So long Amsterdam, hello Belgium. Not exactly a giant geographical leap, but I’m pleased at having left The Known for The Unknown. After four weeks in Amsterdam I was ready to leave the city, though reluctant to leave a small group of friends whom I like very much. If any of you good people read this, and I know that at least one of you will, I thank you for your generosity and company during those four weeks.

It’s difficult to describe the place that I’ve come to. I’m now in Olen Centrum, which is in the district of Antwerp. It’s a small town with a sleepy conservative character. Belgian architects must be busy, as each house is unique. Or perhaps just a couple of Belgian architects are rushed off their feet, as the houses are almost all of a common style. If what the movies have shown me is correct, then Olen is much like a typical American suburb. The people here are clearly house-proud. The houses and gardens are immaculate, mostly detached and often have Dutch names that I don’t understand, but must surely be kitsch. The people outside of my residence appear to be emotionless. I don’t recall having seen a single smile, laugh or frown in five days. Everybody is extremely well behaved. There is no evidence of crime or disorder. Somebody called Sam has painted his name on the pavement down the road. I imagine Sam has since been politely deported, or perhaps he was just passing through. Olen’s straight face makes me wonder whether anything more illicit lurks below the surface. David Lynch has changed my perception of small-town life. I went for a walk this morning in the local woods, hoping to see signs of illegal raves, occult meetings, public sex or anything out of the ordinary. Alas, apart from a few empty (Belgian) beer cans the woods were neat and tidy. But not to worry; I’m not very interested in occult meetings, etc, and that’s not why I’ve come to Olen.

The place at which I’m living and volunteering is called De Sterrewijzer, which in Dutch means something like ‘the star seeker.’ It’s not quite as hippy as it sounds. The project actually began as an old people’s home, which is still here. My host, Charles, witnessed the care that is typically given to the elderly when his father was dying, and didn’t much like what he saw. Charles decided to open a home that would provide the social and spiritual stimulus that some elderly people desire. This is a huge task that took Charles, his family and supporters over a decade to accomplish. Charles is no longer in charge of the home, but instead is now in the process of setting up various complimentary projects in the grounds. I am here as a WWOOF volunteer to help build a kindergarten and to tend to the vegetable patch. I already like it here and am glad that I came. Charles is effectively my boss, but he doesn’t act in an authoritative way. Beyond the most necessary instructions I’m free to get on with the work. I came here hoping to have to work hard and also to learn as many practical skills as possible. Charles is constantly doing something toward the upkeep of the project and is obviously a very capable person. There is one other volunteer, a young Turkish guy called Hasan, who is currently away on a trip to Eastern Europe. He’ll be back later today and I’m looking forward to having his company. I’m not sure how long I’ll stay here, but it will be for several weeks as I feel that this place could be good for me.

A couple of good books have passed through my hands in the last week. Indignation by Philip Roth was incredible. I wasn’t aware that sentences could be so long and yet so elegant. I encourage you to read anything by this acclaimed master, and intend to read more myself when I next come across an English book shop. The second book is Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell. Orwell is blunt in expression and inspiring in character. I think it’s a pretty big deal to volunteer to fight in a foreign war, and maybe Orwell does too, though he’s careful not to show it. I plan to read more narrative history books; it’s such an enjoyable way to learn.

Finally, I want to recommend a radio programme podcast that I’ve been re-listening to whilst weeding the potatoes. I’ve already mentioned this to many of my friends, but I’ve been reminded of just how great it is so I’ll say it again. The programme is called This American Life from Chicago Public Radio. All of the shows are available to download for free on their own website and through iTunes. Some of them are a bit too cheesily-American for British ears, but on the whole I think they’re excellent. I suggest that you start with #199 House on Loon Lake and #220 Testosterone, which are quite old now (2008) but are two of my favourites. If anyone has any recommendations for other radio podcasts please let me know. Farewell for now.