Commemorating Nasser!

Today, 37 years have passed upon the death of the late Egyptian President Gamal Abdul Nasser (15 Jan. 1918- 28 Sept. 1970). Nasser's name has always been accompanied by the Revolution of 1952 , the Suez Crisis 1956, and the turning point in the Egyptian history of the Nationalisation of the Suez Canal. Till today, Nasserists are still thriving of the glory of his days, taking after his trends. He was loved by people, that men, women and children cried and wailed for him upon his death. His funeral was one of the greatest and largest in history. It is said that 5 million people attended his funeral. That is the least to say of a great leader of a great era in the Egyptian history! God rest his soul in peace!

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Read more about Gamal Abdul Nasser here.

The Bus Window

So many things remain unnoticed due to constant rush. One day you lift up your head and see trees dressed in gorgeous colorful robes. The fall has come… unnoticed, self-invited and pretty cold.

However, it’s not the only thing that passes by our eyes. Every day we see hundreds of unknown people and how many we remember at the end of the day? Most probably none. But they all have their stories of life, their problems and the reasons that brought them to the place we met them.

Once again I’m in the bus on my way to work. As usually I look through the window and once again I’m brought face to face with the fact that public transport is one of the best ways to NOTICE people, and not only NOTICE but also REMEMBER. I will tell you later about the person that I will certainly remember for some time, but first I would like to touch an issue which is never pleasant for any society, nation or state. It’s the homeless people.

Let’s come back to the time when I was young and beautiful, i.e. 16 years ago. At that time homelessness was a non-existing phenomenon in Lithuania. All homeless people were isolated from society and in a way or another were taken care of. When Lithuania gained its independence in 1991 situation changed. Official statistical data says that there were about 1250 homeless people in Lithuania in 2001. In 2003 this figure reached 2500 and I assume that during the last 4 years the number might have doubled. To be honest, overall majority of the homeless people is alcoholics and drug addicts. Some of them lost their homes just few years ago and some have been living in streets for more than 20 years. To say the truth they look pretty horrible and you certainly wouldn’t be happy to face one of the in the street.

Now let me come back to the person that I saw on my way to work. It was a man in his late fifties I’d say. He was sitting on a bench and from his appearance you could say he didn’t have home. So nothing so much special you would say. But there was one thing that really amazed me and ensured I’d remember that person. That special detail was a book in his hands. HE WAS READING A BOOK! If you asked me, it’s the last thing I’d expect a homeless person to do. I’m telling this due to my general understanding about the way of life such persons lead.

So, to conclude everything, I’d like to say that I believe we can NOTICE many unexpected things if we really care to see what’s there behind bus window.

Turtles arrive to Ostional Beach

Turtles arrive to lay eggs on Ostional Beach in Santa Cruz, 563 km (350 miles) north of San Jose, September 21, 2007. More than 100 million eggs are laid by the turtles during a five-day period. Residents of this small town on the Pacific coast collect about one percent of the eggs to sell in Costa Rica. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate (COSTA RICA)

Homesick Zimbabweans....

Image courtesy of Rob Wood, with thanks.

Since I joined Facebook, I have come across many homesick Zimbabweans, from all over the world. (In fact, it would seem there are also many non- Zimbabweans with fond memories of this country, too. Zimbabwe once inspired devotion, believe it or not). I remember from my own expat days how you miss certain things- the way the light is in summer, the pervasive scent of freshly cut grass in “summer”, the build-up of heat towards the time of the first rains…

You do tend to get very homesick. It’s just sad that in many ways that particular Zimbabwe really only lives on in the memory. Still, it makes for great stories…

Been so very inspired- there are many people with great pictures of Zim, and for the next few posts, I will share the photography of Rob Wood, a Zimbabwean expat (and photographer) who is currently in the UK. Most of the pictures I will share are of the Zambezi valley area (and Mana Pools in particular- this is one of many websites about Mana Pools).

Everything else here continues as before… Nothing new. I suppose everyone is sort of waiting and preparing for elections, due sometime next year (2008).

This is the Pattern of our country, the virgin of altagracia

The Dominican ones, we are very religious people (catholic by birth) to this basilica come people from all the country to the town of Higuey to be thankful to the virgin of the Altagracia by granted favors

Etara, Bulgaria

Anyone can buy such a colourful carpet or any other original souvenir form wood, silver, copper, or leather made by the craftsmen in the architectural-ethnographic complex "Etar".

Credit: Sve

The crucible that Zim is

Sorry I have been away for so long- pure laziness.

I don’t know if I have ever mentioned the troubles people are having with water. After a prolonged drought and very short rainy seasons (if they happen), Zimbabwe (and parts of southern Africa) is experiencing real troubles with water. Some of it is of course your routine inefficiency and poor planning, to be found in any part of the world; but honestly I do not think anyone could have foreseen how bad the situation would become. Parts of Bulawayo are dry; you may be living in a modern house with very beautiful fittings in the bathroom, but you may only get a trickle of water once a week out of said fittings. This is, as you can imagine, causing serious headaches for people who are already grappling with other things….

….like not getting meat in the shops….

I know I have mentioned the power problems before; I think the water situation is much worse.

But I do not want to leave you with a poor impression of my beloved country (and it is still beloved, in spite of everything). I have had access, lately, to pictures taken by Zimbabweans (who are generally in the Diaspora, and homesick) of the countryside… Zimbabwe is still stunningly beautiful, and it is a country I would come back to over and over if I left. What we slightly pathetic humans are doing with it is just one thing, and really insignificant in the long run. And now we are entering my absolute favourite season- the build-up to the rains- and I suspect that we are going to have a pretty dramatic one this year.

One year from our start : First Anniversary

It's our pleasure that we have been keeping this blog for one year.

There are 953 posts !!! in one year with our contributer's effort.

Each post stretches our eyes and mind to the other countries.

I thank all of our amazing co-authors and readers.

Shinji from Tokyo still in hot summer

Trail of Tears, 2007

In 1994, a group of motorcyclists thought it would be a good idea to have a motorcycle ride from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Waterloo, Alabama to draw attention to the route called the 'Trail of Tears" by the Cherokee Tribe. It was a good idea, making the ride along the National Historic Trail one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in the world.
They repeat the ride each year on the third Saturday in September and raise money for scholarships for Native American students.
We have enjoyed watching the motorcycles go down the highway near our home for the last several years and I took pictures to share with you.

"Join us as we honor those from the past who traveled this Trail of Tears. Let us learn from this mistake, accept each other as we are, and walk together in peace."

Ramadan

September the 13th is the first day of Ramadan in Turkey. According to our religious each Muslim has to fast about 30 days in a year unless you have a health problem. Fasting time starts from rising of sun to downing of sun. In other words we will not eat and drink anything about 14-14.5 hours. I personally will fast. Good luck to me...

New Life

Sooooo long since last time we met!

Sorry, it was my fault. My life has suffered from many changes these days, but maybe all of them are good for me, indeed for all of you.

Because now I live in Barcelona!

It is the second largest city in Spain, but maybe the most famous all over the world. Cosmopolitan, artistic, modern and historical... A beautiful place to live and the perfect place to post about Spain!

Now, this is my workplace:



It is the Zoology Museum, where I will improve my researching to get a PhD in Bird Coloration.

I'll tell you about my job, my friends, my life here in Barcelona, and I hope it will be interesting enough for you to pay to me a visit!

See you soon!
Fernando.

9/11

Remembering sadly.
Knowing that terrorism is not the way.
Believing that we can find ways to understand and respect our fellow man.

Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano is an active volcano in north-western Costa Rica, around 90 kilometers north-west of San Jose, in the province of Alajuela.

It was presumed extinct until July 29, 1968 when an earthquake caused it to erupt, after approximately 400 years of dormancy. The eruption wiped out the town of Arenal and killed 87 people.

Arenal rises 1657 metres above sea level and overlooks Lake Arenal; both are part of Arenal Volcano National Park. This constant activity and minimal endangerment makes Arenal a popular tourist destination, especially at night, because the lava and incandescent rocks make a spectacular sight. The volcano heats several hot springs nearby, including Tabacon, a popular tourist destination.

First natural diamond found in Japan

I first learn that we have never had a natural diamond in Japan from press reports today.

Reports says that their size is about 0.001mm.

They are far from jewel !

Where South Africans Live

The easiest place is to start close to home.

This is the front entrance to my home in Lynnwood Glen, a suburb to the East of Pretoria. Pretoria is the central area of Tshwani the renamed, larger Pretoria which is the administrative capital of South Africa. In case you didn't know the Union of South Africa was formed out of four Republics in 1920. To avoid a fight over where the capital should be sited, Transvaal was made the Administrative Capital, The Cape was made the Parlimentary Capital, the Free State was made the Judicial Capital and Natal the fourth province was compensated financially.


My house is a large 4 bedroomed, 2 living roomed, 2 "study" structure on a 2000 m2 property. The property houses beautiful indigenous trees which attract many birds and and are home to a troop of bush baby's. Have a look in Google Earth at 28.27919,-25.77178.

In the next few posts we will look at other areas of Tshwani and the houses one finds there.

Happy 30th, Voyagers

Not fare well, But fare forward, Voyagers. -- T. S. Eliot, The Dry Salvages


Thirty years ago, NASA launched Voyager I and II (Sept 5 and Aug20, 1977), to explore our solar system. They expected the mission to last just 5 years. Surprisingly, Voyager I and II are both still functioning and sending back data as they approach interstellar space.

Way to go, NASA :-)

Hurricane Félix struck Nicaragua

I’m sad because The US' national hurricane centre has warned that the "extremely dangerous Hurricane Felix" is approaching Nicaragua and could strengthen to a category five weather system.

The hurricane is currently of category four status and a statement issued at 02:00 local time (06:00 BST) said it was only "a few hours from landfall".

A spokesperson for the national weather service said: "Felix is an extremely dangerous category four hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Some additional strengthening could occur while the centre of Felix remains over water and it is possible that Felix could reach category five status prior to making landfall in a few hours."

The spokesperson added that conditions were "deteriorating along the coasts of Nicaragua and Honduras" and that hurricane warnings were in place in parts of the two countries.

It added that aircraft monitoring the hurricane's intensity indicated that maximum sustained winds had increased to a speed of about 150 miles per hour.News of the hurricane, which comes after category five Hurricane Dean claimed several lives last month, has resulted in many people fleeing their homes in Central America.

Finally, this morning the hurricane Felix struck the northeast zone of Nicaragua leaving the disaster.

200 years bombardment of Copenhagen 1807

Copenhagen this weekend 'celebrated' the 200 years of the Second Battle of Copenhagen, (16 August - 5 September 1807). Though unknown to most modern people, because of bigger world events (Napoleon wars), this battle was on of the first terror attack in man's history on civilians with missiles. (For further reading, try Wikipedia). Brussels suffered a similar destiny one hundred years before that.
Denmark at that time was much more powerful than today's 'tiny country'. Which is the reason why the world's most powerful naval nation at that time, Great Britain, saw it as a threat. And the Danish diplomacy might have been rather poor. At the bottom line stands, that almost half of the city was burnt or destroyed during the battle.
All over the city, the historic places were pointed out for tourists. With exhibitions, speeches, markets, koncerts etc. all over the town. As well as reconstructions of the battles, some military camps and life at the front.Copenhagen Cathedral. It's not the that was destroyed in 1807. In fact, the old one had a much higher spire than the new one.
One of them the new cathedral. The old one was totally destroyed in 1807. (See the ancient picture in Wikipedia). A missile hit the tower, without the fire workers being able to disarm it, and the cathedral burnt down to the ground, taking most of the surrounding house with it. The symbolic destruction of the city's proud cathedral during the night between the 4th and the 5th of September meant a mental breakdown for the defenders.
With all respect, that turned into some kind of 'Ground Zero'. Odd, that a nearby church, in fact right across the street, the church of saint Peter, was left unhurt.

Spirit of Cairene Ramadan!

Egypt is being all dressed up for Ramdan (the holy month for Muslims fasting) forthcoming on 13th of September. Ramdan in Egypt has its own peculiar flavour, with colourful lanterns decorating the entrance of buildings and balconies everywhere! It's the custom of the Egyptian fellow, whether poor or rich, the joy of such a month even comprises Christians and Muslims- that's why in Egypt it has its own taste! Family gathering, the Egyptian special recipes and deserts , even the mania of shopping for peanuts and hazelnuts and dried fruits (as apricots and fig), not to mention the dried dates are all essential for the special Egyptian rituals for Ramdani meal! However, it's still that spirit that wraps everyone in such a holy month! The long tables set in the street for serving meals for the incapable and homeless; The Mosques welcoming all, last-minute meals are being distributed all over the streets for those worksmen late for Iftar (breakfast meal at sunset); kindled lanterns in the balconies; TV is being showered with special daily programmes and soap operas for 30 long days; Cultural nights , mystical concerts, religious songs, and busy cafe all collaborate to celebrate the month!
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It's note worthy to mention that such beautiful lanterns bear the pure Egyptian trend, the orietntal touch, whether in choice of colours or shape, or even scripts! Such lanterns are sold everywhere and at variable prices and sizes, you can find one at the entrance of a humble building as one hung at the Hilton !!It's been a custom that every child must have his/her own lantern ...I remember my first one ever, and putting a small candle there to kindle and enjoy the beauty of such a mystical atmosphere! Such lanterns made by the hands of the Egyptian artist still defy the more mordern ones imported from China, such new "toy-lantern" (whose sales are soaring up) , though are colourful and with Disney and Cartoon figures, singing famous songs, they still lack the spirit that lies at the core of every Egyptian child within us ! it's all about identity and one's heritage, I assume!

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I can hardly wait to buy myself the new lantern this year with its red, green, yellow and blue colours , and all in a beautiful golden copper shape! and I'll hanging decorations all over the place, along with my younger sisters !

Kids say

My daughter, when she was a bit over 2, once exclaimed that there was a big ball up there. We laughed and told her that was a full moon. After a few days she looked at the moon and said that it was broken. By that time spoke Swedish only so what she said was "Manen gick sonder!"

Our son once went to see Swan Lake with his class. We asked him if he liked the ballet dancing swans, but he replied that there was no swan at all, but only some ladies and a guy who danced a lot.

My wife's nephew is quite a bright boy. When he was 18 months old there was a guy who was teasing him in different ways thinking that he couldn't talk at all. Suddenly the boy said "What a jerk!" and the guy was in shock.

Hurricane Felix effects to reach Costa Rica

Late Monday Felix rapidly approached Central America and although the category four hurricane will affect mainly Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Belize, Costa Rica will undoubtedly feel its effects indirectly.

The Meteorological National Institute (IMN) warned yesterday in a press release that today it would rain most of the day, with precipitations reaching their peak intensity during the night.

Although early on the rainfall wasn't as strong as expected, at least not in downtown San Jose and its surroundings, the forecast was right on target. At approximately 12:30 p.m. it started to rain in some areas of the Central Valley and as of 5 p.m. the rain had not stopped.

For more information click here.

It's hard to celebrate

Yesterday Blanka Vlašić won a gold medal in highjump at World championship in athletics in Osaka. We were all happy because this is a great success for Blanka and because this was the only medal for Croatia.
There are countries with many more medals won.
If you look carefully at the picture, you'll see a black ribbon on Blanka's shoulder. That is in a memory of eight young firemen who died last week in a battle with fire. Investigations are not completed yet but preliminary results show that they died because of human error. Today is a national day of mourning in Croatia.
Many lives is lost because of fire also in other countries.
Every medal multiplies joy hundred times.
Every life lost multiplies tragedy hundred times.

Blog Action Day - Oct 15



On October 15th, I will be joining these bloggers and writing something about our environment, finger crossed and hoping that this will make a difference.

Disaster Prevention Day in Japan

September 1st is Disaster Prevention Day in Japan.

The day was established to mark the Great Kanto Earthquake, which took place on this day in 1923.
In a school and campany, we conduct an evacuation drill.
Children are hiding themselves under the desk.

One internet comany opens untill today a web site to practice how to communicate in the situation via internet not only by a PC but a mobile phone when such a disaster happens.

Ramadan is next week

Ramadan is next week. It is something special for us as Muslims and even for Christians who are living with us in Syria and the Middle East. You can say that it is a celebration and waiting for biggest one at the end of its 30 days. It is not an only fasting from the sunset to the sunrise. It is another way of life totally different from what we used to live during a year.

Summer's almost gone

Summer 2007 will be remembered as one of the most rainy summers in modern history. Close to the record of 1980. Floodings, storms and only a few days of sun.
One of the signs of summer's ending is the annual motor bike race to Bakken, one of Denmark's most famous amusement parks. Whereas Legoland and Tivoli are for tourists, Bakken is for Danes (and Swedes). And when it closes, as it did the last day of August, ten thousands of motor cyclists drive from the center of Copenhagen to Bakken. A trip of about 15 kilometers.
Tivoli closes one month later. Because it is right in the center of Copenhagen, whereas Bakken is somewhat far away, close to a forest a beach (Bellevue).Motorcyclist pass the station on Nørrebro in Copenhagen on their way to the amusement park Bakken.
And to make it more clear. An international meteorologist institute just put Denmark on the top list of countries that will be affected by changes in the climate. So the weather forecast for Denmark the next 80 years will be: Showers, rains and floodings.