Snapshot
So, Grad School has started and we’ve hit the ground running. I love it. I’m so happy to be back in school, you don’t even know! But I’m also VERY BUSY! Mark went out last night to see friends at the Yelp Elite Event, and guess what I did? I stayed home and read. And read. And… read. That is going to be a big part of my life for the next two years.
We’ve been talking/dreaming a lot of travel/moving abroad, too. As excited as I am about moving to China… I also really, really want to live in Nepal at some point, too. After China. Mark hasn’t been there yet, but do you see that picture up there? How could you not want to live there? Huh? It’s gorgeous.
Anyhow, since I’m so busy and really should be doing some more reading right now, I’m just going to jot off a few other things on my mind real quicklike…
- I really can’t stand that “I kissed a girl” song. Arrrrgh. Who’s with me?
- I think my pregnant and mom friends are super awesome. Seriously.
- I can see how protesting the Olympics in China can make a statement about their human rights issues. However, I think most countries/governments are guilty of violating human rights and I think the Olympics is a not the most appropriate venue to voice concern/anger over those issues.
- I also think that boycotting China as a whole- everything made there, traveling to China, basically everything that supports their economy- is not only an ineffective, but also a misguided form of protest. Travel especially is such a great way to truly learn about another country and culture. And to give the people you meet a taste of you and where you come from, too. The Chinese people are not their government, just as we Americans are not ours. Not all of us support the practices, policies, and mistakes the government makes. Not all Chinese people are human rights violators. Most aren’t. At all. Not even a little bit. In actuality, everyone we met was full of warmth, genuine hospitality, better educated than most Americans I know about political issues, and excited to get to know two crazy American travelers. They are so proud of their country’s history and culture, and so excited to have the opportunity to host the Olympics. I don’t agree with everything the Chinese government does. I don’t agree with everything the American government does. But unless we get out there in the world and MEET people, and talk about issues, and try to understand each other, how can any meaningful, long-lasting change occur? What good does boycotting an entire country really do, especially if you’ve never taken the time to go there and find out for yourself what China is like? A lot of issues need to be addressed. But making China out to be a “bad guy” and pointing fingers without taking a good, long look in the mirror doesn’t seem like the best approach to me. There are other ways, other venues to speak out and get some attention, start some dialogue, etc.
Okay, that was a little longer than I anticipated. Oh well. Time to hit the books again. Toodles!
