"Burqa Rage"

Michael Gerson has an opinion piece in today's Washington Post about the controversy swirling in Europe over the banning of head coverings.  I've never lived or worked in Afghanistan but know many women who have -- and they pretty universally see it as a symbol of oppression and subservience.

Is the burqa really a reasonable expression of religious freedom, particularly when it serves to subjugate women?

I'd love to hear from some of my friends who live in Europe and can shed further light on this.  As well as those who can fill me in on the benefits of the burqa.

Amman Fashion

I went to the souk on my last day in Amman, not so much to buy anything but to wonder past its limitless items -- shoes, socks, gold chains and rings, dresses, blankets, dried spices and herbs, plastic tubs.  And some interesting women's fashions.  I find places like Jordan a bit confusing.  

It's not all one way or the other -- extremely conservative or extremely liberal, which would make the study of women's choices and decisions about covering their heads and/or faces so much easier.

Some of these ladies, particularly in the drab, featureless "coats," looked particularly stoic.  I wonder if they felt what many women in Amman felt, who were at home and not out amongst the souk where I walked in my western dress.

As for me, I was mostly interested in those gowns with lots of jangling coins and bright colors.

If not Amman, then Bangkok

I almost didn't come to Amman. I was almost in Bangkok.

Well, it would never have happened given the violent events there these last few weeks.  A colleague and his wife came from the traumatized city; evacuated from their home in the "red zone" a few days before he left.  He's not sure what awaits him when he gets back.

These photos were taken just steps from his apartment before government forces moved in.

A much different city awaits him upon his return; and any of us going back.

Day 2, Amman

My colleague, Steve, went out today to do what I love to do -- visit a local village, eat a homecooked meal and interact with the "real" people. Unfortunately, I was stuck in a hotel conference room.

He is filming a short video about a community water project in Jordan.  Jordan has severe water constraints -- it is the 4th dryest country in the world.  What does that mean? Rivers are drying up.  Crops are dying.  People don't have drinking water.  Many have traditionally felt that it was in "Allah's hands."

But one project funded by USAID is allowing commuities to make their own decisions about rain collection points -- to feed livestock, to provide fresh drinking water and to water crops.

Last night, we sat with 2 Jordanians who work on the project -- it was inspiring.  This is exactly the type of project we should be investing in as tax payers.

Wanderlusting in Jordan

Jordan snuck up on me on the calendar.  And then I was off.  On the plane...over to London...a nice stop at Terminal 1...and then on another plane to Amman which would leave me in a sleep-induced haze as I arrived to the throngs of European tourists and WANA conference attendees. 

But there awaits the beautiful city of Amman. Its white washed facades. Its dry heat.  Its desert feel.  Its warm people and wonderful food.

My time here is short.  My free time even shorter. How will I fill it in between training at this conference?

Perhaps looking for more of this simple beauty.

Happy Mother's Day

To all my fellow mothers out there far and wide.  Young and old.  About-to-be and about-to-be empty nesters.  To my sisters  and sisters-in-law. To my best friends.  To my mother.  To Grandma Henny.  To those who are in my heart forever, Ruth June. 

You inspire, nurture, cajole, direct, soothe, mentor, tutor, hug, soothe, heal and motivate.

You are simply wonderful.  Happy Mother's Day! 

And, of course, to my little ones.  Thank you for giving me the chance to celebrate today!

1930s beach house...renovation

I am so excited. We are finally going to do a bit of renovation on our beach house kitchen.  The house was built in the late 1930s and has a beach house, vintage feel to it -- with lots of bright colors thrown into the mix. 

I've been surfing the web for some design ideas -- open shelving, a pass thru to the dining room and definitely some new retro appliances. Here are a few of my ideas. Send me more if you come across anything.





(P.S. One of these is from Fire Island!)

A Mexican Wedding

The sun was setting on the Tulum beach when the lively Mexican wedding party descended in their finest.  There was a slight breeze as Abby and I rushed to see the bride say her vows.

But then I heard their giggles as the surf lapped at their barefeet.

They stole the show that day as the weeping bride and happy groom said "si." 

 

A Place I'd Like to Wander....

There are some places I'd like to go.  Many of them, in fact.  There are big countries and small countries.  Very hot (India) and very cold (Russia).  Very remote (Bhutan) and mysterious (Libya).  And then just fascinating politically and culturally (Iran). 

And then there are some hotels, spas and resorts I just lust after. This is one of them.  Lebombo Singita. 

Once you look at the pictures, need I say more?

Sipping Espresso....anywhere in Europe, please

It's spring, thank goodness.  While the cherry blossoms have peaked in D.C., I'm always reminded this time of year of the wonders of cafes in Europe.  I spent my fair amount of time pondering the political situation in Serbia and Croatia, discussing boyfriend woes and generally kvetching with friends over many a machiatto in the cafes of Zagreb and Belgrade. It always amazed me how long Europeans can linger over a single cup of coffee. Ahhhh.

Thought you would enjoy this photo of Abby sipping her first espresso at a sidewalk cafe in Budapest a few years back.  Like mother, like daughter -- thank heavens.

Colorful Mexico

On our perfect days in Mexico, there were perfect colors. Perfect mango and salmon hues.

Tasty yellows and reds.

Brilliant blues of sea and sky.

And a mixture of all those primary colors.

Not to forget the greens.

Or the simple crisp whites.

Frida Here, Frida There and then some more to buy

She gazes at you from high above. Sometimes from down below.  From a wooden box. From a matchbox. From a mirror.  From a frame.  Frida is everywhere in Tulum and you can't help but feel a certain affection, bordering on pity,  for this poor woman whose face graces so many commercial items here in Mexico. 

Frida suffers from commercial exploitation.   But there are other faces which keep her company.  Aside from Frida, there are the revolutionaries, of course. 

And then the ubiquitous masks and skulls.

All faces of Mexico in some form or another. 

Mexico and the tale of the Sticky Sand

We're covered with sand.  It is everywhere.  In our hair.  In between our toes.  On the floors of the cabana.  On our t-shirts.  In our bags.  Places it is not supposed to be but now is.  I imagine we will be finding it in our stuff for weeks to come.  It is really wonderful.  It makes you realize that what is important in life is not checking e-mail, worrying about deadlines or being late, but simply rolling in the waves and getting your body and hair covered in more sand.  Oh, and applying more sunscreen frequently.

My little one is sleeping so I'm only going to write a bit and upload and a few photos of this gorgeous place and then it's back to the sandy, sticky, wonderfully white beach. 

Thoughts on Travel

The United people really don't get it.  But the Qantas and Air New Zealand folks.  Now, those are nice airport lounges.  Full on buffet. Hot food.  Quality marble sinks in an Asian-feeling bathroom.  Friendly staff who don't make you feel like they've been working too long.  Plenty of room to spread out.

And plenty of magazines, including one where I  found this quote about travel.  "Just do.  Don't stop until you die."  As I say goodbye to Darling Harbor, it's very appropos.

A Second College Life

Did you ever wonder what university you would attend if you got the chance to do it all over again? If you could go back 20 years (and a few) and choose another location, another setting, another campus, another set of professors, where would it be?

I must say Sydney University was looking mighty appealing today. I gave a presentation hosted by the World Bank.  The setting was the Law Faculty on this beautiful, sunny campus. I looked out from the windows of the modern faculty building over a swimming pool to the skyline of Sydney and paused.  What if....

My Australian Day Off

Australian wines.  Oh, I knew there was a reason I had taken a liking to them recently, not the least of which is that I now work for an Australian-based company.   But those that are enjoyed on a beautiful, sunny Saturday in the hills 1 hour drive away from Adelaide are particularly flavorful.

We wandered off into the hills of McClaren Vale today in search of them. I had some wonderful guides to show the way.  Felicity, Sam, Emil and Kerrie Anne -- who took me to their favorite little wineries for some tasting.

The day ended with fish and chips on the water at Port Elliott and then fireworks back in Adelaide.

It was simply a perfect Saturday in Australia.

Some Tiny Moroccan Faces

They crowded around the camera as they always do.  Giggling.  Curious.   The boys pushed in front.  As they always do.   But I coached the little girls to come forward.  I didn't have to ask them to smile.  The little girl in the orange outfit caught my eye. 

They come from the slums just on the other side of the road.  No running water.  No electricity.  But this little school gives them the chance to learn.  And a U.S. Department of Labor-funded program run here helps to avoid the tragedy of "child labor."  That means avoiding having childen as young as 7 and 8 working as maids, as garage attendants and on the streets hawking items.

They deserve more.  Don't you agree?