery with a strong communal sense.

En route – Transatlantische Überfahrt

Google Map mit dem ungefähren Kurs den wir auf der MV Rickmers Shanghai zurückgelegt haben. – The approximate route of the MV Rickmers Shanghai January 2013 transatlantic crossing.

Transatlantic Journey on MV Rickmers Shanghai – Google Maps

Hier ist eine Kopie meines Reisetagebuchs von der Überfahrt (in Englisch). I have attached a copy of my ship diary.

Ship Diary:

January 13, 2013

Late this afternoon, I called the agent for the shipping company to confirm the departure time for the vessel. He said he was very glad that I called: The ship is expected to leave very early in the morning. Originally, departure time was estimated to be between noon and 6 o’clock. He kindly asked me to make my way to the marine terminal and check-in tonight.

This is a little bit like history repeating itself. Continue reading “En route – Transatlantische Überfahrt” →

En route – North Atlantic Ocean/Nord Atlantik

Dear Friends, please find my approximate current position on the map below!
Liebe Freunde, auf der folgenden Karte könnt ihr sehen wo ich zur Zeit unterwegs bin!

Further updates once I come ashore in Antwerp – Mehr Neuigkeiten nach meiner Ankunft in Antwerpen.

En route – Philadelphia

Nighttime arrival in my new neighbourhood.
Early morning impression.
There must be a way…
Kensington area street impression.
The colourful frontispiece of marginalization and poverty – overlooked by church power and wealth
We make you poorer than you think you are!
One of the sites of early Quaker meeting houses in the colonies set up to accommodate religious freedom (Arch Street Meeting House)
Waiting in silence – being touched by the light
Corners of old Philadelphia that have a very European flavour.
So un-American, but real.
The financial district towers and temples of affluence dominating buildings of human proportions – a visual impression

En route – Washington DC

with Amtrak on its way…
A government house – but where are the people?
Well, at least some sign of habitation near the big house of the nation…
… but its resident chose to seek the warmth of the sun, establishing himself like a part of a monument for humanity.

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!

Take Off – Abflug (+de)

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!