An Unexpected Day in Italy

On a random satruday in Italy we decided to go and check out a vineyard but we had no idea that our director had a special plan for us. We traveled to the top of Mt. Subasio which is one of the tallest mountains in the region and from their we were able to see the entire landscape of Umbria. There was a storm moving in over the mountain so we were able to see different patches of rain clouds castings shadows across other mountains and we even received and occasional shade ourselves. Travel down from the mountain about 1400 meters we headed to the Caprai Vineyard were we were given a tour of the vineyard, taught how to last and appreciate wine, and given the history of the vineyard which was a treat in itself. Finally we headed to a small mountain town known as MonteFalco which is said to have about 200 inhabitants. We were lucky enough to travel there during their Jazz concert it was a true treat if I do say so myself. These pictures are a small taste of what we experienced on the unexpected but unforgettable day.

Palio Di Siena

The Second Day of Italy we took a trip to Siena to see their annual horse race. To your everyday American you hear horse race and you think just that, no not at all. In Siena each section is separated into 23 (cantrada) each cantrada has their own flag and filled with vibrant colors and a symbol representing that is used to represent their specific historic connection. I bought a La Lupa (lady wolf) flag its black and white to represent the colors of Siena and it has a female wolf in the center nursing two children Romulus and Remus. One founded Rome and the other's children founded Siena. But that is a different story, the horse race is unlike anything I was prepared for, inside of each cantrada they have a church where they bless the horse before the race. I hear it normally goes pretty well but in this case it did not work out that well, after they bless the horse a precession begins from the Duomo Di Siena all the way to the square it actually takes about 3-5 hours for the whole parade to actually finish, it is beautiful. Flag wavers, parade horse, floats, it was unbelievable. The greatest thing about the horse race is the belief and tradition, not only are the horse viewed as family members but whatever cantrada wins is said to have good fortune for the rest of the year until the next Palio. I was really without words.


The photos are a picture of the cantrada flag, a chandelier made in the shape of a cantrada symbol (the wave) the square where they raced when it was empty and when it filled up and a photo of one of the carriages.

As I Travel From...

Whooaaaa I made it to italy it it absolutely gorgeous I am without words, so truly blessed to be here. But it did take forever to actually get here, 8 hour plane ride, 45 minute cab ride, 1 hour bus ride, 2 hour train ride, switch trains and then a final 45 minute train ride. But it was all worth it though, The beautiful historic ruins of rome, to the rolling hills of Perugia Italy did not disappoint. Enjoy these photos as I attempt to capture, with my camera, the wonders my eyes have seen.

Oil Oil Oil

This Oil spill has reached a level above critical, oil rains in New Orleans oil waves in Alabama. Dear God, I don't know about everyone else but I have officially become worried. The judge that ruled against Obama's planned to halt oil drilling for 6 months, has investments in the oil and gas industry. Are you serious dude, your more concerned about your money then the state of the world, you ass, if the world is destroyed YOU HAVE NO MORE MONEY. A man once said "greed will imprison us all" We need a solution wildlife is dying off, 2 people have been killed it will only get worse.

Trust

I just wanted to draw the attention on how complex and different life has become. I was having a conversation with a friend of mine the other day and she mentioned that she can't trust anyone, especially men. Well the man part is a different conversation in itself but I wanted to talk about the trust factor. I think we as people have it backwards we trust everything but people. We trust that when we get in our car it will start, we trust that when we drink water its not vodka. We trust that our lights will come on when we flick the switch, We even trust that when you walk out in a street full of cars that they will obey traffic laws and yield to pedestrians. All of these things were created by man (people) and yet we put our trust in the creation and not the creator. We as people find it hard or even impossible to trust in other people and it is partially because we do not full trust ourselves, our abilities, and our gifts, our flaws, our decisions, and our purpose. We do not fully trust ourselves and that is the first step to trusting other people. I trust that if I post this people will read this, but I find it hard to trust people with who I truly am. I find that to be very interesting and very backwards because if you cannot trust you cannot love and if you do not love you do not live.

Texting Rant

During the semester I met a girl in a class we had together, she seemed cool enough so we exchanged numbers and began to text. Her texting personality was witty full of energy and seemingly very intelligent. So me doing what seemed to be the logical next step I asked her if she wanted to go get something to eat so we could get to know each other better. I don't know if I was texting a different girl or if she was nervous or whatever but their were enough awkward silences to last a life time. I do understand that she might've been nervous or maybe just was not feeling my conversation but I feel like the girl I was texting was different then the girl I was sitting across from. My problem with texting is that it has replaced the art of conversation, I do appreciate the ability to quickly send messages, but it has replaced the emotions and connections that are present in everyday conversation. I can recall a few times where I actually got into a text message argument I don't think I have ever come across something as childish as that, 4 page messages and then "u tlk lyke u aint ben n skool" with different "text talk" characters. I have always said that anything of importance should be talked and not texted, if you can't do it in person then you should at least call the person. And try to call people on their birthdays and not just send them a text message, they get those from everyone else don't just become another well-wisher, take 20 seconds and call I promise it will be greatly appreciated.

-My Little Rant About Texting-

The Importance of History

I just wanted to take this time to stress the important of history not just black and African history but history in general. It is a cliche but it is very true that if you do no know where you've been you will not know where you are going. Without history we lose culture, we lose direction we even lose our civility. When a people is without history they are forced to use everything that is around them to develop an identity, now if what surrounds you is death, destruction, anger, violence, then out of that you will develop an identity that embodies all of those sub-human qualities. As African Americans we have lost our history and it has been replaced with a negative image of self, we lack a love for self and because of that we are self destructive not only personally but to our fellow African Americans.For Example we have popularized and internalized the word NIGGER oh yes people say we have jazzed it up and replaced the ER with an A but we (and I say we because I include myself) use that word to describe our loved ones, our peers, and ourselves. Which is a way of labeling every African American we encounter as ignorant no longer viewing oursevles as a respectable people. If we don't respect us do you think anyone else will.