Greetings from Amsterdam!
I am breathing in the cold misty air over a small boat harbor, through the window of our couch-surfing host William in Amsterdam. I have been traveling with yogi @saramiller who will be teaching yoga here at SteemFest. (Do yoga with Sara on Sunday--sign up here. )
These great possibilities for this journey exist not only through the generosity of all our new Steemian friends in cyberspace, but especially by the founder of the @gardenofeden @quinneaker. Not only has financial support for this journey come through his vortex, but the overall scope, purpose and awareness of possibility of the grander picture of life, and the holistic and sustainable approach to this experience has been made possible by his sharing of infinite perspective. Many of my actions and presence of being have been awakened by his touch. My life as it is would not be possible without his glorious undying support and confidence in my abilities. In Quinn's stead, I strive to live by his example of unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity. May my presence here at SteemFest be a testament to his gifts to me, and may I pass them on, paying them forward in honor of his generosity and upgraded perspective.
It took us 42 hours from home to home-- 4 airports, 3 planes, 2 trains, 1 tram and lots of foot power to get here.
We slept on three airport benches, on the ground in an outdoor airport space, and on an airplane.
We slept on the bench behind this fountain too!
Since we are committed to supporting "the man" as little as possible, we opted not to eat in restaurants along the way.
Instead we carried our own dried fruits, nuts and cricket bars for our first 24 hours in transit, then enjoyed a meal on our last flight that held us over for the next 24 hours until we reached our destination with William.
We slept here on this plane too!
Though I truly love food I'm really quite good at fasting, so being without substantial sustenance was not a big deal for me, but being without good hydration was more trying. The only beverages available at airports are those you either buy or chemically treated water you get from the drinking fountain. So we basically dry fasted for a good portion of our journey as well.
We had hours and hours of time for meditation, sporting our sustainable steemit gear, some availability to charge our devices, and some limited use of wifi.
We slept here on this bench too!
We slept here on this ground too!
I've made lots of interesting observations on this journey.
One thing that really stood out to me at the Miami airport was the use of shrink wrap. People pay $15 per bag to put their luggage on a twirling stand, that goes around and around sealing the bag inside of layer and layers and layers of plastic. And then they turn it over and wrap it again and again and again, completely enveloping each bag in plastic, then cutting holes so the wheels can roll and the handle can be utilized. Re-wrapping after security is free!!! I couldn't believe the number of people who actually paid for this service and, in my mind, waste such precious resources. Though I understand the concept behind this practice, the unsustainable nature of it blows my mind.
The luggage on the cart and all those blue pieces of luggage in the background are all wrapped in plastic.
We are traveling a little heavier than I generally desire. One of our suitcases is full of custom made, hand-painted sustainable Steemit hats and clothing for our steemyphotoshoot on Friday. I'm grateful they made it all the way here in one piece without any plastic wrap!
Our host wasn't available for hours after our arrival in Amsterdam, so @saramiller and I took out on foot with all of our luggage to see a bit of Amsterdam Central. We took a walk through the city, enjoying the pigeons in the square, the beautiful canals, bicycle lined streets of old buildings, and a device session with wi-fi at Starbucks.
This is the busiest Starbucks I have ever seen, and it's not an exaggeration to say about 90% of the people were in the digital world packed in the coffee shop like sardines. Nearly everyone was wrapped in coats, hats and scarves of black or dark grey.
In general, the people here are quite the contrast to most Americans (I've been to nearly all 50 states, so have some experience in observation and awareness of the contrast). Their step is lighter, their heads held higher, their backs and shoulders more straight, their eyes are brighter, and they carry much less weight. From my perspective they appear to be jollier and more friendly, more fashionable and in less of a hurry.
More people have talked to us about the U.S. presidential election than anyone did in the States. Perhaps in the States we are so inundated with it in a constant stream (it was playing on the news in every airport, in restaurants, waiting areas, and even at the baggage claim) that no one wanted to talk about it any more. But Amsterdam is quite concerned with the climate in the states and what the outcome of this election means for the entire world. When people found out we were from the U.S., that was what they wanted to talk about.
Lots of connections were made along the way, and with nearly every interaction Steemit was a topic of conversation. We ought to have some new followers joining in on this revolutionary platform.
We arrived at our home away from home after dark, 1 tram and many blocks of trekking with luggage.
Our first night's "meal" was wine, cheese and chocolate, so graciously presented us by our new friend William. We talked into the wee hours of the night and gave thanks for a dry, warm resting place--with a hot bath and plenty of fresh water to drink.
Last night (Wednesday) was our first real meal since Monday's flight. We made our host rosemary lemon Quinoa (rosemary we harvested from neighboring gardens) and garlic coconut lentils with fried eggs on top to eat by candlelight.
Our return trip will likely be lighter by utilizing the dried goods we brought to cook up and share, the dried fruit and nuts we consumed on our journey here, and hopefully sharing a bunch of Steemit gear we made to enhance the Steemit community in exchange for donations to further our cause of Eden 2.0.
Welcome to The Netherlands! All tough I actually left it 2 weeks ago.
Thank you for the welcome! In great enjoyment here. The people have been awesome--Steemfest epic so far!
now this feels like community. i'm gonna love it here. is this real? the level of support and community on steemit seems wonderful! - feels like the early days when i found irc but with virtual investment based on the value you put out into the world. i'm excited. wish i could have been in amsterdam with you guys!
yep, this is the project that funds from my Ned's Head song went to. So awesome.
Yes @lloyddavis--here you are again! I really loved that which you shared, so grateful for your contribution for building such a great community, and for your assistance in getting me here to Steemfest. This is a truly powerful opportunity and know the connections we make with each other are priceless.
We are building community in the physical and spiritual realms at the @gardenofeden. Steemit feels like it is building in the digital realms a community of great strength. Loving Steemit so much as it is in alignment with our values at the GOE. Blessed to be a part of them both!
This is powerful community and to build one here in Steemit is incredible. I am at Steemfest right now and the Steemians here are amazing--just like on line, so personable, helpful and engaged. True greatness in the works. Thanks for showing up on my blog--grateful to have you here.
we need more of this in the world. bringing back the connectedness to our digital interactions with the world. i'm sure amazing things will come out of this steemfest.
We are building community in the physical and spiritual realms at the @gardenofeden. Steemit feels like it is building in the digital realms a community of great strength. Loving Steemit so much as it is in alignment with our values at the GOE. Blessed to be a part of them both!
I love this @everlove. I am practically in tears of joy that you are there. XOXOX
Awe--- @merej99. I am here with you, though you are not here. This Steemit community is strong and building Steem with great momentum. Thank you for everything you have been a part of in making this journey a reality for me. So grateful to share with you.
What an adventure you've had just to get to this point. I can't wait to see More of your observations of Amsterdam and STEEMfest
Thank you @stephen-somers for being here with us. This is truly an adventure of grand perspective We plan to share more of this epic journey.
Have a great time! I'm interested in what you forage from gardens or other places, to do your great cooking. Rosemary is number 1 -- I wonder what's next? :D
Have some tricks up our sleeves. I love all things in abundance. We shall see what's next.
:D
WOW WOW WOW! Thank you for sharing. I think you should just leave your cloths there and bring back some delicious delights!
Wow! What a trip you guys are having. You two have been working hard though, and I think it's a good example of what you can achieve from just pure good will.
Thanks, Rlley, for your acknowledgement. It's the least we can do for our fellow beings.
Glad you made it safe!!! Have fun for me!!! <3 What are they saying??? Are they worried about an influx of Americans!!!????? I wanna move to the Netherlands, lol.
Hahahahaha--I think they're more worried about what will happen to the world, moreso than for themselves. I'll have enough fun for all of us! Doing it already.
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What an adventure! Good thing we Eden Knights have been trained and conditioned for a higher than usual level of adaptability and toughness! Sending love <3
You said it @inokalrutz! You know all about that now! Magnificent feats you have shown yourself.
Welcome in Amsterdam!! See you at Steemfest :)
Thank you for the welcome. Just sitting across the table from you moments ago, intrigued by your documentary and life path for this year. Thank you for sharing. Excited to hear how this all pans out for you. Blessed to be with you here in Amsterdam.
Yes! Very nice meeting you, would like to hear a bit more about that sungazing! as far as "food" goes I'm allowed to consume that :D
Great spirit of adventure. Inspiring. Congratulations. :)
Living on the edge, knowing the Universe will provide. Miraculous things happen. So grateful for the opportunity to experience so much. Thank you for your comment
Great post @everlove. Thank you for sharing your journey and experience with us all. I can't wait for the next instalment.
Thank you for tuning in here. Steemfest is definitely a powerful opportunity--great minds coming together for the betterment of all. Priceless!
Check out this photo! From a fellow steemian who has been in Amsterdam for a week now! I follow him! He was in the exact same spot where you guys took your picture from,! Very cool! https://steemit.com/steemfest/@l0k1/rug-up-steemfestians-it-is-chilly-here-2016118t82547370z
Beautiful photo--Amsterdam is a wonderland of photography opportunities. Thank you for sharing his photo. Beautiful indeed
Thank you for keeping us up to date!
I will be in Amsterdam tomorrow =)
@everlove
Yes, the Dutch are one of the friendliest Europeans - if I may say (next to the Germans) but then I haven't been to Scandanavia so I can't generalize. They are also very helpful, kind, polite and finesse!
Good luck and I wish you all a great time in Am.
This is truly a dynamic experience. Meeting everyone here in person has great value, making our community EVER stronger. Thank you for being here on my blog.
looks wonderful so far! that plastic wrapping thing is truly bizarre...I've never heard of nor imagined such a thing and am astonished as well at the biohazard this creates. continue to enjoy your trip, and I look forward to hearing more xo
I think it is really odd too. I wonder what horrible thing they think will happen to their luggage that would require creating such a hazard. Fear sometimes rules.
You are so nice and the voyage magnificent
So grateful to see you here. Thanks for your support @tanata!
This update is appreciated. I am resteeming all of your Amsterdam adventure so all of steemit can see. :) I love you and @sarahmiller and glad you made it!
Thank you Rissa! So glad we have the opportunity to experience this and share it with you all. Loving the adventure. Sending you love too. <3
Can you do me a solid and upvote my comment? I'm trying to earn some Steem lol
https://steemit.com/steemit/@mindhunter/hey-mindhunter-i-love-you-comments-time-for-a-comments-competition-of-my-own-now-the-dogs-bollocks-best-comment-gets-50-steem#@rissakoirtyohann/re-mindhunter-hey-mindhunter-i-love-you-comments-time-for-a-comments-competition-of-my-own-now-the-dogs-bollocks-best-comment-gets-50-steem-20161110t014740082z
Great pictures! Have fun at Steemfest! :)
Thank you @acidyo. We certainly will--that's what we came for--there's nothing else to do!
Thank you for the great story @everlove ! Will follow your updates.