tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87579078304133396142024-03-13T13:14:30.062-07:00theGraylifethegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-34770564358769468572011-06-29T16:15:00.000-07:002011-06-29T16:33:47.301-07:00A West Side Story: Canadian Ecoholics<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Dreamers, Doers...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">(pics below)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">The thing I love most about traveling, and much of the reason I do, is learning how other people do life – not only culturally or linguistically, but in the way they think and act. And although I am still trying to figure out why ME, I've been so fortunate to learn from MANY amazing people during my short life thus far.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFw9lVcrDCA/TguexTaNp0I/AAAAAAAAA6o/fTtyJjSGr1Y/s1600/IMG_5111%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vFw9lVcrDCA/TguexTaNp0I/AAAAAAAAA6o/fTtyJjSGr1Y/s320/IMG_5111%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see what I see?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">First, a big THANK-YOU is for those who let me visit and do life with them for a while.. literally each one of you contributed sooo much to my current state - you have no idea… and I appreciate it way more than you know! Love!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">.. A Crazy Cunuck (the non-rioting kind ;))…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">From this trip out West, I actually feel wonderfully Canadian probably for the first time... (saying a lot considering how I often criticize certain things about us) ...Not the kind of patriotism that assumes this state is superior, smarter, more rational or civilized, or that that certain people who live within these imaginary borders are more deserving to the land than others... but a sort of sense of how many people who live here are using our culture and resources to make our environment a hopeful and life-giving place. I grasped more of a sense of what Canada could be and is in small ways even now, as I bussed from the West across and down back to Waterloo, where I'll settle and simmer down again for the next little while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">The Itinerary:</span><br />
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<div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Flight to Kamloops, BC, and a short rendezvous through the mountains (last post).</span></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Edmonton, Lac La Biche, and teeny-tiny Caslan in (fondly referred to as "the bush"), in Alberta. I will attempt and fail to properly capture my Aunt Bev and Uncle Ben's inspiring story, which is summed up in the newspaper clipping that I’ll post – but this clip does not do justice the amazing heart and sweat that was put into this place. I also finally stayed with my cuz who is boldly stepping forth to the Philippines, en route to be a part of the kind of community that she envisions for our own country for former victims of the ramped and very real modern slave trade – you can follow her story at<a href="http://www.theundergroundrailroad.ca/oneabolitionist/"> http://www.theundergroundrailroad.ca/oneabolitionist/ </a></span></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Back to Edmonton to stay with friends back from our time in the teens, Jon and Ashley, who married two years ago and moved out there to start their new life together, getting into their communities and dancing in the kitchen, learning with each other what life means and how they can be better together..</span></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Habitat for Humanity Macedonia team reunion! I stayed with the amazing Diana (team leader) and her husband Wayne (team commentator, realist, and angry Buddhist ;)).</span></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Winnipeg to visit to have some more fam jams with once again, people I am SO grateful to call family... people doing some amazing things for the world, working tirelessly but joyfully :)...</span></div><div style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Home - a.k.a. the Huether Hotel, where I apparently basically live.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Without wanting to make too many assumptions about all of the people who choose to tune into this blog I’ve got going on, many of us have great advantages that others will never have - right at our fingertips if we are creative or care – simply starting with the foundation of our place of birth. These doors do not make us better people, but give us a responsibility to see and utilize the resources we have around us… even with a high school education opens more doors than you may realize. There are always so many excuses or justifications not to act our dreams, or to not even have dreams...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">The family and friends I visited had inspirational confidence in their areas of life, and were intentional about supporting those around them to better the world, and love laugh and love while they’re at it. It is not only about having a dream, but the courage to jump against the odds. My Uncle B passed a book along to me… </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">“Becoming the Answers to Our Prayers.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">I’ll let you mull that over in your head for a bit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Most of us want things in this life… and some of us dream of more – relationships, jobs, chances, things, etc. Often we either wait for life to happen to us, or just discard possibilities as unattainable, instead of grasping the boldness we have access to, and with a little bit of wisdom, discernment, and patience… achieve something that could better our world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">The people I saw along this route had hearts and active helping hands in some of the toughest aspects of our society – from mental health patients to dealing with sex slave trade victims to teaching in the roughest schools, living and working with struggling refugees, aboriginal populations, etc. The depressing list could go on. But they are light where they are. And times they are a-changin’. I am inspired by their courage, joy, hard-work, hearts, and relationships. I only hope that I can pass on the blessing that has been so deeply given to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">What turns your crank? Let us learn to be satisfied with what we have, yet constantly learning to find hope in the impossible possibilities….</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Realism and Optimism can go hand in hand, peeps.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif";">Learning Followership... it starts with us... it starts with you... </span><br />
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Bev and Uncle Ben spent years dreaming, planning, talking, researching until they finally bought land completely off the grid (no electrical power reaches their land), and built a place with that aspect in tact through the use of solar power and wood stove heating (I am sorry, I cannot remember the techie lingo and details for all their stuff!! :)...but it's cool)</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge and read more of their story and words, if you wish!</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the land</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pesky Beavers</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Erin (the one going to Philippines - ee!)</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scary wildlife.</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Bev's "Chickens"</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original cabin that was built to live in temporarily while the house was being constructed</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the cabin.</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cats are not my friend.</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenhouse!!</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solar panel!</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade solar cooker, to give school groups a bit of an idea of what solar power is... yay for spreading the love through sharing :)</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OKAY... so this is a compost toilet. And honestly, truly, I would not lie... no smell, nothing. The stuff drops to the thing pictured below, and only once or twice a year does the crank need to be turned, and... compost, beautiful healthy NON-smelling compost is made... no water waste AT ALL.. it's actually amazing. Seriously.</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of the compost toilet, in the basement.</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood-working! Another example of learning do take on new skills and interests no matter what stage of life you're in</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZX_SeP0h_g/TgubjFngQZI/AAAAAAAAA5w/bQnMTKhkAzA/s1600/IMG_4938%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HZX_SeP0h_g/TgubjFngQZI/AAAAAAAAA5w/bQnMTKhkAzA/s320/IMG_4938%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Bev asked me what hobbies I had... and I laughed because I don't really think I have had time for hobbies... BUT... she helped me make a saweet pen...!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXt99Kh4Fh4/TgubqPYCQuI/AAAAAAAAA50/VOLYpahdGGw/s1600/IMG_4945%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sXt99Kh4Fh4/TgubqPYCQuI/AAAAAAAAA50/VOLYpahdGGw/s320/IMG_4945%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine is the bottom one, hers was the top, my last year's Christmas present made from fair trade Olive wood from Bethlehem</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCam5coGE_Q/Tgubxoc7MRI/AAAAAAAAA54/82tbEAVF-dg/s1600/IMG_4948%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCam5coGE_Q/Tgubxoc7MRI/AAAAAAAAA54/82tbEAVF-dg/s320/IMG_4948%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLMZqhVtdjg/TgucMdDX-fI/AAAAAAAAA58/CbwIvO4ZkSw/s1600/IMG_4976%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLMZqhVtdjg/TgucMdDX-fI/AAAAAAAAA58/CbwIvO4ZkSw/s320/IMG_4976%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspiration station for Uncle Ben's hand carving.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xr_ca5BhI80/TguceJdqfeI/AAAAAAAAA6E/JWRVoG9yec0/s1600/IMG_4980%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xr_ca5BhI80/TguceJdqfeI/AAAAAAAAA6E/JWRVoG9yec0/s320/IMG_4980%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Motherboard. Solar stuff... I can't relay any of the info because my brain isn't wired that way... but really cool how the power sources switch from one thing to another automatically to save and use power.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6p5n_LZj6Y/Tguct2POhOI/AAAAAAAAA6I/3Z1bVTgPuuE/s1600/IMG_4981%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y6p5n_LZj6Y/Tguct2POhOI/AAAAAAAAA6I/3Z1bVTgPuuE/s320/IMG_4981%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bad picture, but cool piece of furniture made by Uncle Ben! Just one of many!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXZpX2mDgxM/TgudAQapqcI/AAAAAAAAA6M/QL41nPJFzIg/s1600/IMG_4995%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXZpX2mDgxM/TgudAQapqcI/AAAAAAAAA6M/QL41nPJFzIg/s320/IMG_4995%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach in West Edmonton Mall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEbVjpKO9ts/Tguse2qkJQI/AAAAAAAAA7k/E7i-NOwBj70/s1600/262322_10150218252296338_503381337_7538300_3573513_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEbVjpKO9ts/Tguse2qkJQI/AAAAAAAAA7k/E7i-NOwBj70/s320/262322_10150218252296338_503381337_7538300_3573513_n.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:D together again!!! Me and Ash :).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-jR4PM2m14/TgudTcJIH4I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/Gmr2Q7xHvcg/s1600/IMG_5003%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-jR4PM2m14/TgudTcJIH4I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/Gmr2Q7xHvcg/s320/IMG_5003%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gloriously made latte by Jon, and gluten-free deliciousness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yR7ZlgEZdqY/TgudnWNpgcI/AAAAAAAAA6U/0D9hxkCEyNg/s1600/IMG_5026%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yR7ZlgEZdqY/TgudnWNpgcI/AAAAAAAAA6U/0D9hxkCEyNg/s320/IMG_5026%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">saweet willow chair that Wayne is going to try to make (already make their own wood furniture... all these people REALLY make me want to take up a hobby... or a skill or SOMEthing!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iH6-NNOIDsg/TgudyFlOfEI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/rEVJyqnQdrA/s1600/IMG_5028%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iH6-NNOIDsg/TgudyFlOfEI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/rEVJyqnQdrA/s320/IMG_5028%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne testing the chair, probably commenting on something :).</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZA136pcDE4/TgueDRB7C-I/AAAAAAAAA6c/iQ_KxKmHpK4/s1600/IMG_5059%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZA136pcDE4/TgueDRB7C-I/AAAAAAAAA6c/iQ_KxKmHpK4/s320/IMG_5059%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOC8QxXdyls/TgueWAxc_8I/AAAAAAAAA6g/S4D5Snty_o4/s1600/IMG_5078%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOC8QxXdyls/TgueWAxc_8I/AAAAAAAAA6g/S4D5Snty_o4/s320/IMG_5078%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZYwhFE2roo/TguehbXxW9I/AAAAAAAAA6k/1SIDKDmCttY/s1600/IMG_5086%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZYwhFE2roo/TguehbXxW9I/AAAAAAAAA6k/1SIDKDmCttY/s320/IMG_5086%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5nUUcueNRE/TgufBlNf4bI/AAAAAAAAA6s/o1QggDoyS4g/s1600/IMG_5126%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D5nUUcueNRE/TgufBlNf4bI/AAAAAAAAA6s/o1QggDoyS4g/s320/IMG_5126%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funny story behind these Lady Slippers, which are illegal to transplant/pick, etc. in Alberta... but a certain couple slipped away in the middle of the night and took a few of these lady's to a new home as the government was going to destroy the place they were born... not all illegal is bad, folks ;)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4CgFqUOa68/TgufPY6LvbI/AAAAAAAAA6w/96iibhRVK-s/s1600/IMG_5138%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j4CgFqUOa68/TgufPY6LvbI/AAAAAAAAA6w/96iibhRVK-s/s320/IMG_5138%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have learned that Canadian towns like to build pointless monuments. This is a giant sausage.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f23d715UxS0/TgufWRB1zZI/AAAAAAAAA60/sPvmIHdcasI/s1600/IMG_5144%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f23d715UxS0/TgufWRB1zZI/AAAAAAAAA60/sPvmIHdcasI/s320/IMG_5144%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was tempted to buy the souvenir winter mini-monument sausage, but I was strong.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82xpZkpGkuQ/TgufeOTFfaI/AAAAAAAAA64/r4nDlrTpVfM/s1600/IMG_5149%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82xpZkpGkuQ/TgufeOTFfaI/AAAAAAAAA64/r4nDlrTpVfM/s320/IMG_5149%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Ukrainian Easter Egg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3INwxRly6AQ/TgufmM0SsLI/AAAAAAAAA68/stwAVoDtSgs/s1600/IMG_5155%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3INwxRly6AQ/TgufmM0SsLI/AAAAAAAAA68/stwAVoDtSgs/s320/IMG_5155%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne describing the time the Queen came and waved right at HIM and only him.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6A9jgtFS6Ok/Tguf-ZTFFpI/AAAAAAAAA7A/ebTnqAoSEKE/s1600/IMG_5188%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6A9jgtFS6Ok/Tguf-ZTFFpI/AAAAAAAAA7A/ebTnqAoSEKE/s320/IMG_5188%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIHWSMXwk7Y/TgugVXeoQrI/AAAAAAAAA7E/0iP0TmaLx0U/s1600/IMG_5216%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DIHWSMXwk7Y/TgugVXeoQrI/AAAAAAAAA7E/0iP0TmaLx0U/s320/IMG_5216%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay so I literally wish I had a better picture of this. This is one of the many oil refineries we passed often. When we were driving back to the bus station for me to head away from Edmonton it was 11 at night and we passed a few miles of refineries... it was LITERALLY what you might envision a stereotypical hell to look like... hundreds and hundreds of lit up pillers with barrels of fire and smoke at the top set against a pitch black background... for miles. Smelling like burning. Yay Canadian oil!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y61L6vqy-jA/TguglGD7mcI/AAAAAAAAA7I/HXM1tC0eEp0/s1600/IMG_5228%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y61L6vqy-jA/TguglGD7mcI/AAAAAAAAA7I/HXM1tC0eEp0/s320/IMG_5228%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The song that Nicole and I would listen to in Europe entitled "All the Freaky People Make the Beauty of the World" was an actual theme this trip. This house, and what is painted on its walls is Exhibit A.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8odMdWRbb_4/Tgug65x_PMI/AAAAAAAAA7M/Hq9duU8EOxs/s1600/IMG_5258%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8odMdWRbb_4/Tgug65x_PMI/AAAAAAAAA7M/Hq9duU8EOxs/s320/IMG_5258%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bus through the prairies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-54wUMIg0g/TguhGgwwGsI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/ODn7ST8vIgM/s1600/IMG_5281%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-54wUMIg0g/TguhGgwwGsI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/ODn7ST8vIgM/s320/IMG_5281%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardens in Winni</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuD2-RJFEY0/TguhPrRf5KI/AAAAAAAAA7U/4I7hIdIggIw/s1600/IMG_5284%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuD2-RJFEY0/TguhPrRf5KI/AAAAAAAAA7U/4I7hIdIggIw/s320/IMG_5284%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ5GBTWwXLk/TguiYhqLAJI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/gF2fHRz0cFg/s1600/IMG_5314%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JQ5GBTWwXLk/TguiYhqLAJI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/gF2fHRz0cFg/s320/IMG_5314%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UaaXp_edpZg/TguisoGYdqI/AAAAAAAAA7c/_c2q8oxBrNs/s1600/IMG_5353%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UaaXp_edpZg/TguisoGYdqI/AAAAAAAAA7c/_c2q8oxBrNs/s320/IMG_5353%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New friends and fam I was so fortunate to play with :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aechF0IMRZ4/TguiybB0qmI/AAAAAAAAA7g/DWUC3Qv5Ikc/s1600/IMG_5355%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aechF0IMRZ4/TguiybB0qmI/AAAAAAAAA7g/DWUC3Qv5Ikc/s320/IMG_5355%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another monument from a town in Ontario - supposedly where the original Winni the Pooh was found.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-39125727655051050982011-06-11T16:00:00.000-07:002011-06-11T21:07:38.741-07:00One and Three Cups of Tea<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The view from the Teahouse at Lake Agnus (just a short and steep climb up from Lake Louise, AB) is food for painters. My eyes keep jumping from cliff to tree to tree to glacier to cloud to waterfall: just breathing it in. One thing us Canadians cannot gripe about: how beautiful the land is where we have been born and/or live in.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYWORSH6EWU/TfPq1hrCKuI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/zA7n9fRCHUc/s1600/IMG_4450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JYWORSH6EWU/TfPq1hrCKuI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/zA7n9fRCHUc/s320/IMG_4450.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flight into Kamloops, BC. These are mountains, ;).</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sunrise hike I decided to take while in Banff; I got dropped in the town at 3am so I went to the Timmies until the later early morning and watched the sunrise through the hiking trails... unbelievable! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View hiking up to Mirror Lake and Lake Agnus Teahouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at Lake Louise! </td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Rocky Mountain setting, which I have been fortunate enough to bus through the past few days during my route homeward, has provided a compelling back drop to the book I've been reading along the way...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ax1VifhgfS0/TfPrqFzsHKI/AAAAAAAAA3g/brCUzUR_MDE/s1600/IMG_4707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ax1VifhgfS0/TfPrqFzsHKI/AAAAAAAAA3g/brCUzUR_MDE/s320/IMG_4707.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teahouse at the Lake Agnus! There is a secret about this mention in my post, but I am not going to tell you! baha, so mysterious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Momma Gray recommended a book to me before I left, and I picked it up at the airport before grabbing the teeny plane to Kamloops, BC. You may have heard of it; "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Moretenson (the man the book is half about) and David Oliver Relin.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Three-Cups-Tea-Greg-Mortenson/dp/0143038257">Three Cups of Tea on Amazon.ca</a></td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The book's form is one that I particularly attach too: a story. A story of how humans - "ordinary" or not - can help weave a better world by breaking down barriers and building relationships. Humans inspiring other humans. Sick.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Three Cups of Tea" in sum (summer reading? <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Three-Cups-Tea-Greg-Mortenson/dp/0143038257">http://www.amazon.ca/Three-Cups-Tea-Greg-Mortenson/dp/0143038257 </a>) begins on the summits of K2 ((okay, I know the Rockies are like anthills in comparison, but gazing at them gives the imagination a boost) I also want to add that my discovery of the existence of <b><i><u>Harper Mountain</u></i></b> gave my imagination a different kind of boost - not so inspiring ;))...wow, side-tracked. In sum, is about a man who almost reached the top of the world's deadliest peak but failed, however through the relationships formed with strangers who took him in and showed him utmost hospitality - strangers that many in the Global North do not value - fought the steep and challenging climb of building and maintaining schools in Pakistan's remote peak's villages, where many of the extremist Taliban's roots lie...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, an interesting spin to me writing this wee recommendation comes as I have discovered that there has been some recent controversy surrounding the text's validity. The allegations involve serious questioning suggesting fabrication of the original story, as well as the competency of this mountaineer/doctor to run an NGO. Of course I hope worst claims are not true. BUT, I have had some conversation with people about this case, and you can come to your own conclusions about the situation. <br />
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In the mean time, a story that has roots of truth that relay the amazing capacity of humans fighting odds together all over the world IS what can be internalized, and even if this work was one of fiction (do not mistake me, I am by NO means condoning lying for social justice) perhaps it can inspire us using words and the power of language to link us to reality and the possibilities of our own lives. We can still know that great things are possible if we do this together and find our own place. Instead of just pointing the finger in blame (though it may or may not be needed), we can look in the mirror and point out in ourselves our own possible hypocrisy, apathy, gluttony, selfishness... oh, and abilities to turn those things around, and love despite it all.<br />
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blahblah, there's the hippie talk again... eat it up, I've got more ;).<br />
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Words and stories can potentially rip apart but they also have the ability to inspire, and this book's negative shadow right now will not black out the encouraging affect it had on me about the possibilities of people crossing the bridges of "other", building life together. I can weed out the inspiring good from the potential bad.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'll leave you with a quote from the intro to the book;</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">"I wish [the project] success because it is fighting the war on terror the way I think it should be conducted. Slamming over the so called Karakorum 'Highway' in his old land cruiser, taking great personal risks to seed the region that gave birth to the Taliban with schools, Mortenson goes to war with the root causes of terror every time he offers a student a chance to relieve a balanced education, rather than attend an extremist <i>madrassa</i>..."</div></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And, in words mentioned from "The Quiet American," </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">"Sometimes to be human, you have to take sides."</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
Let's move mountains, people! :)<br />
Speaking of which, hey look! Here's some now...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Checkin' me out before looking to his left for dinner:</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJgVKvU_VTU/TfPvWEmYgKI/AAAAAAAAA34/KHWJJz9z-z0/s1600/IMG_4577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJgVKvU_VTU/TfPvWEmYgKI/AAAAAAAAA34/KHWJJz9z-z0/s320/IMG_4577.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A British couple and I watched this little stare down go on between the dear and Coyote.. luckily we didn't see any mangling, so we'll live in denial and believe that the deer avoided the circle of life's realities for another day. I'm not ashamed to say though that I wasn't being the one stared down.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EY9O8AyMq-A/TfPyAW5QZyI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/PIyllQTMC7M/s1600/IMG_4747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EY9O8AyMq-A/TfPyAW5QZyI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/PIyllQTMC7M/s320/IMG_4747.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh yeah! And if you are looking to spice up your relationship, consider getting temporary tattoos (we wouldn't want to have TOO much fun/crazy and go permanent now would we?? ;) I laughed to myself, thought I'd share).</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mirror Lake</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Gophers who were popping up and bouncing up and down ALL around me while I was sitting eating my lunch near Lake Louise. They were cute.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Legit Banff water - the guy who gave it to me was VERY proud that it was the best water in Canada, and that even if I wasn't thirsty I should drink it. I did, willingly... and it was better than any bottled water, hands down... the Timmies guy didn't lie.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">En route to Edmonton...</span></td></tr>
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</span></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-4117028402584466892011-06-07T08:28:00.000-07:002011-06-07T18:18:09.093-07:00Farming in "the Project."<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">“We cannot all do great things, but we can do <strong>small things with great love</strong>.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- Momma Teresa</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1) Context: Week 2 of trip, Refurbishing a 250 year old farm in the hillsides of France.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On the train into the middle of nowhere</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">The caravan where Nicole and I stayed while there... stay tuned in the future for a book entitled "I Capture the Caravan" where we attempt to capture the full experience and share it with the world.. This was also the very caravan that Klas, the man who started "the project" back in the day quite his job in business, rid himself of all his possessions, and took off to find freedom.. interesting to think about - some cool aspects of what he was searching for and why, but also interesting to think about why someone would feel the need to think that freedom has to be away from all people... interesting...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2) What: WWOOFing = World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms – check it. </span><a href="http://www.wwoof.org/"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://www.wwoof.org/</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Basic def: a global network of organic goat/rice/coffee/grape farms and gardens etc. anywhere from Ontario to Vancouver to Jamaica to Japan to Scotland, etc. where you can help/work for room & board from 1 week up to 6 months or more. The website literally just opens you up to the network of projects, you pick people that suit your fancy, and blahblahblah wicked.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nicole and I chose an organic farm/garden/"community project" in France... amazing and hilarious.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkjprSBLaCw/Te2e-aOpHLI/AAAAAAAAA04/Z69jyNmRqe8/s1600/IMG_2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WkjprSBLaCw/Te2e-aOpHLI/AAAAAAAAA04/Z69jyNmRqe8/s320/IMG_2922.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3) Let us begin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are a number of reasons why I keep returning to thegraylife blog, I do not just want to simply show you the interesting food I am lucky enough to eat and make myself sick from, but to actually use it as a space for sharing life. As I learn and either share other’s or my own stories I want to continue this network of cool ideas that encourage growth as individuals in a global community. SO, this is WWOOFing through my eyes, and a LITTLE bit of why I have wanted to do try it, and what I have gained from this venture.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Old farm house that they have been living in and working on for the past 7 years... amazing what they have done with the place.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">OK, so the following may be obvious to some, but others may find this sort of lingo wishy-washy, hippiesque, or a bunch of bull – BUT the more one learns of the world, and indeed of themselves, it becomes clearer how holistic everything is. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Take an individual. A person’s mental, physical, and emotional states are intertwined. They further affect and are affected by their environment and habits within that space, whether it be their purchases, food choices, relationships, jobs, knowledge, etc.. So link that up to how our personal well/poor-being affects co-workers, partners, friends, strangers in everyday life, as well as the lives that are affected by anything we buy….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Bare with me here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Modern-day slavery is a well-known (though not well-internalized) unfortunate reality, yet many of us for example, still buy bananas non-fair-trade even if we have heard that the men and women who are forced to harvest these crops are being treated often worse than animals (though let’s not even get into how factory animals are treated). We do not see a human face when we buy the banana, so our conscious carries on unaffected. Perhaps if the man (often sick and dying from pesticides and backbreaking labour away from his wife and children) that picked the bananas was standing behind the row of fruit when we chose the bundle…. We may not have made our selection. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Looking back on the abolition of slavery, it wasn’t until the British people themselves who were not actually seeing the atrocities face to face but were told about it by William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson who provided the evidence of the disgusting human rights violations to the public – that they boycotted sugar and fought the government – the biggest consumer boycott apparently (maybe I am wrong in this, but that is what I have read), knowing that the British would face severe economic consequences for abandoning the slave trade. Knowledge of treatment of fellow humans was enough to abandon support of such practices. What about today? When things are tremendously worse? We should stop applauding Wilberforce and Martin Luther King of the past, and apply their guts to the here and the now.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Okay Carolyn, Debbie Downer much?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Okay so what I really want to highlight is amazing people who are practicing these things with their daily lives, from my family members, neighbours, professors, (you can check out my cousin (who I am visiting out West in a few days (!!)) Erin’s blog on the modern slave trade, </span><a href="http://www.theundergroundrailroad.ca/oneabolitionist/"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://www.theundergroundrailroad.ca/oneabolitionist/</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> or The Kind Life with Alicia Silverstone on the practices of eating amazing and ethical food for the betterment of all </span><a href="http://www.thekindlife.com/"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">http://www.thekindlife.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">), just to name a couple. Not everyone can do everything, but we can all do many small things. And trust me, they add up.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you find yourself not thinking you are addicted to things, and have heard the word on the street, in classroom, on T.V., etc. that certain companies are awful, yet still reach for your can of coke on a bi-daily basis, buy from the GAP (I am not saying I’m innocent, it’s all a work in progress), overeat on meat you know has come from a disgusting place (ethically, environmentally, abusing our “rights” as man over mule let alone how our over consumption leads to other’s malnourishment), etc… then we all still have work to do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you can’t go WWOOFing and work or volunteer on a farm and get your hands dirty; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A) I suggest that you at least help your Auntie in her garden every once and a while and learn not just where your food comes from but appreciate it… and </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">B) check out your local farmers markets and places that sell fair trade items. It’s actually so much easier than you think… most big grocery stores even have sections now with fair trade, organic, whole foods with no chemicals or whatever in them (be brand conscious though, some scam the green freaks of the world)… and begin the slow process of realizing that what you buy and put into your body affects not just you but individual lives around you and around the world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Good Docs: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">"Empire: The New Rulars of the World" by John PIlger: <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5488926059460319590#docid=-7932485454526581006">http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5488926059460319590#docid=-7932485454526581006</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">"Food Inc." by Robbie Kenner <a href="http://www.veoh.com/watch/v20368182MnDqr98W">http://www.veoh.com/watch/v20368182MnDqr98W</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">"The Corporation" by <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1371416">http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1371416</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Okay. Picture time.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGDPNrXxBf4/Te46Bb342KI/AAAAAAAAA20/s0IHfpU_Imo/s1600/IMG_3403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGDPNrXxBf4/Te46Bb342KI/AAAAAAAAA20/s0IHfpU_Imo/s320/IMG_3403.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mya and Jimmy are the kids, and Doris is an Austrian physiotherapist who moved out to the country to help build this holistic community "project" when Klas, a Dutch ex-buisiness-man-turned-nomad who bought and settled on this property with a vision in mind.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvFlCIkB6-k/Te2fNIDT6GI/AAAAAAAAA08/KbmHthm-HjY/s1600/IMG_2959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DvFlCIkB6-k/Te2fNIDT6GI/AAAAAAAAA08/KbmHthm-HjY/s320/IMG_2959.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">So though we were insistent on working - because that's what WWOOFing is half about, Klas and Doris were insistent on us exploring the land around us. So we discovered this "castle"/estate that someone has bought and is refurbishing - huge, but pretty neat.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LySdDeHl-mk/Te2fbbJkeWI/AAAAAAAAA1A/7nOmXR0It9E/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LySdDeHl-mk/Te2fbbJkeWI/AAAAAAAAA1A/7nOmXR0It9E/s320/IMG_2966.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V94ucksMXq8/Te2gbiaFyrI/AAAAAAAAA1E/Mu0Q6bstVqo/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V94ucksMXq8/Te2gbiaFyrI/AAAAAAAAA1E/Mu0Q6bstVqo/s320/IMG_3014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Front view... Pride and Prejudice, anyone?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCor4zkml00/Te2gnZd3TwI/AAAAAAAAA1I/8beW_rQi4TY/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCor4zkml00/Te2gnZd3TwI/AAAAAAAAA1I/8beW_rQi4TY/s320/IMG_3039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">One of the things that we thought was hilarious about the "project" (we are still unsure of what that actually means" was that the couple did daily exorcizes that we were welcome to join in (though we never did), including daily interpretive dancing. And at one point Klas joked (to my slight anxiety) about how they were brainwashing us... and then we found ourselves interpretive dancing to music in the forest like everyday..</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpLcDXkbM44/Te47-16QFpI/AAAAAAAAA3A/vBuVmbH1PMs/s1600/IMG_3084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpLcDXkbM44/Te47-16QFpI/AAAAAAAAA3A/vBuVmbH1PMs/s320/IMG_3084.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When dancing in the forest, one must be prepared. Ipod speakers, Zellers, 6 bucks, amazing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can interpret Nicole's dancing anyway you wish.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Abandoned hotel in nearby village</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1ynIrDYWEg/Te40tp_weQI/AAAAAAAAA18/AsyIVF5yBuc/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1ynIrDYWEg/Te40tp_weQI/AAAAAAAAA18/AsyIVF5yBuc/s320/IMG_3248.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The "community" always felt that when going about life, one must "do whatever your heart tells you" ... and so, even though much of the work around the intense project was going unfinished, Klas's heart told him to erect a giant glorified T.P. as a meditation tent, complete with Tibetan chimes, pictured below.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tibetan chimes, inside meditation tent.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOZP9QMStkQ/Te42IQRWvCI/AAAAAAAAA2E/cXnP7FG4HUs/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOZP9QMStkQ/Te42IQRWvCI/AAAAAAAAA2E/cXnP7FG4HUs/s200/IMG_3315.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Okay so little Jimmy (actually such a cute kid), who we nicknamed Forrest after his dopiness, sent us into fits of giggles ALL the time, because as he would buzz along mindlessly staring at the sky or shoving things into his mouth without realizing what he was doing, was constantly referred to by his parents as having peace and bliss in his heart and nothing else... when really they weren't stimulating him at all... and thus perhaps making the statement "ignorance is bliss" the truth. The kid was actually hilarious though.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBsHM5pgtAU/Te7NFb4mJbI/AAAAAAAAA3I/8qd5-pdM0kc/s1600/IMG_4346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBsHM5pgtAU/Te7NFb4mJbI/AAAAAAAAA3I/8qd5-pdM0kc/s320/IMG_4346.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Dopey looked at us with those eyes at the Disney store in Dublin, we were reminded of our little blissful friend back in France..</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BksNEpZZFhE/Te42iWRDg0I/AAAAAAAAA2M/xfgMQ9-unEM/s1600/IMG_3324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BksNEpZZFhE/Te42iWRDg0I/AAAAAAAAA2M/xfgMQ9-unEM/s320/IMG_3324.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mya, a name that we were told means "dealing with the illusions of life", apparently was "born with psychological unrest and will struggle her entire life because she cried at birth" ....we can see the difference between Jimmy and Mya...crazy kid!</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybqP6Y_KOVw/Te43vAyfPEI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/wYmxALT4Yeo/s1600/IMG_3353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybqP6Y_KOVw/Te43vAyfPEI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/wYmxALT4Yeo/s320/IMG_3353.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bafsFYzg0Ck/Te43cgK2MCI/AAAAAAAAA2U/LpmbhYKy69E/s1600/IMG_3347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bafsFYzg0Ck/Te43cgK2MCI/AAAAAAAAA2U/LpmbhYKy69E/s320/IMG_3347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3OWONrZ0sPQ/Te44dSB1neI/AAAAAAAAA2c/PEEg12V0KQU/s1600/IMG_3364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3OWONrZ0sPQ/Te44dSB1neI/AAAAAAAAA2c/PEEg12V0KQU/s320/IMG_3364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Garden where Nicole and I tackled the Nettles together. And won - at least for the time being, the Nettles may have a chance now that we've gone.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MT6sL66Q6Iw/Te45AfT2AXI/AAAAAAAAA2k/bxkweghdSsU/s1600/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MT6sL66Q6Iw/Te45AfT2AXI/AAAAAAAAA2k/bxkweghdSsU/s320/IMG_3370.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Enemy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjHsgLJcojw/Te45PwP2m4I/AAAAAAAAA2o/BJo2hU0ZU3Q/s1600/IMG_3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JjHsgLJcojw/Te45PwP2m4I/AAAAAAAAA2o/BJo2hU0ZU3Q/s320/IMG_3374.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Interpretive dance room. I'm not kidding.</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEGm_eoFJvo/Te45lV1h2jI/AAAAAAAAA2s/1EmnNomSqqM/s1600/IMG_3386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEGm_eoFJvo/Te45lV1h2jI/AAAAAAAAA2s/1EmnNomSqqM/s320/IMG_3386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zesfv8ZzkdE/Te452lbPwJI/AAAAAAAAA2w/vwEtgro4mG0/s1600/IMG_3388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zesfv8ZzkdE/Te452lbPwJI/AAAAAAAAA2w/vwEtgro4mG0/s320/IMG_3388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOoq4jh1p58/Te46QDvjMLI/AAAAAAAAA24/GT5vkzJ1iQI/s1600/IMG_3413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zOoq4jh1p58/Te46QDvjMLI/AAAAAAAAA24/GT5vkzJ1iQI/s320/IMG_3413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Local train station where we arrived and departed from.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-88131370683792086572011-05-30T12:41:00.000-07:002011-06-01T06:07:52.384-07:00Flying and Bussing by the Seats of our (my infamously ripped) Pantalons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(for the full effect, please click on and enlarge the following:)</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ah1KerOZ0g/TePKqXZ-lgI/AAAAAAAAAxY/5M-Wg_kmK_o/s1600/IMG_3185%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--ah1KerOZ0g/TePKqXZ-lgI/AAAAAAAAAxY/5M-Wg_kmK_o/s320/IMG_3185%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't tell you how much I love this picture - makes me simultaniously happy and horrified ... cute/scary Sheep that we gardened right beside all week. They kept us in line.</td></tr>
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<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bK95qiS3jAA/TePHf-Ibv9I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/9qK_Tx3n-_s/s1600/IMG_3874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bK95qiS3jAA/TePHf-Ibv9I/AAAAAAAAAxQ/9qK_Tx3n-_s/s320/IMG_3874.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First - WWOOFing (working on Organic farms) stories to come - they deserve special attention, so this post must not be rushed. This picture demonstrates a hint of our feelings towards our arch nemisis: Nettles. More pictures including mini-caravans, interpretive dancing, a live version of beloved and simple Forrest, and over-the-line hippies are on the agenda.</td></tr>
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hola from Edinburgh, Scotland!! </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Change in plans! Barcelona was sunny and full of friends and sangria and beachy, beautiful, Gaudi fun, and after deciding that Madrid's high life was just not our thing, Nicole and I rerouted to a place a little more chummy - Edinborough and back to Dublin in a few days where we'll be flying home in a matter of less than a week!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm going to let the pictures do the talking as they only say things in groups of a thousand words a piece, and goodness knows I write much more than that ;),</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">p.s., AND, stay posted for my fam/friend jam next week when I head to the mountains and bus back across the beautiful countryside of Canada visiting Lake Louise; Northern Alberta to my Auntie Bev and Uncle Ben's sustainable house down the road that leads to no where (literally! although now I guess it leads somewhere :)) (as well as cousins, including Erin, who's amazing blog and research about the modern day slave trade I will link you too soon); visiting John and Ashley Moore friends who got married a couple of years ago (can't believe it has been that long already) and took off that way; reuniting with last year's Macedonia Habitat team; and countinuing on the Greyhound to Auntie Laurie and Uncle Jim's home in Winnipeg before coming back home finally!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtsQJ3D6LOM/TePLVYv4ZZI/AAAAAAAAAxc/jhi762d_0D8/s1600/IMG_3420%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtsQJ3D6LOM/TePLVYv4ZZI/AAAAAAAAAxc/jhi762d_0D8/s320/IMG_3420%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Courtyard in Dijon, France, we SWEAR Beauty and the Beast's scene where Belle goes through the town singing with all the village people is from this courtyard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6w-7g-yYAdI/TePNFgJPeSI/AAAAAAAAAxk/UO7UpKvF8O4/s1600/IMG_3448%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6w-7g-yYAdI/TePNFgJPeSI/AAAAAAAAAxk/UO7UpKvF8O4/s320/IMG_3448%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mystery that needs to be solved: what does the Dijon Owl mean?! It was EVERYWHERE but the Frenchies wouldn't explain it to us.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TP1bZEm-fU8/TePNmmm76cI/AAAAAAAAAxo/79ToZwe5AsI/s1600/IMG_3456%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TP1bZEm-fU8/TePNmmm76cI/AAAAAAAAAxo/79ToZwe5AsI/s320/IMG_3456%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole's Second Epic Meal Time</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33tYidwk3qg/TePOEPxs5UI/AAAAAAAAAxs/KFbP_G3QK90/s1600/IMG_3466%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-33tYidwk3qg/TePOEPxs5UI/AAAAAAAAAxs/KFbP_G3QK90/s320/IMG_3466%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't know what this is, but thought it was cool. Probably uncomfortable, but alas, this is the price of cool..</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLIW7iK-7Is/TePOkwQpaGI/AAAAAAAAAxw/EEZf0r8owAI/s1600/IMG_3468%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLIW7iK-7Is/TePOkwQpaGI/AAAAAAAAAxw/EEZf0r8owAI/s320/IMG_3468%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French woman.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-art7oSXXk/TePPGPp0gkI/AAAAAAAAAx0/6wIEAlALhDI/s1600/IMG_3499%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-art7oSXXk/TePPGPp0gkI/AAAAAAAAAx0/6wIEAlALhDI/s320/IMG_3499%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Art on Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lywi3X4M00k/TePPjZIv6PI/AAAAAAAAAx4/6uU4p9N27AY/s1600/IMG_3510%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lywi3X4M00k/TePPjZIv6PI/AAAAAAAAAx4/6uU4p9N27AY/s320/IMG_3510%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaudi design of street lamp, he is like a national symbol here...amazing story, which I'll explain further below...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2zvZr9Knoc/TePP-p-_e6I/AAAAAAAAAx8/1af1V3JOW3k/s1600/IMG_3544%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2zvZr9Knoc/TePP-p-_e6I/AAAAAAAAAx8/1af1V3JOW3k/s320/IMG_3544%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Barcelona boats :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVT_jibEl2Q/TePQUqrjSWI/AAAAAAAAAyA/HAOjWH5bCu4/s1600/IMG_3548%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oVT_jibEl2Q/TePQUqrjSWI/AAAAAAAAAyA/HAOjWH5bCu4/s320/IMG_3548%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Nicole and our Yacht - bahaha.... So I wanted this guy to take a picture of us in front of the cute old boats behind us, but he was pretty insistant on framing us in front of this fancy, overpriced boat haha... I let it go.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33HtH22BxGM/TePQmeRwTuI/AAAAAAAAAyE/Xk6_rbdNm9Y/s1600/IMG_3560%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33HtH22BxGM/TePQmeRwTuI/AAAAAAAAAyE/Xk6_rbdNm9Y/s320/IMG_3560%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You can pay for school, but you can't buy class" ;)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewVMifGDGYQ/TePQ20Vi9jI/AAAAAAAAAyI/5_iasGWQzao/s1600/IMG_3572%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewVMifGDGYQ/TePQ20Vi9jI/AAAAAAAAAyI/5_iasGWQzao/s320/IMG_3572%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best job ever? I have a picture of the Beach Doughnut man selling his goods to a line of fully sun-bathing women showing their goods, and completely loving his chosen vocation, but I chose to keep the blog pg<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHB3pyu0rcE/TePRQGAitLI/AAAAAAAAAyM/00_0cAREDf8/s1600/IMG_3579%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHB3pyu0rcE/TePRQGAitLI/AAAAAAAAAyM/00_0cAREDf8/s320/IMG_3579%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sagrada Familia, One of the most amazing buildings I have ever seen. So Gaudi was Spain's greatest architect, was in the top of aristocratic and uppity society in his 30's, got to know God quite durastically from being a staunch athiest, and then renounced all of his posessions and became an incredibly humble man, while maintaining his career. The way he died, was from an accidental Tram accident which hit him, and he could have been spared, but passersby wouldn't help him because they didn't recognize him as Spain's greatest architect and thought he was a poor, homeless man. He, who could have lived if he recieved help, died because people prioritized their days around the physical appearance of who is important, and who just isn't worth their time of day... crazy..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SilNNb9YPa4/TePRkBMRYqI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/nsjYTQGf04A/s1600/IMG_3583%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SilNNb9YPa4/TePRkBMRYqI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/nsjYTQGf04A/s320/IMG_3583%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still under construction for over a hundred years (I think), scheduled for another couple of decades...</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InZbMxF9irc/TePRzf4SV3I/AAAAAAAAAyU/4ttfcSQ3ZJc/s1600/IMG_3620%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-InZbMxF9irc/TePRzf4SV3I/AAAAAAAAAyU/4ttfcSQ3ZJc/s320/IMG_3620%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1DEhm_wgXY/TePSGLXtw2I/AAAAAAAAAyY/IPe63WH42vU/s1600/IMG_3602%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U1DEhm_wgXY/TePSGLXtw2I/AAAAAAAAAyY/IPe63WH42vU/s320/IMG_3602%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BI0mfUzQ7U/TePSXvjftGI/AAAAAAAAAyc/LekXDGtK_TY/s1600/IMG_3603%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BI0mfUzQ7U/TePSXvjftGI/AAAAAAAAAyc/LekXDGtK_TY/s320/IMG_3603%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqBZrwLP6zg/TePS2V-78qI/AAAAAAAAAyg/UU5h1xM4fN8/s1600/IMG_3626%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XqBZrwLP6zg/TePS2V-78qI/AAAAAAAAAyg/UU5h1xM4fN8/s320/IMG_3626%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KEEGAN... love from Waterloo... strangly missing Huether and work... and then realized we were over it, because we were on the beach in Barcelona... ;) <3 love to the homes in patio season...soontime</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcU20o0ZNGg/TePTNA4wvUI/AAAAAAAAAyk/eNC6u0iXl_Y/s1600/IMG_3644%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcU20o0ZNGg/TePTNA4wvUI/AAAAAAAAAyk/eNC6u0iXl_Y/s320/IMG_3644%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovvgOdkV3PE/TePTt_P57ZI/AAAAAAAAAyo/IMMQB79rnyY/s1600/IMG_3652%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovvgOdkV3PE/TePTt_P57ZI/AAAAAAAAAyo/IMMQB79rnyY/s320/IMG_3652%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Gaudi... Park Guiell... amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XupVFpYIbFQ/TePUHuRFYDI/AAAAAAAAAys/oFo3tgU71vE/s1600/IMG_3657%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XupVFpYIbFQ/TePUHuRFYDI/AAAAAAAAAys/oFo3tgU71vE/s320/IMG_3657%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhcNiWJrBxw/TePUgjEkrkI/AAAAAAAAAyw/LVI2sWsb4As/s1600/IMG_3672%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhcNiWJrBxw/TePUgjEkrkI/AAAAAAAAAyw/LVI2sWsb4As/s320/IMG_3672%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBRFsscMkuE/TePVCe5e0GI/AAAAAAAAAy0/TpLSulOkp6c/s1600/IMG_3691%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBRFsscMkuE/TePVCe5e0GI/AAAAAAAAAy0/TpLSulOkp6c/s320/IMG_3691%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay so this will make Julia very happy. Here is an Asian woman (all love, I feel after last summer that we are somehow in an understanding with each other) dancing her hard out, in her tight pants, vizor, and bright pink shoes, to spanish music in the park, grabbing the reluctant child's hand beside her very often...if only we could all be that free... maybe it's a good thing we're not...</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CdYP3nSFiE/TePVdzVPr9I/AAAAAAAAAy4/6kxNPNvs_T4/s1600/IMG_3697%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9CdYP3nSFiE/TePVdzVPr9I/AAAAAAAAAy4/6kxNPNvs_T4/s320/IMG_3697%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3yfhJEXUKE/TePVtb7-rzI/AAAAAAAAAy8/VJ0ie9NRgH4/s1600/IMG_3719%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q3yfhJEXUKE/TePVtb7-rzI/AAAAAAAAAy8/VJ0ie9NRgH4/s320/IMG_3719%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sDyCVT5qWU/TePV3CpESJI/AAAAAAAAAzA/-uG0rK_OdCU/s1600/IMG_3733%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sDyCVT5qWU/TePV3CpESJI/AAAAAAAAAzA/-uG0rK_OdCU/s320/IMG_3733%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcFA_OGrg7k/TePWNyyHsBI/AAAAAAAAAzE/qMPkE0AcjdQ/s1600/IMG_3738%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcFA_OGrg7k/TePWNyyHsBI/AAAAAAAAAzE/qMPkE0AcjdQ/s320/IMG_3738%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlHyGJL0iXE/TePWrzzVTcI/AAAAAAAAAzI/oUwNSuc4Bqs/s1600/IMG_3757%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlHyGJL0iXE/TePWrzzVTcI/AAAAAAAAAzI/oUwNSuc4Bqs/s320/IMG_3757%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cool house</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KOHvCPuiKrw/TePW22KzP2I/AAAAAAAAAzM/Nf0IAMvvD9g/s1600/IMG_3784%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KOHvCPuiKrw/TePW22KzP2I/AAAAAAAAAzM/Nf0IAMvvD9g/s320/IMG_3784%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churro!! Yum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PiEhI209zPU/TePXJeLqN2I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/GupuyFUiJxw/s1600/IMG_3791%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PiEhI209zPU/TePXJeLqN2I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/GupuyFUiJxw/s320/IMG_3791%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bus over to the UK... inside a train! funfunfunfun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsog0S0u8Tc/TePYXW5Qu7I/AAAAAAAAAzU/tDFZcoUvbyo/s1600/IMG_3792%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jsog0S0u8Tc/TePYXW5Qu7I/AAAAAAAAAzU/tDFZcoUvbyo/s320/IMG_3792%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First attempt at finding good mushy peas... we will do it...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yEvGQgQTFe8/TePY0Yn7NGI/AAAAAAAAAzY/jzGNRsJQvgE/s1600/IMG_3859%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yEvGQgQTFe8/TePY0Yn7NGI/AAAAAAAAAzY/jzGNRsJQvgE/s320/IMG_3859%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Edinburugh Castle!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7RL7PAAy9Q/TePZKur1HeI/AAAAAAAAAzc/YfR3kh-BlnE/s1600/IMG_3880%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7RL7PAAy9Q/TePZKur1HeI/AAAAAAAAAzc/YfR3kh-BlnE/s320/IMG_3880%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I have actually fallen in love with this city...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tKWHQJjkLc/TePZimzDo_I/AAAAAAAAAzg/Oey3cJbPlR4/s1600/IMG_3888%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tKWHQJjkLc/TePZimzDo_I/AAAAAAAAAzg/Oey3cJbPlR4/s320/IMG_3888%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Basically a pirate tour guide... he was great, argh!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0PcJmogdec/TePZ0i-b3_I/AAAAAAAAAzk/S6m4bXcr_vQ/s1600/IMG_3894%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m0PcJmogdec/TePZ0i-b3_I/AAAAAAAAAzk/S6m4bXcr_vQ/s320/IMG_3894%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A heart that is where the tax booth used to be, common practice on the street is to spit, or do other things, on the heart to show distain for the authorities. One guy apparently proposed to his future wife on this heart... rookie mistake...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJR39cAoKeg/TePaa57N-SI/AAAAAAAAAzo/YD4A0dG4xE0/s1600/IMG_3898%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PJR39cAoKeg/TePaa57N-SI/AAAAAAAAAzo/YD4A0dG4xE0/s320/IMG_3898%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scotland trip wouldn't be complete without bagpipes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gQCJehdsBo0/TePaja4z5tI/AAAAAAAAAzs/8zB6ikM_rZw/s1600/IMG_3916%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gQCJehdsBo0/TePaja4z5tI/AAAAAAAAAzs/8zB6ikM_rZw/s320/IMG_3916%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHTkL2Vh3VI/TePa0mXh0HI/AAAAAAAAAzw/L_9qIaeiLtc/s1600/IMG_3941%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHTkL2Vh3VI/TePa0mXh0HI/AAAAAAAAAzw/L_9qIaeiLtc/s320/IMG_3941%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hogwart's inspiration...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1Rzp4Tsmeo/TePbLi3AvZI/AAAAAAAAAz0/ntTN8I6_WxI/s1600/IMG_3946%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s1Rzp4Tsmeo/TePbLi3AvZI/AAAAAAAAAz0/ntTN8I6_WxI/s320/IMG_3946%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look up Edinburgh's Bobby the dog story - the cutest, most loyal dog... sat at his master's grave everyday, without fail, for 14 years... the community feeding him and taking care of him at night.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYOuzh6CwM/TePblvOKwqI/AAAAAAAAAz4/xV0DXhwh06c/s1600/IMG_3951%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cPYOuzh6CwM/TePblvOKwqI/AAAAAAAAAz4/xV0DXhwh06c/s320/IMG_3951%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where J.K. Rowling's ideas landed on many many sheets of paper.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cis4FGXSS5A/TePcgUmRvpI/AAAAAAAAAz8/oQRauAfEHpw/s1600/IMG_3964%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cis4FGXSS5A/TePcgUmRvpI/AAAAAAAAAz8/oQRauAfEHpw/s320/IMG_3964%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QO2TmHYAM94/TePdJuG6g7I/AAAAAAAAA0A/H9-d03XDGvI/s1600/IMG_3970%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QO2TmHYAM94/TePdJuG6g7I/AAAAAAAAA0A/H9-d03XDGvI/s320/IMG_3970%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haggis - Yes, it IS good!! ....look up the ingredients... if you dare...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hT8EQf6c7-U/TePdot0-HtI/AAAAAAAAA0E/etMIdZ2Mdvk/s1600/IMG_3977%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hT8EQf6c7-U/TePdot0-HtI/AAAAAAAAA0E/etMIdZ2Mdvk/s320/IMG_3977%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original Mac building for Edinburgh, the council denied Bill Gates from building his usual Mac building, so he stript the inside of this old building to building his on the inside, a meter in around the inner perimeter... only to move out 5 years later... leaving it a very difficult building to now rent out...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIb8boaoJ6o/TePd_GfYDPI/AAAAAAAAA0I/zk36VnQmRD4/s1600/IMG_4004%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIb8boaoJ6o/TePd_GfYDPI/AAAAAAAAA0I/zk36VnQmRD4/s320/IMG_4004%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Edinburgh's sky line at night...</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZi9R-MhmGE/TePeYlsdwKI/AAAAAAAAA0M/26H2S_TEAQM/s1600/IMG_4021%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NZi9R-MhmGE/TePeYlsdwKI/AAAAAAAAA0M/26H2S_TEAQM/s320/IMG_4021%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, Scotland has a quarter of its own Parthenon</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Szwn_Rgj7f4/TePfKKtNoUI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/eYurk_tyCYs/s1600/IMG_4030%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Szwn_Rgj7f4/TePfKKtNoUI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/eYurk_tyCYs/s320/IMG_4030%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A third sighting of Mushy peas... we don't suspect these were much better... but we will succeed, as per Edward's insistance that they are good.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoOxzMWXICU/TePgGELxlTI/AAAAAAAAA0U/H_Yx-7LFqRA/s1600/IMG_4070%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoOxzMWXICU/TePgGELxlTI/AAAAAAAAA0U/H_Yx-7LFqRA/s320/IMG_4070%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Shoes on the Royal Mile</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3uRxCC5pwU/TePgkSoLxbI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/lwIV8UQ8zQc/s1600/IMG_4096%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3uRxCC5pwU/TePgkSoLxbI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/lwIV8UQ8zQc/s320/IMG_4096%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hostel. Kidding (well almost, considering one in particular that we stayed in)... this is a prison from the castle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0OY6WdAGSg/TePhPe-XMuI/AAAAAAAAA0c/55Jou6JDcOk/s1600/IMG_4114%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0OY6WdAGSg/TePhPe-XMuI/AAAAAAAAA0c/55Jou6JDcOk/s320/IMG_4114%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*sigh*.... oh, my guy Deacon...</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoMB8hAiV74/TePhyKFud9I/AAAAAAAAA0g/iyNjiquRG54/s1600/IMG_4117%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MoMB8hAiV74/TePhyKFud9I/AAAAAAAAA0g/iyNjiquRG54/s320/IMG_4117%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpt3REyvrW4/TePiZQPfYCI/AAAAAAAAA0k/ShT4M-o_GBM/s1600/IMG_4118%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gpt3REyvrW4/TePiZQPfYCI/AAAAAAAAA0k/ShT4M-o_GBM/s320/IMG_4118%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jesus as a gardener, love it!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ptZJgVwJAeo/TePjMSEq-AI/AAAAAAAAA0o/QamQ3nitfwE/s1600/IMG_4128%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ptZJgVwJAeo/TePjMSEq-AI/AAAAAAAAA0o/QamQ3nitfwE/s320/IMG_4128%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolly - clone sheep, stuffed... creepy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BWN3FRqRQI4/TePIFu7CBhI/AAAAAAAAAxU/VbU_ur3L9Bw/s1600/IMG_3834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BWN3FRqRQI4/TePIFu7CBhI/AAAAAAAAAxU/VbU_ur3L9Bw/s320/IMG_3834.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Edinburgh Castle, hardcore part of the inspiration for Harry Potter</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-80273284001421635442011-05-22T03:40:00.000-07:002011-05-22T03:40:15.958-07:00Through Insignificant Eyes<div class="ii gt" id=":vx" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div id=":vw"><div>May 14, 2011 </div><div> </div><div>So here we are, once again people watching - though this time I write to you from very different settings than before.</div><div> </div><div>I was considering not blogging this trip, but after some requests (yes, people other than Mom ;)), and a few meandering thoughts, I chose to keep it up. Even if I end up writing for myself (I am aware of the emo rep that "boggers" have), then read what or what not you will! Regardless there are pictures for those less fond of words. </div><div> </div><div>Nicole is my current partner in crime as we make our way through Dublin, London (and Sheffield <3), Paris, rural France to <a href="http://www.wwoof.org/">WWOOF</a>, Barcelona, Madrid, and finally Brussels - a "grad" (both of us smarty-pants are taking a fifth part-time year) trip itinerary that has been years in the making. Due to some last minute changes in plans, in June I will head to western Canada to the Rockies (briefly); to Northern Alberta to see family and friends and get a taste for the sustainable life; Greyhounding to Winnipeg for more wondeful family visits; and then hopping on another bus headed straight for Uni Ave, Waterloo.</div><div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BBmmi7faiLo/TdjZoGPeqiI/AAAAAAAAAvA/K8_eNY4pNSs/s1600/IMG_1617%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BBmmi7faiLo/TdjZoGPeqiI/AAAAAAAAAvA/K8_eNY4pNSs/s320/IMG_1617%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In airport, woo!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>As for this post's title, it stems from thoughts that have been increasingly swirling around me for the past year or so (our landing in Ireland was alsmost a year to the day of my whirlwind venture to Asia and Greece/Macedonia lqst year). I have these weird opposing brainwaves of grasping both the vastness of our world and yet seing how small and connected we are - so similar to one another yet unique and flowing and changing from one to the other. More and more the contrast of realizing my own place as an insignificant speck of history against grasping the significance of my own story (and simultaniously learning the importance of other's uniqueness) has been quite wonderful and has caused me to learn and be open constantly. I may be nieve in saying so, but I hope you see the significance of yours.<br />
<br />
Europe has been interesting thus far. As I see things much from the perspective from the way an English/Global Studies degree has taught me, I cannot help but analyze these fascinating cities, which encompass some of the best of history and some of the worst from past and current conquest...though such eyes my inner confliction and life questions are not answered in the least (I secretly revel in the constant state of new question marks and few certanties). Beauty always seems to have a twinge of bitter. Humanity has not changed - aren't we silly? "The Glories of France" that we encountered yesterday at the infamously stunning Versailles is speckled with statues praising the body and human condition yet was built without true appreciation for all human life; on the money of the starving, and furnished with stolen trophies. Yet in its gardens we sit and ponder life, having a wonderful day in the sun... while others are not so fortunate... hmmm.. appreciate in the blessing but know where this life is still thirsting for such fortune...<br />
<br />
Today we scamper off to rural France - away from the cities and into the country for a while :). I will let you know how WWOOFing (finally!) goes!!<br />
<br />
Keep it snazzy,<br />
<br />
C. </div><div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8o8LwZQLy4/TdjZPm-1psI/AAAAAAAAAu4/s9cE21yuJHE/s1600/IMG_1642%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8o8LwZQLy4/TdjZPm-1psI/AAAAAAAAAu4/s9cE21yuJHE/s320/IMG_1642%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burdocks Fish & Chips - best in Dublin, so they say</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBDzmE9ZzM8/TdjZexfGoLI/AAAAAAAAAu8/xHNzrZ1kecE/s1600/IMG_1647%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fBDzmE9ZzM8/TdjZexfGoLI/AAAAAAAAAu8/xHNzrZ1kecE/s320/IMG_1647%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zG45YrpzTYs/TdjZ4rVczeI/AAAAAAAAAvE/agf69yHMb7k/s1600/IMG_1722%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zG45YrpzTYs/TdjZ4rVczeI/AAAAAAAAAvE/agf69yHMb7k/s320/IMG_1722%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbFXxhpce9c/TdjaIgen-cI/AAAAAAAAAvI/z4eD3Vmkxro/s1600/IMG_1749%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bbFXxhpce9c/TdjaIgen-cI/AAAAAAAAAvI/z4eD3Vmkxro/s320/IMG_1749%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-dD9nZeaoE/TdjQOI9zB4I/AAAAAAAAAtk/TLsH0VXZTMU/s1600/IMG_1692%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a-dD9nZeaoE/TdjQOI9zB4I/AAAAAAAAAtk/TLsH0VXZTMU/s320/IMG_1692%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWIxoIfSVMM/TdjQbq-orgI/AAAAAAAAAto/PBpvRwHQC6M/s1600/IMG_1687%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWIxoIfSVMM/TdjQbq-orgI/AAAAAAAAAto/PBpvRwHQC6M/s320/IMG_1687%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door Heaven in Dublin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ipfWPqYLQI/TdjQo2VAmAI/AAAAAAAAAts/PIf4pj6YbO8/s1600/IMG_1818%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ipfWPqYLQI/TdjQo2VAmAI/AAAAAAAAAts/PIf4pj6YbO8/s320/IMG_1818%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cool like that</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0L9tyjSbhc/TdjQ0lIbWbI/AAAAAAAAAtw/PEWnypgRlYE/s1600/IMG_1842%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0L9tyjSbhc/TdjQ0lIbWbI/AAAAAAAAAtw/PEWnypgRlYE/s320/IMG_1842%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends in Sheffield - Chloe and Mikey, friends you may recognize from pics from the conference in Palestine! <3</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRDzSPE0Bog/TdjhACY0koI/AAAAAAAAAxM/Y3OgwHkU3Vw/s1600/IMG_2163%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRDzSPE0Bog/TdjhACY0koI/AAAAAAAAAxM/Y3OgwHkU3Vw/s320/IMG_2163%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Biggest Ben</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmsDcTo_wOc/TdjRBH7MMgI/AAAAAAAAAt0/py5Jq3GZMH0/s1600/IMG_1890%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmsDcTo_wOc/TdjRBH7MMgI/AAAAAAAAAt0/py5Jq3GZMH0/s320/IMG_1890%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so cool like that</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gvLs1Qna34Y/TdjRptHuS9I/AAAAAAAAAt4/d4A9TYEztCE/s1600/IMG_1909%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gvLs1Qna34Y/TdjRptHuS9I/AAAAAAAAAt4/d4A9TYEztCE/s320/IMG_1909%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey Cake from a pro-russian. Cannot express the wonder of this cake. I will say that we trekked back the next day though just for it, only to have a waitor insist that although we loved it we were missing out because the russian changed the recipe from the previous BETTER honey cake. He was determined to steal our joy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QARIuJd87EY/TdjR3NVbEzI/AAAAAAAAAt8/TZtN6KrLZXM/s1600/IMG_1930%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QARIuJd87EY/TdjR3NVbEzI/AAAAAAAAAt8/TZtN6KrLZXM/s320/IMG_1930%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picidilly Circus and floral!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4g5_SZ8Mdvs/TdjSDvjS88I/AAAAAAAAAuA/qWoLqyDv8dU/s1600/IMG_1947%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4g5_SZ8Mdvs/TdjSDvjS88I/AAAAAAAAAuA/qWoLqyDv8dU/s320/IMG_1947%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ph40rqFGXus/TdjSZcU_AEI/AAAAAAAAAuE/sBnAhQh2EUw/s1600/IMG_2021%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ph40rqFGXus/TdjSZcU_AEI/AAAAAAAAAuE/sBnAhQh2EUw/s320/IMG_2021%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. James Park, exoctic birds everywhere, as desired by the previous monarchy... including exotic Canadian Geese!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Axuxt10tj4/TdjSjeufW2I/AAAAAAAAAuI/lrf4DEoNoKs/s1600/IMG_2051%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Axuxt10tj4/TdjSjeufW2I/AAAAAAAAAuI/lrf4DEoNoKs/s320/IMG_2051%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckingham Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1T9BFSP6Io/TdjS09wSpII/AAAAAAAAAuM/WiQ92YF5Z40/s1600/IMG_2059%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1T9BFSP6Io/TdjS09wSpII/AAAAAAAAAuM/WiQ92YF5Z40/s320/IMG_2059%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was annoyed, they wouldn't stay still - just my luck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdh_E76cUBU/TdjTJ8T7vFI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/DJMJqNvFxz0/s1600/IMG_2131%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bdh_E76cUBU/TdjTJ8T7vFI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/DJMJqNvFxz0/s320/IMG_2131%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1A-WCujUkTs/TdjTd_OqchI/AAAAAAAAAuU/KHgac9JkgjY/s1600/IMG_2200%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1A-WCujUkTs/TdjTd_OqchI/AAAAAAAAAuU/KHgac9JkgjY/s320/IMG_2200%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westminster Abby!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AKvZfKZA-jc/TdjTtvRWiZI/AAAAAAAAAuY/A2OJGmgJrrI/s1600/IMG_2225%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AKvZfKZA-jc/TdjTtvRWiZI/AAAAAAAAAuY/A2OJGmgJrrI/s320/IMG_2225%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing the Loo to London!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CbxqNeREBV4/TdjbzEmWa6I/AAAAAAAAAvo/99U0e8VYjEg/s1600/IMG_2224%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CbxqNeREBV4/TdjbzEmWa6I/AAAAAAAAAvo/99U0e8VYjEg/s320/IMG_2224%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheap lunch in basement with friends :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQFv9GuKx8U/TdjUI71jh1I/AAAAAAAAAuc/LyK7eyR7qr4/s1600/IMG_2234%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQFv9GuKx8U/TdjUI71jh1I/AAAAAAAAAuc/LyK7eyR7qr4/s320/IMG_2234%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Engligh poetry in the English park</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6JQVC_XGeHQ/TdjUrTeMXhI/AAAAAAAAAug/vITJ9pdk8w0/s1600/IMG_2264%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6JQVC_XGeHQ/TdjUrTeMXhI/AAAAAAAAAug/vITJ9pdk8w0/s320/IMG_2264%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I provoked a pigeon fight... Nicole was not so impressed...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6metc_l4K8/TdjVHGZk9HI/AAAAAAAAAuk/7YckMgDZ64U/s1600/IMG_2266%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6metc_l4K8/TdjVHGZk9HI/AAAAAAAAAuk/7YckMgDZ64U/s320/IMG_2266%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkbiqbc-waw/TdjVfEeigHI/AAAAAAAAAuo/ZZ4m2MnU5O4/s1600/IMG_2267%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkbiqbc-waw/TdjVfEeigHI/AAAAAAAAAuo/ZZ4m2MnU5O4/s320/IMG_2267%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-61n2GqeW86E/TdjV2SdInTI/AAAAAAAAAus/bs6UV-p9L5o/s1600/IMG_2269%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-61n2GqeW86E/TdjV2SdInTI/AAAAAAAAAus/bs6UV-p9L5o/s320/IMG_2269%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjoXqsMqKLI/TdjWIzp4u0I/AAAAAAAAAuw/YYOHq7_OZbk/s1600/IMG_2272%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fjoXqsMqKLI/TdjWIzp4u0I/AAAAAAAAAuw/YYOHq7_OZbk/s320/IMG_2272%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unimpressed with me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ReA4_kqvPA/TdjaXOXOFRI/AAAAAAAAAvM/m3fTT3Ym6cQ/s1600/IMG_2333%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ReA4_kqvPA/TdjaXOXOFRI/AAAAAAAAAvM/m3fTT3Ym6cQ/s320/IMG_2333%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notre Dame</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjo-v14ryzM/Tdjamgitl8I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/BMJgZ9y0HgU/s1600/IMG_2357%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bjo-v14ryzM/Tdjamgitl8I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/BMJgZ9y0HgU/s320/IMG_2357%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside ND</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6Pt35X_s4A/TdjazEWzwRI/AAAAAAAAAvU/rCNsOLs_7cM/s1600/IMG_2379%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6Pt35X_s4A/TdjazEWzwRI/AAAAAAAAAvU/rCNsOLs_7cM/s320/IMG_2379%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Triumphant Arch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-791JPwT104A/Tdja-jjHysI/AAAAAAAAAvY/FR78cppPWHM/s1600/IMG_2383%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-791JPwT104A/Tdja-jjHysI/AAAAAAAAAvY/FR78cppPWHM/s320/IMG_2383%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Epic Meal Time at the Eiffel Tower (I will add for all concerned, I only had bites of the bad stuff ;) I've been good, I swear!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_loM8rmgMg/TdjbNizNqlI/AAAAAAAAAvc/6q5u5Ahwk1E/s1600/IMG_2387%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_loM8rmgMg/TdjbNizNqlI/AAAAAAAAAvc/6q5u5Ahwk1E/s320/IMG_2387%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGnyvcKzGkI/Tdjba3i7yUI/AAAAAAAAAvg/kHo_AuVXb0U/s1600/IMG_2404%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGnyvcKzGkI/Tdjba3i7yUI/AAAAAAAAAvg/kHo_AuVXb0U/s320/IMG_2404%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacre Ceoure</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBd7vCfjP44/TdjboDpSmoI/AAAAAAAAAvk/VbODwvyMg7s/s1600/IMG_2407%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBd7vCfjP44/TdjboDpSmoI/AAAAAAAAAvk/VbODwvyMg7s/s320/IMG_2407%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9asSltHup0E/TdjcBRfyMzI/AAAAAAAAAvs/UblgvnWUNvg/s1600/IMG_2413%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9asSltHup0E/TdjcBRfyMzI/AAAAAAAAAvs/UblgvnWUNvg/s320/IMG_2413%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSIYa9yWXUM/TdjcLifMbPI/AAAAAAAAAvw/53CRzcNIrAA/s1600/IMG_2444%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CSIYa9yWXUM/TdjcLifMbPI/AAAAAAAAAvw/53CRzcNIrAA/s320/IMG_2444%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oy19zFC5HZg/TdjcY_no3nI/AAAAAAAAAv0/hzkPONM7lbM/s1600/IMG_2430%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oy19zFC5HZg/TdjcY_no3nI/AAAAAAAAAv0/hzkPONM7lbM/s320/IMG_2430%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacre Ceoure again...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvxk2eMa6jo/TdjcpNkMihI/AAAAAAAAAv4/wDAP5QVv6M4/s1600/IMG_2458%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvxk2eMa6jo/TdjcpNkMihI/AAAAAAAAAv4/wDAP5QVv6M4/s320/IMG_2458%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmI6g3-7RrI/Tdjc2YH37qI/AAAAAAAAAv8/lt7hwI3nSBw/s1600/IMG_2470%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KmI6g3-7RrI/Tdjc2YH37qI/AAAAAAAAAv8/lt7hwI3nSBw/s320/IMG_2470%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louvre!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lYqTnGqXjE/TdjdD6DwrVI/AAAAAAAAAwA/N8NO4TNSYM0/s1600/IMG_2472%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lYqTnGqXjE/TdjdD6DwrVI/AAAAAAAAAwA/N8NO4TNSYM0/s320/IMG_2472%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXHWT9WTHJE/TdjdPnqwG2I/AAAAAAAAAwE/GluBAv4H8AM/s1600/IMG_2476%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXHWT9WTHJE/TdjdPnqwG2I/AAAAAAAAAwE/GluBAv4H8AM/s320/IMG_2476%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovelove</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4eFaTLuSD8/Tdjdc_zObXI/AAAAAAAAAwI/BhABbvax0rk/s1600/IMG_2484%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4eFaTLuSD8/Tdjdc_zObXI/AAAAAAAAAwI/BhABbvax0rk/s320/IMG_2484%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it's a big deal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joAGsxMlKdY/Tdjdpkh2LmI/AAAAAAAAAwM/4C3mRbFAnKw/s1600/IMG_2486%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joAGsxMlKdY/Tdjdpkh2LmI/AAAAAAAAAwM/4C3mRbFAnKw/s320/IMG_2486%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is a bigger deal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tadSRf4NbTs/Tdjd6BAICMI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/DGNfkhv_Jpk/s1600/IMG_2512%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tadSRf4NbTs/Tdjd6BAICMI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/DGNfkhv_Jpk/s320/IMG_2512%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj3RqVaKf48/TdjeGVHF_PI/AAAAAAAAAwU/uoMbuA98l1A/s1600/IMG_2544%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj3RqVaKf48/TdjeGVHF_PI/AAAAAAAAAwU/uoMbuA98l1A/s320/IMG_2544%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjL6W-M97PY/TdjeShrR4VI/AAAAAAAAAwY/eeOTFQoAmr4/s1600/IMG_2563%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjL6W-M97PY/TdjeShrR4VI/AAAAAAAAAwY/eeOTFQoAmr4/s320/IMG_2563%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Versailles - "The Glories of France"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxwwSb52iHk/Tdjeg5sUk_I/AAAAAAAAAwc/d5OPkd_0I-U/s1600/IMG_2574%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxwwSb52iHk/Tdjeg5sUk_I/AAAAAAAAAwc/d5OPkd_0I-U/s320/IMG_2574%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40h0u_720RA/TdjeyJEAmjI/AAAAAAAAAwg/2-pMM6v2Ivs/s1600/IMG_2614%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-40h0u_720RA/TdjeyJEAmjI/AAAAAAAAAwg/2-pMM6v2Ivs/s320/IMG_2614%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBIgpEej3JE/TdjfANP6I7I/AAAAAAAAAwk/M6leBbt1Amw/s1600/IMG_2621%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBIgpEej3JE/TdjfANP6I7I/AAAAAAAAAwk/M6leBbt1Amw/s320/IMG_2621%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not too shabby of a bedroom...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xog-DP5kJUs/TdjfMQu_MeI/AAAAAAAAAwo/IhrF72ATHNQ/s1600/IMG_2662%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xog-DP5kJUs/TdjfMQu_MeI/AAAAAAAAAwo/IhrF72ATHNQ/s320/IMG_2662%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A regular Versailles cowboy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4aEfzC0Yos/Tdjfmati3DI/AAAAAAAAAww/JGMXUbfrhx4/s1600/IMG_2717%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4aEfzC0Yos/Tdjfmati3DI/AAAAAAAAAww/JGMXUbfrhx4/s320/IMG_2717%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole, Lovin' life</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4jXMun988A/TdjfzB3ee_I/AAAAAAAAAw0/r3bGbx7qRXM/s1600/IMG_2721%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O4jXMun988A/TdjfzB3ee_I/AAAAAAAAAw0/r3bGbx7qRXM/s320/IMG_2721%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WprzxfKyef8/TdjgBpdIeLI/AAAAAAAAAw4/MAXp-MYh6I0/s1600/IMG_2735%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WprzxfKyef8/TdjgBpdIeLI/AAAAAAAAAw4/MAXp-MYh6I0/s320/IMG_2735%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look away, Children!!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2S1eCjy_n4/TdjgPFWPmBI/AAAAAAAAAw8/yuXrkZWaokg/s1600/IMG_2742%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_2S1eCjy_n4/TdjgPFWPmBI/AAAAAAAAAw8/yuXrkZWaokg/s320/IMG_2742%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49xJMwCT68w/TdjgXwKbUpI/AAAAAAAAAxA/Yc4dudvGGts/s1600/IMG_2745%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49xJMwCT68w/TdjgXwKbUpI/AAAAAAAAAxA/Yc4dudvGGts/s320/IMG_2745%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lambs at Versailles - a grand discovery :)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sR_Qtp_Vej0/TdjgxYlvLNI/AAAAAAAAAxI/GuXBCbhB1nc/s1600/IMG_2775%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sR_Qtp_Vej0/TdjgxYlvLNI/AAAAAAAAAxI/GuXBCbhB1nc/s320/IMG_2775%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo4mkxJXEmY/TdjWYLKgsZI/AAAAAAAAAu0/N2KptVHzbNo/s1600/IMG_2316%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo4mkxJXEmY/TdjWYLKgsZI/AAAAAAAAAu0/N2KptVHzbNo/s320/IMG_2316%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris - lovers lock their names to this bridge</td></tr>
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</div><div>WWOOFing stories to come... and trust me... they are worth your while... picture over-the-line Hippies in the middle of nowhere for a week...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Au Revoir!!</div></div></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-49512736335906246922011-03-02T14:40:00.000-08:002011-03-23T13:31:35.771-07:00"We Refuse to be Enemies"<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I want this post to be mostly pictures. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">Now that I am home there is just too much to say to write it all out</span> – and I know that pictur</span>es with a little explanation is often a better tool to show more people parts of what is going on than writing it all out. I will post later, after the pictures are up about more particulars, and my reflections on the whirlwind of a conference that was no less than life changing for me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">However before commencing into the picture book, I want to tell a short story about my journey home…. Just to put a few things in perspective.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">SO Israel is the best in the world at “security” – a word that is meant to make people think they are safe, when really the actions of such measures are based on the instillation and spread of fear into obedience and compliance – we MUST be aware of choice of words in our world today, because they are specifically chosen to convince us of something – from all sides. Through decades of being the number one receiver of “aid” from the United States, and through not having to be accountable to how they spend that “aid” to the public, Israel has created a state of high security – now one of their biggest exports, including back to the United States themselves (e.g. the tear gas scenario that happened with Libya recently if you know what I am talking about). Not only has this created a country that constructs beautiful places for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Israelis</span> to live by pushing the unwanted to crippling enclosements and hiding them behind a wall with roads that steer clear of reality – but their entrance in and out of the country is so tight that it reinforces their power as one enters and as one leaves the not so holy land.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you go to fly out of Israel, security is heightened. Immediately upon entering the airport, at the first security check, you line up and speak with a security guard about who you are, where you were, and what you were doing. They ask some more questions and put a sticker on your passport and each piece of luggage, and give you instructions on where to commence. Each sticker has a number from 1-6: 1 being the safest, and 6 being the target for high risk.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I initially received a level 5 – I am thinking I was probably profiled because I am a young person traveling alone in Israel and not Jewish who attended a Christian conference – which partly took place in Bethlehem, which is part of the West Bank. It wasn’t until they searched my checked luggage and found “<a href="http://www.sabeel.org/">Sabeel</a>” items and books about the Occupation that I was immediately re-stickered a level 6.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sabeel is the organization that held the conference – they are an amazing Palestinian Christian founded peace group that works in the West Bank and internationally. Note the word peace – the whole conference and work of Sabeel focuses squarely around non-violent resistance in the face of occupation – how to literally love your enemies and resist in a way that promotes justice for all – far, far away from promoting anything dangerous to anyone –<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> <span class="Apple-style-span">except</span></span> to the strength of the empire themselves. Though they claimed to be looking for weapons that would pose as a threat to others, the real danger that I carried was the promotion of Peaceful resistance, which is the real threat to the power structure. What they really wanted to push was an instillation of fear in me – but they were not successful. I knew my rights and I knew everything would be fine – and I wanted to show them that I wasn’t afraid of them, nor was I ashamed of the material I possessed and the stance I had. I was guilty of nothing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So anyways, the young guy – around my age by the looks of him and many of the others working there, was at first slowly searching my bag, but not too intensely, and I thought I’d be fine and make it through without any hassle… until I watched him pull out from the bottom of my luggage the dozens of pamphlets, notes, and books with the words “Occupation” “Palestine” “Settlements” “Justice” “Peace “Jesus” “Nakba” “Hope” etc. – words the state of Israeli doesn’t like to face. He looked at me and asked, “why do you have these? Where did you get them from? Did somebody give them to you? Why do you want them and what are you going to do with them?” I answered that I picked them up during the course of the last week, no one gave them to me as presents, that I study International work, and that I intended on reading them.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Level 6.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Within 5 minutes my bag was surrounded by a dozen security guards literally going through every nook and cranny of my belongings, spreading them over 4 counters, scanning and taking samples of each and every object, re scanning and handling my computer, camera, electronics, etc. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I was just standing and watching (keeping careful tabs on everything) and smiling as all of this happened, talking to the guards and making sure my things were respected and my rights maintained. At one point a skinny young guy was given the task of scanning each and every piece of paper, pamphlet and book that I had. I watched him read the titles with the words I mentioned above repeated over and over again. He looked at the pictures and flipped through the pages; I wondered what he thought of everything -if he denied it, mocked it in his head, if any of it sank in or affected him.</span> </span> I prayed that the images and words would affect him more than he would realize <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">– especially when they were coming from a young woman (me) who was smiling and joking with him previous to all the commotion and was clearly not that crazy (I hope so anyways, haha). </span>I wish I could get inside some of these people’s heads… then again, maybe I don’t. Once again too, I want to reiterate – not every Israeli is for the occupation. Many of them are, many have been indoctrinated (especially because everyone is in the military and thus goes through much training, which includes mental and psychological work), but there are individuals who are involved that have a chord in them that does not agree, and many end up being forces of change later on – though rebelling against the powers that be is far away from an easy task.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just want to keep saying that so that we are clear: not all <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Israelis</span> nor Jewish people are for this insanity, please, please understand this!! Individuals must not be lump-summed into the whole group – and that goes for Palestinians as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Moving on. So, for two hours they search my things – all while I am standing there keeping tabs on everything (I’ll add that I hadn’t slept at that point for 23 hours, it was 4:30 in the morning – by the time I was escorted to my plane it was 27 hours without sleep, so this actually kept me occupied more than anything haha). Anyways, so part way through the investigation of my underwear, jewelry, camera, shampoo, etc., two women approached me and said I needed to follow them to have a mental check done. I told them I did not want to leave my things just strewn about – my laptop and all electronics, souvenirs and valuables just everywhere. I wanted them packed before leaving. They pressed me that they did not have time to wait as they had to get everything done before my plane took off. But I knew what I was allowed to insist on so I said I would wait until the inspection was done and then we would go (half of that was strategic so that they’d have less time to spend with me in the “mental check”).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, because it took me forever to pack back at the hotel, and I knew that legally they had to repack my things for me because they unpacked them, I gave jobs to some of the security who were involved with going through everything, including the women waiting to examine me, and then thanked them for helping me while showing concern for how my things were being treated and hopes that they would not break in the repacking process – while pressing for respect, overtime many smiles were exchanged… though of course many of them maintained their hard core composure.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So eventually we finally packed everything – and for them to try to unpack it again and tamper with anything while I was being questioned and repack it without me noticing would have been a difficult task, and I knew where I’d placed it all so that I could easily check before leaving that all was well.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So they escorted me and scanned me into a private area and then a room where I stripped down to my tank and tights, turned to face a blank wall, and was physically examined to make sure I had nothing on me. Then <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">they</span> questioned me the same as before, and the women who were doing the questioning softened and we ended up having kind of a nice conversation as I explained the exiting touristy places I had been to. After they must have deemed me as sane and not a threat (lol), they escorted me out – the three of us holding doors for each other as we went. We retrieved my bags, and they escorted me to my gate, where I made it just in time for take off.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’m kinda glad it happened. One of the only things that went through my head once the Sabeel material was discovered was the realization that I did not only represent myself, and peace activism in the West Bank in the eyes of the Security, but I represented Sabeel as an organization who is known to them for the work that they do. I just hope that through that whole process, something clicked even slightly in the minds of the people dealing with me – for them, only doing their job, but hopefully perhaps realizing a little something more as they scanned the images and titles of the things I possessed. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who knows?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Anyway, so I wanted to share that story just to kind of put it in perspective for you as you view the images that come next. How truth of corruption is a threat to the occupier, and though I was leaving the territory with messages and intentions of non-violence and peace, this information is not what Israel wants <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">its</span> people to see, let alone the international audience.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">…hopefully I can explain some of these pictures enough! This is just a few things that I encountered while in the West Bank, though obviously much more than this goes on I was only there 6 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">days</span> – so these are just the observations that I made while there…<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FmSyIYj0lbg/TW6YniFqgsI/AAAAAAAAAPU/i9OKlohGsZE/s1600/IMG_1413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cE-674ZDqM4/TWt9GBYWWNI/AAAAAAAAAK8/UMME-KhlV0s/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cE-674ZDqM4/TWt9GBYWWNI/AAAAAAAAAK8/UMME-KhlV0s/s320/IMG_1219.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There have been over 24 000 illegal house demolitions in Jerusalem by the Israeli state over the last couple of decades. This one was a recent home demolition that we visited in East Jeru<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">salem. <span class="Apple-style-span">The family has lived in this neighborhood for generations and hold all the documentation to prove it.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span>This man explained his story of struggling with the judicial system in Israel and fighting for his rights to keep his home for his family. As I've mentioned before, homes are frequently demolished with little or no warning, after <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Israelis</span> win the rights to do so through the judicial system.<br />Palestinian families are also sometimes forced to leave - at times invaded in the middle of the night and given half an hour to gather their things in order for an Israeli family to come in and take their home. The crazy thing is that this happens ALL the time (2-3 times each week). In this particular case, this little boy (Mohammad, 8 yrs old) was home alone eating breakfast while his dad drove his older sister to university. Soldiers broke in, overthrew the table and food he was eating. They harassed the young boy asking him why he was afraid and didn't let him call his father - before his Dad arrived home the demolition was half complete.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qanhSOY52ds/TWt7y0399XI/AAAAAAAAAK0/BGOGRB6OoGk/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qanhSOY52ds/TWt7y0399XI/AAAAAAAAAK0/BGOGRB6OoGk/s640/IMG_1203.JPG" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><style> </style></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-o6p0narh3q4/TW5QBCyHu1I/AAAAAAAAALw/ngBmPEd1zS8/s1600/IMG_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-o6p0narh3q4/TW5QBCyHu1I/AAAAAAAAALw/ngBmPEd1zS8/s400/IMG_1231.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family has won the case in court (after hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees) to keep the land temporarily), right now they live in this tent and the one room that they managed to keep standing (once the dining room) determined to build again. </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qwd8cJDSxH4/TWkM1X4y42I/AAAAAAAAAKs/LiopQt97IkE/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qwd8cJDSxH4/TWkM1X4y42I/AAAAAAAAAKs/LiopQt97IkE/s640/IMG_1200.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unfortunate part is that much of the time the families who are able to keep their land (after all the legal fees and battles) often have whatever they rebuild torn down again. This father though is determined to stay and do things "legally" so that they can never be forced to leave based on "legitimate" reasons in the eyes of the international community. Israel's actions will speak for themselves, he says... hopefully one day this will be true.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-35Rupdv6Z6M/TWwK6ag2IhI/AAAAAAAAALs/oNGYAhLX2_4/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-35Rupdv6Z6M/TWwK6ag2IhI/AAAAAAAAALs/oNGYAhLX2_4/s640/IMG_1223.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mohammad was silent and solemn the whole time his Dad was speaking until Sawsan asked him what happened and then he burst into tears describing the horror of being alone and what the soldiers did and said to him.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ei8zGf0tfzs/TWuAlIHp9oI/AAAAAAAAALA/RDranoOsRAE/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ei8zGf0tfzs/TWuAlIHp9oI/AAAAAAAAALA/RDranoOsRAE/s640/IMG_1229.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9-qNnttX9Vs/TWwHZcoKpYI/AAAAAAAAALk/xHgxAblc2aw/s1600/IMG_1204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9-qNnttX9Vs/TWwHZcoKpYI/AAAAAAAAALk/xHgxAblc2aw/s400/IMG_1204.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of the house after it was demolished the morning it happened.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eietMgQz4BQ/TW5QTXQyzyI/AAAAAAAAAL0/0zFUjuQOr04/s1600/IMG_1237_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eietMgQz4BQ/TW5QTXQyzyI/AAAAAAAAAL0/0zFUjuQOr04/s640/IMG_1237_2.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuties</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zj2WWL6oDhM/TW5QmOdNDnI/AAAAAAAAAL4/3U7UGs-1SD0/s640/IMG_1246.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An orthodox Jewish family - first, not all Jewish people look like this -obvious to some but not all realize that so we must not stereotype and secondly, this is what must be kept in mind too - many Israelis are also desiring a place to raise their families and make a life for themselves. This is what makes the argument from some individual's standpoint - that fundamentally what most people simply desire is a good life for themselves and their children. What comes into question (and like I mentioned, some Israelis DO question this) - is the morality behind being part of illegal activity to achieve such a life.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3em-5kgz2w/TWkC-WQkqwI/AAAAAAAAAKA/RZ358dmZkPc/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B3em-5kgz2w/TWkC-WQkqwI/AAAAAAAAAKA/RZ358dmZkPc/s400/IMG_1142.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Qalandia Checkpoint. We met a women here who is part of an organization of Israeli women who are against the Occupation. Their work includes taking shifts and being present at various checkpoints in order to keep the lines moving and make sure that there are little or no human rights abuses taking place more than already are. They have been doing this for ten years now.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7jv891-tzZU/TWkE1mvVGQI/AAAAAAAAAKI/FuvlnARMTjU/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7jv891-tzZU/TWkE1mvVGQI/AAAAAAAAAKI/FuvlnARMTjU/s640/IMG_1152.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Israeli soldiers - all Israelis must serve in the army and the majority of the soldiers we encountered are literally my age. I can't tell you how strange it is to see/interact with people who look so similar to me yet are holding massive guns - some smiling, and some acting out on complete and disturbing power trips.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDAgYV5G_r4/TWkFTuTnCiI/AAAAAAAAAKM/57Ze5LRBr5s/s1600/IMG_1158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TDAgYV5G_r4/TWkFTuTnCiI/AAAAAAAAAKM/57Ze5LRBr5s/s400/IMG_1158.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall in Jerusalem with military trucks in front.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TN6q2vuTpEM/TWkGWNJ7B_I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/NvS1N9qsPFE/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TN6q2vuTpEM/TWkGWNJ7B_I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/NvS1N9qsPFE/s400/IMG_1162.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">Jerusalem is a divided city - not free for all who live there. On the other side of that wall is a part of Jerusalem that must cross in and out of the checkpoint to the right of the picture</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3VnfVw3erJY/TWkEAhT8aqI/AAAAAAAAAKE/W1NgSoYxQtU/s1600/IMG_1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3VnfVw3erJY/TWkEAhT8aqI/AAAAAAAAAKE/W1NgSoYxQtU/s400/IMG_1149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Israeli mother explaining her work and the film she made using footage and pictures of the transformation of the checkpoints from their beginning until today. The film includes stories of what she has seen ranging from mothers giving birth to children in the line of the checkpoint because they weren't allowed through, to people dying because they couldn't get through the line to receive medical aid, and children, women, and men being abused by Israeli soldiers, etc.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EEBiQ1Y1eqk/TWkHCdYMeqI/AAAAAAAAAKU/vUnSC6ESJcA/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EEBiQ1Y1eqk/TWkHCdYMeqI/AAAAAAAAAKU/vUnSC6ESJcA/s400/IMG_1167.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Israeli settlement in Jerusalem called Pisgat Ze'ev....</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KNNiDAyJ5R8/TWkHrnKaS5I/AAAAAAAAAKY/HKhzc0gxo7E/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KNNiDAyJ5R8/TWkHrnKaS5I/AAAAAAAAAKY/HKhzc0gxo7E/s400/IMG_1169.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a view from a park in Pisgat Ze'ev - a vally where just across the way is a refugee camp built for 1,500 people and is forced occupied by 20 000 people. You can see the wall, and garbage from here. Both sides of the wall pay the same taxes but the camp receives no garbage disposal, extremely low water supply for which they pay 5 times more than Israelis do, and very low electricity. The thing that is even creepier about this is that there were Israeli children playing and laughing behind us while we were here... growing up with this view of a literally oppressed people right before their eyes... it was actually one of the more disturbing times of the trip for me that made me physically and emotionally upset - really hard to be there... but this is normal for them...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uUab-uX6Tyg/TWkIfxWlzhI/AAAAAAAAAKc/ZGYLa0taxpo/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uUab-uX6Tyg/TWkIfxWlzhI/AAAAAAAAAKc/ZGYLa0taxpo/s400/IMG_1171.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another viewpoint from the Israeli neighborhood overlooking the Palestinian refugee neighborhood.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aouOdQrktig/TWkJQmH103I/AAAAAAAAAKg/KBUA_m6l7R8/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aouOdQrktig/TWkJQmH103I/AAAAAAAAAKg/KBUA_m6l7R8/s400/IMG_1175.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...we should remember too that though this is internationally recognized by the UN as extremely illegal occupation, America - Obama - has vetoed (and continues to) action against stuff like this.. and so it continues...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oJ9y-_qYLxY/TWkKOR-NygI/AAAAAAAAAKk/gdejK1kzrEc/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oJ9y-_qYLxY/TWkKOR-NygI/AAAAAAAAAKk/gdejK1kzrEc/s400/IMG_1184.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4nOIfLBsm7k/TWkLVrbUeEI/AAAAAAAAAKo/SAOG__oM8BQ/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4nOIfLBsm7k/TWkLVrbUeEI/AAAAAAAAAKo/SAOG__oM8BQ/s400/IMG_1193.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ti95H_MYK7s/TW5QuladNNI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Q5HvbuyeH9U/s1600/IMG_1247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ti95H_MYK7s/TW5QuladNNI/AAAAAAAAAL8/Q5HvbuyeH9U/s400/IMG_1247.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Sunset in Jerusalem viewed from the Mount of Olives (as recommended by Prof. Desjardin's :)) - dome of the rock to the right, unfortunately I was dumb and it's blocked by a pole</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vyCIceM0H5E/TW5Q6pwNPxI/AAAAAAAAAMA/qLi6yxTiucg/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vyCIceM0H5E/TW5Q6pwNPxI/AAAAAAAAAMA/qLi6yxTiucg/s400/IMG_1253.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... More sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AIMeSjrP-jY/TW5RJ1qmOPI/AAAAAAAAAME/j5lueKpawtM/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AIMeSjrP-jY/TW5RJ1qmOPI/AAAAAAAAAME/j5lueKpawtM/s640/IMG_1258.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--6YY-cRjTNQ/TW5RohmQiRI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ktNwFhTABkk/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--6YY-cRjTNQ/TW5RohmQiRI/AAAAAAAAAMI/ktNwFhTABkk/s640/IMG_1260.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to add too that part of the "beautification process" of Jerusalem involves uprooting and taking illegally thousands of Olive trees from Palestinian farms and replanting them around Jerusalem - Israeli parts of Jerusalem. Tourists think they are beautiful, but have no idea...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-skmGmwh3nfo/TW5R7LP0xiI/AAAAAAAAAMM/AW30Ewijj14/s1600/IMG_1268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-skmGmwh3nfo/TW5R7LP0xiI/AAAAAAAAAMM/AW30Ewijj14/s640/IMG_1268.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Garden of Gethsemane</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8E9Bpu_JsvA/TW5SLWSN5gI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/dcsCcsrNPUg/s1600/IMG_1270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8E9Bpu_JsvA/TW5SLWSN5gI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/dcsCcsrNPUg/s640/IMG_1270.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a service in Church of the Nativity, on the Mount of Olives</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nz1et60dSq4/TW5SZ486j2I/AAAAAAAAAMU/hGUqUlo5NrE/s1600/IMG_1277_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nz1et60dSq4/TW5SZ486j2I/AAAAAAAAAMU/hGUqUlo5NrE/s400/IMG_1277_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last week after the service on the Mount; there were only a handful of young people at the conference so it was nice every so often separate from the old fogies ;)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CbYEKCWOwEA/TW5UneDR81I/AAAAAAAAAMc/macGHCPugBA/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CbYEKCWOwEA/TW5UneDR81I/AAAAAAAAAMc/macGHCPugBA/s400/IMG_1285.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethlehem at sunrise; view from my hotel room <3 - woke up and went to bed to this every day.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZPKTWtEK4Q8/TW5UemW2YSI/AAAAAAAAAMY/ghbZyjnR6HI/s1600/IMG_1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZPKTWtEK4Q8/TW5UemW2YSI/AAAAAAAAAMY/ghbZyjnR6HI/s400/IMG_1283.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So when I zoom in on the beautiful view of Bethlehem, we see an Israeli settlement just beyond Bethlehem walls. There are separate roads for Israelis only going in and out of the neighborhood and walls/fences blocking anyone else from going in or out. Isolation of Israelis from Palestinians is one way that the state protects itself from Israeli citizens questioning what is really going on - it is much easier to be blinded if one is separate from the issues and able to "peacefully" live their lives in denial - even though reality is facing them just across the road... it's crazy. "Settlements" - a word which I am not a huge fan of, is not something that is just temporarily set up - they are "permanent" neighborhoods/towns built in the West Bank, on Palestinian Territory. Now, Israel considers this their land even though it is not internationally recognized. By building these areas (pushing Palestinians out and walls some of them in into the less fertile land and cutting their water/hydro resources) Israel is attempting to put facts on ground - makes it harder for Palestinians to fight for their rights to a state when that state now has thousands of Israelis settled and living in it. It's all highly strategic. Ethnic Cleansing, anyone? :s</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SWfeXoJnHUQ/TW5VFvVBnWI/AAAAAAAAAMk/kK71YOy73MM/s1600/IMG_1292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SWfeXoJnHUQ/TW5VFvVBnWI/AAAAAAAAAMk/kK71YOy73MM/s640/IMG_1292.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George, a resident of the home you can see peaking over the rocks behind him, explains the situation that is pictured below - which was right across where he was facing and we were standing:</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hgC7GzCurpQ/TW5U0qkS78I/AAAAAAAAAMg/8rBOlBGo__Y/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hgC7GzCurpQ/TW5U0qkS78I/AAAAAAAAAMg/8rBOlBGo__Y/s400/IMG_1287.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Village called Na'aman" on the other side of the fence/checkpoint. A now small area of land (the reduced it and cut off families/friends from each other and split farms/properties a part) where Israel has declared it "Israeli land" but the Palestinians that already live there cannot have Israeli citizenship, so whenever they build, they are doing so illegally, and Israel demolishes anything they try to build, including schools and hospitals which they were but off from when the fence closed them in, and the Israeli state demolished many of their homes and tear down anything they attempt to build again - all this an effort to get them to leave the area. Citizens, if they need an ambulance can only call one to the check-point, where they carry the individual in need of care to, wait sometimes hours in line. No one is allowed to enter but the people who initially lived there... so if someone dies and there is family/friends on the other side who want to be a part of the funeral, they must take the body through the checkpoint and hold one somewhere outside their town/village... same with weddings, etc. - any time they want to meet friends and family from outside their town.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyXafrT6v6w/TW5VbKlINhI/AAAAAAAAAMo/i2A9qq0kiLg/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyXafrT6v6w/TW5VbKlINhI/AAAAAAAAAMo/i2A9qq0kiLg/s640/IMG_1302.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Olive Trees, which are often cut down/burned as act of treachery against Palestinian farmers - whether for the purpose of taking the farm land and building on it illegally by settlers/the state, or simply as a way of pushing Palestinians out of the area, as without the trees farmers have no source of income.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZWR87yTx2zs/TW5Vup2ngWI/AAAAAAAAAMs/b_6K6-45Nfo/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZWR87yTx2zs/TW5Vup2ngWI/AAAAAAAAAMs/b_6K6-45Nfo/s400/IMG_1305.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watchtower and fence in the background of the farm.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9vnVS685UGU/TW5WamRvZtI/AAAAAAAAAMw/wHYDCttapts/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9vnVS685UGU/TW5WamRvZtI/AAAAAAAAAMw/wHYDCttapts/s400/IMG_1309.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive and Almond trees :). Settlement in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x21FQkUiqJc/TW5W6omLFuI/AAAAAAAAAM4/fHcTYXd98Ow/s1600/IMG_1318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x21FQkUiqJc/TW5W6omLFuI/AAAAAAAAAM4/fHcTYXd98Ow/s640/IMG_1318.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A house on the outskirts of the town we were standing in...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B2ZqJs8IOIw/TW5Wn5H2V_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/icxoC8fHlDQ/s1600/IMG_1312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B2ZqJs8IOIw/TW5Wn5H2V_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/icxoC8fHlDQ/s400/IMG_1312.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay so the shadow is from the house pictured above, and originally these homes were a part of the same area, but now are blocked off. A girl recently got married to the guy living in this house of the house where I am taking the picture from, and now lives in it - and in the house in the background live her parents. It takes her parents two hours to come around the wall and through the checkpoint - even if they are allowed out - and so often they just visit by yelling across the fence gap.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-joIuWNZPl7I/TW5XHr8qEoI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Eld4ilxOFgo/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-joIuWNZPl7I/TW5XHr8qEoI/AAAAAAAAAM8/Eld4ilxOFgo/s400/IMG_1337.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almond Blossoms :).</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lSh0EDNKcRw/TW5XWz9i4kI/AAAAAAAAANA/TxbYXgLobUg/s1600/IMG_1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lSh0EDNKcRw/TW5XWz9i4kI/AAAAAAAAANA/TxbYXgLobUg/s400/IMG_1350.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">A settlement</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jdS3KQAoQWE/TW5XlU8PD2I/AAAAAAAAANE/lWohnJiS_ws/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jdS3KQAoQWE/TW5XlU8PD2I/AAAAAAAAANE/lWohnJiS_ws/s400/IMG_1351.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Patriarch Way" is the name of the street going into this settlement - note that we are driving on a different road than the one leading to the settlement.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dnVMa7BalY4/TW5aRGkMWhI/AAAAAAAAANI/QtVCTi5twCQ/s1600/IMG_1397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dnVMa7BalY4/TW5aRGkMWhI/AAAAAAAAANI/QtVCTi5twCQ/s400/IMG_1397.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So we went to this INCREDIBLE place called "The Tent of Nations", where a Palestinian family has lived for a couple of hundered years (with deeds and everything from throughout the Ottoman Empire and Jordanian rule), and has continuously fought and spent millions of to keep their land though there are settlements surrounding them on every hill and their water and hydro resources have been cut off. The turned their farm into a place where they gather internationals, Israelis and Palestinians to come and work together/be together to learn and promote peaceful resistance. This rock is on the road to the top of the hill. Honestly, their story is actually amazing.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-566V7_pBqKE/TW6Yasm_QPI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/U-UiFR9gxmk/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-566V7_pBqKE/TW6Yasm_QPI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/U-UiFR9gxmk/s640/IMG_1410.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dehisha Refugee Camp - in place since 1948 Nakba Crisis</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SLSes2h_vSY/TW6ZFzhJcsI/AAAAAAAAAPc/54BYJwLPD48/s1600/IMG_1419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SLSes2h_vSY/TW6ZFzhJcsI/AAAAAAAAAPc/54BYJwLPD48/s640/IMG_1419.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don, a Palestinian film student living in the refugee camp - showed us around</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LjQ9dK5_XYY/TW5adsq7xLI/AAAAAAAAANM/R9NAY4nFHu8/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LjQ9dK5_XYY/TW5adsq7xLI/AAAAAAAAANM/R9NAY4nFHu8/s400/IMG_1424.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mikey and Chloe - loveloveLOVE</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r72aJmBkXsI/TW5at1MwHGI/AAAAAAAAANQ/86ai1RBfHdk/s1600/IMG_1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r72aJmBkXsI/TW5at1MwHGI/AAAAAAAAANQ/86ai1RBfHdk/s400/IMG_1425.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><3 </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-35sg-cyfiMw/TW5a-NUvArI/AAAAAAAAANU/Vvrl3O-vrW8/s1600/IMG_1446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-35sg-cyfiMw/TW5a-NUvArI/AAAAAAAAANU/Vvrl3O-vrW8/s640/IMG_1446.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A "cutie-patootie" (in the famous words of Carissa ;)) who followed us around a bit</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MdA3a_DpV4M/TW5bUHX42EI/AAAAAAAAANY/2TSIdXtkenU/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MdA3a_DpV4M/TW5bUHX42EI/AAAAAAAAANY/2TSIdXtkenU/s640/IMG_1450.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lacking proper waste management opportunities </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Mk7Lh7Cb_NA/TW6Ie9GOAlI/AAAAAAAAAPI/8DKNTK5c-EM/s1600/IMG_1413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Mk7Lh7Cb_NA/TW6Ie9GOAlI/AAAAAAAAAPI/8DKNTK5c-EM/s400/IMG_1413.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graffiti all over the camp - Key symbol again, and also camp images of the initial Nakba Crisis in 1948 when the Refugee camp was first created after thousands of Palestinians forced to flee their homes.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gynWHtkMyQk/TW5bhGgqhlI/AAAAAAAAANc/Gel23803Ai4/s1600/IMG_1458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gynWHtkMyQk/TW5bhGgqhlI/AAAAAAAAANc/Gel23803Ai4/s400/IMG_1458.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f5926Xr4M3U/TW6Y0oUTFRI/AAAAAAAAAPY/Vd2X6uWuJYg/s1600/IMG_1414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f5926Xr4M3U/TW6Y0oUTFRI/AAAAAAAAAPY/Vd2X6uWuJYg/s400/IMG_1414.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mYQ4Gns9_rw/TW5bvqP_mtI/AAAAAAAAANg/pJVU-ARJR-I/s1600/IMG_1459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mYQ4Gns9_rw/TW5bvqP_mtI/AAAAAAAAANg/pJVU-ARJR-I/s400/IMG_1459.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Graffiti</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3hlzrkjG930/TW5eVbBh9_I/AAAAAAAAANw/3LJ966WkRCs/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3hlzrkjG930/TW5eVbBh9_I/AAAAAAAAANw/3LJ966WkRCs/s640/IMG_1486.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image paying tribute to an innocent youth who was jailed and tortured and eventually killed for resisting.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mQKlOd9L6v8/TW5dtPDIliI/AAAAAAAAANk/Nfwinnc4z1I/s1600/IMG_1471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mQKlOd9L6v8/TW5dtPDIliI/AAAAAAAAANk/Nfwinnc4z1I/s640/IMG_1471.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Water resource center - they try to collect and distribute water as much as they can to the thousands living in the camp - calls into question Israel's slogan of "Making the Desert Bloom" (which parts of the desert and with what American money is not specified in this statement!)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PA75NSIE4Vo/TW5eIjpyeMI/AAAAAAAAANs/GsO9GzCdpYE/s1600/IMG_1481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PA75NSIE4Vo/TW5eIjpyeMI/AAAAAAAAANs/GsO9GzCdpYE/s400/IMG_1481.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group was given lunch cooked by a couple of families in the camp :) - sooo good.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ojuet7e15do/TW5d6qMXElI/AAAAAAAAANo/8pNTx-LZkJg/s1600/IMG_1479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ojuet7e15do/TW5d6qMXElI/AAAAAAAAANo/8pNTx-LZkJg/s400/IMG_1479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bqMctP7opDo/TW5efEo6OcI/AAAAAAAAAN0/7LtBQrlx_t8/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bqMctP7opDo/TW5efEo6OcI/AAAAAAAAAN0/7LtBQrlx_t8/s400/IMG_1491.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teeth!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2szwud_zcSc/TW5esRgH8wI/AAAAAAAAAN4/dFlAE2xRTbs/s1600/IMG_1493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2szwud_zcSc/TW5esRgH8wI/AAAAAAAAAN4/dFlAE2xRTbs/s400/IMG_1493.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Munir Fasheh - a retired Harvard Professor questioning our modes of education, and promoting the value of learning wisdom and working on/feeding our spirit just as much as our minds... amazing, amazing, amazing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v7HcmYUybh8/TW5fEwusanI/AAAAAAAAAN8/M1VLcShzKi8/s1600/IMG_1496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v7HcmYUybh8/TW5fEwusanI/AAAAAAAAAN8/M1VLcShzKi8/s640/IMG_1496.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ex-combatant from the Israeli army who is now highly involved in peaceful resistance all over. Here he was describing his journey from being a fighter pilot (and loving it) to going against the grain and becoming an Israeli peace activist. He talked about his experience last May being on a 9-person peace boat trying to go into Gaza with kids toys and medical supplies (no weapons whatsoever) and the experience of being surrounded by hundreds of Israeli soldiers on military ships/subs/helicopters with floodlights and guns... and the process and treatment of being arrested and jailed from that experience and many others. He is interviewed in a doc film called "Little Town of Bethlehem" if you are interested - I haven't seen it yet, but heard good things.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W12pmh-9tqc/TW5fRfsn0gI/AAAAAAAAAOA/9J93MQtPRU8/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W12pmh-9tqc/TW5fRfsn0gI/AAAAAAAAAOA/9J93MQtPRU8/s400/IMG_1499.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were privileged to see some students from the internationally esteemed Edward Said School of Music perform - incredible (<3 Ed Said... arts students, do your readings! Amazing man).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cxQWTa97vFM/TW5fez4aSBI/AAAAAAAAAOE/QqN4WN7GEgw/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cxQWTa97vFM/TW5fez4aSBI/AAAAAAAAAOE/QqN4WN7GEgw/s640/IMG_1506.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LdQUnKs1npM/TW5fvtwTaiI/AAAAAAAAAOI/t0Tr_XkV-P8/s1600/IMG_1516_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LdQUnKs1npM/TW5fvtwTaiI/AAAAAAAAAOI/t0Tr_XkV-P8/s640/IMG_1516_2.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawsan :), one of the head organizers of the conference</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7hYonL_Yw_k/TW5f9CVHtcI/AAAAAAAAAOM/i-NzSGC1vD0/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7hYonL_Yw_k/TW5f9CVHtcI/AAAAAAAAAOM/i-NzSGC1vD0/s400/IMG_1529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls Children's choir also performed for us</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y7Wj4pnQA0g/TW5gJbvbKjI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/xB7A0gWZsMo/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y7Wj4pnQA0g/TW5gJbvbKjI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/xB7A0gWZsMo/s400/IMG_1530.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Dear, peace activist ended off the conference on the last day - nominated many times for the Nobel Peace prize and arrested and jailed many times more.. but still at it - awesome/inspirational/encouraging guy to talk to!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0qYeEDO07hE/TW5gTPOJxQI/AAAAAAAAAOU/SYRjV8Sb5l8/s1600/IMG_1538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0qYeEDO07hE/TW5gTPOJxQI/AAAAAAAAAOU/SYRjV8Sb5l8/s400/IMG_1538.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only pic of the three of us!! Not exactly a touristy place to take pics together :p</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lucwN9Zkvrs/TW5lpLvuP0I/AAAAAAAAAOY/m9MVtzBXK7E/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lucwN9Zkvrs/TW5lpLvuP0I/AAAAAAAAAOY/m9MVtzBXK7E/s400/IMG_1539.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Must include picture with man who tremendously impacted my life - thank-you, thank-you, Munir!! Conversing with you and hearing you speak changed and affirmed and inspired and encouraged me more than you'll ever know - wish the world were more like you!! :)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xetap8ZArqk/TW5mGyhrc2I/AAAAAAAAAOc/xYbs7hY79dM/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xetap8ZArqk/TW5mGyhrc2I/AAAAAAAAAOc/xYbs7hY79dM/s400/IMG_1542.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand Crafted Peace Dove carved by the Bethlehem Olive Wood company as a gift to Sabeel for all the work that they do.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BqWywdIoO4U/TW5rPpbg45I/AAAAAAAAAOs/QW-y_RJt6L0/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BqWywdIoO4U/TW5rPpbg45I/AAAAAAAAAOs/QW-y_RJt6L0/s400/IMG_1541.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hxFy8e6uH68/TW5mY7Kg7yI/AAAAAAAAAOg/AIX0SJTDMk4/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hxFy8e6uH68/TW5mY7Kg7yI/AAAAAAAAAOg/AIX0SJTDMk4/s640/IMG_1552.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Images from Old City, Bethlehem</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bof1Lg0_LWQ/TW5mvsVeExI/AAAAAAAAAOk/VuUPC_pmyis/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bof1Lg0_LWQ/TW5mvsVeExI/AAAAAAAAAOk/VuUPC_pmyis/s640/IMG_1553.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bZZTfu5Kdig/TW5nE3CPpeI/AAAAAAAAAOo/LTHfsVzOetw/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bZZTfu5Kdig/TW5nE3CPpeI/AAAAAAAAAOo/LTHfsVzOetw/s640/IMG_1559.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yDITFOVGxvQ/TW5vAlAQjpI/AAAAAAAAAOw/VuIgRRpqsPM/s1600/IMG_1561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yDITFOVGxvQ/TW5vAlAQjpI/AAAAAAAAAOw/VuIgRRpqsPM/s640/IMG_1561.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SFc-i61y0cc/TW5vOdBVLCI/AAAAAAAAAO0/W3PWZjTj3_A/s1600/IMG_1563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SFc-i61y0cc/TW5vOdBVLCI/AAAAAAAAAO0/W3PWZjTj3_A/s400/IMG_1563.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Church of the Nativity (supposedly built over the place Jesus was born back in the day). In 2002 there was a 40-day siege of the church by the Israeli army if some of you remember hearing about it. All who were captured inside (including tourists and monks) were left starving - eating the leaves of a couple of the trees in the courtyard in order to survive.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FudAsdqbtII/TW5vaiJ57bI/AAAAAAAAAO4/6UDrTy9gDzc/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2G5n-KpSVY/TW5vvjReOSI/AAAAAAAAAO8/yOdAAY485mE/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2G5n-KpSVY/TW5vvjReOSI/AAAAAAAAAO8/yOdAAY485mE/s640/IMG_1586.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FxHDFbVSMaU/TW5wL3kzB8I/AAAAAAAAAPE/xAleInwXqYw/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FxHDFbVSMaU/TW5wL3kzB8I/AAAAAAAAAPE/xAleInwXqYw/s400/IMG_1590.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our final service on the last night, in an old store house in Bethlehem. Gorgeous... but freaking freezing.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oh_8ppegBRg/TW5v-1-6lrI/AAAAAAAAAPA/HgDEjrOTG04/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oh_8ppegBRg/TW5v-1-6lrI/AAAAAAAAAPA/HgDEjrOTG04/s640/IMG_1589.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;">Lemonada - mint, lemon, sugar = best ever.</span></td></tr></tbody></table>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-20361772187620258662011-02-25T00:50:00.000-08:002011-03-23T13:31:35.797-07:00"Build Bridges, Not Walls"<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Okay so I just reread this blog before officially posting it and it's pretty passionate - but I decided to leave it that way as it is more authentic to the way I am feeling - in fact I think I held back a lot of times just to not freak people out, and so that I may process more of my emotions before documenting them online and deciding how I want to talk with certain people about all this... so just a heads up!!<br /><br />enjoy :)</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2wUhGw6jv8/TWaQmOiXdGI/AAAAAAAAAIo/9m_jafPb6Mo/s1600/IMG_1030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n2wUhGw6jv8/TWaQmOiXdGI/AAAAAAAAAIo/9m_jafPb6Mo/s400/IMG_1030.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wall and the entrance to the Bethlehem checkpoint - further explanation below...<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> </div><style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Alright so I’ve got a wee bit of a break in between supper and our night lecture and I am already exhausted so I’m taking the opportunity to relay a teensy-weensy bit of all this to you…because I feel that it is important and I am compelled to share (well duh – wouldn’t be writing this silly blog otherwise! ;)).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First, before I begin relaying my own experiences encountering other’s daily experiences here in the West Bank (Palestine), I want to ask that you do not read this thinking that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is something isolated from you personally. The reality is that this stirring area of the world speaks to an empire that we are all intertwined with, affected by, and a part of whether we want to be, realize it, or not. So I ask for some empathy to this situation not as a case in and of itself, but as a harsh reality that IS actually linked to your personal sphere. It is something hard to grasp and makes the pill a little larger to swallow – but it’s true and I needed to be open about that with you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Before I copy and paste my thoughts from this morning: what a checkpoint is. If you are not aware (that’s okay, we all start somewhere and this conflict between Israel, Palestine, the United States and other Western and Middle Eastern powers [and everyone else, actually] is incredibly complex – so… baby steps, baby steps). </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Much of Palestine is divided into small areas by giant concrete/barbed wire walls – some around towns are completed, some are not; most of the walls divide towns and cities, businesses, farmers from their land, homes – literally separating families and friends from seeing one another (violating <a href="http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml">the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights</a> multiple times, btw).<br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In order to get from one side to the other, Palestinians – at the Bethlehem checkpoint in particular; I will be going to others today) must line up and be processed through a couple of gates, showing permits (required for Palestinians to pass through and issued by Israel) more than once, going through a couple of rooms, being scanned by detectors, and being confronted by Israeli soldiers. <i>Every</i> day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IlDh0uFfFQ/TWaRRy4UJsI/AAAAAAAAAIs/XgFPr_yRivM/s400/IMG_1052.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line waiting to pass through the checkpoint</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PnmTTPganI/TWaRxhAG7yI/AAAAAAAAAIw/DWhcjFjCNi0/s640/IMG_1054.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkpoint line waiting area & the Wall</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XRHLS9VrarA/TWcwdsQ8IAI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/19jgFvDxBEs/s640/IMG_1064.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locked in the turnstile</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We went through the checkpoint this morning, though because we are “tourists” we have a special line that though still took us a while, took no where near as long as the men waiting to get out to try to catch a bus into the city where they are sometimes able to work (Bethlehem unemployment rate since the wall is something like 60/70% or something ridiculous – I’ll find out an exact stat for you though, don’t quote me on that!!).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxWU1MCc8cs/TWcxTtsGUHI/AAAAAAAAAJU/HlMUcfgkwg0/s400/IMG_1070.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside one stage of the checkpoint, with the Israeli "peace" sign torn</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are my thoughts from this morning…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">…4:45 wake-up today to make it to the check-point in time to watch the daily occurrence of how Palestinians make it in and out of Bethlehem to and from work/school/hospitals/shopping/etc. The line was already extremely long and many men had been waiting for at least an hour at that point. These pictures will describe more than what I could about the process of going through…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Later on we went closer to the wall, and at one point we were beside a view of the “unholy trinity”: wall/checkpoint, Bethlehem refugee camp, and just beyond it on the hilltops in the background – an established flourishing Israeli settlement.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWDGs0QBBZE/TWc7F7N6vJI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/GEekj8u6gpQ/s400/IMG_1117.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the Wall</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I feel as though I am in some sort of strange movie – watching everything happen in a virtual reality. It is eerie how so much hatred and oppression has reached such normalcy while maintaining such desperation simultaneously. I hated standing there staring in the faces of the men I freely walked past as a Canadian tourist, who’s faces were regular faces of men (I was reminded of my Dad, brothers, and guy friends constantly while here), some laughing with each other while eating breakfast and smoking in line to the checkpoint, and some looking unimpressed with the prospect of another days work. As much as most of them were friendly back – the guilt I felt was weird. It shouldn’t be like this. Me being in a place of utter privilege and freedom, and “them” being so restricted, disrespected, and abused – both of us having done nothing illegal. Almost all faces were full of sheer exhaustion – blood shot and bag-heavy eyes. I don’t know how they do it – day in, day out, having to be let in and out of their confinement for actually doing nothing wrong. And over the years the prisons get smaller.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cActnoxpxgg/TWczhdiEp6I/AAAAAAAAAJc/YsSCaKM65iQ/s400/IMG_1077.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the checkpoint - in between different stages of the process</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What Chloe, Michael (a British couple who are 2 of the few people here who are my ageish – Ch doing her masters in Int. Dev. and Mikie working on his phd on Historical and political Christ – I can’t even begin to tell you how much I get along with these guys haha but I’m sure you could imagine – so glad they’re here) and I find slightly fascinating is how the graffiti messages sprawling the wall are all messages of love creative positive resistance; sayings of loving and active justice and not of hatred. We can’t understand how after decades, these people maintain such hope and sound minds towards their condition and love towards their oppressors – let alone the sheer genius we have encountered by the political and intellectual leaders who have spoken at the lectures, led us around the city, sat with us at meals, etc.. I understand all the more the desire not to be seen as victims – an image that can weaken a people; make them appear meek and lesser when they are not – but they are equal – intellect or no intellect, and thus worthy of support.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCa6gQW460Y/TWc3LmVIB3I/AAAAAAAAAJo/3JtWkdrLZBk/s400/IMG_1100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall art</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZSZ4o6PYN4/TWc5ZujbQiI/AAAAAAAAAJw/e2zNEJ7UPrM/s400/IMG_1116.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More wall art</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Despite media portrayals, the majority of Palestinians are NOT fundamentalists and/or terrorists – this image <b>needs</b> to be shaken - true, the violence not ignored but the terrorism committed not only on the part of extremists from Palestine but also by the State of Israel and the United States needs to be made clear. The wall is not only “preventing” terrorism from one group but is a very material placement and physical embodiment of terrorism from the oppressors – chokingly complete control. We are baffled by the strength of this population – and interacting with more and more of them all the time is so humbling in learning that those in the very worst situations give everything when they literally have nothing to give – and not just to the warm people around them – but to strangers and those who really quite honestly don’t deserve it. Not to lump them all in an innocent light – none of us are – but I cannot describe enough the strength and wisdom and love of this oppressed people, and how much I (we) can learn from them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgD3gZPlB2U/TWc4B_3iBBI/AAAAAAAAAJs/nzv7usHpCLY/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UgD3gZPlB2U/TWc4B_3iBBI/AAAAAAAAAJs/nzv7usHpCLY/s400/IMG_1105.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Build bridges, not walls!"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Watching the Palestinians be routed like cattle is creepy. I felt like I was watching something out of a Nazi movie – the movement of one group of people being controlled by a handful on power trips with their guns and uniforms. I can’t help thinking of images of the Warsaw Ghetto, or from the South African Apartheid – realities that so many of us consider past events – which is so incredibly far from the truth. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But the Palestinians – well some of them anyway – don’t want to be labeled as “victims”. They want shared responsibility. They want all oppressed to have hope; to hear and share stories from all sides; to love, be strong and stand together for justice. They are not weak or lesser human beings than we are… I am actually amazed at the work that both Palestinians and Israelis who see the need for change accomplish. Their strength and wisdom to maintain a language of love is no less than brilliant.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Understand the context of this issue on a global scale – perhaps hard for some of you who don’t know about world politics or global corporate power or history… but you don’t HAVE to know it all… compassion and empathy is the first step to sharing this responsibility. These people are not just “others” but REAL individuals with lives and stories and hope. But just as we desire full lives… we must not let theirs continue to be snuffed and squeezed out.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Please don’t be overwhelmed (or underwhelmed for that matter) but why I say – don’t let it freak you out….</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But... maybe… let it freak you out…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Because it should.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just because empires have always been oppressing all throughout history does not make it acceptable. Let’s change things together from the bottom-up up.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You have a place.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MWZm7CgTgM/TWaSZphpm0I/AAAAAAAAAI0/iJ7YSEW89Qg/s400/IMG_1057.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">International peacekeeping team, EAPPI, who help keep an eye on the checkpoints and record human rights abuses there</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTPzWAK9QHM/TWcyli5DUrI/AAAAAAAAAJY/hR4muW5Eci8/s640/IMG_1075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Israeli poster just inside checkpoint waiting area</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyI_qegMlJo/TWc0nTZ7eLI/AAAAAAAAAJg/WoVsn2ggHOA/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PyI_qegMlJo/TWc0nTZ7eLI/AAAAAAAAAJg/WoVsn2ggHOA/s400/IMG_1093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AUzJYalvzc/TWc1_TerDTI/AAAAAAAAAJk/-FsQbnGYWeQ/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AUzJYalvzc/TWc1_TerDTI/AAAAAAAAAJk/-FsQbnGYWeQ/s400/IMG_1098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AUzJYalvzc/TWc1_TerDTI/AAAAAAAAAJk/-FsQbnGYWeQ/s1600/IMG_1098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKYi2ei13Uw/TWc9e_0ww5I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/U6Qi14802UU/s1600/IMG_1130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TKYi2ei13Uw/TWc9e_0ww5I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/U6Qi14802UU/s400/IMG_1130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIaMOpHok7k/TWc-qv6MMwI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Hj75atF2XXw/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIaMOpHok7k/TWc-qv6MMwI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Hj75atF2XXw/s640/IMG_1134.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-58478281566214540512011-02-23T00:04:00.000-08:002011-03-23T13:31:35.812-07:00Jerusalem Waking Up<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpYmVx5JvHg/TWTjJXo5WrI/AAAAAAAAAH8/9LbXxAhGO3U/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XpYmVx5JvHg/TWTjJXo5WrI/AAAAAAAAAH8/9LbXxAhGO3U/s320/IMG_0992.JPG" width="240" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YohKbbgcNz8/TWTusvSLnQI/AAAAAAAAAIU/_psZahAO4_k/s320/IMG_0986.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old City, Jerusalem</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zym7HaICGMQ/TWTj0muaabI/AAAAAAAAAIA/6Ak1GzkHKqc/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zym7HaICGMQ/TWTj0muaabI/AAAAAAAAAIA/6Ak1GzkHKqc/s320/IMG_1001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Israeli soldier and locals in old city...</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Good Morning, Folks.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So I was able to venture briefly and quickly (unfortunately, but thankfully) through the Old City of Jerusalem this morning. Luckily I did not get lost thanks to many warnings from others that it is easy to do in the maze of passages that make up the ancient area (Although at one point I did feel like I knew where I was and took a turn down a particular street thinking I could make it a short cut, only to be informed by a local that only Muslims could enter that way – and quite clearly I am not a Muslim… so I turned around and went the normal route.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Old City is absolutely incredible and I WISH I had more time there but am so thankful for what I’ve been given despite the time crunch. The dynamics of the population are fascinating – sometimes subtle and sometimes obvious – there are Palestinian Christians & Muslims, as well as Jewish Israelis living here; the Palestinians who lived here before have more legal status than those living in the West Bank – much more, but the oppression is still weird to observe… but I am still trying to understand it all. At times I’d witness Palestinians talking and even joking through the Christian quarter of the Old City, and at times I’d see the tension like night and day – whether through interactions between soldier and passerby, or in the way individuals walk on the street passing one another, or in the way the wire mesh has been placed in certain areas due to rocks and garbage been thrown by Israeli’s onto Palestinians from windows above the narrow streets (I’ll post a picture of that).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I got free Falafel… the man swore it’d be better than the one in Jericho and though I didn’t believe it could get any better… he was right – but maybe the fact that it was free made it a little more delicious than Jericho ;).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then…I made it just in time to catch my bus from the conference group in Jerusalem and into Bethlehem where I am now in the hotel… My reaction as we drove past the wall for my first time was actually not what I expected…I thought I might be quite sad, or perhaps even almost apathetic because I’d seen its image so many times in pictures and films. But actually I was instantly extremely angry – way more than I thought I’d be and it was almost shocking I didn’t know what to do with myself. It was strange… but that’s not to say I haven’t felt anger when encountering human rights violations before – but this was different – perhaps because I’ve had so much build up to seeing it, I know so much of why it’s there, what it represents and yet so much I still don’t know or understand… so it was just strange. Not sure what to make of that – but the anger I’ll definitely need to keep tabs on. Obviously anger can be good if it wakes us to the wrongs of the world – but if it’s not honed it can either turn really really ugly – or in the very least people won’t listen to what you have to say if you freak out. I’ll keep you posted.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’ve got a few hours to kill before the conference and there are still people arriving slowly so that’s why I am able to write a little before everything gets going. I’ve been lucky thus far in being able to keep you in the loop… so let us hope that continues :)… gonna go check out the resource room for a bit…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wish you were here,<br /><br />c </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GA5yEc206SY/TWTl_MYb3jI/AAAAAAAAAII/-zsWLLpmP14/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GA5yEc206SY/TWTl_MYb3jI/AAAAAAAAAII/-zsWLLpmP14/s320/IMG_0964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dome of the Rock and Wailing Wall in the background, </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4abEyDHBUtU/TWTk7s69F6I/AAAAAAAAAIE/I88-PbZVwF8/s1600/IMG_1018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4abEyDHBUtU/TWTk7s69F6I/AAAAAAAAAIE/I88-PbZVwF8/s320/IMG_1018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79lkjkVK2fI/TWTiKV11D_I/AAAAAAAAAH4/5XtCIZQazNw/s1600/IMG_0990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79lkjkVK2fI/TWTiKV11D_I/AAAAAAAAAH4/5XtCIZQazNw/s320/IMG_0990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhkPIvoNgZo/TWTs3miMqTI/AAAAAAAAAIM/9GWT0uLt340/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhkPIvoNgZo/TWTs3miMqTI/AAAAAAAAAIM/9GWT0uLt340/s320/IMG_0975.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's my door thing, just can't get enough.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pimIiUhydbk/TWTtyABDauI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/ajLkegLefUA/s1600/IMG_0976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pimIiUhydbk/TWTtyABDauI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/ajLkegLefUA/s320/IMG_0976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-soUZAgXu48E/TWS8F77YYII/AAAAAAAAAHE/5wyb81ez7zg/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-soUZAgXu48E/TWS8F77YYII/AAAAAAAAAHE/5wyb81ez7zg/s320/IMG_0883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shwarma :) Don't worry...I didn't eat the pita - just forked out the amazingness from the inside.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STvK51kMS0Q/TWS8YUDjEeI/AAAAAAAAAHI/n-wjrcqi7OY/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-STvK51kMS0Q/TWS8YUDjEeI/AAAAAAAAAHI/n-wjrcqi7OY/s320/IMG_0895.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old City, Christian Quarter</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_eDp4Kou-8/TWS8kwCwk5I/AAAAAAAAAHM/Gc6Q2V8namk/s1600/IMG_0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_eDp4Kou-8/TWS8kwCwk5I/AAAAAAAAAHM/Gc6Q2V8namk/s320/IMG_0898.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More OC</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_OWmII01rQ/TWS85m_P-kI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/pZ-xCp_EbWQ/s1600/IMG_0918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_OWmII01rQ/TWS85m_P-kI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/pZ-xCp_EbWQ/s320/IMG_0918.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wailing Wall - Men's side</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UyyOYayIbho/TWS9Ln1XN1I/AAAAAAAAAHU/s9Wa-veXAAA/s1600/IMG_0924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UyyOYayIbho/TWS9Ln1XN1I/AAAAAAAAAHU/s9Wa-veXAAA/s320/IMG_0924.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WW - Women's side.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nav0397KUgU/TWS9crWCpvI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Z8qp1DVi3uY/s1600/IMG_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nav0397KUgU/TWS9crWCpvI/AAAAAAAAAHY/Z8qp1DVi3uY/s320/IMG_0936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0L9MVRyzZ_U/TWS9xulLbUI/AAAAAAAAAHc/7WDh_XxHwfw/s1600/IMG_0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0L9MVRyzZ_U/TWS9xulLbUI/AAAAAAAAAHc/7WDh_XxHwfw/s320/IMG_0939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PfLC0uK4fA/TWS99rBkg6I/AAAAAAAAAHg/E_xY--nTUX0/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PfLC0uK4fA/TWS99rBkg6I/AAAAAAAAAHg/E_xY--nTUX0/s320/IMG_0943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ6OPpt1nUM/TWS-N1FFYdI/AAAAAAAAAHk/VwA1YoGmb28/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ6OPpt1nUM/TWS-N1FFYdI/AAAAAAAAAHk/VwA1YoGmb28/s320/IMG_0947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tveNpb7Ide4/TWS-lGf7qDI/AAAAAAAAAHo/NgH-Be38mKE/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tveNpb7Ide4/TWS-lGf7qDI/AAAAAAAAAHo/NgH-Be38mKE/s320/IMG_0967.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-ira7UWaZo/TWS-6HMdl3I/AAAAAAAAAHs/QB3zUzDZbEM/s1600/IMG_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-ira7UWaZo/TWS-6HMdl3I/AAAAAAAAAHs/QB3zUzDZbEM/s320/IMG_0973.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDND_KLCWks/TWS_NDtL_gI/AAAAAAAAAHw/g9yyR0wKqMc/s1600/IMG_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tDND_KLCWks/TWS_NDtL_gI/AAAAAAAAAHw/g9yyR0wKqMc/s320/IMG_0974.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiJ71cn7cSs/TWS_f1Qg-FI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Qx3sBF3a_Hk/s1600/IMG_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TiJ71cn7cSs/TWS_f1Qg-FI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Qx3sBF3a_Hk/s320/IMG_0983.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the Old City. Palestinian shops and streets below and Israeli apartments above - this is the wire mesh I was talking about that they put up to guard from the stones and garbage that is thrown down from one neighbour against another.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YJjZ3SwdVw/TWTxMuphFgI/AAAAAAAAAIk/us6IjaL4q1s/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YJjZ3SwdVw/TWTxMuphFgI/AAAAAAAAAIk/us6IjaL4q1s/s320/IMG_1022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Urreu_nR7Ro/TWTvnVZ-8fI/AAAAAAAAAIc/XD5EaSKoOu8/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Urreu_nR7Ro/TWTvnVZ-8fI/AAAAAAAAAIc/XD5EaSKoOu8/s320/IMG_1020.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVi-Pc_xA-A/TWTvJdmG1lI/AAAAAAAAAIY/8g1RwMschws/s1600/IMG_1019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVi-Pc_xA-A/TWTvJdmG1lI/AAAAAAAAAIY/8g1RwMschws/s320/IMG_1019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8GlA8oOccM/TWTwcIuftZI/AAAAAAAAAIg/glC1rtibEBw/s320/IMG_1021.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checkpoints into Bethlehem and the city as viewed from our hotel.</td></tr></tbody></table>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-8625984029147410162011-02-22T22:01:00.000-08:002011-03-23T13:31:35.930-07:00Hostel Livin'<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just want to post a little disclaimer about how much I freaking love hostels....</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Honestly if we could live the way people do in hostels - so giving and friendly no matter who you are, what you look like, your beliefs, and consistently giving of food and tea and resources and sharing - gah, I am constantly humbled by people. Last night while sitting in the same spot I encountered dozens of people in coversation, was asked if I wanted tea, coffee or wine like ten times, was given chocolate and cookies and advice in return for my own story. And the majority of the hostels I've stayed at have been no different. Amazing.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Can I be cheesy and say let there be love?</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">must go.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><3</div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-34563165293246523332011-02-22T12:25:00.000-08:002011-03-23T13:31:35.956-07:00Crazy Tourist<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ola!</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">iight, sooo I am SUPER tired, but the internet just began working full-throttle for the time-being, and I finally have a few hours to spare for once in the past few days, AND the conference begins tomorrow so I am taking advantage of spending some quality time with Y-O-U.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(update for those out of the loop, I am currently in Jerusalem for the second night before heading to a conference tomorrow that focuses on learning about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on ground, and the prospects of peace regarding such complicated issues. The conference is based out of Bethlehem, but we will be going to and from other cities such as Hebron, back into Jerusalem, refugee camps somewhere (not sure where yet), etc. (if you are just dying to know where I am supposed to be at all times feel free to ask for the itinerary! </span><a href="mailto:carry1212@hotmail.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">carry1212@hotmail.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">))</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">After spending 17 hours in transit, I arrived in Jerusalem last night (after a VERY interesting encounter with a Ukrainian gentleman on my first flight – ask me about it later if you want…) and jumped on an opportunity to tour Masada (one of King Herod’s fortresses), the Dead Sea, Jericho, the Mount of Temptation, the Sycamore Tree and… some other stuff, as much as I REALLY want to see more of Jerusalem – I am banking on seeing more of it a bit later in the conference where I perhaps wouldn’t have been able to experience what I did today.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Basically that’s all I’ve done thus far – no intellectual/political stuff… although I will say that because of what I knew going into Israel, and going into Palestine, and speaking to various people that live in the different places – the politics are everywhere.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I’ve only been here 24 hours and already have encountered plenty of individuals visiting on Birth Right, Palestinian locals willing to open up about their lives, and dozens upon dozens of Christian tourists here to see the Holy Land (– poor innocent souls, if only they knew). The reactions from those whom I chose to tell the truth to about why I’m here has varied as well from cold to hot – but one thing is clear, I actually can’t wait to stop being an innocent tourist and start really diving into why I am here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here’s for tomorrow,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">G’night and sweet dreams!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">C</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">p.s. hummus and falafal are FANfreakingtastic – come dine with me :))</span></o:p></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfs0uQlCdtU/TWQI19bZy0I/AAAAAAAAAFI/bdAFTKXmn8I/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nfs0uQlCdtU/TWQI19bZy0I/AAAAAAAAAFI/bdAFTKXmn8I/s320/IMG_0477.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Flight into Kiev, my transfer city </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAnCzTHAInI/TWQKG89KNcI/AAAAAAAAAFM/XERQq1SnqII/s1600/IMG_0481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAnCzTHAInI/TWQKG89KNcI/AAAAAAAAAFM/XERQq1SnqII/s320/IMG_0481.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Posters lining the exit from BenGurion Airport into Tel Aviv</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVHTZ5PHzyU/TWQKiO7OqOI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/eaYaP5xJLMw/s1600/IMG_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVHTZ5PHzyU/TWQKiO7OqOI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/eaYaP5xJLMw/s320/IMG_0486.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">View from outside Hostel, in Jerusalem</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WDDxwKVNwYw/TWQLCmQtYSI/AAAAAAAAAFU/9Ed_XWVTT0k/s1600/IMG_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WDDxwKVNwYw/TWQLCmQtYSI/AAAAAAAAAFU/9Ed_XWVTT0k/s320/IMG_0489.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">More of the view</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6B_1AGQJNFk/TWQLRfN30pI/AAAAAAAAAFY/LJ_UccsqVis/s1600/IMG_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6B_1AGQJNFk/TWQLRfN30pI/AAAAAAAAAFY/LJ_UccsqVis/s320/IMG_0490.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Breakfast - miss it, H & J? (I'd also note that the touch of Canadian in the top left was mine - don't get excited that we've extended Timmie's influence that far ;))</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLCB8UtmuRg/TWQLgSIRehI/AAAAAAAAAFc/JkEa_jn4aG4/s1600/IMG_0608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLCB8UtmuRg/TWQLgSIRehI/AAAAAAAAAFc/JkEa_jn4aG4/s320/IMG_0608.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Dead Sea, viewed from Masada</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pIIYAtqPiiI/TWQLu6aQ86I/AAAAAAAAAFg/JK0PsjoBGZo/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pIIYAtqPiiI/TWQLu6aQ86I/AAAAAAAAAFg/JK0PsjoBGZo/s320/IMG_0630.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">View from the fortress, you may note the mountains in these pictures - all are from across the Dead Sea and are the shores of Jordan.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIV12qukCKE/TWQMEgsw9lI/AAAAAAAAAFk/Yb5QEs20xBk/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIV12qukCKE/TWQMEgsw9lI/AAAAAAAAAFk/Yb5QEs20xBk/s320/IMG_0633.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jewish Birth Right trip group</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sppC0LpEh9k/TWQMWyb0TxI/AAAAAAAAAFo/eyc52GHGSMQ/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sppC0LpEh9k/TWQMWyb0TxI/AAAAAAAAAFo/eyc52GHGSMQ/s320/IMG_0666.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Israeli sign where we were floating in the dead sea...</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLj63W0PHZ4/TWQMziux_HI/AAAAAAAAAFs/CTmcD6pOpsE/s1600/IMG_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLj63W0PHZ4/TWQMziux_HI/AAAAAAAAAFs/CTmcD6pOpsE/s320/IMG_0670.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I had as difficult a time as this guy - the rocks are SO sharp from the salt plastered to the rocks...</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1fF0bxSTf4/TWQNJk3ngAI/AAAAAAAAAFw/igHMwAhTwn8/s1600/IMG_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i1fF0bxSTf4/TWQNJk3ngAI/AAAAAAAAAFw/igHMwAhTwn8/s320/IMG_0682.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">...as you can kind of see the blood running down my feet onto my ankles from them!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span> </o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXfHtWxDgBY/TWQNsbFW62I/AAAAAAAAAF0/cMN2G6QQKTo/s1600/IMG_0697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXfHtWxDgBY/TWQNsbFW62I/AAAAAAAAAF0/cMN2G6QQKTo/s320/IMG_0697.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The wretched but wickedly cool looking rocks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KJ9vrpGZ0w/TWQcmsXyvVI/AAAAAAAAAHA/tc9w9OJmY4M/s1600/IMG_0691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6KJ9vrpGZ0w/TWQcmsXyvVI/AAAAAAAAAHA/tc9w9OJmY4M/s320/IMG_0691.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Moi nursing my bleeding feet in the salt water</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hpml4p57-c/TWQN__4xseI/AAAAAAAAAF4/2Yj1BHmBkIg/s1600/IMG_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hpml4p57-c/TWQN__4xseI/AAAAAAAAAF4/2Yj1BHmBkIg/s320/IMG_0706.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><3 </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOP2kMG8t40/TWQONx_rCrI/AAAAAAAAAF8/13-wVzv4YxM/s1600/IMG_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iOP2kMG8t40/TWQONx_rCrI/AAAAAAAAAF8/13-wVzv4YxM/s320/IMG_0710.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">One exciting thing I discovered was this man with his shirt up - the phenomena of pot-bellied men rubbing their bellies has made it from China, to Macedonia, and down to the Holy Land - I am at the point of no longer even being shocked when I see one.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2P4j61-yIQ/TWQOWlH4r4I/AAAAAAAAAGA/cDPYJGdG3eU/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r2P4j61-yIQ/TWQOWlH4r4I/AAAAAAAAAGA/cDPYJGdG3eU/s320/IMG_0723.JPG" width="205" /></span></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At the entrance to Jericho - Palestinian key representing the keys and deeds many still hold to their demolished homes and taken land. The words on this key say "We Will Return"</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXT1eF75gEs/TWQPQev9xnI/AAAAAAAAAGE/qoykQ2wuPos/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXT1eF75gEs/TWQPQev9xnI/AAAAAAAAAGE/qoykQ2wuPos/s320/IMG_0783.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> View from the Mount of Temptation - these guys were picking up garbage on the way out of this ravine - don't know why they were there..</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HvS61WYKMA/TWQPtOpnuOI/AAAAAAAAAGI/LF7WKqEN35E/s1600/IMG_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HvS61WYKMA/TWQPtOpnuOI/AAAAAAAAAGI/LF7WKqEN35E/s320/IMG_0797.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Palestinian tourist artisan - pretty neat, had a sweet convo with him.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aC2NGT7wqQ8/TWQP7XU--UI/AAAAAAAAAGM/4zUKQhKOZ0A/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aC2NGT7wqQ8/TWQP7XU--UI/AAAAAAAAAGM/4zUKQhKOZ0A/s320/IMG_0802.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Greek Orthodox Monastery built into the caves of the Mount of Temptation.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrY4l67yuqw/TWQQSptPAWI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/vqzIg3v6XFg/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrY4l67yuqw/TWQQSptPAWI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/vqzIg3v6XFg/s320/IMG_0807.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In Jericho</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BkdCf-HKI8/TWQQsJ_LG6I/AAAAAAAAAGU/p-UGlo48bpM/s1600/IMG_0828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1BkdCf-HKI8/TWQQsJ_LG6I/AAAAAAAAAGU/p-UGlo48bpM/s320/IMG_0828.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Palestinian flag. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbg654DFL1s/TWQQ-914WbI/AAAAAAAAAGY/ZrtI47TERg8/s1600/IMG_0831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mbg654DFL1s/TWQQ-914WbI/AAAAAAAAAGY/ZrtI47TERg8/s320/IMG_0831.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ruins with smoke from a few explosions - DON'T WORRY Mom, I really don't think it was dangerous!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vsFTwlyx6ik/TWQUccS5pRI/AAAAAAAAAG8/iqzcr8HBzo0/s1600/IMG_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vsFTwlyx6ik/TWQUccS5pRI/AAAAAAAAAG8/iqzcr8HBzo0/s320/IMG_0882.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Polish friends I met and had a little birthday party with for their Grandma :)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GR5OZw5thXs/TWQSVTce6QI/AAAAAAAAAGo/3ipue2myeoM/s1600/IMG_0843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GR5OZw5thXs/TWQSVTce6QI/AAAAAAAAAGo/3ipue2myeoM/s320/IMG_0843.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Banana Farm that I wandered off to peek around.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXAOI6wq7t8/TWQTq797z_I/AAAAAAAAAG0/Qp1jBbI5b3I/s1600/IMG_0879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXAOI6wq7t8/TWQTq797z_I/AAAAAAAAAG0/Qp1jBbI5b3I/s320/IMG_0879.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fabulous Fresh Falafel </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d6WOLCUFwgA/TWQTgIYeYzI/AAAAAAAAAGw/lPvFk-Xw7ks/s1600/IMG_0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d6WOLCUFwgA/TWQTgIYeYzI/AAAAAAAAAGw/lPvFk-Xw7ks/s320/IMG_0858.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Sycamore tree - over 2000 years old... apparently the tree Zacchaeus climbed..</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cU2iYaHZwv4/TWQShLwp1II/AAAAAAAAAGs/2FnKizu7CDs/s1600/IMG_0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cU2iYaHZwv4/TWQShLwp1II/AAAAAAAAAGs/2FnKizu7CDs/s320/IMG_0855.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This Much I <3 You</span></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-90161402324943794722011-02-17T17:37:00.000-08:002011-03-23T13:31:35.972-07:00Finally!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hellooo,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Alrighty sooo....I just spent the last few days sending off </span>a few of my girlies to Bolivia (okay.. and the boys, I won't forget you ;)) where they’ll be messing around for a few weeks (building a laundry room for an orphanage, and getting to know some of the kids there)... and amoungst my ramblings of them being safe and humble and safe and open and SAFE, I was gently and lovingly reminded... "Carolyn, you're going to the freaking Middle East" -<br /><br />oohh yeah!<br /><br />SO, now it is JUST beginning to sink in that I have my own upcoming venture to Palestine/Israel (finally! I'm headed to a peace-building conference there, in case you were unawares). It seems as though I haven't had too much time to anticipate the couple of weeks that are now before me - but I'm just gonna jump into it and can't wait to see what happens.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As some of you may recall, I was registered for a similar conference last summer with Julia and Hannah (the other two thirds of the BWC team). As disappointed (but sure) as I was at the time to make the call to come home after being in Asia and Greece/Macedonia, looking back I am so glad that this is the route that was laid out for me (as much as I’ll miss J & H :))...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I've spent the last seven months reading journals, articles, books, and stories, and watched documentaries, interviews, and lectures from such a beautiful and shaken area of the world… and so now I am going with a deeper intellectual understanding and emotional foundation from the information that I’ve tried to digest over the past term. Now it’s time to go and shake all that up as I encounter the real deal with my own eyes, and with my own experiences brought to the table.<br /><br />Gah! Okay, getting a little more excited.. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm curious to see how I'll react – how different or the same I will feel standing in front of <a href="http://www.btselem.org/english/separation_barrier/">the Wall</a> and being able to touch it myself, or after hearing so many stories finally meeting refugees and soldiers face to face. There’s not too much to write here because I have NO freaking clue what to expect, or what might be done in me as I grapple with how wonderful and how awful we humans are while trekking a bit of the Holy Land (there aren't many places that I have wanted to experience since I was supersuper young, but I remember as a small kid seeing the maps and pictures of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, Jericho, etc... and then hearing my Grandma's stories (from not so long ago ;)) and imagining - longing to go there and one day see the very real streets and landscape myself).<br /><br />What I didn't anticipate when I was young of course was the most unfortunate modern day reality - the innocence from a lack of knowledge (which I would like to blame on my age at the time, but unfortunately I don't think age is what keeps people out of the know regarding this massive and dire situation).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’ll be flying out Sunday at 6pm (!) and then I'll kick around Jerusalem for a couple of days, just soaking it all in and prepping myself for the conference which starts midweek next week! ...eek! K, It's slowly starting to settle in..</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The conference link is attached below in case you are curious.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Also, I am attaching a new doc for ya’ll to check out!! (Well, after watching <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SbjAanvUqs&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26source%3Dvideo%26cd%3D1%26ved%3D0CDYQtwIwAA%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.youtube.com%252Fwatch%253Fv%253D-SbjAanvUqs%26rct%3Dj%26q%3Doccupation%2520101%26ei%3DEEtdTbP0H8q_tgeW7v22Cw%26usg%3DAFQjCNEYUdpvCgHbPxpStTnBOepFkNJFow&has_verified=1">Occupation 101</a> if you haven’t seen that yet):</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSPatKNo-3Q">The Iron Wall</a>... it's quite informative and interesting (and anytime Jeff Halper pops up to explain things, he's the man we (BWC) have been in contact with regarding our ride for <a href="http://www.icahd.org/">ICAHD</a> this summer - check it out!). Gives good perspective on the conflict a little more in depth than 101 - a great perspective to think about. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/LSPatKNo-3Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don’t know if I’ll be able to blog or not while I’m there… but hopefully I’ll be able to pop something up mid week in the least!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sabeel.org/datadir/en-events/ev167/files/Programconf23feb.2011.pdf">Conference Itinerary Link HERE</a>, if you're curious and want to know what we're up to/seeing/doing every day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />I don't really know what's ahead (I mean besides the detailed schedule that I've got planned out for me ;))... but that's okay. I know that I'll be taken care of and that sweet things in are in store... I know it, I trust it, I'm goin' with it. Who knows what all this is going to teach me in the grand scheme of my life, but I know that I've got a lot to learn about other people, and this is one step I am so incredibly GRATEFUL to be able to take...<br /><br />Thanks to all who have been able to help me out (including WLU <3) and to those who have met me for coffee or called me to smile and nod as I ramble - or who have supported in words and prayers... don't stop :). We're all in this together and I love you guys!<br /><br />Whatever you're up to over the next little while, I hope all is well,<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />C.</div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-70337966067128269522011-01-20T10:41:00.001-08:002011-03-23T13:31:36.015-07:00With My Own Eyes...<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">News and Movies, yay!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Weeell, we are back! I’ve been a little M.I.A. from the blog for a while, but am waking up early from wintery hibernation and am now counting down the days…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In exactly one month from today I will be heading to Bethlehem for a peace-building conference. We will be diving into learning about Palestinian Liberation Theology as we dig deeper into the complexities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and our role in its possible resolution. (…getting excited! :D)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This trip (which is being funded for me by WLU <3) is an essential step for me in preparation for this coming summer as a part of our Because We Can project. We are now diving full force into the planning process of our upcoming bike tour across Canada to raise awareness about our role as Canadians in such a prevalent issue as this. My personal experience with this conflict over the last seven months has involved a wave of emotions - from intellectual frustration through trying to understand, absorb, and pass along the vast amount of information, to learning how to emotionally deal with the stories, interviews, images, and realities of those directly involved, etc.. But it has been incredible, and I know will continue to be as I move forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is where I want to encourage you to learn a little (lot ;)). If you don’t know much about the conflict (something we as Canadians ARE financially and politically supporting directly, in case you were unaware), then don’t be daunted by not knowing where to begin.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would encourage and ask you to check out “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SbjAanvUqs">Occupation 101</a>”, a documentary that sums up the conflict and will really help you grasp the basic truths and foundation for Palestinian-Israeli realities. Not only do I encourage you, but also ask that you watch it – especially those of you who are supporting our project, because we need the backing and understanding with that support of those who are sending us off.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We will be updating you soon about the progress we have made thus far, and about our more concrete upcoming plans and ways in which you can be involved, so stay posted for that! The pot is brewing much…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Other than waiting on more exciting BWC news, please keep this journey I am personally going to be making in mind… I always appreciate everyone’s support in what I am doing and learning – but I am not just doing it for my own understanding, but yours as well! So for the sake of being a member of this global community – which you are whether you like it or not :)… I press again to learn, and a great starting place is through a film such as the one I am passing along (though there are MANY other great resources, just ask if you are interested :) or check out our website (link at the top left hand corner under the blog’s title)).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Crazy year ahead, hope you all see your/our significance in the little things while aiming for big change. I can’t believe I am going to quote High School Musical, but… “We’re all in this together” (I think I’ll look up some more quotes just so I don’t have to quote Disney ever again on my blog! ;)) </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Peace,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">C</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-SbjAanvUqs" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-50227120599809985402011-01-20T10:41:00.000-08:002011-01-24T05:02:08.324-08:00With My Own Eyes...<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">News and Movies, yay!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Weeell, we are back! I’ve been a little M.I.A. from the blog for a while, but am waking up early from wintery hibernation and am now counting down the days…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In exactly one month from today I will be heading to Bethlehem for a peace-building conference. We will be diving into learning about Palestinian Liberation Theology as we dig deeper into the complexities of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and our role in its possible resolution. (…getting excited! :D)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This trip (which is being funded for me by WLU <3) is an essential step for me in preparation for this coming summer as a part of our Because We Can project. We are now diving full force into the planning process of our upcoming bike tour across Canada to raise awareness about our role as Canadians in such a prevalent issue as this. My personal experience with this conflict over the last seven months has involved a wave of emotions - from intellectual frustration through trying to understand, absorb, and pass along the vast amount of information, to learning how to emotionally deal with the stories, interviews, images, and realities of those directly involved, etc.. But it has been incredible, and I know will continue to be as I move forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is where I want to encourage you to learn a little (lot ;)). If you don’t know much about the conflict (something we as Canadians ARE financially and politically supporting directly, in case you were unaware), then don’t be daunted by not knowing where to begin.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would encourage and ask you to check out “<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SbjAanvUqs">Occupation 101</a>”, a documentary that sums up the conflict and will really help you grasp the basic truths and foundation for Palestinian-Israeli realities. Not only do I encourage you, but also ask that you watch it – especially those of you who are supporting our project, because we need the backing and understanding with that support of those who are sending us off.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We will be updating you soon about the progress we have made thus far, and about our more concrete upcoming plans and ways in which you can be involved, so stay posted for that! The pot is brewing much…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Other than waiting on more exciting BWC news, please keep this journey I am personally going to be making in mind… I always appreciate everyone’s support in what I am doing and learning – but I am not just doing it for my own understanding, but yours as well! So for the sake of being a member of this global community – which you are whether you like it or not :)… I press again to learn, and a great starting place is through a film such as the one I am passing along (though there are MANY other great resources, just ask if you are interested :) or check out our website (link at the top left hand corner under the blog’s title)).</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Crazy year ahead, hope you all see your/our significance in the little things while aiming for big change. I can’t believe I am going to quote High School Musical, but… “We’re all in this together” (I think I’ll look up some more quotes just so I don’t have to quote Disney ever again on my blog! ;)) </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In Peace,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">C</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-SbjAanvUqs" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-70601250328059343902010-12-15T14:30:00.001-08:002011-12-23T07:49:49.026-08:00Peace?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__CgtbM5qoi4/TQk8ocbFOkI/AAAAAAAAAEs/8x_ApaVB7no/s1600/wallnativitymodel_duotone%25231%2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__CgtbM5qoi4/TQk8ocbFOkI/AAAAAAAAAEs/8x_ApaVB7no/s320/wallnativitymodel_duotone%25231%2523.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bethlehem is a walled city (more info as to what this means <a href="http://www.btselem.org/English/Separation_Barrier/">here</a>: http://www.btselem.org/English/Separation_Barrier/). Depicted here is a nativity scene that raises questions about what this time of year truly means to us. </div>
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Define <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/peace">Peace</a>. Define <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/apartheid?qsrc=2446">Apartheid</a>. </div>
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We find ourselves wrapped up in the rhetoric of "peace" around Christmas time, but are we truly grasping the meaning of the word? <i>Peace</i> - a fluffy, warm, fuzzy word? A Utopian ideal? For the future? Unattainable? If we search and find peace around our Christmas trees as we gather with family, friends, and food... do we stop looking there?</div>
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I encourage you this Christmas to question "peace" ..what does it truly mean? If this blog is meant to be my personal experience with learning about a very relevant and horrific reality in our world, I will be honest - I struggle hearing wishes and blessings of Peace in a world so broken, from mouths who claim to be the hands and feet of the one who came to bring peace - but seem to shy away from hard questions and hard truths.</div>
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Are we missing the point?</div>
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The very city that Christ was born into is broken. And yet many of us sit by. Whether it's the brokenness in your own home, city, country or further then that, peace is not yet attained - and what are we each doing to fight for the reign of justice - the hard, difficult work that is required to attain our "fluffy" dreams of "peace" - ?</div>
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This word causes me frustration. It makes me angry, it makes me cry, it makes me smile when I see the possibilities in my community as to what a world could look like if it were as beautiful as some of the active relationships I see here in Waterloo. </div>
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But peace will not reign until we - out of desire or responsibility - fight for it.</div>
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Peace will require a struggle; a hard, beautiful struggle - but it is not for others to fight - it is for you - for <i><b>us</b></i> to fight. If we've got it why should we keep it to ourselves? If we don't have it, why not press for it on a whole and help each other out?</div>
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<b>We are the answers to prayers for peace.</b></div>
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This holiday season - no matter what your beliefs - I hope that you experience peace in your own sphere, but also simultaneously desire that for others, understanding that the love that was brought to the world so many years ago is meant to be lived through us - it is our responsibility and deep pleasure as humans one to another.</div>
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Let peace not be distant but something we do not give up actively hoping and fighting for this year.</div>
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<br /></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-36802065181631107332010-12-08T08:48:00.001-08:002011-03-23T13:31:36.060-07:00BWC Website is Down!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sorry for any inconvenience but our site is temporarily unavailable!!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We'll let you know when it's alive again :).</div><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Best,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">C</span>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-44397700303405624022010-11-27T20:04:00.001-08:002011-03-23T13:31:36.075-07:00I'm a Noob.<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=newbie">http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=newbie</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Come with me…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’m finding it hard to read what I read and know what I may or may not know, and sit still.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">…I’m wrestling with my some stuff right now – you may or may not relate, but that’s cool.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First – I’m an amateur in most/all senses of the word.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Deux – I love academics but cannot just read and think without doing. I get passionate and angry and antsy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tres – I’ve already made it clear the financial strain this whole deal puts on me (like seriously), and my struggle with figuring out what self-sacrifice is “worth it” in the long run… moneymoneymoney.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Essentially, obviously I am no academic, journalist, expert – anything. But as friends, professors, parents, strangers, classmates, etc... have told me…that’s OK.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Say what? :O Craaaaazy. Genius… told ya I was a noob. ;) (sometimes we have to make fun of ourselves a little, eh?)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Everyone has to start somewhere…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here’s the deal.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know very little about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict – okay, I know a lot more about it than I did 6 months ago, but seriously, obviously there is still/always so much to know. But it’s struck a chord.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm inviting YOU.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Many of you have expressed similar situations to mine – where you don’t know much about the situation in the Middle East (and there are MANY reasons for why you don’t know, but I’ll get into that later, I’m sure :))…once again…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That’s OK!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Amazing. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So. All I ask is that if you care enough to occasionally or faithfully follow a newbie – a white Canadian girl’s journey of learning (with two friends and company :)) … learn with me. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">… I’ll try to be as unbiased as objective as I can – I promise, but it will still be personal; a perspective – it will be my reactions (hopefully edited to keep this family friendly), my thoughts, mixed in with thoughts and stories of the various people I meet while overseas.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is my journey to get to know today… to attempt to get to know what’s really going on in our world that we are a part of and connected too. This is my journey, taking the only thing I have – my own set of knowledge, and being open to learning about not another world, but a different part of our world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is our journey…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Join me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All I ask is that you read, listen, humour, forgive me. If you feel so inclined I LOVE it when you message, challenge, critique, yell at, laugh with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As Because We Can gets fully underway…learn a little with us… no pressure… whether you know a lot, a little, a nadda, everyone has to start somewhere…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Join us for the ride.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’ll keep ya posted.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">C (aka Nublet)<br /><br />(p.s. e-mail subscription makes this easier for keeping in touch :) (left hand-side of the blog ;)) </div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-23701436458586655362010-11-27T20:04:00.000-08:002011-01-24T05:02:08.365-08:00I'm a Noob.<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(<a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=newbie">http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=newbie</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Come with me…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’m finding it hard to read what I read and know what I may or may not know, and sit still.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">…I’m wrestling with my some stuff right now – you may or may not relate, but that’s cool.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">First – I’m an amateur in most/all senses of the word.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Deux – I love academics but cannot just read and think without doing. I get passionate and angry and antsy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tres – I’ve already made it clear the financial strain this whole deal puts on me (like seriously), and my struggle with figuring out what self-sacrifice is “worth it” in the long run… moneymoneymoney.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Essentially, obviously I am no academic, journalist, expert – anything. But as friends, professors, parents, strangers, classmates, etc... have told me…that’s OK.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Say what? :O Craaaaazy. Genius… told ya I was a noob. ;) (sometimes we have to make fun of ourselves a little, eh?)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Everyone has to start somewhere…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here’s the deal.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I know very little about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict – okay, I know a lot more about it than I did 6 months ago, but seriously, obviously there is still/always so much to know. But it’s struck a chord.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm inviting YOU.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Many of you have expressed similar situations to mine – where you don’t know much about the situation in the Middle East (and there are MANY reasons for why you don’t know, but I’ll get into that later, I’m sure :))…once again…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That’s OK!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Amazing. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So. All I ask is that if you care enough to occasionally or faithfully follow a newbie – a white Canadian girl’s journey of learning (with two friends and company :)) … learn with me. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">… I’ll try to be as unbiased as objective as I can – I promise, but it will still be personal; a perspective – it will be my reactions (hopefully edited to keep this family friendly), my thoughts, mixed in with thoughts and stories of the various people I meet while overseas.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is my journey to get to know today… to attempt to get to know what’s really going on in our world that we are a part of and connected too. This is my journey, taking the only thing I have – my own set of knowledge, and being open to learning about not another world, but a different part of our world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is our journey…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Join me?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All I ask is that you read, listen, humour, forgive me. If you feel so inclined I LOVE it when you message, challenge, critique, yell at, laugh with me.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As Because We Can gets fully underway…learn a little with us… no pressure… whether you know a lot, a little, a nadda, everyone has to start somewhere…</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Join us for the ride.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I’ll keep ya posted.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">C (aka Nublet)<br /><br />(p.s. e-mail subscription makes this easier for keeping in touch :) (left hand-side of the blog ;)) </div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-67718279774659545412010-11-20T07:22:00.001-08:002011-03-23T13:31:36.094-07:00Speaking WITH and not FOR<style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}@font-face { font-family: "Trebuchet MS";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">(p.s. I use “we” “us” “they” “our” etc. often here – be careful with these terms… learn when to take ownership, and when to be careful and not essentialise).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Words matter. Yours, theirs – ours. Let’s pay attention to people’s words…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">All right, so getting down and personal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Lately I’ve been going through a bit of a struggle between the overwhelming amount of information soaking into my brain regarding not only Palestine and Israeli circumstances, but also the entirety of the global condition.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Here I am preparing to travel across Canada with my words on behalf of those who can’t… and I’m wrestling a little with it…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I struggle between being in tune with voices of people who are so unlike me in so many ways; feeling both unworthy and unjustified to ‘speak on their behalf’ - what right do I have to speak FOR those I know nothing about. Can they not speak for themselves?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">But then I struggle with the prospect of sitting by and doing nothing – knowing what goes on in the world and not picking something to lend my limited abilities too. I cannot sit and watch people die (people so unlike me yet so similar in their rightful desire for vibrant life)…but who am I to think that I can affect any sort of change? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">What am I really trying to accomplish…Feeling good and patting myself on the back? I hope not. Changing Canadian policy? Let’s be serious.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">What am I really trying to accomplish…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">What is the point?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We are all so intricately intertwined to the beauty in fellow humans – the people we share this air with – and also to the horrors that we are committing against them and allowing to persist. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">My program (Global Studies) often leaves us walking away from our classrooms, laughing after we’ve debated Post-colonial theory, societal depictions of the “Arab Terrorists” (please note the sarcasm), conditionality, gender construction, etc., yet often walking away feeling hypocritical as we learn that who are we – white (don’t worry I know we’re not ALL white), ‘privileged,’ western university students to speak on behalf of people we have never met? We will either go and work for or form an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) but never really make changes at the roots of issues (government and capital); putting band aid patches on dire situations just to see that we’ve done our part. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Do we actually accomplish enough with our tireless efforts? </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Things never really seem to change, and the voices of people still never get heard and their lives never cared about (trust me, this message does not end on a depressing note). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">What right do we have?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded as people like us have had their eyes opened but refuse to see; so many of us are aware but refuse to change – claiming to believe in loving others yet refusing to step into what that actually might mean.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded as we have heated debates regarding how to deal with slave labour that we literally wear on our backs (GAP, Walmart, Nike, etc.), or military “aid” to Israel and Iraq that we support (Starbucks, taxes).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded as we learn that our freaking blessed society actually often does squat… jaded by selfishness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded, learning that our fellow ‘privileged’ Canadians have to sign away their right to free speech… </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded as we learn that our own voices do not do justice to those who we speak for – on behalf of those we are ignorant of…who are we to do this? But without our “power,” marginalized people with important things to say remain silenced – yet with our power their voices are changed, twisted, manipulated, through our lens and agenda, and in the end remain unheard. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We are jaded.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">BUT – we cannot be jaded forever.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The majority of the greatest movements in history did not happen through just one individual, but the thousands fighting behind leaders and ideas. We must believe that if we can seek creative ways of getting to know those who happened to be born in differing situations to our own, that we can work WITH each other to achieve even small steps of improvement, with the hope that each baby-step ("What About Bob?" anyone?) will lead to an unstoppable movement of people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Know that YOUR VOICE COUNTS, and that your efforts are significant. You don’t have to drop-out of school, you don’t have to become a hippy and live in the Sahara or Amazon, you don’t even have to give up your cell phone….BUT… you do have to realize the amazing and beautiful responsibility you perhaps have been given (I say perhaps because I do not know the stories of all who are reading this).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">You have been given knowledge. What are you good at/like/have to offer? Even if you still say "nothing" – I don’t believe you… know your place in this world, know that your story is important, and that so is the story of every other person on earth; whether you’ve met them or not….if you desire a great life, understand that others do too…and let’s help each other out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Your story matters. Their story matters. Us and Them. We.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Let’s start asking questions, listening, and doing life together. It all adds up. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">On that note, I have decided (after much deliberation and discussion with others), that I am making the financial decision to attempt to do what I say in this post… This week I managed to buy a discount ticket to Tel Aviv to attend a conference on Empire and peaceful resistance, as well as to spend a couple of weeks a part from that with Palestinians and Israelis. I am going to get to know them, hear what they have to say, and ask them personally what I should pass along to you. If anyone has questions or comments about what I am saying or doing PLEASE comment/e-mail me/facebook myself or our group (link found on this blog)...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I’d love to talk and get to know you :).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Now… go and listen.</span></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-30564353503729619172010-11-20T07:22:00.000-08:002011-01-24T05:02:08.380-08:00Speaking WITH and not FOR<style>@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}@font-face { font-family: "Trebuchet MS";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">(p.s. I use “we” “us” “they” “our” etc. often here – be careful with these terms… learn when to take ownership, and when to be careful and not essentialise).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Words matter. Yours, theirs – ours. Let’s pay attention to people’s words…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">All right, so getting down and personal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Lately I’ve been going through a bit of a struggle between the overwhelming amount of information soaking into my brain regarding not only Palestine and Israeli circumstances, but also the entirety of the global condition.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Here I am preparing to travel across Canada with my words on behalf of those who can’t… and I’m wrestling a little with it…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I struggle between being in tune with voices of people who are so unlike me in so many ways; feeling both unworthy and unjustified to ‘speak on their behalf’ - what right do I have to speak FOR those I know nothing about. Can they not speak for themselves?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">But then I struggle with the prospect of sitting by and doing nothing – knowing what goes on in the world and not picking something to lend my limited abilities too. I cannot sit and watch people die (people so unlike me yet so similar in their rightful desire for vibrant life)…but who am I to think that I can affect any sort of change? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">What am I really trying to accomplish…Feeling good and patting myself on the back? I hope not. Changing Canadian policy? Let’s be serious.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">What am I really trying to accomplish…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">What is the point?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We are all so intricately intertwined to the beauty in fellow humans – the people we share this air with – and also to the horrors that we are committing against them and allowing to persist. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">My program (Global Studies) often leaves us walking away from our classrooms, laughing after we’ve debated Post-colonial theory, societal depictions of the “Arab Terrorists” (please note the sarcasm), conditionality, gender construction, etc., yet often walking away feeling hypocritical as we learn that who are we – white (don’t worry I know we’re not ALL white), ‘privileged,’ western university students to speak on behalf of people we have never met? We will either go and work for or form an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) but never really make changes at the roots of issues (government and capital); putting band aid patches on dire situations just to see that we’ve done our part. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Do we actually accomplish enough with our tireless efforts? </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Things never really seem to change, and the voices of people still never get heard and their lives never cared about (trust me, this message does not end on a depressing note). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">What right do we have?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded as people like us have had their eyes opened but refuse to see; so many of us are aware but refuse to change – claiming to believe in loving others yet refusing to step into what that actually might mean.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded as we have heated debates regarding how to deal with slave labour that we literally wear on our backs (GAP, Walmart, Nike, etc.), or military “aid” to Israel and Iraq that we support (Starbucks, taxes).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded as we learn that our freaking blessed society actually often does squat… jaded by selfishness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded, learning that our fellow ‘privileged’ Canadians have to sign away their right to free speech… </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded as we learn that our own voices do not do justice to those who we speak for – on behalf of those we are ignorant of…who are we to do this? But without our “power,” marginalized people with important things to say remain silenced – yet with our power their voices are changed, twisted, manipulated, through our lens and agenda, and in the end remain unheard. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We become jaded.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">We are jaded.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">BUT – we cannot be jaded forever.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">The majority of the greatest movements in history did not happen through just one individual, but the thousands fighting behind leaders and ideas. We must believe that if we can seek creative ways of getting to know those who happened to be born in differing situations to our own, that we can work WITH each other to achieve even small steps of improvement, with the hope that each baby-step ("What About Bob?" anyone?) will lead to an unstoppable movement of people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Know that YOUR VOICE COUNTS, and that your efforts are significant. You don’t have to drop-out of school, you don’t have to become a hippy and live in the Sahara or Amazon, you don’t even have to give up your cell phone….BUT… you do have to realize the amazing and beautiful responsibility you perhaps have been given (I say perhaps because I do not know the stories of all who are reading this).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">You have been given knowledge. What are you good at/like/have to offer? Even if you still say "nothing" – I don’t believe you… know your place in this world, know that your story is important, and that so is the story of every other person on earth; whether you’ve met them or not….if you desire a great life, understand that others do too…and let’s help each other out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Your story matters. Their story matters. Us and Them. We.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Let’s start asking questions, listening, and doing life together. It all adds up. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">On that note, I have decided (after much deliberation and discussion with others), that I am making the financial decision to attempt to do what I say in this post… This week I managed to buy a discount ticket to Tel Aviv to attend a conference on Empire and peaceful resistance, as well as to spend a couple of weeks a part from that with Palestinians and Israelis. I am going to get to know them, hear what they have to say, and ask them personally what I should pass along to you. If anyone has questions or comments about what I am saying or doing PLEASE comment/e-mail me/facebook myself or our group (link found on this blog)...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I’d love to talk and get to know you :).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Now… go and listen.</span></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-43408587606413229832010-11-01T07:11:00.001-07:002011-03-23T13:31:36.119-07:00"I am"<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I started wondering whether we could actually change the world. I mean, of course we could - we could change our buying habits, elect socially conscious representatives and that sort of thing, but I honestly don't believe we will be solving the greater human conflict with our efforts. The problem is not a certain type of legislation of even a certain politician; the problem is the same as it has always been. <b>I am the problem.</b>"</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Donald Miller</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Too harsh, or just a hard pill to swallow?</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The only actions we can actually change are our own...when we point at something we don't like or agree with, or things we identify as wrong - what are <b>we </b>doing to change it...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Takes a little bit of ownership and a hell of a lot of responsibility, but maybe that's what we all need...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am the problem.<br /><br />...Now what? </div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-53178507347231760282010-11-01T07:11:00.000-07:002011-01-24T05:02:08.395-08:00"I am"<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I started wondering whether we could actually change the world. I mean, of course we could - we could change our buying habits, elect socially conscious representatives and that sort of thing, but I honestly don't believe we will be solving the greater human conflict with our efforts. The problem is not a certain type of legislation of even a certain politician; the problem is the same as it has always been. <b>I am the problem.</b>"</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">- Donald Miller</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Too harsh, or just a hard pill to swallow?</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The only actions we can actually change are our own...when we point at something we don't like or agree with, or things we identify as wrong - what are <b>we </b>doing to change it...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Takes a little bit of ownership and a hell of a lot of responsibility, but maybe that's what we all need...</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am the problem.<br /><br />...Now what? </div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-52852171838409314582010-10-28T07:26:00.001-07:002011-03-23T13:31:36.154-07:00B.W.C. @ The View From Here THIS Saturday!!<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Check out FB details regarding our wee blurb during The View From Here this Saturday at The Branches!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We'll be speaking a little about the conflict, what we're up to, how you can get involved, displaying some AMAZING photography, and of course...enjoying your company :).</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Details of the event via our Facebook page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/biking.for.peace">www.facebook.com/biking.for.peace</a> !</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hope to see you guys there!</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">C</span>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-59320563675337018912010-10-26T19:35:00.001-07:002011-03-23T13:31:36.174-07:00To Return Home…<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New";}@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings";}@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}@font-face { font-family: "Trebuchet MS";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0cm; }ul { margin-bottom: 0cm; }</style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">So we are still in the pre-preliminary stages of our journey across Canada – our journey to spread life, break down some walls of ignorance with a large smidgen of common sense… and mush some love in and around it all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">After traveling for the first time together this past weekend to and from Boston, my own experience in this journey has taken a new turn. Not only did I begin to feel the common thread of pain that weaves through those who have already become aware of this plight, but also after flying back and reflecting on American-Canadian comparisons, I was reminded of what my heart cries out to see in these nations. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Slight side-note to point out - I must say it was incredible to see just how blessed we were in and around the city - through ridiculous amounts of free amazing, P-buttery food, the most randomly entertaining friends and company (providing philosophical conversations, memories of dancing shaman ghost dances, sharing massive amounts of old man clothes, etc.), family reunions, refreshing amounts of laughter – !! What a wicked taste of things to come... </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">BUT on top of all that...how sweet it felt to return to my little shotty bed, to our little student community – to my little home that means SO much to me… after only four days of being away – makes me think… how nice home is…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Not only did this little mini-adventure solidify the three of us (so much the same and yet so distinctly different; a little normal and a lot crazy all mashed together) being put with one another for great purpose(s)… but our flame for the desire of Because We Can was re-fanned. What began for me as a calling to join alongside passionate friends, support the building of peace in the world, and bringing education and community across such a thirsty nation stacked with potential, has morphed into a personal passion… not something I’m just joining because I know it’s the "right thing" to fight for, but because I couldn't see myself pushing for anything else right now...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I return home to study this cause (as I type that I am reminded that there are SO many other things I should be writing right now...but I don't care, I'll write to you instead haha), to work for it, to speak with the voices already crying out. I return home - we return home, and I realize just how lucky we are to be able to do so.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Let’s bring ‘em home, guys!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">p.s. many of you have been asking about how you can help out or contribute, and we are working on that so stay tuned!! In the mean time, keep us in your hearts – </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">there is still a monstrous amount to do and learn - </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">your constant support is never unappreciated. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Stay tuned for…</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">“Because YOU Can” list</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Recording of Brendan’s song about Palestine</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Sweet, sweet dreams,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Sprightly</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">(that's for you, Brendan!)</span></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-53784804431922490062010-10-26T19:35:00.000-07:002011-01-24T05:02:08.419-08:00To Return Home…<style>@font-face { font-family: "Courier New";}@font-face { font-family: "Wingdings";}@font-face { font-family: "Cambria";}@font-face { font-family: "Trebuchet MS";}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraph, li.MsoListParagraph, div.MsoListParagraph { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, li.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast, div.MsoListParagraphCxSpLast { margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt 36pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }ol { margin-bottom: 0cm; }ul { margin-bottom: 0cm; }</style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">So we are still in the pre-preliminary stages of our journey across Canada – our journey to spread life, break down some walls of ignorance with a large smidgen of common sense… and mush some love in and around it all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">After traveling for the first time together this past weekend to and from Boston, my own experience in this journey has taken a new turn. Not only did I begin to feel the common thread of pain that weaves through those who have already become aware of this plight, but also after flying back and reflecting on American-Canadian comparisons, I was reminded of what my heart cries out to see in these nations. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Slight side-note to point out - I must say it was incredible to see just how blessed we were in and around the city - through ridiculous amounts of free amazing, P-buttery food, the most randomly entertaining friends and company (providing philosophical conversations, memories of dancing shaman ghost dances, sharing massive amounts of old man clothes, etc.), family reunions, refreshing amounts of laughter – !! What a wicked taste of things to come... </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">BUT on top of all that...how sweet it felt to return to my little shotty bed, to our little student community – to my little home that means SO much to me… after only four days of being away – makes me think… how nice home is…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Not only did this little mini-adventure solidify the three of us (so much the same and yet so distinctly different; a little normal and a lot crazy all mashed together) being put with one another for great purpose(s)… but our flame for the desire of Because We Can was re-fanned. What began for me as a calling to join alongside passionate friends, support the building of peace in the world, and bringing education and community across such a thirsty nation stacked with potential, has morphed into a personal passion… not something I’m just joining because I know it’s the "right thing" to fight for, but because I couldn't see myself pushing for anything else right now...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I return home to study this cause (as I type that I am reminded that there are SO many other things I should be writing right now...but I don't care, I'll write to you instead haha), to work for it, to speak with the voices already crying out. I return home - we return home, and I realize just how lucky we are to be able to do so.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Let’s bring ‘em home, guys!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">p.s. many of you have been asking about how you can help out or contribute, and we are working on that so stay tuned!! In the mean time, keep us in your hearts – </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">there is still a monstrous amount to do and learn - </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">your constant support is never unappreciated. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Stay tuned for…</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">“Because YOU Can” list</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 21pt; text-indent: -18pt;">-<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Recording of Brendan’s song about Palestine</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Sweet, sweet dreams,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Sprightly</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">(that's for you, Brendan!)</span></div>thegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757907830413339614.post-24962988757172094002010-10-06T07:14:00.001-07:002011-03-23T13:31:36.224-07:00B.W.C. Website launch today!!B.W.C. Website launch today!!<p>Sent from my iPhonethegraylifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756647754918132439noreply@blogger.com0