Books Worth a Look

  • Little Bee by Chris Cleave - This book is a must read. Better than anything else I've read, it takes you vividly into the life of a person in the 3rd world who has no choice but to escape. It is brilliantly written & works well as an audio book. Often I've sent info about the wonderful refugees I've met in Europe. We know only so much of their plight as it is painful for them to recall much less live through again by recounting it. But over time it is clear what they've lived through. This book is excellent as you discover the horrors of their world. Somewhat how to me, it is like being in Europe near a Concentration Camp. One has an obligation to visit it. 'Never to Forget.' In this case, to have our eyes opened.
  • Garbage King by Eliz Laird - The book is set on the streets on Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia and here lives Mamo and his sister Tiggist. When Mamo's "uncle" offers a job, he soon sets out on a bus to work. Little does he know that he is actually being sold into slavery...

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Hostel & hostels & hostels

I've now sampled 4 hostels in & around London. The best is an hour from central London, but it's roomy, free Wifi & is inexpensive. Staff is good & guests are East Europeans, Africans & a few Brits here to work in east London. Great conversations.

Two guys from Estonia speak very good English; two from Nigeria - 1 great, the other annoying. He's always talking about "the west" in terms that are offensive. Nigerians culturally talk very loudly, what we'd call yelling. When he gets going, it's head for the hills!

Several interesting conversations w/ people from Australia, Sweden and Spain - a chance to practice my Spanish.

I'm convinved Americans should come to Europe & mingle. It's eye opening.

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REFLECTIONS & ARTICLES

Thoughts on the amazing people I get to meet.

Rich, my 19 year old friend, soon to be Franciscan and recent community member at Haley House in Boston. An article he wrote.

http://www.capuchinfranciscans.org/pdf/2008%2003%2011%20CVO%20Update%20A%20community%20of%20two%20tables.pdf