DECLINE

In the endfase of the reincarnation-project I was reborn 3 years after World War Two. Raised, modelled and educated in a safe and encouraging world. I had the chance to travel far, Indonesia, India, Nepal. Safe, no problems and no violence or abuse. Mostly open and friendly people and children; who are the first to greet you. It were solo-travels, made by bus, boat or train. Or by walking. Twice I followed a track in the Himalayas. Near the famous Anapurna-mountain in Nepal. A devestating but enlightening experience.

At the moment I live in a small harbourtown in the far norh of the Netherlands. It used to be a prosperous and thriving city, from the 15^th century onwards and a entrance-port for the whole Province of Friesland. In the struggle against Spain it was a main naval port of the Republic .For centuries these qualifications garanteed economic activity even into industrial times.

Why did the decline happen? Number one cause was the construction of the “Afsluitdijk” (closing dike) between Holland and Friesland. The dike was used to create an overland connection and soon cars and trucks did not stop, unlike the boats. Harlingen was stripped from his trade, which was fishing, because the fish could reach their traditional matinggrounds. The harbour, used to be filled by wooden-fishingboats and trading-ships, is almost empty now. Except in the summertime, when tourists would admire the environment, now stripped from any commercial activity. One of the most beautiful city harbours in the world. It lies there, while the water risis and falls, as quiet as a cemetery. Without a funeral as a distraction.