Embassy Summer- Dedicated to travel group of Spain and Brazil- Part 1

This year marks my 30th birthday, and for me, challenges and obstacles are becoming more of a test of will and personal sacrifice. Being what I have been through in the last two years, with traveling and writing my first poetry book, I realized, I  accomplished a lot more than just achievements, I have gain so much knowledge when it comes to personal growth, but I still lack certain understanding of what it takes to get to that next level. This summer has made me see things different as far as appreciating things more, and living in the moment, instead of waiting for the  moment to come to you, thanks to a group of  young travelers,  from Spain and Brazil,  who dedicated three weeks of their lives, and open up apart of their lives to me, that has been missing from my life for a very long time. Three weeks in actuality isn't much time in reality,  but sometimes reality can be a little misleading. I had three weeks, every morning, I taught a group of  amped  teenagers, who wanted to learn to speak better English, as well as grow through sports and the arts. When I took this position for the duration of the summer, I just wanted to save enough money for my next destination,  but little did I know, these kids were about to teach me something, I needed to learn about myself, instead of seeking it elsewhere. They taught me about love, and love is something that we have around us, and with the right connection and the right people, we don't need to look far for it.  For three weeks, these kids invited me into their lives and shares stories with me some amazing stories about their family and friend. We develop a bond, that not even time can replace. I had the chance to meet their group leader, Jorge who was from Spain Madrid, and he was one of the nicest and down to earth human being I ever met.  He helped open my mind to new ideas and thoughts. These kids became in a way my own kids, they trust me in ever way, from discussion about boys or girls and etc, they open their lives to me, and no money in the world,  can ever replace the experience that I gain with them for three weeks. Every morning for three weeks, they listened and grasped new ideas and grammar structure I was teaching them, we traveled to various location exploring historical landmark of New York City. As time slowly and gradually past, we learnt not just about facts and figures, but we learn about each other. We learned we were a family, not biological connected, but momentarily connected, as we shared laughter, tears and great times. There are a few defying moments that will always linger in my mind, The classes discussions, the trips,  the talent show, and lastly, when we said our good-byes,  On the last day when we gathered around the table eating breakfast. They entire table told me,  that I was a hard person to come by, and they were really going to miss me, that moment touch me, which also put a closure to that part of my life, because never in my life,  did I feel so much love and acceptance, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for helping me see that, and putting  a closure to my life. Lastly when we were saying our goodbyes, as everyone gathering  around the bus exchanging  laughter and tears, Paloma Rodriguez,  handed me her most prized procession, her Spanish Flag. That moment, words could not express how I felt about them, each and everyone of them.  I remember one of my co -workers saying, "I'll you need is a moment" That  moment will always be in my mind, as I continue on my  path of  growth, and self fulfillment . I want to thank you all. Jorge, The Spain Group, as well as the Brazilian Group,  for sharing your experiences with me. All of you are in my heart forever. One Love

Taking A Look Back At Washington's Past And Present

Imagine building a time machine, that can take you back to the future, where you can see historical landmarks and powerful figures that transformed the way we know the world today, we might not be able to do so just yet, but we have other alternative, especially being in the the digital age, where anything is possible. Digital cameras make it possible for us to capture images, and freeze time and compare them to the original images of the past, Orginally done by box cameras, which was a long and tedious process,  todays cameras make things  faster and  faster,  when it comes to  capturing  images through the optical lens,  compared to the technology of the past. Here are some images I found on flicker about a fasinating photo projects called, Looking Into The Past. One of Powell's favorites, this image of Thomas Circle show how just about everything except for the statue and the church spire has changed.

One of Powell's favorites, this image of Thomas Circle show how "just about everything except for the statue and the church spire has changed."

                                                                  Library of Congress

                                    The Old Leader Theater on Ninth Street in Washington.

                                                   "Original Washington Post building."

African-American Day Festival

From Africa, to the Americas, and worldwide, Africa has  history a rich history within its own. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to experience the tradition of African culture. From Art, Music, Dance, Food, and so fourth,  it was an experience to remember, especially when it came time to tap into the history and traditions of the motherland . Children performed different variety of dance, while the crowd looked on with amazing. Some even doing solos, of their favorite musical artist.  Later on, they played various music selections, from Jazz, blues, hip hop, reggae,  and so fourth. While everyone got up, and stomp their feet to the beat. My favorite part was the food, from jerk and  curry goat, steamed and fried fish, fired and baked chicken, among other things. All and all , it was a great, especially when I had the chance to walk around and check out the different art exhibits. It was diffidently a great day for learning.

Modern Day Slavery: Racism and the Drug War

Next Chapter- Eastward-Asia

 Six months, in  a blurr, at times, I still wake up, thinking that I'm still  in Costa Rica, then reality slaps me in the face, as I  hear  people outside , conversating to each other in English, which signifies, time has past, and I have to close that chapter.Now awaits another, with different challenges and new opportunities ahead, which will put my own  negative thoughts to rest, and finally put my vision to the test. As one great thinker once said, to reach your path of success, one most endure the little test, nature puts in front of them, so when time comes, they can whether the storm. As I'm taking the time to spend time with family  and catch up with old friends, I've also realized, I brought back many things with me from Costa Rica,  on a subconscious level. I take more pride in physical fitness, I eat healthier, and I appreciate little things even more, compared to the past. Still, a question lingers in my mind. Did I prove to myself, what I said I was going to do? Process still in motion. My question will be answered,  three months from now. As I am going eastward for a year. One more time to start out in a new surrounding, with a whole new experience and a whole different outlook on life. As I am about to enter another decade, my physical satture and childlike expression, can sometimes give people only a certain side about me,  but within the playfulness and humor, there is a seriousness as well, who wants to do great things and make a difference in the world, through  my stories and experiences, I want to share reveal that side of myself as well, which will imprint my legacy. I say,  Live life to the fullest. Its a balance, which has shape me as a person and my outlook on life , but at the same time, blessed, having the opportunity to do this. As I take these three months to set back and relax, and not focus too much on writing and promote my new children book, "Melvin The Mischievous Mongoose"... Due out by the end of the summer. In this day and age, I realize, with hard work, good ideas, and an open mind, there is no greater gift,  than making a lasting impression only once. One Love y'all... Follow your dreams!!!!

Asian Art Festival



 Asian Art Festival, I went to this past weekend. I learnt  alot when it came to the history and the  contributions of Asian culture in America. Here are some of the different customs, performances and art exhibits I saw.






















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Bin Laden's death- Victory or Conspiracy?

Every media site, television network and newspaper has claimed this day, as one of the biggest victory ever in our history. After 10 years of digging in caves and holes, the United States of America, has captured its prize, and put an end to a ten year man hunt, to one of  the world dangerous man, that was responsible for 9/11.What does this victory signify, and what does this really mean for us, further down the road?  In today's world, reminders of our way of life being endangered, becomes more appearent everyday, but would you trade it in, for your freedom or rights to know the truth? Yesterdays news, comes off as a relief, but at the same time, sad and unsure. What do we really know, media coverage has been saying one thing after the other, but where is the evidence? It puts my theory into questioning about Bin Laden's death. Also he was at his mansion, when they decided to carry the mission, as a intelligence person, wouldnt that be a place of choice that I would look into first, before going to other extremes? We are hearing stories about his death, about how they carried out his body to sea, and  how they carried out the operation, which changes day by day, which is  a little odd for my taste, especially knowing, it comes just ten years before the anniversary of the twin towers collapsing.  For one thing, I want to see the actually body, to put a closure to those innocent lives  that were taken on 9/11. I always felt that the truth lies in knowing, I have the  right to know, as a citizen, to find out the truth, because what is information without support? When it comes to these things, we must  start asking questions, and sort out the information for ourselves, because  all we know, is that he's dead. also other reports having been circulating that he might of been dead years ago, which is  perfect timing, just before the election of 2012, so this could be a ploy by the US government to distract us from their clear objective which is oil, also Obama's approval ratings going up, for the next presidential election, but  I guess we'll  never know. We live in a world, where anybody can say anything, and its believable, especially when it comes to the Media. I am at sadness and anger of what happened ten years ago, for all the lives lost, but at the same time, we can't go beyond ourselves and sink to the levels of our enemies, and celebrate their death, because then, we become a  reflection of them. We live in an age of technology, were we have videos, pictures and communication devices, to find out these information for ourselves. Lets start asking question  and sort out  information. For all we know, our buttons could be pushed, for a clearer objective that we can't see yet. What do you think? Victory or conspiracy?