Protestors Taking It To The Streets

As the economical crisis begins to spread worldwide, there are many outrage,  by the non- progressive approach  by the  federal government. Citizens are now taken  matters  into their own hands, in the the quest of expression the first amendment, by holding demonstrations on Wall street,  to try find some solutions and  find out answers to why bankers and brokers have profited on the backs of hard-working people. Many unions and protesters are looking for answers on why their voices are ignored. Its a serious issue,  just as Greece and Portugal are now facing financial problem, which can affect the US later on down the road, if the European Debt crisis is not fixed soon. In these times, it's  apparent that the world is in dismay and the warning signs for a possible revolution is upon us, for some they are getting tired of the same old gimmicks and politricks  that is used by the  federal government. It was only a couple of months ago, the  same issues were brought up in England, as the people were showing their  frustration and outrage, holding demonstrations in the streets. What would this mean for  all of us in the future, if things don't change? Only time will tell. In the meanwhile, stay informed and updated on the latest news in your country and area.

STREET ART UTOPIA

  Stumbled on this website that had some really cool  3D art. A picture is worth a thousand words. ---http://www.streetartutopia.com/?p=1184.

My Visit Back Home to Jamaica

Five and a half years, since the last time I was back  home.  A lot has changed since then, not with just the progression of time, but friends that I  once knew, fell victim to violence, while others fall victim to everyday life of poverty, while others maintain and keep striving. Sometimes you find out, the way you picture how people will turn out, can sometimes can surprise you, but as I found out, life is full of surprises.. Apart from that, my mentality from what I wanted out of life, has changed as well.  I wanted to head back home, and revisit my roots, and reconnect to  the place that taught me about myself and about the world. I am remember the first night being there, and hanging out at the local job with some friends I grew up with, and how star struck they were, knowing I live in America, and all I can think of, is when I was young and how star struck I was, never been to  America, and visualizing money growing on trees, and literally picking them off  the tree as I walked by. Twenty years ago,  I too was brought into the same notion, and there the journey began. From a tiny part in Jamaica, called German town, where German settlers  once occupied, but no longer are apparent, with the arrival  of the African slaves, from the  tribes of Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone.   It was an enjoyable conversation. I could still tell they weren't buying into the concept of how hard it is to make it in America, as they thought money was the only gate way to the impoverish life of Jamaica, but living there and in America, gave me a better interpretation of how both worlds shape a person. The best part of returning home, was catching up with friends and family, to see how they were doing. The two weeks and few days I was there, it was like reliving my youth. Everyday I would ask one of the neighborhood children,  if they could climb the tree and pick some plums and mangoes for me. Something I use to do, but now, I was an adult and I wasn't brave and foolish the way I used to be, but the local children got a kick out of it, especially when I paid them  in American dollars.. The other best part of being home, was going to the beach  and  catching up with my brothers and sisters, and  having  the chance to mellow out in the city of Montegobay and go to the city square and listen  classic reggae music, while looking for a vendors, to buy peppered shrimp, jerk chicken, fried fish, beef patty etc. The other best part of my vacation, was hanging out on the countryside during the nights, at the local shops, drinking and smoking with the locals, playing jokes and pranks on each other, while listening to music. For me, it was paradise, but for many locals, it was hell, and they wanted out!  The hard lifestyle and poverty,  sometime makes people see life from one scope, but for me, I had the understanding of  what it was like growing up in two worlds. I remember one night, having a particular conversation,about needing a community center, to bring back unity into the community.How many I was pitching the idea too, was so turn off, i had to take a minute to evaluate and see if maybe my idea was crazy.  I  knew then, I had a lot of challenges ahead, not just with the actual  building of  the community center, but making them believe in the concept of unity, is  going to be the greatest obstacle within itself,  as the negative statements began to pile up on me, I realized,  this was my source of motivation.  For me, it  was a home coming , to get a chance to reconnect with old friends and see what has changed or remain the same within the community, and put certain issues to bed. As I found out,  home is where it all starts, the teachings, values, morals,  and beliefs. The best part for me, was not just that, but being reacquainted with  people who brought me up in the world, and told me how to act  in society. In the two weeks I was there, apart of me was a kid again, picking fruits off the tree, going to the nearest river, and soaking my feet in the cool stream, using natural herbs , making my way downtown, to shop and go to the beach. Folks playing dominoes,  at the local shops, engage in conversations, or sometimes making my way to the local parties, or concerts. I  found the simple things such as courtesy, can be a good feeling, just saying hello to a complete stranger, and getting the same love back in return,  revisiting home  gave me a chance to humble myself, because sometimes in life, we take things for granted, but thanks to my 90 year old grandma, who today, doesn't seem a day over 60, she told me, life can be enjoyable, if you don't like the pressure get to you.  The experience of talking and hanging around her, made me see her  dedication to God,  and how she lived through her faith, as well as treating others with kindness and respect. Returning home was more than about sun and fun, but finding the roots to where I want blossom in the future, and someday,  hopefully forming my own  legacy, the same way my grandmother form hers,  which she told me, through  hope, wisdom, understanding love, faith, and aspirations, the world can be an enjoyable to live...shown on  her picture above..jajaja. I love you Grandma.

Embassy Summer Part 2...Dedicated to the travel Group of Russia, Mexico, Domincan Republic,Colombia Turkey, China, Japan,

After the Spain and Brazil group left, I felt a little uneasy , for the first couple of days. I had developed a strong bond with them, and  it was hard to say good- bye, but I  knew, we had to move on . We had new faces, and we had to make them feel at home. For me, the hardest part was starting over fresh, especially when it came to the teaching and energy level . Another, was adjusting to a new culture. The kids had to take the time to get acclimated with the other groups and staff, so at first, they  were a little hesitate and shy to make an expression, after a time a couple of days ice breakers and conversation ,they open up quickly. The challenge for us as a staff, is making sure the energy of the remainders were still high, so it can rub off on the newcomers,  a little comfortable at first, everyone got  acquainted with one another  From talents shows, activities, classes, trips, movie nights, and Friday night parties, we formed our own little crew. The SKS crew, which we represented, no matter where we went, from basketball games, water parks, baseball games,   amusement parks, a hikes, shopping mall,s  or movies, it was moments well spent.Through good times and bad times,  whatever  issues, misunderstandings, mix ups, or mishaps, we were  there for the kids, and we wanted to make sure they learned, while they were have a good time. We did just that, and the torch was passed on to the second group. .As new friendships were being made, and memories new were being created.  There are many things that stuck with me during my six week period, but the ones that stuck with me, made a lasting impression. For me, I had a chance to meet two girls, who made it enjoyable to go shopping with, have fun, and share laughs with. Tiffany and Valeria, who shared with me , something I forgot to do, as I got  older, and that  was to live in the moment. A time where this statement is reflected , is when I decided to take the girls to the park, and we wanted to put our feet in  the water fountain, but  after a few minutes, we decided to jump in , with not a care in the world. Another is having the opportunity and time  to teach and  get to know each student, whether,  through meals, trips, activities, and personal downtime, we became a family. The last memory,  that stuck with me was at the pizza party.  For one thing, it was our final Friday night part , but also, the fun and excitement everyone had, screaming and dancing to Shakira's single Waka, Waka, forming a circle, bouncing along, holding hands,  erasing the memory of discomfort they might of had from the beginning of  the camp.  I learnt some lessons as well, when it came to what I have taught the children and what the children have taught me. As a kid, you enjoy more and seem to  forget about time, as an adult, we seem to be  obsessed with time, which no longer factors into the balance of equation. One more thing  I learnt that came from my staff members,  is organization, which  is a big part of success, spare of the moment ideas can sometimes backfire, no matter how good they are, like all  great soldiers , all battles are won by execution and careful planning,  only then the mission is justified.  Thank you all for allowing me the chance to get to know each and everyone of you. Best of luck to you all. One Love

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.