Different perspectives

So I'm currently reading (devouring) Dan Brown's book The Lost Symbol. I haven't read either of his others, but my friend Kim persuaded me to read The Lost Symbol because it deals with American history and secrets in Washington D.C. -- stuff I LOVE.

Anyway, I'm not finished with the book, but I may post a little review when I am. For now, I wanted to share a passage that really intrigued me. It's a "wow" moment that (should) make you stop and think, and then re-read it again. Makes a fantastic point.

Without going into the whole background leading up to this passage, all you need to know is that Robert Langdon is a professor of mythology and symbolism at Harvard, and he is currently explaining some of the religious practices of the ancient Free Mason society to his students (also a fascinating topic to research on your own). Needless to say, his students are skeptical and critical.

"Professor Langdon," called a young man with curly hair in the back row, "if Masonry is not a secret society, not a corporation, and not a religion, then what is it?"

"Well, if you were to ask a Mason, he would offer the following definition: Masonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols."

"Sounds to me like a euphemism for 'freaky cult'."

"Freaky, you say?"

"Hell yes!" the kid said, standing up. "I heard what they do inside those secret buildings! Weird candlelight rituals with coffins, and nooses, and drinking wine out of skulls. Now that freaky!"

Langdon scanned the class. "Does that sound freaky to anyone else?"

"Yes!" they all chimed in.

Langdon feigned a sad sigh. "Too bad. If that's too freaky for you, then I know you'll never want to join my cult."

Silence settled over the room. Several students looked uneasy. "You're in a cult?"

Langdon nodded and lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Don't tell anyone, but on the pagan day of the sun god Ra, I kneel at the foot of an ancient instrument of torture and consume ritualistic symbols of blood and flesh."

The class looked horrified.

Langdon shrugged. "And if any of you care to join me, come to the Harvard chapel on Sunday, kneel beneath the crucifix, and take Holy Communion."

The classroom remained silent.

Langdon winked. "Open your minds, my friends. We all fear what we do not understand."

My travel article in the SDUT

YAY! It's finally here!

My travel article on the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam was printed in the Travel section of the San Diego Union Tribune today. If you get the paper in print, you can read it there - and you can read it here (online).

:)

New apartment!

Okay, okay, so it's not definite yet. But after MONTHS of searching, Bjorn finally found an available apartment in Veldhoven...in his sister's building!!

Okay, let me explain. This apartment is PERFECT. Obviously the same layout as Ester's, which is why I'm so happy. The building is new, and I think it's beautiful. Modern style, safe neighborhood, within walking distance of their parents' house, and I've visited Ester so often at her place that I naturally picture our future apartment like hers.

Little did I know it might actually BE like hers!

Two-bedroom, 1 bath (but 2 parts - shower and sink in one room and toilet in another - which is standard for Europe I think), spacious kitchen, living room, big, airy windows. It's right by two bus stops and a market I'm familiar with, and I can visit both Ester and their parents if Bjorn is ever gone away on a business trip and I'm lonely.

I just love it. And I had always wished we could live in the same building, but as it was new, most of the tenants had just recently moved in and there were no openings.

Until today!

We should hear back within 2 weeks whether Bjorn gets it or not, and if we do, he can move in as soon as July 1st. I'm so excited. It means more to me than I first realized to be really close (physically) to Ester, especially. I can pop right downstairs and have company.

So fingers (and toes) crossed!! :)