Day 6 – International Criminal Court~Day 1

So today I woke up around eight and started getting ready to go to the ICC.  It’s quite an interesting endeavor to start going in the direction of something when you have no idea where you are going.  So I started with buying a ticket to the Hague, and then getting on the train.  I first got off at the Central station, and found the nearest tourist/map shop.  There I was introduced to a very nice shop owner who not only sold me the map but also made sure I knew exactly how to get to the ICC, and he gave me a taste of the Hague (that’s what he called it).  It was a little hard candy that tasted like coffee.  It was just that extra boost I needed to head off to the ICC.  (mental note to go back and buy the bags of the coffee candy…delicious)  So I went back to central station and got on the train to Voorburg.  Voorburg is another part of the Hague where the ICC is located.  After getting off the train I started looking around…the shop owner said to look for the white building.  Luckily it wasn’t far. Less than a block away was a formidible white building which exuded justice. It really did.  It just looked like the ICC.  As I got closer it really looked like the ICC with all the tall fences and special security.  Today I thought it would be nice to get introduced to the ICC by simply just going to the hearings.  I went to the hearing and as I was led into the visitor room I was instructed on the differences between the V.I.P. areas and the “common” areas and the witness areas.  I took a seat on what ended up being the V.I.P. row.  oops.  One thing I do here is I always scan the room and check out what shoes people are wearing.  So I looked to my left and saw a wonderful pair of black stilettos.  Immediately I thought American…or foreigner at the very least, but the woman’s profile was gorgeous and it reminded me of Angelina Jolie.  She seemed to be immaculately put together.  The witness was discussing the torture methods in the training camps, torture methods which were applicable to both adult and child soldiers within the UPC.  Some of the things which were described were not even fathomable to me.  They would also periodically show the face of the accused.  At times, when the answers directly incriminated him you could see in his eyes a fire and a passion that I’m not sure I’ve ever seen before.  Someone who was pleased with his torture methods and someone who felt little remorse.  It was written all over his face in those moments.  Yet there were also moments of just routine military discussion in which you saw a different side to him.  A relaxed presence which could send chills down your spine because of his nonchalant demeanor suggesting he had done no wrong.  After the incriminating testimony was given which suggested the perpetrator’s role in war crimes against children the woman sitting just a few seats down on my left got up to leave.  I looked over to wish those wonderful shoes goodbye and I notice the petite figure which was supported by those shoes and that it was Angelina Jolie! She is much more beautiful in person that in any magazine or interview Now it all made sense why she was wearing the ridiculous yet stunning shoes and each of her hairs was in a perfect pony tail. I was pleasantly surprised that a woman with such clout and influence would chose to come to the hearings for Lubanga at the ICC.   This could certainly make quite an impact to influence others to take note of the condition of child soldiers.  I was a little star struck to say the least.  But alas the trial was to continue and I was to hear more testimony of war crimes committed by the UPC.  Following the recess I went to check if I could just walk into the building…definite not.  Apparently it’s pretty uber secure.    So then I decided to go back in the the city centrum and get some food along with getting the next train back to Leiden.  So now I’m here in Leiden.  Completely amazed at my day.  Oh and I almost forgot to mention.  I have made some contacts to interview later this week.    Success.