I'm going to Switzerland on Friday until Tuesday morning.
I did a "surprise booking" with Germanwings. I was, however, hoping for a warmer and dryer locale for my Easter holiday, however, The Swiss will just have to do. I have a friend there, I hope he writes me back soon.
So, Zürich. Your thoughts?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
15 Years
This month marks 15 years since the deadly Rwanda Genocide.
The tiny African country has come a long way since the days when a million bodies blocked the waterways and roads. "The land of ten thousand hills" is supposed to be one of Africa's most beautiful hidden gems. There was nothing beautiful in the merciless killing of so many.
I digress. As many problems that plague Rwanda, it has somehow manage to unify and fight towards reconciliation and building a positive future rather than dwelling on the past. There are lots of examples (the rise of women in government, the rebuilding of the country's education and health care systems, etc) but challenges still exist.
Its important that the international community not forget that only 15 years ago we complacently stood by as a modern day Holocaust took place. This is also an opportunity for us to remember that in Sudan, the Bashir government is acting in a similar way. Lets not stand by again.
If you're unfamiliar with the genocide in Rwanda and need basic information on the event, I recommend watching the movie Sometimes in April. The Hollywood favorite Hotel Rwanda (although starring the amazing Dan Cheadle) is not accurately depicted in the way Sometimes in April is. Otherwise, there are thousands of website dedicated to the Rwandan Genocide, including the ICC's Tribunal for Rwanda.
The tiny African country has come a long way since the days when a million bodies blocked the waterways and roads. "The land of ten thousand hills" is supposed to be one of Africa's most beautiful hidden gems. There was nothing beautiful in the merciless killing of so many.
I digress. As many problems that plague Rwanda, it has somehow manage to unify and fight towards reconciliation and building a positive future rather than dwelling on the past. There are lots of examples (the rise of women in government, the rebuilding of the country's education and health care systems, etc) but challenges still exist.
Its important that the international community not forget that only 15 years ago we complacently stood by as a modern day Holocaust took place. This is also an opportunity for us to remember that in Sudan, the Bashir government is acting in a similar way. Lets not stand by again.
If you're unfamiliar with the genocide in Rwanda and need basic information on the event, I recommend watching the movie Sometimes in April. The Hollywood favorite Hotel Rwanda (although starring the amazing Dan Cheadle) is not accurately depicted in the way Sometimes in April is. Otherwise, there are thousands of website dedicated to the Rwandan Genocide, including the ICC's Tribunal for Rwanda.
Poetry from Venice
April is National Poetry Month
In honor of NPM, I'll be providing poetry from the Italian city of Venice. Venice is hailed as one of the capitals of The Renaissance and centers of literature and poetry.
In his book, The City of Falling Angels John Berendt introduces us to Venetian poet Mario Stefani. Stefani a famous poet, writer and cultural purveyor committed suicide in 2001.
In the months running up to his death, Stefani stenciled various lines of graffiti around the city. His most famous line struck the chord of his inner demons:
Solitudine non e essere soli, e amare gli altri inutilmente.
Loneliness is not being alone; it's loving others to no avail.
Stefani's work is not so widely known outside of Italy (to my knowledge only one of his books has been translated into English : No other gods, 1982) .
Discuss.
In honor of NPM, I'll be providing poetry from the Italian city of Venice. Venice is hailed as one of the capitals of The Renaissance and centers of literature and poetry.
In his book, The City of Falling Angels John Berendt introduces us to Venetian poet Mario Stefani. Stefani a famous poet, writer and cultural purveyor committed suicide in 2001.
In the months running up to his death, Stefani stenciled various lines of graffiti around the city. His most famous line struck the chord of his inner demons:
Solitudine non e essere soli, e amare gli altri inutilmente.
Loneliness is not being alone; it's loving others to no avail.
Stefani's work is not so widely known outside of Italy (to my knowledge only one of his books has been translated into English : No other gods, 1982) .
Discuss.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month.
I appreciate NPM because I've always appreciated classical American literature and poetry. I don't spend enough time reading this genre nor writing my own.
So, I'll encourage you to be more proactive. Reread old favorite poems or rediscover past literary loves!
I'll kick off April with this classic piece from one of my favorite American poets: Robert Frost (cliche, I know, but I like him anyway).
Road Less Traveled
by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth
Then took the other as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads onto way
I doubted if I should ever come back
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference
I appreciate NPM because I've always appreciated classical American literature and poetry. I don't spend enough time reading this genre nor writing my own.
So, I'll encourage you to be more proactive. Reread old favorite poems or rediscover past literary loves!
I'll kick off April with this classic piece from one of my favorite American poets: Robert Frost (cliche, I know, but I like him anyway).
Road Less Traveled
by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth
Then took the other as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads onto way
I doubted if I should ever come back
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference
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