PLAYING GHOST Many ago, when my parents left the house in the evening, we children sometimes played Ghost Train. How this was done? Well, our home had a central hall, which was not only big and draughty, but also had an exceptionally large number of doors - nine if you want to know the exact number. One of us mounted a scooter and rode in circles through the semi-darkness of our hall.   Behind the doors the rest of us were hidden. And we were supposed to frighten the one riding the scooter out of his/her wits. Usually, the most we could manage was uttering sounds that we regarded eerie. Besides, one of our standard tricks was to push the door open right in front of the scootering victim. But you were not supposed to hurt the rider, so the door had to be closed again (preferably as late as possible). Although I've never heard that this form of Ghost Carts was played by children of other families, it's my experience that children generally enjoy playing ghost.    I was reminded of these childish pleasures when the other day I was walking in Jan Evertsenstraat in Amsterdam and beheld two oddly rigged-out figures.      They did not appear to be of the age that likes to play ghosts. Afterwards, I heard several explanations for the way they were dressed. For instance that the wearing of uniform clothing would boost the sense of togetherness within the group. In combination with a flattering uniform that would make sense, but why this absurd attire? I was also told that the display of female flesh could make men horny beyond control. Well, this may be the case in Afghanistan. In Amsterdam, however, it will really take a little more than a (more or less) pretty face. Another explanation would be that the wearers use their ridiculous clothing to indicate they are definitely not Dutch. That does sound plausible ... until you wonder why anybody should come all the way to The Netherlands to make this impression. So the question remains what pleasure it may give to walk around in in Jan Evertsenstraat dressed like this. This weblog appeared on 24 december 2004 on Internetsite Overtom.nl.
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