As Jennifer Sees It

Yesterday evening, it was Sunday and in my Life here in Amsterdam, Sunday and Movies just seem to go together. After wasting most of my day, I got on the Metro, went to the center, met up with me mates and saw the movie Blood Diamond. I highly recommend it. Four of us walked out of it, some with tears, some not, but all with a look and reflection. It made me think. I like movies that make me think.

So many lines spoken in the movie lingers still with me today. One is very prominent.

“TiA – This is Africa.” This phrase is often use as an excuse for a lot of things – in this movie it was used as an excuse for ignorance, greed, and killing. Though to me - That is not Africa. That is not the Africa I remember, because luckily I did not experience that. It is also used for an excuse for concept of time, service, inefficiency … you name it. Those I may have experienced.

I spent such a short time living there. 10 weeks is nothing. I do remember being in that country, feeling a complete contrast of emotions at every turn. Laughter, sadness, guilt, joy, love, I felt so much love. I can not think of Africa and not still have a wide range of emotions. I remember the people I met. The warmth they showed me. I remember this. I loved this. I remember the reality of my life there, how different it was. Sadly I am reminded of the struggles which people go through daily. This is Africa to me. A wide range of things, of struggles, but also of love and possibility. Some of the most amazing people I have ever met, I met in those to short 10 weeks.