Sicily is one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. For me, the cobblestone streets, flower covered balconies, and smell of fresh baked goods make Catania hard to compare to other places on this earth. However, are downsides as well; there is quite a lot of trash everywhere, it's a more raw and untamed terrain. The people are harder here, they have to be. It comes as a slight comfort to me to know that my childhood was filled with soft nature, and kindness, and that I was taught to love and trust as a first instinct. It's not being naive or young either, trusting people. It's something that was fundamentally ingrained into me, to give, to love unconditionally. But I see how the world can be less forgiving. I have seen Paris shot, Brussels bombed, Turkey assaulted twice, countless attacks in Africa and the Middle East, and my eyes are more open to the harder side of this life.
It's hard to know there is little I can do. Hard to see innocent people die, children slaughtered, good men and woman running for their lives. It's hard to lead a life that is free of harm, free of war, and not feel guilty, I feel as though I take everything for granted. I have never had to deal with the kind of horrors that face many today. It is a privilege that many of us are unaware we possess. Following what is happening right now in my own country has opened my eyes. I have seen hate spreading like wildfire, innocent people injured at Trump Rallies, racism and xenophobia catching like a common cold, and it makes me sick to my stomach. I cannot believe that people would turn their backs on those in need. Children are going hungry. Those who claim to be pro life are the same that deny these children shelter, food, and warmth. The US is suppose to be a place of refuge, a welcoming place where we treat one another with respect. We read about these kinds of things in school, and thought "How could anyone be so cruel?" and now we have the chance to help and are wasting our time squabbling like children, arguing if a goddamn wall will keep us safe. I lost a lot of respect for the United States this last few months, lost respect for the American people.
We can still fix this. I know many people believe that their vote doesn't count, and that it won't change anything. But it will. We have the chance for the first time in US history to vote in someone that could make huge changes in the way we live. We could become this "great country" that is so often talked about. We are a nation built on immigrants, each one of us is a descendant of immigrants.
It's hard not to become completely absorbed by politics, and I see how it influence my moods and day to day life. But it is so important to pay attention to, crucial really. I was planning a trip to Rome again, but the city is on alert, and it's bad timing to go. Politics and world issues are present in everything, and I have learned to keep my eyes open, to be aware of happenings.
But I am done with my little rant and want to talk about Italy some more. Milan is like a really clean Denver. There is veins of old architecture snaking through the modern streets, red brick buildings that sport contemporary graffiti. Beautiful sculpture and the extravagant Duomo Cathedral that towers over the pigeon feeding crowd. I spent five days exploring the city with my partner in crime, and together we frequented the most wonderful coffee shops, found an amazing Cuban bar and sipped Mojitos while we looked at the river that sparkles with the light of the city. The shopping is amazing. Pull and Bear is my new favourite fashion line, and it's really hard not to want to buy all the amazing Italian clothes. I have not wavered on my initial thought, Italians all wear black. It's becoming more apparent to me the more time I spend here. After Milano we took a train to Roma. I like trains on occasion, but I would rather fly. Something about being so high up give me an exhilaration that is hard to explain. Once we arrived at the train station in Rome, we were picked up by a beautiful sleek black Mercedes Benz that my Associate Edward had arranged. It felt weird being chauffeured, our driver opened my door for me and everything. The hotel that I was reviewing was incredible. Truly beautiful. I won't go into length as I have already written about it, you can read the full article here. It was Valentine's day so we took bikes to find the Colosseum, what better thing to do then see some history? I was even fortunate enough to find my friend Hannah in Rome, and with her Uni mates we drank good beer at a gay bar. It was fantastic. Rome in indescribable, you will just have to see it yourself. The Villa Borghese Gardens were so beautiful even in the fading light, as it rained softly on us. I really did feel like a child again, completely without worries. I want to go back so bad, to explore more of the city and find the most wonderful gelateria hidden in some alley.
Italy is something that you just have to see with your own eyes.
Ciao.
It's hard to know there is little I can do. Hard to see innocent people die, children slaughtered, good men and woman running for their lives. It's hard to lead a life that is free of harm, free of war, and not feel guilty, I feel as though I take everything for granted. I have never had to deal with the kind of horrors that face many today. It is a privilege that many of us are unaware we possess. Following what is happening right now in my own country has opened my eyes. I have seen hate spreading like wildfire, innocent people injured at Trump Rallies, racism and xenophobia catching like a common cold, and it makes me sick to my stomach. I cannot believe that people would turn their backs on those in need. Children are going hungry. Those who claim to be pro life are the same that deny these children shelter, food, and warmth. The US is suppose to be a place of refuge, a welcoming place where we treat one another with respect. We read about these kinds of things in school, and thought "How could anyone be so cruel?" and now we have the chance to help and are wasting our time squabbling like children, arguing if a goddamn wall will keep us safe. I lost a lot of respect for the United States this last few months, lost respect for the American people.
We can still fix this. I know many people believe that their vote doesn't count, and that it won't change anything. But it will. We have the chance for the first time in US history to vote in someone that could make huge changes in the way we live. We could become this "great country" that is so often talked about. We are a nation built on immigrants, each one of us is a descendant of immigrants.
It's hard not to become completely absorbed by politics, and I see how it influence my moods and day to day life. But it is so important to pay attention to, crucial really. I was planning a trip to Rome again, but the city is on alert, and it's bad timing to go. Politics and world issues are present in everything, and I have learned to keep my eyes open, to be aware of happenings.
But I am done with my little rant and want to talk about Italy some more. Milan is like a really clean Denver. There is veins of old architecture snaking through the modern streets, red brick buildings that sport contemporary graffiti. Beautiful sculpture and the extravagant Duomo Cathedral that towers over the pigeon feeding crowd. I spent five days exploring the city with my partner in crime, and together we frequented the most wonderful coffee shops, found an amazing Cuban bar and sipped Mojitos while we looked at the river that sparkles with the light of the city. The shopping is amazing. Pull and Bear is my new favourite fashion line, and it's really hard not to want to buy all the amazing Italian clothes. I have not wavered on my initial thought, Italians all wear black. It's becoming more apparent to me the more time I spend here. After Milano we took a train to Roma. I like trains on occasion, but I would rather fly. Something about being so high up give me an exhilaration that is hard to explain. Once we arrived at the train station in Rome, we were picked up by a beautiful sleek black Mercedes Benz that my Associate Edward had arranged. It felt weird being chauffeured, our driver opened my door for me and everything. The hotel that I was reviewing was incredible. Truly beautiful. I won't go into length as I have already written about it, you can read the full article here. It was Valentine's day so we took bikes to find the Colosseum, what better thing to do then see some history? I was even fortunate enough to find my friend Hannah in Rome, and with her Uni mates we drank good beer at a gay bar. It was fantastic. Rome in indescribable, you will just have to see it yourself. The Villa Borghese Gardens were so beautiful even in the fading light, as it rained softly on us. I really did feel like a child again, completely without worries. I want to go back so bad, to explore more of the city and find the most wonderful gelateria hidden in some alley.
Italy is something that you just have to see with your own eyes.
Ciao.