#also people speaking with NO knowledge of a country's culture and history is incredible

[lil-gingerbread-queen]

Secularism: No religions in school, because children deserve an education free from religion and its influence.

Religious: But what about my religion?

Secularism: Euh... The same.

Religious: That's discrimination!

Secularism: What do you don't understand in "no religions"?

[historia-vitae-magistras]

Character Profile — Ireland

Character Name: Éire. The Republic of Ireland, the Island of Ireland. Brighid Kelly, Brid Ó Ceallaigh, Bridgie, Aunt Bridgie, Auntie, Mum, Mam. Imbolc or St. Brighid's Day is the spring festival in ancient times and under the Catholic Church and she kept it for that reason. The night will end.

Age: Late 30s, modern day.

Height: 5''8/173cm

Physical Description: Brighid spent the most time with their mother and shared her looks the most. Her circumstances have changed in innumerable ways, but Brighid carries herself like the druid and warrior queen her mother raised her to be. Not hunger, hardship or her reduced place in the world ever bent her back, and now she stands free and tall in her own right. Very fair, she's got a smattering of freckles across her body, a sharp face with what can bee an otherworldly beauty to her. Her people populated much of her brother's children, and her looks have added a slightly ethereal look to them in the right light or surreal circumstances, resulting in both Alfred and Jack being mistaken for changelings.

Eye colour: Green. But not only the green of her isle but the churning blues and greys of the sea. Her eyes can't quite decide what colour they want to be and will vary on her clothes and the lighting.

Hair colour/style: Red. Hibernian gold was a red gold metal, likely mixed with copper, from Ireland in ancient times, and her hair is that exact shade. She has always worn it long, often bound up with ribbons, a snood, or just braided. It's curly, especially when she can care for it in modern times.

Personal Appearance/Style: In the modern day, she likes fine things. Irish-made linens and wools, and like most nations of her age, she doesn't like artificial products. Deprived of much of her dignity for much of history, she takes much pride in her appearance now and wears nice jewelry and clothes for most occasions. She wears many wool sweaters, high-waisted trousers and boots out in the country and still tends to wear a nightgown to sleep out of habit.

Verbal Style: Speaks English with her Irish accent and refuses to do otherwise. Speaks Irish in all the surviving dialects and some that are no longer alive.

Level of Education: A thousand years ago, she was the most educated person in Europe, with Irish monasteries and nunneries preserving much of European knowledge. But in the intervening centuries, stripped of much of her cultural knowledge and education increasingly only available in English, she felt somewhat behind in technology because she was trying to fucking survive, but always made a point to seek out new information when she could and probably taught a hedge school herself in the 18th century. From Alfred's independence, she kept a close correspondence with him. When she became independent in her own right, it was with a lot of American capital and encouragement, as well as infusions of cash from American institutions; she became one of the most educated countries in Western Europe and the world again by the end of the 20th century.

Occupation: These days, she works as an Irish teacher, sometimes even in the preschools when she's in a maternal mood, but she is also a diplomat, political activist, businesswoman and

Past Occupations: Weaver, farmer, nun, abbess, governess, union organizer, activist, labourer, teacher, social worker, factory worker, tailor, charwoman, cobbler, laundress, dressmaker, milliner, brewster, distiller, embroiderer, dyer. You name it; she's probably done it to survive.

Skills, Abilities or Talents: She's incredibly talented at all things textile. Embroidery, weaving, springing, making flax and fleece in to linen and wool. She's skilled at navigation and boats, but on a smaller scale than her brother or nephews, and prefers to stay closer to the shore. She's also incredibly musically and artistically gifted with her Celtic influence found across the world. Fiddle, harp and her voice are her favourites but she can just about play or sing anything put in front of her.

Admirable Personality Traits: Friendly, passionate, blunt, welcoming, warm, affectionate and witty.

Negative Personality Traits: Angry, moody, depressive, stubborn, and impatient but she has literally no reason not to be those things considering her history, christ.

Sense of Humor: Playful, subversive, a bit twisted, and loves a good use of word play or a pun.

Physical/Mental illness or affliction: She's been through so much, and it shows in her body. She's had problems with her digestive tract for decades, anemia, and a lot of trauma. She's remarkably well-adjusted, considering her history. However, her friends and her brother's children still get phone calls in what should be the dead of night for Brighid, and it is usually the morning for him because she's having a bad day. She'll call Alasdair more often than the other two of her brothers and Alfred, but her relationship with Alfred is a lot more of her giving him advice than him comforting her. A lot of the time, she calls Jack at the asscrack of dawn for him to wake him up and maybe accidentally hears a confused, sleepy "Mum?" like he's still small enough to cradle in her arms. But they talk a lot. She was probably the first of her siblings to go to therapy, second in the family only after Matt.

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, embroidery, knitting, hiking, shinty, hurling. She's getting more fit these days and more able to do exerting activities. Baseball was largely taken from a game called rounders, and she'll throw a ball around, but also dearly loves hurling and Gaelic football.

Favourite Foods: Brighid doesn't have a single favourite food. Bread, cheese, smoked salmon, boxty, barmbrack, soda bread, stew, colcannon and champ, spagbol, meat and veg, steak and chips, toasties, tikka masala, fish and chips. She was thrilled when Jack learned how to cook Greek and Italian and wanted to show it off, and she's always down to have some beers and go absolute ham on some pub food with Alfred.

Most important personal item: I don't think, with her insane history, she got to keep anything personal her entire life. But I think she has a set of very nice emeralds that Alfred gave her when she first came to America that she's incredibly fond of. A lot of her best jewelry is from Alfred.

Person/friend close to character: She's fairly close to her brothers all things considered, but things are certainly easier with Rhys and Alasdair than with Arthur. Two thousand years of fuckery isn't exactly water under the bridge, but it's not exactly brought up in every conversation, either if only because Brighid is tired. She's very close to Alfred, which I'm only recently exploring, but the sheer amount of Gaelic songs about America and Australia gives me fucking emotions. Her situation got so much less desperate after Alfred intervened at certain points, and I think he probably even gave her an allowance anonymously because she deserved so, so much more than his people or the United Kingdom was giving her, and he's very fond of her. Jack's her baby boy in every way, except he calls her his aunt most of the time because Arthur sorted it that way.

Brief family history: She was born to Brigantia/Brittania in the pre-roman period, she's not exactly sure how old she is, but she's older by at least 300 years than Alasdair and more like 500 for Rhys and Arthur. Her relationship with her siblings is difficult, to say the least, but she especially shares close linguistic ties with Alasdair. Her brother's children are also very important in her life, with Alfred forming an incredibly important part of her life, politics, history and economy. Things are occasionally difficult between her and Alfred, but generally, it's a good relationship. She's emotionally closest with Jack, feeling stronger maternal feelings with him than his brothers because of her role in both his earliest years and him being the most Irish nation outside of Ireland.

Most painful experiences in the character’s past: Where in god's name do I even start? When they buried their mother in the late ancient period, maybe the 4th century for her as a person? The famine would probably be the worst, how it hollowed her out for generations, the hell on earth of being rolled onto a coffin ship and burning with fever in a shed in Toronto before Matt and Alfred can finally get her to America. She's seen famine, plagues, invasions, and everything in between.

Their Song: The Voice by Celtic Woman

[nordleuchten]

Hamilton vs. History

As most people are certainly aware of, Hamilton: An American Musical is not an exact representation of history and never wanted to be one. But when a pop-culture medium is so widespread and in certain places almost as omnipresent as Hamilton is, there will always be a blend between fact and fiction. Certain aspects of fiction or pop-culture simply make such a strong impression on us, that they shape our view on reality/history. Some aspects appear so much more fun, so much brighter in fiction, that we often do not want to know weather said aspect really happened this way. Some other details are so minor, that they are hard to catch if you are not deeply interested in the topic at hand.

Since I do know a thing or two about La Fayette, I thought I take a little deep dive into his depiction in Hamilton.

As a little disclaimer, while I have read the book Hamilton by Ron Chernow and listened to the official cast recording, I have never seen an actual production and can therefore not take into account what the actors do on stage.

Appearance:

I would have hoped that I do not have to say it, but I have made the experience in the past that I indeed do have so say it; La Fayette was not dark skinned. He was as white as the rest of influential America and Europa at that time.

As to his costume, well, he wears two uniforms throughout the play (plus the white suit at the beginning and in the end and his civilian clothes at the beginning of Act I)

His first uniform is identical with Mulligan’s, Laurens’ and Hamilton’s uniform – not quite right since he was a Major-General and the others were not. A more suitable uniform would have looked something like this:

The second, and probably more prominent uniform, is this one:

La Fayette wore this uniform as a lieutenant general in 1791 towards the end of his military service during the French Revolution, so roughly a decade later, in a different country during a different revolution.

Aaron Burr, Sir

With this song we are introduced to La Fayette for the first time. As a disclaimer, La Fayette never met Hercules Mulligan, had very little contact with Aaron Burr and he also met Hamilton and Laurens at the same time.

[LAFAYETTE]

Oui oui, mon ami, je m'appelle Lafayette!

The Lancelot of the revolutionary set!

I came from afar just to say “Bonsoir!”

Tell the King “Casse toi!” Who's the best?

C'est moi!

I like that La Fayette is speaking French in his opening lyrics because by the time of his arrival in America he only had a very limited knowledge of the English language and he needed a few extra months to feel entirely comfortable. Hamilton and Laurens both spoke French and this circumstance really helped in building their friendship.

La Fayette also makes a remark regarding the legendary (often described as French) knight Lancelot du Lac. Quite fitting, given that La Fayette hailed from a line of literally knights and these were stories and (self-)characterisations that he was quite attached to.

Other than that, the song is a bit too bubbly for my taste. Yes, La Fayette could be extremely energetic and optimistic, but he could also be incredibly self-conscious. He knew that he had no practical knowledge, that he barely understood the language, that his age was working against him, he even told Washington that he came to learn and not to teach – he would have never said “Who’s the best? C’est moi!” And while we are at it, he also did not like swearing.

My Shot

[LAFAYETTE]

I dream of life without a monarchy

The unrest in France will lead to 'onarchy?

'Onarchy? How you say, how you s-oh, 'anarchy!'

When I fight, I make the other side panicky

With my—

I suspect that the first line is directed towards the French monarchy, since France was where the vast majority of his life took place. If so – no, La Fayette did not dream of life without a monarchy. Later, during the French Revolution he was critical of the monarchy but never wanted to abolish it. He was not called a Counter-Revolutionary and Royalist by his enemies for no reason.

While yes, there had been unrests long before the French Revolution, as we know it, started, these problems were at this time of his life not on La Fayette’s mind.

As to making the other side “panicky”, well, La Fayette had no practically military experience at this point so there were very few people whom he made “panicky” (and I think half of them were members of the Continental Congress and Continental Army.)

But once again, I like La Fayette’s struggle with the English language.

The Story of Tonight

[LAFAYETTE/MULLIGANS/LAURENS]

I may not live to see our glory!

This line is rather interesting because while, yes, many of La Fayette’s ancestors have died young, his own father among them, and while La Fayette himself had been wounded early on in the Battle of Brandywine and also had been severely ill several times, he wrote these lines to his Adrienne on January 6, 1777 in regards to the birth of their second daughter Anastasie:

For the rest, if one must worry about the family name, I declare that I have decided to live long enough to bear it myself for many years, before I am obliged to bequeath it to another being.

Idzerda Stanley J. et al., editors, Lafayette in the Age of the American Revolution: Selected Letters and Papers, 1776–1790, Volume 1, December 7, 1776–March 30, 1778, Cornell University Press, 1977, p. 222-226.

He certainly was full of optimism to see their glory.

[LAFAYETTE]

Let's have another round tonight!

La Fayette was definitely not averse to a drink or two or fife with his friends. This line is very much in character.

The Story of Tonight (Reprise)

I would like to preface this song by saying that neither La Fayette, nor Laurens, nor Mulligan nor Burr were present at Hamilton’s wedding. The only guest on Hamilton’s side of the wedding party was Doctor James McHenry, former aide-de-camp to Washington and now an aide-de-camp to La Fayette

[LAFAYETTE]

Let's have another round tonight!

As I said previously, this is definitely something that La Fayette would have said. :-)

[LAFAYETTE]

You are the worst, Burr!

There is no reason to believe that La Fayette, even when a bit tipsy, had any ill feelings towards Burr. In fact, La Fayette had very few feelings towards Burr because he mentions the good Sir almost never. There are six letters in total, both to and from La Fayette, that mention Burr and the earliest is from 1807.

Stay Alive

[LAFAYETTE]

I ask for French aid, I pray that France has sent a ship

La Fayette lobbied extensively for the American cause, even before his first voyage home again to France.

[WASHINGTON]

Have Lafayette take the lead!

(…)

[LAFAYETTE]

As we snatch a stalemate from the jaws of defeat

The Battle of Monmouth was a wild. Washington offered the command to Lee, who was not interested so Washington went to La Fayette, who gladly accepted the command. Suddenly, Lee’s interest was renewed, and he took command after all. The battle itself was disaster but La Fayette never officially took command but instead worked with Lee to try and safe the day and he was also in command of his own little sub-division.

Guns and Ships

La Fayette's most prominent number in the musical.

[LAFAYETTE]

I’m takin this horse by the reins makin’

Redcoats redder with bloodstains

(…)

[LAFAYETTE]

And I’m never gonna stop until I make ‘em

Drop and burn ‘em up and scatter their remains, I’m

[COMPANY]

Lafayette!

[LAFAYETTE]

Watch me engagin’ em! Escapin’ em!

Enragin’ em! I’m—

(…)

[LAFAYETTE]

I go to France for more funds

(…)

[LAFAYETTE]

I come back with more

[LAFAYETTE AND ENSEMBLE]

Guns

And ships

And so the balance shifts

La Fayette went to France in 1779 and returned to America in 1780. He brought with him the promise of “guns and ships” but the French aide needed some time to arrive.

[LAFAYETTE]

We can end this war at Yorktown, cut them off at sea, but

For this to succeed, there is someone else we need:

(…)

[LAFAYETTE]

Sir, he knows what to do in a trench

Ingenuitive and fluent in French, I mean—

(…)

[LAFAYETTE]

Sir, you’re gonna have to use him eventually

What’s he gonna do on the bench? I mean—

(…)

[LAFAYETTE]

No one has more resilience

Or matches my practical tactical brilliance—

By the time of La Fayette’s return to America, Yorktown was not yet chosen, or better destined, to be the decisive battle in the Revolutionary War, especially since Washington and the French commanders had different ideas about how to proceed.

La Fayette did try to mend Washington’s and Hamilton’s relationship, not only by talking with Washington but also with Hamilton. And no, he would have never said, that he was tactically brilliant – because he was not, simple as that.

Yorktown (the World Turned Upside Down)

[LAFAYETTE]

Monsieur Hamilton

[HAMILTON]

Monsieur Lafayette

[LAFAYETTE]

In command where you belong

[HAMILTON]

How you say, no sweat

We're finally on the field. We’ve had quite a run

[LAFAYETTE]

Immigrants:

[HAMILTON/LAFAYETTE]

We get the job done

This is such a lovely scene, isn’t it? But it never happened like that, quite the opposite actually. La Fayette chose one of his former aide-de-camps, Jean-Joseph Soubadère de Gimat, to take command of the storming of redoubt number 10. Hamilton was eager to be given the command but when La Fayette refused he went straight to Washington who decided in Hamilton’s favour and overruled La Fayette’s decision. While in the end this incident did not harm La Fayette’s and Hamilton’s friendship, La Fayette was anything but happy with the situation.

[HAMILTON]

So what happens if we win?

[LAFAYETTE]

I go back to France

I bring freedom to my people if I’m given the chance

As I have now already mentioned a couple of times, at this time there was not really any freedom that La Fayette wanted to bring to France. There were certainly political and social matters that he was interested in and some laws that he would have liked to see reformed – but I feel like these lines imply a fixed agenda that simply was not there yet.

[HAMILTON]

When we finally drive the British away

Lafayette is there waiting—

[HAMILTON/LAFAYETTE]

In Chesapeake Bay!

La Fayette and his troops played a vital role in cornering and keeping the British troops in Yorktown by making a retreat by land impossible.

[LAFAYETTE]

Freedom for America, freedom for France!

Again, freedom for France was not yet on the forefront of La Fayette’s mind.

Cabinet Battle #2

[Jefferson]

Did you forget Lafayette?

[Hamilton]

What?

[Jefferson]

Have you an ounce of regret?

You accumulate debt, you accumulate power

Yet in their hour of need, you forget

[Hamilton]

Lafayette’s a smart man, he’ll be fine

And before he was your friend, he was mine

If we try to fight in every revolution in the world, we never stop

Where do we draw the line?

La Fayette’s imprisonment was a headache inducing topic for many people at the time. Neither Hamilton, nor Jefferson, nor Washington for that matter, had forgotten La Fayette, but there was very little that could be done from their positions. What could be done however, was done and Hamilton and Jefferson both helped. Interesting is here the change of roles – Jefferson accuses Hamilton of not caring while Hamilton himself is rather optimistic. In reality it was Hamilton who did way more for La Fayette, even taking his son in, while Jefferson, although concerned and helpful, sometimes had a mindset of “Well, it is a revolution, shit happens.”

This post is not intended as a critique of the musical or the people who like it and listen to it, this is simply a little note for the curious. :-)

[salomemejia]

My interview task:

As I was born in Colombia, Spanish is my native language, but I can also speak some English. My real skills in my second language are the listening and writing and I still have a lot to learn about speaking and reading skills. I am also learning French, but I am just beginning with the language, so I just know the basics.

and I would like to learn many other languages as Japanese, Italian or Korean.

In the short time I have been learning languages, I have noticed that learning another language means not only to be able to communicate with other people but learning and be introduced in a new culture.

While you are learning the grammar and improving your different skills, you will learn a lot of the country that speak that language; local food, the different idioms and even part of their history!

When you learn a different tongue, you are directly communicating with the culture of the native speakers. That is why our native language is so important because it reflects part of what we are, which is the reason why we should we proud and never forget where we belong.

As for me, I love my language and more than privileged, I feel happy that I was be able to be a Spanish native.

According to all the beauty that I find in learning languages, I decided to study this major because I would like to show and teach the new generations those Incredibles things that learning a tongue brings.

Besides, I want the students to feel relax and free to fail at any moment, knowing that I will do nothing but help them to improve and I will never get mad when they do nott understand something, because that is part of the learning journey.

Also, and not really related with that, I would like to teach because for me, giving all the knowledge I have to other people is one of the most beautiful things I could do.

Thank you!!

[journeydb]

OCTOBER 9 2023 ALGARVE PORTUGAL

Happy National Indigenous Peoples' Day! This national holiday is not to be confused with INTERNATIONAL Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated on August 9th around the world.

Some people still celebrate what USED to be this holiday, Columbus Day, especially Italian Americans, but most people understand now, because we have become more enlightened and have a new perspective of telling the TRUTH about history, and we recognize the damage done to the world's Indigenous Peoples by the COLONizers, named after Cristobal Colon, Columbus's name in Italian.

Of course, it wasn't only the people in North, Central, and South America who were colonized by the Patriarchy, but all over the globe. So, while we have in the United States our day of reckoning, the world also celebrates the gifts and the richness of life bestowed upon us by Indigenous Peoples in August.

President Biden proclaimed our national holiday on the White House website earlier this month with this statement:

"On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the perseverance and courage of Indigenous peoples, show our gratitude for the myriad contributions they have made to our world, and renew our commitment to respect Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. 

     The story of America’s Indigenous peoples is a story of their resilience and survival; of their persistent commitment to their right to self-governance; and of their determination to preserve cultures, identities, and ways of life.  Long before European explorers sailed to this continent, Native American and Alaska Native Nations made this land their home, some for thousands of years before the United States was founded.  They built many Nations that created powerful, prosperous, and diverse cultures, and they developed knowledge and practices that still benefit us today.      But throughout our Nation’s history, Indigenous peoples have faced violence and devastation that has tested their limits.  For generations, it was the shameful policy of our Nation to remove Indigenous peoples from their homelands; force them to assimilate; and ban them from speaking their own languages, passing down ancient traditions, and performing sacred ceremonies.  Countless lives were lost, precious lands were taken, and their way of life was forever changed.  In spite of unimaginable loss and seemingly insurmountable odds, Indigenous peoples have persisted.  They survived.  And they continue to be an integral part of the fabric of the United States.

     Today, Indigenous peoples are a beacon of resilience, strength, and perseverance as well as a source of incredible contributions.  Indigenous peoples and Tribal Nations continue to practice their cultures, remember their heritages, and pass down their histories from generation to generation.  They steward this country’s lands and waters and grow crops that feed all of us.  They serve in the United States military at a higher rate than any other ethnic group.  They challenge all of us to celebrate the good, confront the bad, and tell the whole truth of our history.  And as innovators, educators, engineers, scientists, artists, and leaders in every sector of society, Indigenous peoples contribute to our shared prosperity.  Their diverse cultures and communities today are a testament to the unshakable and unbreakable commitment of many generations to preserve their cultures, identities, and rights to self-governance.  That is why, despite centuries of devastation and turmoil, Tribal Nations continue to thrive and lead in countless ways.

     When I came into office, I was determined to usher in a new era in the relationship between the Federal Government and Tribal Nations and to honor the solemn promises the United States made to fulfill our trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations.  That work began by appointing Native Americans to lead on the frontlines of my Administration — from the first Native American Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and dozens of Senate-confirmed Native American officials to the over 80 Native American appointees serving across my Administration and in the Federal courts.  I restored the White House Council on Native American Affairs to improve interagency coordination and decision-making as well as the White House Tribal Nations Summit to bring together key members of my Administration and the leaders of hundreds of Tribal Nations. 

     Last year, I signed a new Presidential Memorandum that creates uniform standards for consultation between the Federal Government and Tribal Nations.  And together, we are making historic investments in Indian Country.  That includes $32 billion from the American Rescue Plan, the largest one-time direct investment in Indian Country in American history; more than $13 billion to rebuild infrastructure, the single largest investment in Indian Country infrastructure in history; and the biggest investment ever to combat the existential threat of climate change, including $700 million dedicated to climate change response in Native communities.      We are also working to improve public health and safety for Native Americans.  That is why I signed an Executive Order that helps us respond more effectively to the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples.  And when we reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act last year, I was proud to include historic provisions that reaffirm Tribal sovereignty and restore Tribal jurisdiction.  I have also requested a $9.1 billion infusion for Indian Health Services and asked the Congress to make that funding a mandatory part of the Federal budget for the first time in our history. My Administration will also continue using all the authority available to it, including the Antiquities Act, to protect sacred Tribal lands.  We have already restored protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah and the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument in New England.  I have declared new national monuments at the Camp Hale-Continental Divide in Colorado, Avi Kwa Ame in Nevada, and Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni in Arizona to protect lands that are sacred to so many Tribes.  My Administration has also signed at least 20 new co-stewardship agreements with Tribes, and we are working on many more. 

     As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, may we renew the enduring soul of our Nation-to-Nation relationships — a spirit of friendship, stewardship, and respect. 

     NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2023, as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.  I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.  I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse history and the Indigenous peoples who contribute to shaping this Nation.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth."

That was a powerful statement, in my opinion, and President Biden should be respected and held accountable for his perspective, his beliefs, and his words.

This morning we left our little enclave and went to breakfast at the breakfast room in a separate building from the main lobby. The grounds of the hotel are gorgeous and it was a treat to walk along the paths among the trees and flower gardens, past the pools and the buildings with the rooms and suites.

The breakfast was quite a spread but I tried not to overindulge because it makes me sick when cycling after a meal, especially uphill. After breakfast we mounted our bikes and headed off on a brisk ride to Montcarapacho, where we stopped for coffee, or, in my case, since I don't drink coffee, a fruit juice on ice.

Then we were off again to visit a surf board manufacturer in Sao Bras de Alportel. His designs were unique and many quite beautiful. And there was also a puppy, so that added to the interest for us dog lovers.

Suzanne, who carries her little monkey with her while she travels, looking spiffy, as always, appreciates dogs and she has two.

The shop owner began his dissertation outside the shop and then took us inside to see some of his wonderful works of art, which are valued in the surfing world by professionals and amateurs alike.

He is also pioneering a new kind of eco-friendly surfboard but I didn't understand the details he shared with us about their construction. Suffice it to say, they are more expensive and probably won't make a dent in the market, but at least he's doing his bit for the environment.

I very much liked his globes and wished I could take one home to our granddaughter, Maple, as she LOVES balls of all sizes!

After visiting the surfboard design studio and shop, we rode to Santo Estevao-Igreha for lunch. We need a lot of energy on these bike tours and snacks and meals are a big focus for us all.

The "restaurant" was actually a little house where they invited us into their home graciously and offered us a lovely and apparently delicious repas, some of which I could actually eat, but mostly just salad, because the Portuguese love their meat, fish, and dairy and most meals are made up of those main ingredients, with a bit of veggies on the side.

After lunch we rode back to the hotel, rested, some of us swam in the pools, and then we got ready for dinner, which included a tour of a family winery, in Sao Sebastiao.

Amir is apparently a very good cook, so he helped our chef prepare the meal while the rest of us sipped the wine from the family vineyard.

The vegetarian version of the stew was absolutely delectable and I enjoyed every bite! We were so stuffed we nearly rolled into bed tonight, eager to get enough sleep before tomorrow's adventures.

[holylandprivatetours]

Holy Land Private Tours: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Israel Adventures

Planning a vacation is always exciting, but choosing the right destination can be a challenge. If you're looking for a place that combines breathtaking views, historical sites, warm weather, and incredible food, then Israel should be at the top of your list. Whether you're drawn by its biblical significance or simply want to experience its vibrant culture, a private tour in Israel is the best way to explore this fascinating country.

Why Choose a Private Tour in Israel?

 When it comes to experiencing Israel, a private tour offers unparalleled flexibility and personalization. Unlike large bus tours, which can feel impersonal and rushed, a private tour with Holy Land Private Tours ensures that your experience is tailored to your interests and pace. With the help of an experienced Israel Private Tour Guide, you can craft an itinerary that includes all the must-see attractions as well as hidden gems that only locals know about.

From the ancient remnants of the Cave of the Patriarchs to the stunning sandy beaches along the Mediterranean coast, Israel has something for everyone. And with Holy Land Private Tours, you can enjoy all of this in luxury and comfort. Our tours are led by licensed and English-speaking Private Guide Israel who are not only knowledgeable about the country’s rich history but also passionate about sharing it with visitors.

The Benefits of an Israel Local Travel Guide

One of the biggest advantages of booking a private tour with Holy Land Private Tours is the expertise of our guides. Each Israel Local Travel Guide is handpicked for their deep knowledge of Israel's history, culture, and geography. They know the best local spots for food, entertainment, and sightseeing, ensuring that you experience Israel like a true local.

For example, if you're a foodie, your guide can take you to the best markets and restaurants to taste authentic Israeli cuisine. If you’re a history buff, they’ll bring the ancient sites to life with stories that you won’t find in any guidebook. This personalized approach makes your trip more than just a vacation; it’s an immersive experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Crafting the Perfect Itinerary

At Holy Land Private Tours, we understand that every traveler is unique. That’s why we offer a range of customizable itineraries designed by our top Israel Private Tour Guides. Whether you’re interested in a one-day tour or a full two-week adventure, we’ve got you covered.

Our experts will handle everything—from flights and hotels to transportation and guided tours. All you need to do is tell us your preferences, and we'll create an itinerary that suits your needs. Want to explore Jerusalem’s ancient streets, float in the Dead Sea, or hike in the Golan Heights? We’ll make it happen.

Small Group Tours for an Intimate Experience

If you prefer a more social experience, consider our Israel Small Group Tours. These tours are limited to 12 people, allowing you to enjoy a more intimate and interactive experience while still benefiting from our expert guides. You'll stay in 4-star hotels, travel in luxurious transport, and visit top places of interest—all while making new friends along the way.

Experience Israel Your Way

Israel is a land of contrasts, where ancient history meets modern culture, and religious significance blends with natural beauty. With Holy Land Private Tours, you can explore this incredible country your way, guided by the best in the business.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, our Israel Local Travel Guideare here to make your trip unforgettable. We offer a wide range of tours, including Classic Tours of Israel that cover all the iconic sites, VIP Israel Tours for a luxurious and exclusive experience, and Christian Trips to Israel that focus on the sacred sites of the Holy Land.

Book your journey today with Holy Land Private Tours and discover the wonders of Israel like never before.

[sneakiis]

the best type of traveling experience

When it comes to travel, the options are endless, each offering its own unique travel appeal. Whether you're an intrepid explorer, a culture enthusiast, or a nature lover, there's the perfect kind of adventure waiting to capture your heart and soul. Let's dive into the different areas of travel and find out which experiences stand out as the best choice for the traveler.

1. Cultural Immersion:

 Immersing yourself in the culture of your destination remains one of the most rewarding travel experiences. Immerse yourself in the culture, language and customs of a foreign country to gain a deeper understanding of its people. By taking part in local festivals and enjoying authentic cuisine, cultural immersion allows you to create deeper connections and develop a global perspective, making it an incredible journey for the traveler who - make custom.

2. Adventure Travel:

For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, the tour offers unprecedented thrills and excitement. Whether it's high peaks, dangerous rapids, or remote desert tours, this type of travel promises unforgettable experiences and a deep sense of accomplishment. Travel not only tests your physical limits, but also promotes personal growth, resilience and a deeper appreciation of the natural wonders of our world.

3. Relaxing Getaways: 

Sometimes, the best form of travel is to kick back and have some well-deserved fun. Escaping to a quiet resort, a secluded mountain retreat or a beautiful resort can provide an invigorating escape from the stresses of everyday life. With beautiful landscapes, delicious spa treatments and delicious food, these trips offer the perfect opportunity to recharge, meditate and connect with your inner peace and well-being.

4. Educational Expeditions:

Traveling can also be a way to expand your knowledge and understanding of the world. Educational trips, such as visiting historical monuments, attending conferences, or enrolling in local courses, provide immersive learning experiences that can broaden your horizons and deepen your intellectual pursuits. These trips foster a deeper understanding of world history, art and science, fostering a lifelong passion for learning and discovery.

5. Sustainable and Eco-Tourism:

 In an era of growing environmental awareness, sustainable tourism and tourism have become the mainstay of travel. This type of travel aims to reduce environmental impact while promoting safety and sustaining communities. Whether it's volunteering for a conservation project, staying at a friendly home, or taking part in an important wildlife encounter, sustainable travel allows you to make a positive contribution to saving resources. the wonderful people of our world

Ultimately, the best type of travel experience is a personal choice, tailored to each individual's preferences and interests. Whether you're looking for traditional learning, adrenaline-filled adventure, quiet relaxation, intellectual stimulation, or sustained exploration, each type of travel offers its own rewards and unique opportunities for personal growth. . So embark on a journey that speaks to your heart, ignites your passion and leaves an indelible mark on your soul. After all, the beauty of travel lies in the variety of experiences it offers, giving each traveler the opportunity to find his own type of paradise.

to know more information visit sneakiis 

click here to know about 5 beautiful places in India

visit on if you want to know about social media marketing

visit on to know about cricket

[devsharma23]

Beyond Borders: Crafting Your Future with Study Abroad 

 Introduction: What is Study Abroad All About?

Hey there, young explorer! Have you ever heard of something called "study abroad"? It's like having a special key that unlocks amazing learning adventures while you travel to faraway places. Imagine it as a quest for knowledge that takes you beyond borders – how exciting does that sound?

 Embarking on Learning Adventures Abroad

 Packing Your Bags and Your Curiosity 

You know when you pack your bag for a trip? Well, with study abroad, you're not just packing clothes; you're packing a whole lot of curiosity too! It's like having a treasure map that helps you discover new things everywhere you go. For more info visit: Study Abroad consultant in Delhi

 Making Friends from Around the World 

Guess what? You're going to make friends from all around the world. Imagine having buddies who can teach you games from their countries and share amazing stories. It's like creating a scrapbook of friendship from every corner of the globe! For more info visit: Study Abroad consultant in Noida

 Learning Beyond Classroom Boundaries

 Math Made Delicious: Let's Dive into Pizza Fractions! 

Learning can be as tasty as pizza! Imagine sharing a pizza with friends and figuring out how to divide it fairly. That's like a math puzzle, and when you solve it, you get a slice of pizza as a delicious reward. Learning has never been this yummy! For more info visit: Study Abroad consultant in Lucknow

 History Treasure Hunt: Unveiling Stories of the Past 

History might sound like stories from long ago, but it's incredibly exciting! Imagine exploring a real castle and discovering tales of brave knights and magical creatures. It's like stepping into a time machine and becoming a history explorer. For more info visit: Study Abroad consultant in Ghaziabad

 Embracing New Cultures and Flavors

 Taco Tuesdays Any Day: Embarking on a Flavorful Journey! 

Food is like a passport to different cultures! Imagine trying tacos from Mexico, pasta from Italy, and sushi from Japan. Each bite is like a ticket to a new adventure that fills your taste buds with delight!

 Embracing Diversity: Speaking the Language of Friendship! 

Speaking different languages is like having a secret code to unlock friendships. Imagine saying "hello" in English, "bonjour" in French, and "ni hao" in Chinese. People will smile and appreciate your efforts to connect with them in their language! For more info visit: Study Abroad Consultant In Chandigarh

 Overcoming Challenges: Unleash Your Inner Adventurer!

 Lost and Found: Navigating Uncharted Streets 

Sometimes, you might find yourself a little lost in a new place. But guess what? Getting lost is like going on a treasure hunt to find your way back. You'll become a fearless explorer of unfamiliar streets! For more info visit: Study Abroad consultant in Gurugram

 The Magic of Problem-Solving: When Plans Take a Turn 

Life isn't always smooth, but you'll learn to solve tricky problems. It's like having a magic wand to find solutions and keep moving forward, even when things don't go as planned. For more info visit: Study Abroad consultant in Kolkata

 Developing Superpowers through Study Abroad

 Super Communication: Expressing Without Words! 

Communication means sharing thoughts and feelings. But guess what? You'll also learn to communicate without words, like using gestures to show directions. It's like having a superpower that helps you connect with people no matter where they're from! For more info visit: Study Abroad consultant in Jaipur

 Time-Traveling Glasses: Learning Lessons from the Past 

Imagine if you had glasses that could show you how people lived in the past. Study abroad gives you a taste of that power! You'll learn from history's adventures and use those lessons to shape a brighter future. For more info visit: Study Abroad Consultant In Punjab

 Summary: Your Journey to Study Abroad Excellence

Look at all the incredible things you've learned on this study abroad journey! You've explored new places, forged friendships with people from around the world, savored diverse foods, and become a fearless problem-solver. Each day was like turning the pages of a fascinating book, and you were the hero of your own story. For more info visit: German Education consultant in Chandigarh

  Take Action: Start Your Study Abroad Expedition Today! 

Are you ready to embark on a journey of endless learning? The world is waiting for you to explore, discover, and learn. So, pack your bags with curiosity, put on your explorer's hat, and let your study abroad adventure begin now!

[skytrustunitedstates]

Unlock the world, one international trip at a time!

Unlock the world, one international trip at a time!

According to human psychology, we often focus on money and go for the cheapest international trip. If you’re from India, you search for the “cheapest international trip from India” and likewise for any other country. Still, none of us focus on the planning and organization element of the trip.

Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences a person can have. Not only does it allow you to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, but it also helps you grow as an individual.

For starters, traveling expands your horizons and broadens your perspective on life. You get to see how people from different parts of the world live, their beliefs, and their daily routines. This exposure to diversity helps you become more open-minded and accepting of others. Additionally, you learn new things and gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures and their histories.

Another reason why traveling is amazing is that it allows you to disconnect from your daily routine and live in the moment. Whether relaxing on a beach, hiking through a jungle, or exploring a bustling city, traveling forces you to slow down and live in the present. This can be incredibly refreshing, especially for those constantly busy with work or other responsibilities.

Traveling also helps you build confidence and independence. When you’re in a new place, you must navigate unfamiliar terrain, communicate with people who speak different languages, and find your way around without the comfort of the familiar. This can be challenging at first, but with time, you’ll find that you’re able to handle new situations with ease and that your confidence has grown

Since the end of the global pandemic, there has been a surge of Indians who want to travel and explore all the hidden gems spread across the globe. Traveling internationally can be a life-changing experience but can also be overwhelming and stressful without proper planning. From obtaining a visa to packing, there are many things to consider before embarking on an international trip. To have the best international trip from India, we must understand the essence and importance of planning.

Importance of Planning

Planning a trip ensures that you are prepared for your travels and can enjoy your time at your destination without unnecessary stress or complications. To have the best international trip from India, understand the essence of planning –

Saves time and money: Planning allows you to research and compare different options for transportation, accommodation, and activities, helping you find the best deals and avoid overspending.

Helps you make the most of your time: By planning your itinerary, you can ensure that you are able to visit all the sights and attractions you want to see and make the most of your time at your destination.

Reduces stress: Planning can help eliminate the stress of last-minute decision-making and ensure that everything runs smoothly during your trip.

Helps you prepare for unexpected events: Having a plan can help you quickly respond to unforeseen circumstances, such as flight cancellations or inclement weather.

Allows for a more organized and enjoyable trip: Planning helps you stay organized, avoid confusion, and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Guidelines for Having the Best World trip

Book My Bharat is a renowned travel agency that provides travelers like you with comprehensive guidelines on travel destinations, making it easier for you to choose the best places to travel. Our guidelines cover local laws and customs, safety tips, health recommendations, and sustainable travel practices. By offering such valuable information, we enable our clients to make informed decisions about their travel destinations and the best places to travel in the world. Our expertise in the travel industry and our up-to-date knowledge of various travel destinations help you choose the most suitable places based on your preferences, budgets, and needs. With our guidance, you can embark on your dream journey to the best places to travel in the world, knowing you have all the information required for a safe, efficient, and enjoyable experience. These guidelines will offer you the best travel experience –

Study the destination you desire to visit

If you plan a trip to a new destination, it’s crucial to study the location before you go. Researching your travel destination can help you find the best deals on flights, accommodations, and activities, allowing you to maximize your budget. By studying the destination, you desire to visit; you can identify the best time to travel, which can significantly impact prices. You can also learn about affordable accommodations and restaurants, public transportation, and other cost-saving tips. Additionally, you can avoid tourist traps that can be expensive and time-consuming. With careful planning and research, you can plan a trip to your desired destination that is both affordable and fulfilling, allowing you to make the most of your travel experience. So, whether you are planning a luxury trip or the cheapest international trip possible, studying your destination is essential in creating a successful and memorable journey.

Create a precise and prudent budget plan.

Creating a precise and prudent budget plan is crucial in successful travel and tour planning. A well-planned budget can help you make informed decisions about where to travel and what places to visit while controlling your expenses. By setting a budget, you can identify how much you can afford to spend on flights, accommodations, meals, and activities, allowing you to prioritize your spending and make the most of your travel experience. When creating a budget plan, it’s essential to consider factors such as exchange rates, local prices, and seasonal fluctuations to ensure that your budget is realistic and feasible. Additionally, it would be best if you considered any additional costs, such as travel insurance or visa fees, which can impact your overall expenses. A defined budget plan will make you enjoy a stress-free travel experience. In short, a well-planned budget is essential for successful travel and places exploration, whether you are planning a solo trip or a group tour.

Do intensive research for your ideal travel itinerary

To make the most of your travel experience, you must do intensive research for your ideal travel itinerary. A perfect itinerary can help you maximize your time and budget while ensuring you see and experience the things that matter most. Itinerary planning requires extensive research on your desired destination, including popular tourist spots, hidden gems, local events, and cultural experiences. This information can be found in travel guides, online resources, and blogs. Additionally, a travel itinerary involves organizing your trip logically and efficiently, considering factors such as transportation, accommodation, and meals. By creating a detailed holiday itinerary, you can avoid wasting time and money and make the most of your travel experience. Doing intensive research for your travel itinerary can help you plan a more meaningful and memorable journey tailored to your interests and needs. Whether planning a solo trip or a group tour, itinerary planning is critical in creating a successful travel experience.

Collect all essential documents

Collecting all essential documents is crucial in preparing for a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, it’s crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary documents before you leave. Essential documents typically include your passport or ID, travel visas, airline tickets, hotel reservations, travel insurance, and any other permits or licenses that may be required. It’s crucial to review the specific requirements for your travel destination to ensure that you have all the necessary documents before departure.

Book all necessary flights, accommodations, and means of transportation

Booking all necessary flights, accommodations, and means of transportation is a critical step in preparing for a successful holiday travel experience. The holiday season is a busy time for travel, so it’s essential to book your flights and accommodations well in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes or sold-out availability. When booking flights, it’s a good idea to search for deals and compare prices from multiple airlines to ensure you get the best deal. Similarly, when booking accommodations, it’s crucial to research the location, amenities, and reviews to ensure you get the best value for your money.

To end on a tranquil note, traveling is an enriching experience that helps individuals broaden their perspectives, gain confidence and independence, and live in the moment. Travelers can follow guidelines from travel agencies such as Book My Bharat to study their desired destination and create a precise and prudent budget plan. By doing so, travelers can embark on a dream journey to the best places to travel in the world and have a safe, efficient, and enjoyable experience.

[lucaaaamakesart]

CVL - Kanji are story, art, and toy. |Bret Bret Mayer | TED x Hamamatsu

TEDx (2016). Kanji is Story, Art and Toy | Bret Mayer | TEDxHamamatsu. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUGTk0-GV4s [Accessed 5 May 2023].

Notes on Youtube TED Talk TEDxHamamatsu talking about Kanji

Passing Level 1 of the Kanji aptitude test required knowledge of over 1000 phrases

The characters can be compound words which are made up of other Kanji symbols 

Learning Kanji requires intense study 

‘You find yourself drowning in notebooks it’s so difficult’ 

Kanji is constantly evolving and has been for the last 3000 years

Learning Kanji can be good fun, using shapes and story’s to work out the complex compound phrases that make up the characters 

Bret broke down the symbols to construct stories that helped him memorise complex Kanji, and became the first person of non Kanji native speaking country to pass the Level 1 Kanji aptitude test, which is constructed of over 6000 characters 

He has made up these stories, that do not hold relation to the meanings of the words, as a method of study and memorisation 

These letterforms travelled from China to Japan, so some words mean different things e.g the same characters that means hot lamb soup in China is a Japanese confectionary item essentially jelly bean paste, so multiple meanings can be hard to navigate 

Interesting takes in the comment section

Most people impressed with his knowledge and liked his playful method of learning the characters, as this is a hard place of knowledge to get to for Japanese people let along none native speakers 

One person confused his made up storytelling for ‘pseudo etymology’, replacing the history of the characters with fake meaning. Replies did not think this was his intent, as it was purely a study method, however it shows how this could be harmful for native speakers 

One person called him a ‘weeaboo’ which isn’t a term I had heard before, but is apparently a derogatory slang term for westerners obsessed or fetishising Japanese culture, particularly comics and anime in the Japanese Geek culture. Although this is derogatory, I thought this would be an interesting place of research

https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/weeaboo/#:~:text=What%20does%20weeaboo%20mean%3F,superior%20to%20all%20other%20cultures.

Findings concluded 

Kanji is incredibly hard to learn and a complex language

It makes more sense to me now why so many tattoos, clothing etc get mistranslated as they have multiple meanings, especially as China and Japan also have multiple meanings for things, that use the same characters 

Japanese people, naturally, have different opinions about how the language can be used. Most found this guys methods cool but some thought it was wrong, went against the meaning and the history of the words, and due to his non native background, used language to imply he was obsessive over the culture 

[kagerasafaris]

Explore the Wild Side of Uganda in Style with Kagera Safaris Ltd's Luxury Safaris.

Uganda, located in the heart of East Africa, is a land of incredible natural beauty and rich wildlife. Known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is home to some of the world’s most spectacular national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park. These parks offer visitors the opportunity to see rare and exotic animals, including gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, elephants, and more.

If you are planning a trip to Uganda and want to experience the ultimate luxury safari, look no further than Kagera Safaris Ltd. As a leading tour operator in Uganda luxury safari, we provide the best tours service in Uganda, with a wide range of safari options to suit every budget and preference.

At Kagera Safaris, we understand that a luxury safari is more than just a vacation; it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be tailored to your individual needs and desires. That’s why we offer a range of customizable safari packages that allow you to design your own itinerary, based on your interests and budget.

Our safari packages range from short, two-day tours to longer, more comprehensive safaris that can last up to two weeks. Whether you want to see gorillas up close and personal, explore the vast savannas of the Serengeti, or relax on a beach in Zanzibar, we can help you create the perfect safari experience.

When you book a safari with Kagera Safaris, you can rest assured that you will be in the hands of experienced and knowledgeable guides who are passionate about Uganda’s wildlife and culture. Our guides are all licensed and trained professionals who speak English fluently and have a deep understanding of Uganda’s flora, fauna, and history.

In addition to providing expert guides, we also take care of all the logistics of your safari, including transportation, accommodation, and meals. Our safari vehicles are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning and spacious seating, and our lodges and campsites are carefully chosen for their luxury amenities and stunning natural settings.

At Kagera Safaris, we are committed to sustainable tourism and responsible travel. We work closely with local communities to ensure that our safaris have a positive impact on the environment and the people who call Uganda home. We also support a number of conservation initiatives, including gorilla conservation programs and anti-poaching efforts.

In conclusion, if you are looking for the ultimate luxury safari experience in Uganda, look no further than Kagera Safaris Ltd. With our expert guides, luxury amenities, and commitment to sustainable tourism, we are the leading tour operator in Uganda, providing the best tours service in the country. Contact us today to start planning your dream safari adventure in Uganda.

[foreignlanguageinstitutedelhi]

Sanskrit Language Course in Delhi NCR

Sanskrit is an ancient and sacred language of India that has been spoken and written for thousands of years. It is considered to be the mother of all languages and is known for its rich vocabulary and grammar. Sanskrit has played a significant role in shaping Indian culture and philosophy, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for many people around the world.

If you're interested in learning Sanskrit, you can enroll in a Sanskrit language course. These courses are designed to help learners gain a thorough understanding of the language, its grammar, and its literature. In this article, we'll discuss what you can expect from a Sanskrit language course. The first thing to understand about a Sanskrit language course is that it will likely be very different from any other language course you've taken before. Sanskrit is not a commonly spoken language, so you won't be focusing on speaking and listening skills as you would in a course for a more modern language. Instead, you'll be focusing on reading, writing, and understanding the language.

The structure of a Sanskrit language course will depend on the institution offering it, but most courses will cover some basic concepts. You'll likely start by learning the Devanagari script, which is used to write Sanskrit. This will involve learning the letters of the alphabet and how to write them. Once you're comfortable with the script, you'll move on to learning basic grammar rules. Sanskrit grammar is complex, but it's also very logical and systematic. You'll learn about things like noun declension, verb conjugation, and sentence structure. This will give you the tools you need to read and understand Sanskrit texts.

After you've learned the basics of the language, you'll start reading and analyzing Sanskrit texts. These texts can include ancient epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as philosophical texts like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Reading these texts can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. You'll get a glimpse into the rich history and culture of India, and you'll develop a deeper understanding of Sanskrit and its significance. One thing to keep in mind is that learning Sanskrit is not a quick or easy process. It takes time and dedication to become proficient in the language. However, the benefits of learning Sanskrit are numerous. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for Indian culture and philosophy, and you'll develop a new set of language and analytical skills that can be applied to other areas of your life.

If you're interested in learning Sanskrit, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, look for a reputable institution that offers Sanskrit language courses. Many universities and colleges offer courses in Sanskrit, and there are also online courses available. Make sure you choose a course that fits your schedule and learning style. Second, immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Listen to Sanskrit music or recitations, watch videos or movies with Sanskrit subtitles, and try to read as much Sanskrit as you can. This will help you develop your language skills and deepen your understanding of the language.

Finally, don't be afraid to make mistakes. Learning a new language can be challenging, but it's also a lot of fun. Don't worry if you don't understand everything at first or if you make mistakes. With practice and dedication, you'll become more proficient in the language and develop a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of Sanskrit. In conclusion, learning Sanskrit is a unique and rewarding experience that can open up new worlds of knowledge and understanding.

Langma School of Languages is one of the best foreign language institutes in Delhi, India.  We offer more than 50+ foreign languages courses and classes online and offline in Delhi, India and other countries in the world. Some of them are English language classes, German language speaking course, Spanish language classes, Sanskrit language course, Japanese language coaching and so on.

[no-passaran]

I am not lying, this happened to me. I know it sounds incredible, I was shocked the first time it happened too, but it's real. Two separate people also asked if we swordfight (one because he asked me what kind of guns we have and I said we don't have any, so he said something like "oh right people swordfight there", and the other one because we were talking about unusual sports we have tried and I said in my theatre group we had done a few days of theatrical fencing, and she said "that's not unusual, most people swordfight in Europe, right?").

These teenagers probably hadn't seen much about Europe that isn't from historical fiction movies. That's what I say in the post, it's likely I was the first European they met and they had only talked about Europe in history class or in historical movies, so that's the concept they have about Europe because it's most of what they've seen about it. The German exchange student also got asked many times if they "worship Hitler" in Germany and the Japanese girl was constantly being asked about anime. It's the same reasoning, because that's the references they have about these places.

The same would happen here, or anywhere in the world, with places or peoples they have little knowledge of or contact with. When my parents went to visit our family in Venezuela, they met someone new and when they said they're from Barcelona he said "Spain?" then turned to my dad and asked him "are you a bullfighter?" which we all think is very funny (bullfighting isn't from here and it's illegal here) but it can be a logical question if you think from his perspective.

It's normal that people (especially children and even teenagers) will make their conclusions from what they know. In our case as Europeans (except the German guy), it's just silly comments that we'll look back to and find funny, but it can be more dangerous for people from other places like the Middle East. That's the whole point of the discussion about diversifying what you read, watch and listen to. And the same is at the root of all the discussion about representation.

It's relatively easy for us to understand American behaviour and society (though we can still have misunderstandings due to cultural differences if things aren't explained) because we see their movies, TV shows, books, music, etc every day and things that happen there are on the news every day. So we get to see stories explained through the eyes of Americans and about topics chosen by Americans because it's relevant to them in the huge majority of media we watch/read/listen. This is a one-sided relationship that all the Western world has with the USA. Most Americans don't watch many movies, TV shows, listen to music or read books made outside of English-speaking countries, and their TV news don't talk much about the rest of the world's news, so unless they personally have had the interest in researching about the rest of the world, there's no reason why they would know much about it. That's how we get these funny situations, and the same could happen to us with far-away countries we've had a very limited interaction with too.

Why are Americans so insistent of applying their understanding of ethnicity on everybody that isn’t American, especially the term POC ? Doesn’t it cross their mind that their conception is American and thus can’t be applied to their countries and people ?

People from the USA are very isolated and barely ever interact with people from other cultures (and if they ever do, like with people on the internet or foreign exchange students, it's the non-USA people making the effort to completely accommodate to the Americans, both through using their language and mental framework / worldview).

Unlike the rest of the world, 99% of the time they only watch movies made in their own country/language, listen to music only in English, follow social media only of people in English, their TV news don't care about what happens in the rest of the world unless it directly impacts them, etc.

We have to hear what people from the USA say all the time, but they have all media revolving around them so they don't have to listen to anyone else. That's why they're very ignorant of the rest of the world. When I went to there, my classmates asked me in all seriousness if I had ever seen the internet before going to the USA, another asked me if we have computers in Europe. They were NOT joking. If that's the level of many people, how can you expect them to understand how cultures have different conceptions of the world? They think they are universal.

[writingwithcolor]

How to Write Non-Fluent ESL English

@interneet​ asked:

Hey, I’m reading a story at the moment where immigrant characters speak in incredibly broken English. It’s really jarring. Is there a way to respectfully write characters speaking in broken/non-fluent English without it coming across unrealistic and racist or would you advise just leaving that out of your writing altogether?

This is going to turn into a bit of a guide…I’ll try not to get too carried away with linguistics stuff :)

A Note on Terminology

I’d definitely go with “non-fluent” over “broken,” as the term “broken” has quite a negative connotation that also tends to be used in describing stigmatized languages, language varieties, and dialects that are, in fact, used properly according to their own internal rules (AAVE and many Global Englishes, to name a few). 

Another term you should know for this guide is ESL and L1/L2. I’ll use L1 to refer to first language, L2 for second language, and so on—you can keep adding numbers. ESL is “English Second Language,” which is pretty self-explanatory, but there is a crucial distinction between that and dominant language. I myself am technically ESL, as I started learning English at around age 3. However, since I live in the US where English is the dominant language, I quickly gained in English proficiency and lost Japanese proficiency. While I still have around middle schooler proficiency in Japanese, English is my dominant language now. An immigrant character may be ESL but completely fluent in English.

Should You Write It?

It depends on whether or not the character’s English proficiency is plot relevant. Keep in mind that with writing non-fluent english, you don’t want to overload speech with mistakes, or make it incomprehensible. The most you should do is use it to establish character (say a character has just moved overseas, and in the story their English improves over time) or to further plot (maybe there is important info that needs to be communicated and there’s a barrier). If it’s not relevant, and it’s just in order to establish that they’re a foreigner, don’t do it. It’s Othering, and there are other ways to establish culture and culture shock. As I said before, not all immigrants have a poor command of their destination country’s dominant language. 

The How-To

There are two components that I’ll address: 

The types of errors to include, and

Writing accents (or not)

First, grammatical features are better to use than phonetic ones. We’ll get to why when we talk about accents, but for now, note that it’s more respectful to use for ESL errors than pronunciation. Here are some examples of grammatical features: 

Word order

Inflections (eg. the attachment of affixes like -s, -ed, etc. to indicate tense, person, number, etc. of a noun or verb)

The presence or absence of certain morphological constructs that appear in some languages but not others (eg. Japanese has topic markers like wa, and English doesn’t; English has definite/indefinite articles like the but Japanese doesn’t)

If you’re writing an ESL character, ask beta readers & mods on this blog who speak the character’s L1 to see if the grammatical features of your character’s ESL speech are consistent with typical English fluency errors. Here’s an ask I answered on Japanese, and Mod Rune gives a good example on Korean here: 

A Korean is more likely to try and put someone’s title behind their last name (e.g. Obama President rather than President Obama, Lestrade Inspector instead of Inspector Lestrade)

Second, we want to avoid in-dialogue portrayals of phonetic differences, which is also called “eye dialect.” Here are some examples from a piece of media many of us are probably familiar with, but I don’t think deserves a citation: 

“Will you please inform zis 'Agrid zat ze 'orses drink only single-malt whiskey?”

“Eh? No, don' go! I've — I've never met another one before”

“Anuzzer what, precisely?”

“Another half-giant, o' course.”

Both speakers have an accent that is shown within the writing through misspellings of the words they’re speaking (one is French, one is West Country English). This is a stereotypical (and often hard-to-read) portrayal of accents that Others the speaker and unfairly puts either their dialect differences or their perceived proficiency in English at the forefront of their dialogue. And this is with European characters! Imagine how this would look on people from other parts of the globe. 

Another major reason why we want to avoid eye dialect is because of the racist history of (pejoratively) writing accents in literature. In early American writing, Black characters were written according to minstrel stereotypes, and with it, a stereotypical way of speaking that was emphasized through eye dialect. Here’s a thesis that explains the history of eye dialect in American literature to supplement that idea, if you want to learn more. In addition, unless you’re a linguist or dialect coach who is trained in the phonetic inventory of the L1 & speaker tendencies, you tend to perpetuate media stereotypes that may not be reflective of actual speech. This can be very harmful. 

Here’s a link on how to describe accents instead, and here are some good perspectives on being a 1st generation immigrant and struggling with accents (how that affects them when they’re teased for it, and also strategies they have taken to overcome a knowledge gap). 

In Conclusion

Before writing an ESL speaker’s English in a different way from the rest of the cast, consider whether or not this is really needed in your story.

If you do decide to write their speech differently, look at the grammatical features of their L1 and talk to real speakers of that L1 to get a realistic idea.

AVOID EYE DIALECT! 

Thanks for stickin’ with me, folks. 

~Mod Rina

[littlemixnet]

To me, a good ally is someone who is consistent in their efforts – there’s a difference between popping on a pride playlist or sprinkling yourself in rainbow glitter once a year and actually defending LGBT+ people against discrimination. It means showing my LGBT+ fans that I support them wholeheartedly and am making a conscious effort to educate myself, raise awareness and show up whenever they need me to. It would be wrong of me to benefit from the community as a musician without actually standing up and doing what I can to support. As someone in the public eye, it’s important to make sure your efforts are not performative or opportunistic. I’m always working on my allyship and am very much aware that I’ve still got a lot of unlearning and learning to do. There are too many what I call ‘dormant allies’, believing in equality but not really doing more than liking or reposting your LGBT+ mate’s content now and again. Imagine if that friend then saw you at the next march, or signing your name on the next petition fighting for their rights? Being an ally is also about making a conscious effort to use the right language and pronouns, and I recently read a book by Glennon Doyle who spoke of her annoyance and disappointment of those who come out and are met with ‘We love you…no matter what’. I’d never thought of that expression like that before and it really struck a chord with me. ‘No matter what’ suggests you are flawed. Being LGBT+ is not a flaw. Altering your language and being conscious of creating a more comfortable environment for your LGBT+ family and friends is a good start. Nobody is expecting you to suddenly know it all, I don’t think there’s such a thing as a perfect ally. I’m still very much learning. Even recently, after our Confetti music video I was confronted with the fact that although we made sure our video was incredibly inclusive, we hadn’t brought in any actual drag kings. Some were frustrated, and they had every right to be. You can have the right intentions and still fall short. As an open ally I should have thought about that, and I hadn’t, and for that I apologise. Since then I’ve been doing more research on drag king culture, because it’s definitely something I didn’t know enough about, whether that was because it isn’t as mainstream yet mixed with my own ignorance. But the point is we mess up, we apologise, we learn from it and we move forward with that knowledge. Don’t let the fear of f**king up scare you off. And make sure you are speaking alongside the community, not for the community. Growing up in a small Northern working-class town, some views were, and probably still are, quite ‘old fashioned’ and small-minded. I witnessed homophobia at an early age. It was a common thought particularly among men that it was wrong to be anything but heterosexual. I knew very early on I didn’t agree with this, but wasn’t educated or aware enough on how to combat it. I did a lot of performing arts growing up and within that space I had many LGBT+ (mainly gay) friends. I’ve been a beard many a time let me tell you! But it was infuriating to see friends not feel like they could truly be themselves. When I moved to London I felt incredibly lonely and like I didn’t fit in. It was my gay friends (mainly my friend and hairstylist, Aaron Carlo) who took me under their wing and into their world. Walking into those gay bars or events like Sink The Pink, it was probably the first time I felt like I was in a space where everyone in that room was celebrated exactly as they are. It was like walking into a magical wonderland. I got it. I clicked with everyone. My whole life I struggled with identity – being mixed race for me meant not feeling white enough, or black enough, or Arab enough. I was a ‘tomboy’ and very nerdy. I suppose on a personal level that maybe played a part in why I felt such a connection or understanding of why those spaces for the LGBT+ community are so important. One of the most obvious examples of first realising Little Mix was having an effect in the community was that I couldn’t enter a gay bar without hearing a Little Mix song and watching numerous people break out into full choreo from our videos! I spent the first few years of our career seeing this unfold and knowing the LGBT+ fan base were there, but it wasn’t until I got my own Instagram or started properly going through Twitter DMs that I realised a lot of our LGBT+ fans were reaching out to us on a daily basis saying how much our music meant to them. I received a message from a boy in the Middle East who hadn’t come out because in his country homosexuality is illegal. His partner tragically took their own life and he said our music not only helped him get through it, but gave him the courage to start a new life somewhere else where he could be out and proud. There are countless other stories like theirs, which kind of kickstarted me into being a better ally. Another standout moment would be when we performed in Dubai in 2019. We were told numerous times to ‘abide by the rules’, which meant not promoting anything LGBT+ or too female-empowering (cut to us serving a four-part harmony to Salute). In my mind, we either didn’t go or we’d go and make a point. When Secret Love Song came on, we performed it with the LGBT+ flag taking up the whole screen behind us. The crowd went wild, I could see fans crying and singing along in the audience and when we returned it was everywhere in the press. I saw so many positive tweets and messages from the community. It made laying in our hotel rooms s**tting ourselves that we’d get arrested that night more than worth it. It was through our fans and through my friends I realised I need to be doing more in my allyship. One of the first steps in this was meeting with the team at Stonewall to help with my ally education and discussing how I could be using my platform to help them and in turn the community. Right now, and during lockdown, I’d say my ally journey has been a lot of reading on LGBT+ history, donating to the right charities and raising awareness on current issues such as the conversion therapy ban and the fight for equality of trans lives. Stonewall is facing media attacks for its trans-inclusive strategies and there is an alarming amount of seemingly increasing transphobia in the UK today and we need to be doing more to stand with the trans community. Still, there is definitely a pressure I feel as someone in the public eye to constantly be saying and doing the right things, especially with cancel culture becoming more popular. I s**t myself before most interviews now, on edge that the interviewer might be waiting for me to ‘slip up’ or I might say something that can be misconstrued. Sometimes what can be well understood talking to a journalist or a friend doesn’t always translate as well written down, which has definitely happened to me before. There’ve been moments where I’ve (though well intentioned) said the wrong thing and had an army of Twitter warriors come at me. Don’t get me wrong, there are obviously more serious levels of f**king up that are worthy of a cancelling. But it was quite daunting to me to think that all of my previous allyship could be forgotten for not getting something right once. When that’s happened to me before I’ve scared myself into thinking I should STFU and not say anything, but I have to remember that I am human, I’m going to f**k up now and again and as long as I’m continuing to educate myself to do better next time then that’s OK. I’m never going to stop being an ally so I need to accept that there’ll be trickier moments along the way. I think that might be how some people may feel, like they’re scared to speak up as an ally in case they say the wrong thing and face backlash. Just apologise to the people who need to be apologised to, and show that you’re doing what you can to do better and continue the good fight. Don’t burden the community with your guilt. When it comes to the music industry, I’m definitely seeing a lot more LGBT+ artists come through and thrive, which is amazing. Labels, managements, distributors and so forth need to make sure they’re not just benefiting from LGBT+ artists but show they’re doing more to actually stand with them and create environments where those artists and their fans feel safe. A lot of feedback I see from the community when coming to our shows is that they’re in a space where they feel completely free and accepted, which I love. I get offered so many opportunities to do with LGBT+ based shows or deals and while it’s obviously flattering, I turn most of them down and suggest they give the gig to someone more worthy of that role. But really, I shouldn’t have to say that in the first place. The fee for any job I do take that feels right for me but has come in as part of the community goes to LGBT+ charities. That’s not me blowing smoke up my own arse, I just think the more of us and big companies that do that, the better. We need more artists, more visibility, more LGBT+ mainstream shows, more shows on LGBT+ history and more artists standing up as allies. We have huge platforms and such an influence on our fans – show them you’re standing by them. I’ve seen insanely talented LGBT+ artist friends in the industry who are only recently getting the credit they deserve. It’s amazing but it’s telling that it takes so long. It’s almost expected that it will be a tougher ride. We also need more understanding and action on the intersectionality between being LGBT+ and BAME. Racism exists in and out of the community and it would be great to see more and more companies in the industry doing more to combat that. The more we see these shows like Drag Race on our screens, the more we can celebrate difference. Ever since I was a little girl, my family would go to Benidorm and we’d watch these glamorous, hilarious Queens onstage; I was hooked. I grew up listening to and loving the big divas – Diana Ross (my fave), Cher, Shirley Bassey, and all the queens would emulate them. I was amazed at their big wigs, glittery overdrawn make-up and fabulous outfits. They were like big dolls. Most importantly, they were unapologetically whoever the f**k they wanted to be. As a shy girl who didn’t really understand why the world was telling me all the things I should be, I almost envied the queens but more than anything I adored them. Drag truly is an art form, and how incredible that every queen is different; there are so many different styles of drag and to me they symbolise courage and freedom of expression. Everything you envisioned your imaginary best friend to be, but it’s always been you. There’s a reason why the younger generation are loving shows like Drag Race. These kids can watch this show and not only be thoroughly entertained, but be inspired by these incredible people who are unapologetically themselves, sharing their touching stories and who create their own support systems and drag families around them. Now and again I think of when I’d see those Queens in Benidorm, and at the end they’d always sing I Am What I Am as they removed their wigs and smudged their make up off, and all the dads would be up on their feet cheering for them, some emotional, like they were proud. But that love would stop when they’d go back home, back to their conditioned life where toxic heteronormative behaviour is the status quo. Maybe if those same men saw drag culture on their screens they’d be more open to it becoming a part of their everyday life. I’ll never forget marching with Stonewall at Manchester Pride. I joined them as part of their young campaigners programme, and beforehand we sat and talked about allyship and all the young people there asked me questions while sharing some of their stories. We then began the march and I can’t explain the feeling and emotion watching these young people with so much passion, chanting and being cheered by the people they passed. All of these kids had their own personal struggles and stories but in this environment, they felt safe and completely proud to just be them. I knew the history of Pride and why we were marching, but it was something else seeing what Pride really means first hand. My advice for those who want to use their voice but aren’t sure how is, just do it hun. It’s really not a difficult task to stand up for communities that need you. Change can happen quicker with allyship.

Jade Thirlwall on the power, and pressures, of being an LGBT ally: ‘I’m gonna f**k up now and again’

[wordsmithic]

Hi! I’ve been reading some of your posts- very interesting by the way- and became curious about some of your takes including American’s relationship and misinterpretation of Greek culture and mythos.

Could you elaborate on how you feel about hatred people often discuss/feel towards Zeus? I’d love heard your perspective on the matter.

Thank you !

Ya su, anon! I don't get many asks so I'm very happy when I have a chance to answer questions! I appreciate you reaching out and wanting to learn more! The explanation is a bit long but I want to rant properly and also be as informative as possible for the people new to this discussion

For people who might wonder, Zeus had many lovers and progeny, but many of his "rights" stem from the fact that he was a mighty god (in a Bronze Age society), and him representing a reproductive force. Ancient gods didn't always do what humans today consider "moral". Humanity never judged deities for their actions and decisions, and this is true for most ancient cultures. Let me remind you of the Abrahamic (and not only! many religions have it) story of the cataclysm where the/a deity decides to kill almost every human on earth with a cataclysm - even the children. But one needs to study the ancient culture as a whole to gain a better understanding of the gods' behavior. For Zeus I find this tag very helpful.

In the modern age, when someone doesn't have a good grasp of this nuanced situation, they are prone to judge ancient gods by their modern religious and cultural standards. Some orthodox or atheist Greeks hate Zeus as well but the misinformation within the country tends to be contained thanks to the contact we maintain as a people with our history and important cultural figures. And the older a Greek gets the more likely they are to get correct information. The way I see it the minimum knowledge the average Greek has about the pantheon is the maximum knowledge of the average US American. This misinformation spreads in the wide global spaces of the Internet.

I feel kind of understanding towards foreign young people who are misinformed but at the same time sad and angry, because I see there are no educational systems in place (or responsible adults from their countries) to filter this info. I understand they don't have the same exposure to our antiquity as the Greeks, however, their countries claim they love Greek antiquity and its religious stories very much, and often "correct" Greeks with great confidence. In reality, it's just pop culture to them, and they are content with that. Most don't bother. The gods are simply OCs to them. And the US represents our mythology globally so their pov becomes the main one around the world.

It's sad seeing foreigners in their thirties and forties not only being very misinformed when speaking confidently about Zeus, but also making bank from their creative work which relies on their ignorance (Lore Olympus namely). No matter how progressive they call themselves, they rarely admit it when they are messily handling our culture. For me, it's great when someone admits they have more reading to do (don't we all?). It's when they insist that it's upsetting. And also they consider our ancients incredibly dumb and evil by saying that they worshiped a god worthy of hate - who also happened to be the king of the gods.

Don't get me started on how they describe different popular deities from other cultures. The more famous the respected ancient gods of your country become the more going to argue with foreigners on the Internet about these gods being "evil" and "assholes". The Slavs and Nords are slowly feeling it (Nigerians and Indians might be "next"), and Greeks are here to welcome them to the club! This all comes from when the north wealthy European nations discovered archeology and have been unhealthily obsessed with other cultures since the 19th century. The highlight is the emporium of our stolen ancient artifacts (even inside the US) but I'd also argue that the global spread of misinformation is equally corrosive and further reinforces 19th c. colonialist and imperialist ideas.

Many Greeks lately thinking we should start closing the ancient worship / practice and creation for profit to outsiders who are not well-read or initiated in some way because you can't imagine how tired we are to hear our whole lives the worst ignorant takes about our gods, and ancient Greece figures in general. The more I stay on the internet, the more I am thinking of actually supporting that. if Madeline Miller with all her studies and reading in ancient Greek since she was 9 produces works like Circe and calls the gods "narcissistic assholes" imagine what we hear from the rest.

Sorry about the rant and the big explanation in the beginning but I wanted to have a post on my blog to explain everything for future reference.