In relation to the Belgium government thinking of banning the burqa, does anybody find it ironic that these women hail from countries that, in some cases, make it compulsory (punishable by death) to wear these burqas and now they are living in a country that makes it compulsory to take it off? It is my understanding of democracy and freedom that we have choices, and amongst those choices is me covering myself in head to toe in a black sheet (for a lack of better word).
It is a personal choice, brought on by religion and custom. For me, it is the same as me making the personal choice to wear shorts and a tanktop - which I resent not being able to do in certain countries due to their customs. Why should Europe follow in their footsteps? Shame.
In other news, today is round two of the political leader debates in Bristol. It will be interesting to see if there will be more focus/attack on Nick Clegg/Lib Dem's due to their surge in popularity due to the first round of debates! Too bad I can't watch it live due to work.
I have been too busyliving my life to update this blog but SO MANY exciting, brilliant, crazy, weird things have been happening both in the world, and in my personal life, the past few weeks.
Before I begin ... please listen to this song whilst you read my post so we can share the same brain vibes ... its my 'on constant repeat' jam for the night...
Firstly, Polish president dead, first lady dead, top military officials dead, leader of central bank dead ... wow! (April 10, 2010) This sent/is sending ripples of shock through the eastern European community. I wrote a paper earlier this year about the Hungarian and Polish constitutions, and whilst doing research I came across a lot of information about Lech Kaczyński and his twin brother, the former PM of Poland. Oddly enough, he was up for re-election later this year and two others on the plane were set to run as well died. They are set to have an election in June of 2010 to re-elect a president. R.I.P. Kaczyński and the others that passed on with him in the plane crash in Russia on this unfortunate day.
Secondly, once again I must blog about Islandia. This is not only because I am from there, it is also because it must be the most explosive place on the planet right now (harharhar .... pun intended) with all the changes in politics, economics and now seismic and volcanic activity. Check out these extraordinary photographs; This volcanic eruption is actually stimulating the economy a lot due to a large influx of tourists coming to experience and see this once-in-a-lifetime natural wonder. Although I am not a fan of this newspaper, here is an interesting story that provides more information about this (if anybody is at all interested.... which I kind of doubt ...:) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/iceland/7575220/Tourists-flock-to-worlds-newest-volcano.html
Some tourists have been a bit bold and going off on their own, despite warnings from local media and search & rescue, and getting themselves injured, lost, and there have even been deaths. People should remember that this is rough terrain and there is a VOLCANO ERUPTING UNDER A GLACIER, so flooding is to be expected. Also, the weather has been poorly and the continued pouring of ash is limiting visibility to the point that flights in Northern Scotland, Norway and of course Iceland are grounded today...... Payback!? ;)
Thirdly, I have just returned from Tunisia and Portugal. I had the most amazing time in both places. I am getting relaxed just thinking about it.... I did a lot, ate a lot, learned a lot, had a lot of fun, spent a lot of money, and sat a lot of sun. It was wonderful.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from the trips:
L I S B O A : P O R T O:
T U N I S I A:
(thats Monica in the parachute)And finally, today I registered to vote in the UK general elections to take place in May. So far, looks like I'll be voting Conservative (I am surprised myself, more because of my dislike of Labour than anything else!) Will have to see the results of the leaders debate this Thursday (will have to catchup via youtube due to work) to make a final decision.
(thats Monica in the parachute)
