WALL STREET JOURNAL
The poorest countries of the world will get richer only through trade. Now is the right time for rich countries to throw open our markets unilaterally to the poorest to help them do just that.
Launching such a campaign at the onset of a world-wide recession might seem quixotic. But the recession makes it all the more essential to allow the poorest countries to export more. Our Trade Out of Poverty campaign, launched to coincide with the G-20 meeting in London tomorrow, reflects our belief, across the political spectrum in the U.K. Parliament, that we can do more for the world's poor by unilateral action than through the stalled Doha round of the World Trade Organization.
While the credit crunch hits the poor hardest everywhere, in the poorest countries it is a matter of life and death. Yet we can give them the opportunity to help themselves at little or no cost to ourselves. Although the Low Income Countries -- defined by the World Bank as those with average incomes below $2.56 a day -- account for 20% of the world's population, they account for less than 2% of world trade. They are no threat to our industries.
Trade is the single best route out of poverty. Billions of exchanges every day encourage efficient and mutually beneficial production by letting willing buyers meet willing sellers. Without trade, people cannot provide or buy the best and cheapest goods and services.
But there are five obstacles -- from the deliberate to the self-inflicted -- preventing the poorest countries from trading out of poverty. We want to tackle them all.
First, the rich countries must open their markets unconditionally to all 49 Low Income Countries. The key words are "unconditionally" and "all." If rich countries refuse to open their markets unless poor countries reciprocate, we will get nowhere. Poor nations are understandably, if wrongly, afraid of the full blast of competition from the developed countries.
Until recently, the European Union and other rich countries would not open their markets to all Low Income Countries because that category included India. But now that India has joined China as a Middle Income Country and both are G-20 members, that protectionist objection has vanished. WTO rules require that any unilateral trade measure apply to all members of an accepted category such as Low Income Countries, not a select choice.
Second, we must simplify the complex rules which mean that countries which are in theory entitled to tariff-free access end up paying tariffs or being excluded by bureaucracy. Consider the so-called "rules of origin" provisions, which mean that a product from a tariff-exempt country can still be subject to tariffs if it includes components from nonexempt countries. These rules must be made simple and generous so that poor countries can participate in the complex supply chains of modern trade.
Third, we must end rich countries' export and domestic subsidies, which skew the market against poor countries' goods.
Fourth, the highest tariffs which poor countries face are those imposed by their poor neighbors. These tariffs repress trade and boost corruption -- one reason why less than a tenth of African exports go to other African countries, whereas nearly three-quarters of European trade is within Europe. We must help them replace customs duties by supporting governance reforms that boost other sources of revenue.
Fifth, we need a fresh emphasis on funding infrastructure -- roads, ports and administration. It costs more to transport goods to a port from a landlocked country such as Uganda or Zambia than it does to cross the oceans.
Although the members of the G-20 have condemned protectionism, 17 of them have enacted a total of 47 restrictions of trade since mid-2008, a World Bank study shows. They must now match words with deeds.
There is no need to wait for the tottering Doha round, whose disputes are mainly about trade between the rich and Middle Income Countries. Any G-20 member could open up unilaterally and shame the others into action. The G-20 can act now to help the poorest help themselves
-JOHN BATTLE, MENZIES CAMPBELL, MICHAEL HASTINGS, PETER LILLEY and CLARE SHORT
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, November 24, 2008
India + Discipline
Our Swamji's
Indians LOVE getting their photo taken
The Swamji's went in...so I thought I had to. (Please see Joelle for their Skivvies photo. Of course we had to get one for an Aunt Dish investigation :) )
Our lovely friend Miguel from Argentina.
Joelle and I posing after yoga class. Nice view - eh?
This would be the Ashram meditating on the lake. This would be me finding something to entertain myself while I should be meditating.
The southern most point of India where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean and the Arabian sea. Me meditating. (Not really - just humoring everyone) Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Kerala India and the Sivananada Yoga Vedanta Ashram: my home for the past two weeks. A peaceful shelter that provides a safe space for personal development and all around growth of the body, mind and soul. An experience that was truly...well...brutal .
Let me start from the beginning and let you see how the story unfolds.
Joelle and I have only two weeks in India, which is a very small amount of time to visit such a vast country. Unfortunately, our original plans got detoured and at the last moment we changed things around. Sooooo - we're left with 14 days and 2 tickets to an ashram in the southern point of India.
At first I was looking forward to spending some time in an ashram. Exercise! Ever since I left Chicago I had to give up my kickboxing, dancing and something I have missed more than anything- running. Doing yoga for two weeks seemed like a wonderful treat - finally some stretching for my body that is craving it.
At first I was looking forward to spending some time in an ashram. Exercise! Ever since I left Chicago I had to give up my kickboxing, dancing and something I have missed more than anything- running. Doing yoga for two weeks seemed like a wonderful treat - finally some stretching for my body that is craving it.
However, our first day at the ashram was hardly something I was craving.
Rules of the ashram are that you must participate in all the activities. They even go as far as taking attendance for every class. Needless to say, I thought I had been imprisoned in a crazy yogi summer camp. The day starts out at 5:20am with a wake up bell ringing for which seems like 20 minutes. At 6, we start sasang. This includes 45 minutes of meditating (that's 44 minutes too long). I could probably sit through the first 30 seconds in mediating position before my body and mind went ballistic. Honestly, what do you think about for 45 minutes in that awful position??
After meditating, we chant hymns, in some language I can't understand, for the next 45 minutes. Still remaining in this awful position(we are coming close to two hours now) we listen to our head guru lecture. Finally, at 8:00am begins our first Asana or yoga class. The first half hour we practice breathing techniques - this is the worst part of the whole day for me! After 2 hours of yoga, at 10 comes out first meal. We file into the dining hall (chanting of course) where we eat our vegetarian meal on the floor and with our right hand. At 11:00, is our lecture taught by our ever-so-animated (sarcasm at it's fullest right there) Swami Guru himself. This lasts a hour and a half - at minimum. 12:30 coaching class- OPTIONAL(!) -wahoo there is a God! Finally we get a small break (your first chance to pee) until 2:00 pm where we have karma yoga. More about that later. 3:30 starts yoga class #2 until 6:00 when we file in for dinner once again. 8:00pm comes sasang again filled with meditation - in my favorite position - some chanting, some talking. 10:30 lights out. Silence.
Wow. I am more at one with myself then I ever thought?!
Joelle and I go through 2 days of this- enough to pull out every strand of hair on your entire body. We start to talk about other plans and trying to get somewhere else in India to visit. That is until we realized we can't really.
1) it is monsoon in South India at the moment, so going to the coast would mean sitting in our room starring at one another. Trust me- we have already done plenty of that.
2)we have a plane ticket out of this town so we really can't travel too far
3) neither of us have any money.
Case closed. Ashram you are going to get to devour us for the next two weeks.
The next day, I roll out of bed at 5:30am, bitching under my breathe of course, and head to the hall to start sasang. I get into my yoga pose to start mediating and decide to give myself a little pep-talk, otherwise there is no way I am going to make it through these next two weeks.
Really Jilian you are being way to negative about this whole experience. I mean look at the bigger picture: you are on the other side of the world in India...how cool is that?! This may be the only opportunity in your lifetime to be here. Furthermore, people from all over the world would be honored to get the opportunity to study at this ashram.
Okay - so your not that spiritual of a person and you think that the people who talk about seeing the light and reaching Krishna or whatever are freaks. Fine. Just have a little respect. Clearly you don't believe in that, but don't hold judgement at those who do. Take out of this experience what is important to you and leave the things that aren't with a little bit of discipline and a lot of patience you can make this experience beneficial for you.
Okay - so your not that spiritual of a person and you think that the people who talk about seeing the light and reaching Krishna or whatever are freaks. Fine. Just have a little respect. Clearly you don't believe in that, but don't hold judgement at those who do. Take out of this experience what is important to you and leave the things that aren't with a little bit of discipline and a lot of patience you can make this experience beneficial for you.
At this point, I become one with myself. (Haha - just kidding). But this is the time when I have a little positive energy and really really enjoy my time in the Ashram. I just concentrated on the things I did enjoy. In the morning asana classes we had a fantastic teacher. He was so helpful. In fact, he got Joelle and I doing bad-ass yoga headstands in one day. I also loved what yoga did for my body. It not only helps with flexibility and strength, but improves your respiratory system, your digestive system and your circulatory system: it was very obvious. I tried to make the chanting a little bit more interesting for myself. I started to sit next to the Indian men that bang the drums and razzed the tambourine. It was a little more upbeat and entertained me through the songs. And lastly, Joelle and I met a handful of some really amazing people that made the entire experience worthwhile. (Muelenbelt - I got a lady who tops your life story by 100%).
What I've learned is the saying - mind over matter - is not in fact a figure of speech: it's reality. A little determination, a little positive energy, mix in some patience and a lot of discipline and *Wa La - you can do whatever it is your little heart desires (or doesn't desire for that matter :) )
India taxi. Is this not screaming Vertigo?
What I've learned is the saying - mind over matter - is not in fact a figure of speech: it's reality. A little determination, a little positive energy, mix in some patience and a lot of discipline and *Wa La - you can do whatever it is your little heart desires (or doesn't desire for that matter :) )
India taxi. Is this not screaming Vertigo? Monday, November 17, 2008
SAGAMARTHA - Mount Everest 2008
Whole group - volunteers plus guides on our way down in Tengbouche.
Joelle and I on at Everst Base Camp with our Tibetian prayer rugs
Kailie. Moltie. Rockstar.
La la. Jam Jam
Words really cant describe this. In fact, pictures aren't even doing it justice.
Kailie and me in Dinbouche.
3 more hours to basecamp. Damn. It's already been 9 days.
Diere Ramro.
The street in Thamel Kathmandu, NepalSaturday, November 15, 2008
Life Lessons of Nuwakot Nepal
Walking through the rice fields to the next village
It's move to the back of the bus here. And move on top, on the side...underneath :)
The rooster crows at 4:30 in the morning ....a kind of 'organic' alarm clock for the village people because they all get up at this time. Joelle and I managed to once. This is the sunrise of proof.
Evening walk with our lovely sisters.
Our village. Nuwakot, Nepal. Charming - isn't it?Our time in Nepal has been nothing but spectacular. It is extremely hard to leave this country- I wish I could stay for the whole year. I have completely fallen in love with the beauty, the people and the culture that we have been surrounded by.
Joelle and I got frustrated with planning grammar and conversation lessons for these children very early on. We had absolutely no resources to work with and we were teaching practically every class and most with very little English. This is can be challenging!! Eventually we just forgot about it and we thank God we realized that life is more important in the present.
We would have missed out on the wonderful things we got to experience. Anytime we walk anywhere we would get engulfed by the people of the village - and that's all they wanted to do was talk with us. Even with the very little English they knew, each moment they became more confident, and we were able to shared thoughts, life stories and many many laughs.
Even the children, every free moment from class they would follow us around. They just wanted to talk with us. When Joelle and I stopped worrying and started living - every moment with the children was so much better. In between class, we would play games with them or teach them about the world with maps. Try handing a 15-year old a Goodnight Moon story book. They are fascinated! It was precious and extremely rewarding. They soaked up every moment like a sponge - they just want to learn.
In conclusion, it is very important to remember - you really have to force yourself to free your mind of thoughts or worries. When I stepped back, took a deep breath and really started living, so many greater things came my way!
Lesson 2: Humanity
Possibly the most important aspect of living life: recognizing that you and I are nothing more then the same exact thing.
At one point during our stay some students from Hong Kong visited the school in Nuwakot. In the evening Joelle and I would join them at their "round table meetings" to reflect on the day and shared what everyone experienced. Basically they spent the night crying on one anther's shoulders pondering on how little the students had and how simple their lives where. For some reason, this became extremely frustrating for me!
What these students from King George X International School didn't realize was that they don't need to be sad for these children. In a way, these children are richer then you and I will ever be. They can appreciate the true necessities of life, while mine and your mind have already been polluted by greed.
When you have to carry 50lbs on water on your hip 3 -4 -5 times a day from the tap - you appreciate its importance. When you count on the sun to grow your food, warm your body, dry your clothes- you appreciate its importance. I never realized how little you need to survive.
These citizens don't need luxury things. Luxury to them is getting the opportunity to connect with people. What a wonderful thing. They honor human interaction more then anyone I have ever witnessed. Their lives are full and happy and they have human connection - in its simplest form of life - to keep on surviving.
Lesson 3: Be Shameless
Something I will not forget is the memorable time Joelle and I created with 14 inspirational students. These 14 kids were deaf and cannot hear or speak any words. They lived at the school in the most god-awful living quarters I have ever seen. However, these 14 kids taught me a very crucial life lesson - be shameless in everything you do.
(Making paper creations with 3 deaf students. They are so much fun!)
He is passionate for life, for people, for community, for education. Joelle and I cherished every moment we spent with him, for we learned so much about the country of Nepal and its' people. He is extremely brilliant and has so many wonderful ideas that he can turn into reality with such limited resources because of his passion for it.
Joelle and I learned more from him then we could ever imagine. We would spend hours talking with him over dinner and would just soak up his wisdom. In the evening, after closing conversation he would suggest a "5 minute circle" around the village. Three hours later we would come home after dancing and singing with the people of the village in the streets, or sipping tea at the farmhouse with the local workers, swinging with the children on their bamboo sets, (or even helping the drunk milkman who fell off the cliff and into the bushes home!) every time it was something new and amazing. Every time Joelle and I witnessed what a wonderful person Shyam was.
His passion for his work, for people and for life in general has made him an incredible person to meet. If I could make my life only a quarter of a reflection like his, I would be a very happy.
Mommie giving Shyam tikka on his birthday.
Lesson 5: Fear only Fear Itself
Sometimes in life, fear can be your greatest enemy-fear of the unknown or fear of the unexpected. It is a strong psychological mechanism that can really stop you from experiencing life to its fullest.
Jilian
Joelle and I have gotten the opportunity to get a fairly well-rounded glimpse of what Nepal is made of. We traveled around to different parts of the country, we visited many development centers that Himalayan Encounters has built, we lived with many different families each sharing a special part of their culture with us, we have made countless numbers of new friends from around the world, we helped with community development of a tiny mountain village Nuwakot and we hike the magnificent Himalayan range to Mount Everest.
Each day I am thankful for the good that every new experience has brought to me. I must give a special thanks to the people and children of Nuwakot Nepal when I spent most of my time. They taught me some very important life lessons that I hope to carry with me on my journey.
Lesson 1: Live Each Day in the Present
This is actually much more difficult then you think! Too much of the time you and I are focused on what needs to be completed during the week. Our minds are overloaded with so much information that many times we live more in our heads then on the present ground.
Joelle and I got frustrated with planning grammar and conversation lessons for these children very early on. We had absolutely no resources to work with and we were teaching practically every class and most with very little English. This is can be challenging!! Eventually we just forgot about it and we thank God we realized that life is more important in the present.
We would have missed out on the wonderful things we got to experience. Anytime we walk anywhere we would get engulfed by the people of the village - and that's all they wanted to do was talk with us. Even with the very little English they knew, each moment they became more confident, and we were able to shared thoughts, life stories and many many laughs.
Even the children, every free moment from class they would follow us around. They just wanted to talk with us. When Joelle and I stopped worrying and started living - every moment with the children was so much better. In between class, we would play games with them or teach them about the world with maps. Try handing a 15-year old a Goodnight Moon story book. They are fascinated! It was precious and extremely rewarding. They soaked up every moment like a sponge - they just want to learn.
In conclusion, it is very important to remember - you really have to force yourself to free your mind of thoughts or worries. When I stepped back, took a deep breath and really started living, so many greater things came my way!
Lesson 2: Humanity
Possibly the most important aspect of living life: recognizing that you and I are nothing more then the same exact thing.
At one point during our stay some students from Hong Kong visited the school in Nuwakot. In the evening Joelle and I would join them at their "round table meetings" to reflect on the day and shared what everyone experienced. Basically they spent the night crying on one anther's shoulders pondering on how little the students had and how simple their lives where. For some reason, this became extremely frustrating for me!
What these students from King George X International School didn't realize was that they don't need to be sad for these children. In a way, these children are richer then you and I will ever be. They can appreciate the true necessities of life, while mine and your mind have already been polluted by greed.
When you have to carry 50lbs on water on your hip 3 -4 -5 times a day from the tap - you appreciate its importance. When you count on the sun to grow your food, warm your body, dry your clothes- you appreciate its importance. I never realized how little you need to survive.
These citizens don't need luxury things. Luxury to them is getting the opportunity to connect with people. What a wonderful thing. They honor human interaction more then anyone I have ever witnessed. Their lives are full and happy and they have human connection - in its simplest form of life - to keep on surviving.
Lesson 3: Be Shameless
Something I will not forget is the memorable time Joelle and I created with 14 inspirational students. These 14 kids were deaf and cannot hear or speak any words. They lived at the school in the most god-awful living quarters I have ever seen. However, these 14 kids taught me a very crucial life lesson - be shameless in everything you do.
So how are we going to communicate with 14 young children who can't hear, cannot speak and only know sign language in Nepali?
Our experience with them was so memorable because every moment with them was incredible. In fact, it was easier to communicate with them then it was with people who could hear and talk. These children rely so much on everything that surrounds them. I have never met anyone more full of enthusiasm and life then these 14 students.
(Making paper creations with 3 deaf students. They are so much fun!)Unfortunately, they can communicate with such few people and are kind of locked into the schoolyard like a prison that they thrive on human interaction and the littlest bit on effort goes a long way. Joelle and I had an amazing time with these students. They had such a passion for life. They had the biggest smiles and the brightest eyes and were so overjoyed with anything you told them to do. When they understood you or got an assignment right they would throw their arms up in the air, squeal and jump with excitement. The second they saw us walk through the school yard, their faces would light up and give us the biggest animated wave and chase us down. Thankfully, Joelle and I both know the alphabet, which is universal, in sign language so immediately they felt they had a special bond with us.
Most importantly, they have taught me to become completely shameless with myself. They are completely un-judgemental and honor everything about human life. The more big boisterous and silly we made ourselves, the more happy they became.
Lesson 4: Be Passionate
Let me introduce to you the most inspirational man I have met in my lifetime; his name is Sir Shyam Shrestha and he is the Headmaster of Shree Bhairaba Higher Secondary School in Nuwakot Nepal.
He is passionate for life, for people, for community, for education. Joelle and I cherished every moment we spent with him, for we learned so much about the country of Nepal and its' people. He is extremely brilliant and has so many wonderful ideas that he can turn into reality with such limited resources because of his passion for it.
Joelle and I learned more from him then we could ever imagine. We would spend hours talking with him over dinner and would just soak up his wisdom. In the evening, after closing conversation he would suggest a "5 minute circle" around the village. Three hours later we would come home after dancing and singing with the people of the village in the streets, or sipping tea at the farmhouse with the local workers, swinging with the children on their bamboo sets, (or even helping the drunk milkman who fell off the cliff and into the bushes home!) every time it was something new and amazing. Every time Joelle and I witnessed what a wonderful person Shyam was.
His passion for his work, for people and for life in general has made him an incredible person to meet. If I could make my life only a quarter of a reflection like his, I would be a very happy.
Mommie giving Shyam tikka on his birthday.Lesson 5: Fear only Fear Itself
Sometimes in life, fear can be your greatest enemy-fear of the unknown or fear of the unexpected. It is a strong psychological mechanism that can really stop you from experiencing life to its fullest.
Here is something Nuwakot taught me; in some cases, fear is something you should fear the most. Why? It can stop you from doing some of the most amazing things on earth.
Stepping out of the airport and into Kathmandu can be pretty fearful. Dodging moms with babies, cows, potholes, buses packed with livestock and people hanging off it can certainly create fear. Having small children cling to you leg and beg for money or watching the 60 year old man with no legs scoot down the busy road on his stomach can be - well - nerve racking. Walking into a classroom and having 60 pairs of eyes stare at you hoping for some kind of enlightenment...okay that's not fearful - just pretty humorous :)
Nuwakot taught me not to fear my fears, but rather embrace them. Joelle and I found this to be true in every aspect of your Nuwakot life. Joelle and I became extremely close with the family we lived with, our Aamaa and 3 of the 7 daughters that spent time in Nuwakot while we were there. They were so wonderful and helped us to see that fears are silly detours. Take a simple thing - going to the tap to wash your clothes. This may be difficult to visualize, but I know Joelle will know exactly what I am talking about. When you got the entire village staring at you to see if you perform this menial task correctly - you better brush off the fear and put on your game face :)
Citizens of Nuwakot, children of Shree Bhairaba, Shyam Sir, Aamaa, Minarva, Salu and Srijana - thank you for enriching my soul! Namaste and not goodbye, but see you again!
Jilian
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thailand.
Here are some pictures of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Bankok, Thailand and Kho Chang.
(Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. They use to be the tallest towers in the world until Taipei 101 stole the thunder in 2004. Now that I think of it, I think there is dispute between Taipei, Burj Dubai and Sears. Whatever - they are all huge.)
(Klong Plu waterfall. I promise I'm not in one of my moods...the camera just caught me not smiling :)
(We wanted to take a dip but didn't have enough time. We settled for a wade.)
The South China Sea....No, it's the Gulf of Thailand. Maybe it's the Pacific Ocean? Man, I dont know. It's a body of water with some sun and clouds.
(I think this is one of my all time favs. Of course there is no 'rules of the road' in Thailand. It is a make-your-own-rules kinda place.)
Moped for the day = 100 Baht
Gasoline for the Moped= 30 Baht
An injury for two girls who have never really driven up mountain roads before = 100,000,000 Baht
Having Joelle to whipp out her camera while driving 40 mph on a busy road = Priceless!*
(*The look we got from the couple passing us on the left = even MORE priceless!)
We start work in Nepal on Saturday. Wish us luck.
Cheers!
(Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. They use to be the tallest towers in the world until Taipei 101 stole the thunder in 2004. Now that I think of it, I think there is dispute between Taipei, Burj Dubai and Sears. Whatever - they are all huge.)
(Klong Plu waterfall. I promise I'm not in one of my moods...the camera just caught me not smiling :)(We wanted to take a dip but didn't have enough time. We settled for a wade.)The South China Sea....No, it's the Gulf of Thailand. Maybe it's the Pacific Ocean? Man, I dont know. It's a body of water with some sun and clouds.
(I think this is one of my all time favs. Of course there is no 'rules of the road' in Thailand. It is a make-your-own-rules kinda place.)Moped for the day = 100 Baht
Gasoline for the Moped= 30 Baht
An injury for two girls who have never really driven up mountain roads before = 100,000,000 Baht
Having Joelle to whipp out her camera while driving 40 mph on a busy road = Priceless!*
(*The look we got from the couple passing us on the left = even MORE priceless!)
(Probably singing to ourselves to kick everyone else off the beach)
(The cutest fisherman's village I have ever seen. The only one too:) The whole village sits on top of the water. Fancy huh?)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Obam-a-nator
I am not going to give any kind of political agenda, I am just going to describe some very pro-dominant observations that Joelle and I have encountered in our first month in Asia. It is a simply statement: Barak Obama is a Hollywood celebrity all over the world.
Let me begin by introducing a very diverse group of individuals that Joelle and I have shared some time with. We met a Vietnamese refugee who grew up in Sweden and now is a trader in the UK, a darling Thai-born taxi driver who really couldn't speak a lick of English, an extremely intelligent, thought-provoking Singaporean who works in logistics, a Chinese man who had a daughter our age that he loved showing pictures of on his cell phone, a delightfully funny Swedish couple who woke up at 7:00 am in the morning to wave us farewell off of Tioman Island, a newly engaged London couple who charmed us with words like, "does that fancy you" and "lets go drinks some spirits", a really attractive boy from Switzerland (hey - Switzerland is my favorite country :) ) who had breakfast with us on our rooftop terrace in Kuala Lumpur, and many many other.
Typically, conversation starts with the where are you going, where have you been and where are you from: a standard traveller's introductory dialogue. Once you get past the basics you can move forward to real conversation from there (language permitting of course :) ).
Everyone - and I mean everyones- next conversation headway is "So, Obama's going to win, yes?"
Even the people who couldn't speak English, the ones where you both talk in your native tongue, then sit and smile at one another for long periods of time because you have no idea what they are saying and they have no idea what you are saying, know how to say, "Obama! Win!"
It is amazing what the media can do: Barak Obama is an icon across the world.
I was speaking with one man about it and I was stating my opinion on how I think it will be similar to the last election; a very close race between McCain and Obama all the way to the end. He replied with, "Who's McCain?"
These people don't necessarily understand what the candidates stand for (or who the candidates even are for that matter), or what kind of economical or global policy or reform program each party wants to ignite, I think they simply see Obama as a symbol for change.
I started asking people why they like Obama so much when they throw out that first shriek of excitement, and really, I do not get a legitimized answer. They will say things like, "I don't know, he's cool!"
Hmmm. I wonder what 'cool' means?
It was not until today, on are 5 hour drive to Ko Chang, that I finally got an answer.
In the car, Joelle and I met a boy from a small town in the south of France. (Side note - this boy could not have resembled Abran more. I seriously thought he was sitting next to me.)
Of course the first question he asks Joelle and I was if we watched the 'Obama' debate last night. I took a wild guess and assumed he was a fan so I went about asking why he liked Obama. First he said, and this is no joke, "Obama is cool". I told him he had to give me more. Why is Obama so cool? Why do you like him so much?
Speaking for Europe, he said the whole country is supporting Barak Obama. Whether they are right or left, he is in the newspapers, on their Televisions, billboards, magazines - everything and the Europe would like to see him become the next president. They will associate any republican, whether he is a good politician or not, with President Bush. I think I am stating the obvious here, but I guess I was just assumed at how much enthusiasm I got about American politics.
Let me begin by introducing a very diverse group of individuals that Joelle and I have shared some time with. We met a Vietnamese refugee who grew up in Sweden and now is a trader in the UK, a darling Thai-born taxi driver who really couldn't speak a lick of English, an extremely intelligent, thought-provoking Singaporean who works in logistics, a Chinese man who had a daughter our age that he loved showing pictures of on his cell phone, a delightfully funny Swedish couple who woke up at 7:00 am in the morning to wave us farewell off of Tioman Island, a newly engaged London couple who charmed us with words like, "does that fancy you" and "lets go drinks some spirits", a really attractive boy from Switzerland (hey - Switzerland is my favorite country :) ) who had breakfast with us on our rooftop terrace in Kuala Lumpur, and many many other.
Typically, conversation starts with the where are you going, where have you been and where are you from: a standard traveller's introductory dialogue. Once you get past the basics you can move forward to real conversation from there (language permitting of course :) ).
Everyone - and I mean everyones- next conversation headway is "So, Obama's going to win, yes?"
Even the people who couldn't speak English, the ones where you both talk in your native tongue, then sit and smile at one another for long periods of time because you have no idea what they are saying and they have no idea what you are saying, know how to say, "Obama! Win!"
It is amazing what the media can do: Barak Obama is an icon across the world.
I was speaking with one man about it and I was stating my opinion on how I think it will be similar to the last election; a very close race between McCain and Obama all the way to the end. He replied with, "Who's McCain?"
These people don't necessarily understand what the candidates stand for (or who the candidates even are for that matter), or what kind of economical or global policy or reform program each party wants to ignite, I think they simply see Obama as a symbol for change.
I started asking people why they like Obama so much when they throw out that first shriek of excitement, and really, I do not get a legitimized answer. They will say things like, "I don't know, he's cool!"
Hmmm. I wonder what 'cool' means?
It was not until today, on are 5 hour drive to Ko Chang, that I finally got an answer.
In the car, Joelle and I met a boy from a small town in the south of France. (Side note - this boy could not have resembled Abran more. I seriously thought he was sitting next to me.)
Of course the first question he asks Joelle and I was if we watched the 'Obama' debate last night. I took a wild guess and assumed he was a fan so I went about asking why he liked Obama. First he said, and this is no joke, "Obama is cool". I told him he had to give me more. Why is Obama so cool? Why do you like him so much?
Speaking for Europe, he said the whole country is supporting Barak Obama. Whether they are right or left, he is in the newspapers, on their Televisions, billboards, magazines - everything and the Europe would like to see him become the next president. They will associate any republican, whether he is a good politician or not, with President Bush. I think I am stating the obvious here, but I guess I was just assumed at how much enthusiasm I got about American politics.
To sum up, other people throughout this world, from different races and other cultures, do pay close attention to U.S. leadership. Our leadership directly influences not only other country's leadership, but the citizens as well. Reporting live from southeast Asia, I can say, America, that I think almost every country has given their vote to Obama.
Watch out Arnold, the Obam-a-nator is about to take the nomination for best-actor.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A Taste of Darwinism
Pulau Tioman. Island off the east coast of Malaysia. Better yet - the next casting spot for the prime-time show Survivor - or at least that's how it feels.
I'm talking no civilization, 104 degree weather, beautiful crystal clear water, the most elaborate jungle I've seen yet, bugs upon bugs and searching for food and clean water is like finding Waldo in New York City...on New Year's Eve. A true test of survival of the fittest for Joelle and I.
Okay, it's not that bad. Thanks to my mad research skills I found us the best bungalows on the island all for about $12 a night. That's $6 a person. Not to shabby for a tropical island.
We plan on spending our time here doing some dives. I need to finish my PADI certification before the end of the year, and instead of doing my open water dives in some mucky coral in central Illinois, I decided to wait until I got out here. (Of course I won't have Margot to hold dance parties underwater with me, but maybe that's good thing so I can actually pay attention this time around :) )
Joelle and I were a little nervous that this dive instructor of ours might be one of the toothless locals who can't speak any english and was going to toss us over board in some shark-infested water and say, "Good luck! It's man vs. nature! Hope you can survive!"
Whoa.
Okay, it wasn't that intense, but let me share a couple of survivor incidents.
Mariam, my german dive instructor, took me on my four open water dives. Her english was decent, so I was in good shape so far. I was, however, unaware that there is in fact a "new diver" initiation done by everyone on the boat.
On my first dive, we jetty over to coral island, gear up, and who is in fact the first one they push overboard....the dumbass new girl. To my luck, no sharks. Whew. I survived the first obstacle.
I situate my octupi and sink under. It is here were I am staring at about 55 jellyfish head on. No, not head on, but completely surrounding me.
They are actually quite angelic looking but I was still unsure if I would survive my second obstacle. I only had half a wet suit on. Surely all 55 were bound to attack the lone star and start zapping me right and left. I tried to swim away but I got nowhere because they are literally everywhere I turn. In fact, when I swim using my arms I end up swooping them up in my hands...sick.
Okay, I have to forget about the jellyfish and start concentrating on obstacle number three. If I don't start depressurizing my ears and get my buoyancy in check I am going to be in trouble. And even worse, feisty Mariam is going to start bitching at me underwater with her damn hand signals that I don't understand.
We sink down about 22 meters and...aaaahhh the underworld.
No more jellyfish, I decompress fine, I have a full tank of O2, I am perfectly buoyant in the water and I start to feel like the little mermaid. (Okay, I don't feel as pretty as her, but no joke I start singing that song in my head. What is it with that song?!?! If you go up to any 23 or 24 year old woman guarantee (!!) she can sing you the whole song, word for word. Just try it.)
Finally, the last day I get to do a fun dive with Joelle. Lucky for us, it was the most beautiful day the whole time we were there. We take a small boat out to Pirate's Reef and get to do almost a full hour of bottom time. Joelle and I saw a huge sea turtle, blue-spotted sting ray (dad :) ) and tons of fantastic fish. Not to mention some pretty impressive coral.
The dive consisted of three grown men and Joelle and I. When we got back to land my tank had 60 watt of pressure left, the three grown men had between 80-90 left in their tanks, and rockstar Joelle ( I don't know if this is rockstar status or brut status) had a whooping 110 of O2 left in her tank! Ha-ha!
This is clearly something my father (aka dopey) taught her. I can just hear him say it, "Joelle, just don't breathe underwater, then you can stay down for longer."
Oh well, she did survive and made it back to surface, flesh-colored face and all, just fine.
So Charles Darwin, I survived Pulau Tioman, Joelle survived Pulau Tioman, and we just dominated your theory on life... what else you got for us? :)
( Joelle and I monkeying around on Monkey Beach. Dub the name because of all the monkeys that come on the beach. Let me tell you, don't be fooled by curious George. They are not cute! They are fierce!)
I'm talking no civilization, 104 degree weather, beautiful crystal clear water, the most elaborate jungle I've seen yet, bugs upon bugs and searching for food and clean water is like finding Waldo in New York City...on New Year's Eve. A true test of survival of the fittest for Joelle and I.
Okay, it's not that bad. Thanks to my mad research skills I found us the best bungalows on the island all for about $12 a night. That's $6 a person. Not to shabby for a tropical island.
We plan on spending our time here doing some dives. I need to finish my PADI certification before the end of the year, and instead of doing my open water dives in some mucky coral in central Illinois, I decided to wait until I got out here. (Of course I won't have Margot to hold dance parties underwater with me, but maybe that's good thing so I can actually pay attention this time around :) )Joelle and I were a little nervous that this dive instructor of ours might be one of the toothless locals who can't speak any english and was going to toss us over board in some shark-infested water and say, "Good luck! It's man vs. nature! Hope you can survive!"
Whoa.
Okay, it wasn't that intense, but let me share a couple of survivor incidents.
Mariam, my german dive instructor, took me on my four open water dives. Her english was decent, so I was in good shape so far. I was, however, unaware that there is in fact a "new diver" initiation done by everyone on the boat.
On my first dive, we jetty over to coral island, gear up, and who is in fact the first one they push overboard....the dumbass new girl. To my luck, no sharks. Whew. I survived the first obstacle.
I situate my octupi and sink under. It is here were I am staring at about 55 jellyfish head on. No, not head on, but completely surrounding me.
They are actually quite angelic looking but I was still unsure if I would survive my second obstacle. I only had half a wet suit on. Surely all 55 were bound to attack the lone star and start zapping me right and left. I tried to swim away but I got nowhere because they are literally everywhere I turn. In fact, when I swim using my arms I end up swooping them up in my hands...sick.
Okay, I have to forget about the jellyfish and start concentrating on obstacle number three. If I don't start depressurizing my ears and get my buoyancy in check I am going to be in trouble. And even worse, feisty Mariam is going to start bitching at me underwater with her damn hand signals that I don't understand.
We sink down about 22 meters and...aaaahhh the underworld.
No more jellyfish, I decompress fine, I have a full tank of O2, I am perfectly buoyant in the water and I start to feel like the little mermaid. (Okay, I don't feel as pretty as her, but no joke I start singing that song in my head. What is it with that song?!?! If you go up to any 23 or 24 year old woman guarantee (!!) she can sing you the whole song, word for word. Just try it.)
Finally, the last day I get to do a fun dive with Joelle. Lucky for us, it was the most beautiful day the whole time we were there. We take a small boat out to Pirate's Reef and get to do almost a full hour of bottom time. Joelle and I saw a huge sea turtle, blue-spotted sting ray (dad :) ) and tons of fantastic fish. Not to mention some pretty impressive coral.
The dive consisted of three grown men and Joelle and I. When we got back to land my tank had 60 watt of pressure left, the three grown men had between 80-90 left in their tanks, and rockstar Joelle ( I don't know if this is rockstar status or brut status) had a whooping 110 of O2 left in her tank! Ha-ha!
This is clearly something my father (aka dopey) taught her. I can just hear him say it, "Joelle, just don't breathe underwater, then you can stay down for longer."
Oh well, she did survive and made it back to surface, flesh-colored face and all, just fine.
So Charles Darwin, I survived Pulau Tioman, Joelle survived Pulau Tioman, and we just dominated your theory on life... what else you got for us? :)
( Joelle and I monkeying around on Monkey Beach. Dub the name because of all the monkeys that come on the beach. Let me tell you, don't be fooled by curious George. They are not cute! They are fierce!)
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