Post Ingrid

For my birthday Megan took me to see Ingrid Betancourt. Have to say it was a very moving experience. My history with Ingrid spans 7+ years. I remember being intrigued by this Presidential candidate in Columbia. So in 2002/2003 I read her book “Till Death Do Us Part” and not soon after she was sequestered. I remember handing the read book to my pal Winter and telling her about the passion this woman had about changing such a corrupt country. Before then – i’d say a couple years previous – my pal Peter and I would always discuss the politics of Latin America and the drug trade. Both of us coming from San Diego we had what one would call a “local” understanding about such issues.  And up came this woman who was going to change Columbia. Anyhow – soon after I handed the book to Winter the abduction occurred. I was seriously concerned – which essentially was curious right?! This filipina-american in the bay area having any engagement with a country she’s never visited. So ensued my self-motivated concern about her, her well-being and how she’d fare. Watching closely to anything having to do with her survival. Needless to say – I’m in the midst of her new book “Even Silence Has An End” which seems to be a very poignant account of her experience held in captivity. I have to admit seeing her on the stage, watching the strokes of her pen signing her book for me I wonder how she can transcend. Imagine 6 years in the jungle in such a harsh environment and coming back to civilization in such way must fuck with you in a major way. She clearly is broken…..and I’m sure the rounds that she’s doing will make a difference….at least in her disparate world. I highly recommend both books and well – if you’re lucky – to see her….A very mind-blowing experience…thank you megan….xx

not to be amazon but here are a few interesting links:

an article on IMOW’s site click here– make sure to click on the video.

and one not to be missed the Oprah interview – it’s in parts here’s the first one:
(realize the before and after)