Paris: The City of Lights

The city of lights is one of the most beautiful and amazing cities on the planet. Situated on the River Seine, Paris never fails to intrigue its visitors. I’ve been to Paris three times and I would go back.  There are many sites to see, more than you can see in one trip! I suggest choosing the sites you want to see beforehand. Here is a list of some of the most popular;

Eifel tower: You can reserve tickets online at http://ticket.toureiffel.fr/index-css5-sete-pg1-lgen.html

Louvre Museum: The Louvre is huge, where comfortable shoes.

Palace of Versailles: About a 40 minute train ride outside of Paris.

 Church of Notre Dame: You can climb to the top to get a great view.

Moulin Rouge: Have a cup of coffee at the café across the street.

Latin Quarter: One of my favorite places, bohemian artists and the best crêpes.  

Champs Elysees: The shops and restaurants are overpriced on the Champs, I would suggest a drink at one of the cafes while people watching.

There are so many more places to see, Jardins de Luxembourg, Palais Roya, Les Halles, Musee Picasso, Montmartre, Les Invalides, Montparnasse, and Père Lachaise Cemetery.

The metro system in Paris is fantastic, but walking whenever you can gives you a whole different experience.

The biggest expense in Paris will be your hotel, there are so many, I would suggest checking TripAdvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/ for reviews and prices.

Dining is in abundance as well, Chez Georges, Restaurant Mariette, and Le Petit Centre du Monde are just a few. 

Most of Paris is pretty safe; we walked around late at night and found it was just as safe as walking during the day. There’s a nostalgic air when walking late night along the River Seine!! Of course, always be aware of your surroundings.

You can find metro and city maps in most metro stations. Although English is spoken by many, you are likely to find that in many places you go there isn’t anyone that speaks English. Here’s a list of some common phrases:

Merci beaucoup - thank you very much
Bonjour - Hello
Bonsoir - Good evening
Bonne nuit - Good night
Au revoir - Good-bye
Je m'appelle - My name is&
Madame - Mrs.
Monsieur - Mr.
Oui - Yes
S'il vouz plit - Please
Je voudrais - I would like&
Vin - Wine
Pain/Baguette - Bread
Fromage - Cheese
Combien - How much?
O - Where
Gauche - Left
Droit - Right

Numbers: Un - One, Deux - Two, Trois - Three, Quatre - Four, Cinq - Five, Six-Six, Sept - Seven, Huit - Eight, Neuf - Nine, Zro - Zero

Hopes this gives you a little insight into the city!!

Au revoir

Mental Slavery

As children, we are taught not to question authority. Experts are said to tell truths, ones in which the masses should agree to. Are we a bunch of sheep? Should we not be independent thinkers? Nobody doubted the credibility of Bernie Madoff, not for 25 years! Nobody questioned Enron, whose bonds rated AAA right before they filed bankruptcy!  Are we taught not to question authority so that those on top stay on top?
Do we dare read behind pacifying words and question their meaning? If we do, we may not get that promotion; we might look like a troublemaker, or even hurt friendships!
Wait, who cares!! At what cost are you willing to compromise your beliefs or moral standards?
I am an idealist at heart, but to be honest, nothing is ideal! It’s unfortunate that the world we live in is filled with people who don’t hold themselves up to the same standards as others. But, that’s reality!
It isn’t negative to speak your mind as long as you do it with respect. Question your professor, their human like the rest of us, they make mistakes. Question your boss, maybe they don’t realize how unfair their actions are. Question your mother or father, maybe their views are a little out dated. The key is the way you communicate to others. (Something I’m not always perfect at)   
I will continue to be an idealist and see the world glow with perfection, but I will do so with more insight. I will not believe everything see or hear, I will look beyond the parameters I am accustomed to.  I will promote arguments, discussions, and debates, because that’s how we expand our minds! Will you do the same?     
 

Happy Mother's Day!!

Although being recognized is nice, being a mother is a choice! It is my job to raise my daughters to be the very best young ladies so that they can be great mother's one day! Thank you Naomi and Triniti for giving me the opportunity to experience a world full excitement, joy, adventure, and craziness!! ;) We are a divine trinity!

To all mothers around the world, may you savor every moment with your children, allow their innocence and hunger for life fill your soul, for there are mothers who face overwhelming challenges of poverty, disease and malnutrition. I especially salute these mothers, for their plight is unimaginable!

HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY!!

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby... that somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, "normal" is history.

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct... that somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

Somebody said being a mother is boring... that somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver's permit.

Somebody said if you're a "good" mother, your child will "turn out good"... that somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

Somebody said "good" mothers never raise their voices... that somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's kitchen window.

Somebody said you don't need an education to be a mother... that somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

Somebody said you can't love the fifth child as much as you love the first... that somebody doesn't have five children.

Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books... that somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery... that somebody never watched her "baby" get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten... or on a plane headed for military "boot camp."

Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back... that somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married... that somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother's heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother's job is done when her last child leaves home... that somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her... that somebody isn't a mother.

Rome: I wrote this up for a friend, thought I'd share it with everyone!

Roma
"si fueris Romae, Romano vivito more; si fueris alibi, vivito sicut ibi"
"If you are in Rome, live in the Roman way; if you are elsewhere, live as they do there"
 
Aww, Roma, a bustling city, where modern and ancient meet! There is so much to see and depending on how long you’ll be there, its best not to try to jam pack your days. The city is most enjoyable when you’re able to take your time and absorb the reality of your visit, being that you are in a city that’s over two thousand years old! Of course, there’s no way of seeing every historical site, every museum, and shop, so it’s best to decide what kind of experience you want to have before hand. I love museums, but in Rome the whole city is a museum. There are endless historical opportunities outside the confines of a building. (My personal opinionJ)
 
Rome has some great shopping! That said. Rome is most famous for its high end retail stores. You’ll also find souvenir vendors everywhere, don’t forget to bargain with street vendors. I have a little tradition that I started my first trip to Italy, instead of buying a bunch of souvenirs I probably won’t have in a year, I treat myself to a pair of Gucci sunglasses. If you can, make a small investment in something Italian! Whether it is a belt, sunglasses, or a pair of Italian shoes, fashion in Italy is crazy and whatever you purchase won’t be in stores in the US for a few years if at all!!  
 
Most of Rome is safe, but always be cautious, especially at night. Watch the wallet, there are a lot of pickpockets, especially on the metro (subway). There are Roma (gypsy like) women (carrying children) that can be a little aggressive if a male doesn’t give up his seat for them, they can get a little loud and pushy. (These aren’t Italian women, they are eastern European) The subway is the best form of transportation, other than by foot. If it’s late and your legs have had enough, a taxi is reasonable. Let the cab driver know where you’re going and settle a price before you get in. (best thing to do no matter what city you’re in) The metro is easy to figure out, make sure you get a metro map from the tourist office at the airport. Speaking of airport, Roma Fiumicino Airport is the main airport in Rome. The tourist office there is very helpful in providing city and metro maps. You can also buy bus tickets for transport into the city. From what I can remember, the airport is about 30-40 min outside the city.
 
Romans have been called rude and loud; remember you’re experiencing a different culture. Italians in general speak loudly with a lot of hand movement and emotion. Romans especially have this sense of pride, how can you blame them, they have such a rich history. Keep an open mind and embrace the cultural exchange. I find this aspect of travel the most fascinating. Don’t be shy, spark up a conversation, ask for directions, or pay that beautiful girl a compliment by saying “belle donne” How awesome would it be if you made a friend while on your travels? Italians love interaction, socializing is a huge part of their life.
 
Hotels: Such a myriad of choices! It all depends on budget but a good rule of thumb is to stay away from the train station. Like any city, anywhere around the train station is a little on the seedy side.
Here’s a list of a few:
• Hotel Campo De’Fiori
• Hotel Santa Maria
• Residenza Ave Hotel
The best bet in finding a hotel, is going to a website like Trip Advisor or Expedia and read reviews and look at pics. I personally only stay at expensive hotels when they are running a sale, which you can find during off season. Otherwise, I can deal with a room that’s decent but without lavish amenities. You won’t be in your room much, so all you need is comfort and a good location.
 
Sightseeing: An overabundance of options!!
Here’s a short list of must see:
• Vatican City
• Colosseum (A night trip is mysterious and wonderfully romantic! Loved sharing that moment with Triniti!)
• Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) (gets really crowded, but worth it! Also a night attraction)
• Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
• Pantheon
• Piazza Navona
• Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) Shopping surrounds this area, beautiful cobblestone streets. Take a drink from the Barcaccia Fountain at the foot of the steps. The water in Rome is safe to drink and there are fountains you can drink out of everywhere. It’s naturally cold and tastes great! (Do I sound like a commercial?)
There is so much more than this, your guide book will give you insight into what else to see. Fromers and Lonely Planet have great guide books! Although most cities offer free city maps, I LOVE Streetwise City Maps, they are laminated and easy to read. I highlight or circle the places I visited for future reference.
 
Food: Wow!! So many choices! Go to Tripadvisor website, they have a ton of reviews.
 
Finally, learn a little Italian before you leave. Simple things like hello and goodbye go a long way and the attempt is really appreciated by Italians or any culture for that matter.
 
Arriverdeci
 

FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014

So, everyone knows how much I love to travel. Well, the ultimate trip is a few years away! Although football (not American) is not that popular in the US, I know there are some of you who are fans. Where else to see the World Cup than Brazil, home of the most successful national football team in history, with five championships. Kevin and I are there!! (The law of attraction!!) It would be amazing if some of you were able to go! It’s totally doable if we start saving now. Start a World Cup account (you know, like a xmas account) and put it on your wish board! It’s going to be a huge party and we’d love to party it up with you!! Brazil, here we come!!!

Airlines

As an avid traveler, it is important for me to find an airline that fits my needs. Recently, many airlines are making huge changes in the way they conduct business. With increased fees and fairs, it's becoming more and more difficult to find an airline that one can trust.
Previously I would use sites like Expedia and Orbitz to find the cheapest fairs. This worked for many years, but I have found that this is no longer the case. Uncomfortable seats and very little leg room are things that can no longer be tolerated.
I have flown Delta, United, Alaska, Continental, and many more airlines. What I have found is that Continental outshines them all! What do you look for in an airline? Well, not just the price of the ticket dictates which airline I choose to travel with. Here's a list of what I look for:

• comfort (leg room, seats)
• food and drinks
• in flight entertainment
• service
• handling of delays
• staff
• age of aircraft in fleets

These are the main things I look at when choosing an airline. Continental continually exceeds in meeting my needs, especially when it comes to comfort and quality of service. What concerns me is the merger between Continental and United, my hopes are that United will take what Continental has proven as their expertise and implement it into their business plan. My previous travel with United has not shown to be impressive.  
Travel can seem out of reach for some and daunting for others, but if you find an airline that you can trust, it can open the doors to unforgettable experiences.

Saleema Campaign

Female genital cutting is a deep social and religious tradition. One, that has been practiced since ancient times. Genital cutting was created based on the belief that the foreskin was the feminine part of the male and the clitoris the masculine part of the woman. The removal of extra tissue thereby circumvented sexual ambiguity. It is a practice that represents the extreme inequality women and girls face everyday all around the world. The Arab world places the stigma of shame upon girls who are uncut.


Justification of this practice continues until this day. It is hard to believe that as I type this, girls are faced with this horrific reality. Supporters of the practice justify in terms of preserving their cultural identity, controlling women’s sexuality by reducing their sexual fulfillment; and as a religious duty and doctrine, among other things. Therefore, communities that practice genital mutilation have a sense of responsibility to carry on the tradition and it remains a requirement for social acceptance.

In Sudan, UNICEF and the EU are working to end genital cutting. The‘Saleema’ programme celebrates girls who are not cut. The program aims to educate Sudanese families and encourage them to discuss taboo subjects like genital cutting. By doing so, they ask Sudanese to consider the implications of the practice and how it relates to human rights.

Each of us has a responsibility to support organizations like UNICEF and their efforts to bring an end to practices that oppress anyone, especially children.

I ask the same questions over and over...

So, with all the news of bullying lately I wanted to dedicate some time to having a discussion on what's been going on.

15 year old Billy Lucas, because of years of torment and being called a fag, hung himself and was found by his mother. Tyler Clementi, a freshman at Rutgers University, jumped off the George Washington Bridge the day after a video showing him and another man having a sexual encounter was posted on the Internet, initially left me at a loss of words. I am disgusted at what some people feel to be a joke. I sat in front of my computer and started to see more and more names of young children taking their lives because of the torment and harrasment they faced. The pain they felt must have been enormous. So enormous that they felt they had nothing to live for. And all of this pain visited upon these young lives because of one thing they had in common: they were not heterosexual.

 

What kind of society have we become when children are taking their lives because of who they are? What are we teaching our children when they go to school and bully others? It is obviously not easy living as a homosexual in this world. What an enormous weight they must carry on their shoulders every waking moment. Can we not have compassion? Must we act in an "ungodly" manner?

Who is responsible, I would argue that we are each responsible for these deaths as long as we allow them to happen. Society's incomprehensible actions are what have created this climate towards gay and lesbians. We are told by religious leaders that this is evil, some would say homosexuals will go to hell. Facists seek out to push these young kids to exactly what happened to Tyler and Billy. REALLY!?!? I'm disgusted!! My sadness has turned into disgust. Every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We as a society cannot stand in judgement of anyone, we cannot impose our beleifs on others.

We need to be teaching our children that these actions are wrong, no matter what our beleifs are. Every campus should have an open forum, not only so people can vent their frustrations, but also to educate people about homosexuality and the plight face by this population. The more society tries to hide and sweep this issue under the rug, the more things like this will happen. What are we afraid of? Lets address those fears so that we can become an enlightened society. Our youth are being held hostage by a religious and political rhetoric that strives to maintain the status quo of anti-gay heterosexist normativity. The messages sent out by organizations like Focus on the Family and others, continually strive to leave the most vulnerable among us exposed to continuous attack. What do we do? We just need quality education on sexuality and gender identity in our schools and more faithful and courageous preaching and teaching in our churches.

My heart aches for the children that face bullying, for the children that have taken their lives, and for the families who have lost a child due to this malice. I can't imagine walking into my childs room and finding she has taken her life. Let's treat each other with dignity, respect, and compassion. We all deserve it!!  The longer we wait the more young people will die.  





Travels 2010

Travel is truly my addiction. Each year I venture on a new excursion with hopes of topping the previous one. This year, I thought I would surely engage in a mission to see as many sights as I could in 22 days. I was in for a big surprise. So here goes;
Wow, what a trip!! We experienced so much of Europe. There were moments of frustration, (mostly from exhaustion) but those were just small moments in time.
The highlight, for me anyway, was Tuscany. Being there exceeded all possible hopes of what it would be like. The landscape, filled with Tuscan villas, was breathtaking!! Venice, Rome, and Firenze (Florence) were amazing as well. Firenze, especially, showered me with a nostalgic feeling of Italy. With its small cobblestone streets and old romantic structures, this city left an unforgettable impression. Truly Italia!!

Spain was of course, beautiful. A place close to my heart! Barcelona was as vibrant as it has ever been, it never lets me down. The southern cities of Sevilla and especially Granada were true pictures of what is Gitano. We enjoyed an unforgettable Danza Zambra at the Cueva de Rocío in the barrio de Albaicín en. This was a spectacular show of what some may call flamenco.

Madrid was a whole new city from the last time I visited, alive with tremendous energy. I have made true memories that will forever tuck at my sleeve, moments in time that will never be forgotten.

The more I travel, the more I learn how truly blessed I am to be an American. Although our trip was filled with amazing experiences, I also saw a side of Europe I had never quite seen before. I had a idealistic image of what life was like in some of my favorite places in the world, this trip challenged those ideas.
Poverty and a growing element of different cultures mixed into those of the home culture is what really grasped my attention. America is not the only melting pot, each country I visited had its own essence of this. I felt a sense of oppression towards those not from the home country. My blind fold was removed during this trip and I feel the countries I visited have a lot to learn from the US. Some would say that this is a way of preserving the true culture of the country, yet I must argue that these countries might need to re-think their immigration policies rather than exploit minorities for cheap labor. (I know, we do it as well but not to the extent of what I saw in Europe) They may attempt to embrace these immigrants and try to learn and immerse themselves into their customs. We can all learn something from one another.
Aww, I cannot forget Paris, a true city of love! Romance seeps from everything and everyone. Strolls in the park, sipping tea while watching the rain fall, and a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, what else can a girl ask for? Paris is a dream, filled with art, amazing architecture, the Seine, and parks to stroll in, this city I will never get tired of.

What I missed most from home were the simple things, like the ability to get in my car and run to the store, or the easiness of grabbing an excellent bite to eat at a reasonable cost. My family and friends is what I missed most.

Stay tuned, Latin America 2011

The Stoning of Soraya M

Soraya Manutchehri, a 35-year-old mother of seven who, paid the ultimate price for, in her own prophetic words, became "an inconvenient wife." Soraya is the face of thousands of woman who face the same plight. She was falsely accused of adultery and stoned to death two decades ago, but her story resonates in the minds of all who have heard it.

Rock throwing as means of death is not only horrific, but an act so barbaric it's unfathomable that it still happens today, yet it does. "Honor killings" are part of a system that rejects modernity, justice, equality and rationality. A system that treats female sexuality as a vice.  These practices continue today in Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, or anyplace where sharia is the law of the land. Oh, but wait, the sharia has been done away with, or has it?

For women and girls around the world, this is their fate. A life in fear and oppression. A life without joy and happiness. A life filled with sorrow and sadness. Is this any way to live? When will the global community demand a stop of these practices.

The verdict against Soraya was carried out in a village called Kupayeh, in Iran. Soraya was not present at her trial, she did not have the right to testify in her own defence, she did not have the right to counsel, and she did not have the right to appeal to a higher court.

This film depicting the life of Soraya elicits emotions that brings the viewer out of their comfort zone. Although the film is a year old, I'm sure most have not seen it. Are we too afraid to confront the reality of the world we live in? Most likely!! We would rather remain in our comfort zone than have to face that reality.

So, what remains, is the question of what actions will bring about awareness and change. The answer is distinct for each individual. My daughters and I are safe and sound in our home, but not all mothers and daughters find themselves in this same situation tonight. May they be given strength, but most of all hope, hope for a future without violence and despair.