Making a Connection with Ancient Societies

Archaeologists all over the planet have unearthed magnificent treasures from the ancient world. These findings have given us a look back in time into the lives of societies so different from our own. Today, archaeologists continue to discover the remnants of people from long ago.

At an archaeological site in Central Panama, El Caño , archaeologist have discovered the tombs of ancient warriors. Panama's Nata Chiefs were adorned in gold and laid above a a layer of human skeletons. Tests have determined that the findings are from about A.D. 900, the era of the Great Mayan civilization. In contrast to Egyptian tombs, the tombs in  El Caño are untouched and hold the treasures of ancient times.

Fascinating, is the fact that impurities in the gold found at El Caño indicate that the gold was mined and worked in this region. This is important in eliminating the idea that these treasures were brought from areas further south. Julia Mayo, the archaeologist who went on instinct and made this amazing find, still j\has a lot of work ahead of her and her team. She believes that 20 more tombs may exist in this area, all untouched and never looted. I am looking forward to see what other treasures Mayo finds.

To see photos and read more about El Caño and Julia Mayo's discoveries, follow this link http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/01/nata-chiefs/williams-text

Genocide, who decides?

Genocide is a hot topic, one that ignites passionate discussion and disagreement. In of itself, genocide has to be the most horrific act of violence in human existence. Wikipedia defines genocide as “the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group.” What is of great debate lies in a number, how many deaths constitute genocide, how much of the “part” signifies genocide?

The topic encompasses legalities and definitions that would make it difficult for anyone to declare such acts of violence as “genocide.” It seems to be pretty straight forward to me, any attempt to wipe out, destroy, or kill a group of human beings is genocide. When did it become the sole right of governments and lawmakers to determine if an act of genocide has occurred? I get it, there has to be some oversight, but to what extent do we allow neglect of acknowledgement of genocide? When did politics become more important than allowing a group of people healing and growth from such a catastrophic event? By not allowing acknowledgement we are perpetuating more pain, resentment, and harm onto those who have already been through enough.

I acknowledge the plight of those who have fought for their existence on this planet. I shed tears for my brothers and sisters around the world who have no choice but to face brutality and execution. From my Native American ancestors to my Armenia brothers and sisters, no human being should live in this kind of fear and desperation. The groups of people who have either lived through genocide or ancestors have, deserve our acknowledgement. It might not make some groups that disagree happy, but what is most important is helping in the healing process of our fellow brothers and sisters who have faced an unimaginable plight.

The following list of genocide is from the 20th and 21st century and is in no way a comprehensive list, if I have forgotten any group, my deepest apologies. The intent of the list is to give everyone an idea of how prominent acts of genocide are in an age where the human race has made great advancements.

Herero Genocide
Korea Genocide
Holodomor
Armenian Genocide
Holocaust
Rwandan Genocide
Cambodian Genocide
Genocide in Liberia
Karabakh Genocide
Bosnian Genocide
Genocide in Sudan
Genocide in Darfur
Genocide in Sri Lanka

We have a duty to bring to light what fellow human beings are facing. Check out www.genocidewatch.org.

Photo from the Genocide Intervention Network.

The Enchanted Granada

I LOVE to travel!! It’s an addicting habit that I just can’t kick. One of my favorite places in the world is Spain. The culture, language,traditions, and foremost, the people, have an undeniable grip on my heart. I can’t exactly pinpoint why, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that eachtime I have traveled to Spain I have felt one of the greatest feelings of joy.

 

My first trip was in 2006 and I’ve gone back 4 times since then. Wait, maybe it’s 5 times? In any case, not as much as I would like. My all time favorite city is Barcelona, but last year the region of Andalucía reached into my soul and gave me a feeling of home!

 Located at the foot of the Sierra Navada, Granada, is one of the cities in the region of Andalucía in which I visited last year.  Home of the Alhambra, Granada’s history is extraordinarily rich! I’m intrigued with the diverse cultural backgrounds of the inhabitants of this region. A cultural melting pot, Granada‘s Muslim, Jewish,and Christian historical legacy makes it that much more intriguing.

The Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, is undoubtedly the most famous site in Granada. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it truly is a place of fable and romance. Built on a hill overlooking Granada, the complex dons fountains, courtyards, rose edged pathways and slender columns. You feel as though you have gone back in time as you walk through the intricately carved arches and experience the marble mosaics. It’s a must see, or as they say; “Quien no ha visto Granada, no ha visto nada”  "Who hasn't seen Granada hasn't seen anything"

The enchanted Albaicín is a colorful district in Granada. The site of the ancient city of Elvira, which the Zarid Moors renamed Granada in the 11^Th century. The Albaicín contains narrow stoned roads and steep hills lined with whitewashed cármenes (typical houses) decorated with vibrant flowers and ceramic plates. Some of these homes are over 600 years old.

The Sacromonte neighborhood is known for its caves, in which the gypsies continue celebrating every night their flamenco songs and dance celebrations. This is the place the gypsies who came with the Catholic Kings troops when they conquered the city settled. The artists establish the roots of flamenco and the traditional Zambra Gitana was born here, as well as native dances and songs like the mosca or the capucha.

Olé Granada!

Some of the most famous flamenco artists from Granada are Marina Heredia, Estrella Morente, Enrique Morente, the Habichuela family, Antonio Carmona, and Mario Maya, amongst others.

If you’re not familiar with flamenco, it’s a fiery, passionate art that expresses the joys, hardships and sorrows of the gitano people.

Olé!

Happy 2012!!

The coming of a new year is always a time to reflect and rejoice in all the blessings the universe brought our way, a joyful time spent celebrating life. 2011 brought many changes not only for myself, but for the world. The world economy continued to struggle, citizens all over the globe stood up for what they believed was right, natural disasters, famine in Africa, and so much more. Although it is easy to feed into the negative 2011 brought, I tend to want to focus on how these events shape our future actions so as to not repeat that which happened in 2011.It seems as though our generation has finally found it's voice and it's going to take a lot to keep it quite. It is time to do good, be good, and accept only good. We must open our eyes wider and envelop our self into a role as a world citizen, one that exudes compassion and love for all human kind! Now you might think that this ideal view of life will never survive, but I have to disagree. We are all one, sharing this planet for a very short time, but preparing future generations to embody the idealism that inevitable is our responsibility.
Lets not forget those that are less fortunate, those that face adversity, and those impacted by disease and hunger. Advocate for your fellow brother or sister, reach out and help make a difference. Not only will you be a part of the collective conscious that will change our planet, you will give yourself a truly amazing gift. 
2012 brings a shift into a New World Age Cycle, an essential part of this transformation process is for humanity to re-connect with Nature's wisdom. It is our time to find balance, harmony and life-affirming paths for the evolution of human culture. I look forward to taking this journey with you!


I wish you and yours a prosperous new year filled with love, joy, and happiness!   
One LOVE!