A New Travel Destination

A major thing I learned: I would love to visit Aranjuéz, Spain someday. 

Beautiful landscape, incredible architecture, and deep historical roots sound like the makings of an ideal travel destination for me. After looking at pictures and stories of Aranjuéz, I really hope to make it there at some point. I find it fascinating that the city was essentially built around a palace. The palace was commissioned by King Philip II of Spain and completed in the mid-18th century as an escape for the royal family, way out in the woods. However, it began to expand when Philip added huge gardens around the palace, and eventually a city was built around it. There are many historical buildings in the area, and it is bordered by the Tagus and Jarama rivers. Everything about the area is simply beautiful, and I can definitely see why the royal family chose to build a palace there. If I had unlimited money, I would, too.

Joaquín Rodrigo was a composer born in Valencia who was almost completely blind for the majority of his life. He has huge ties to Aranjuéz, and in 1991 he was dubbed the Marqués de los Jardines de Aranjuéz. Unsurprisingly, his most famous work is the "Concerto de Aranjuéz." It is an absolutely beautiful blend of the Spanish guitar and other instruments like the English horn. Out of three movements, the first one was my favorite. It featured the guitar, wistfully gorgeous. When I closed my eyes and listened, the music evoked images of a secret garden filled with roses and little paths hidden from view. I was tickled to find out that Rodrigo had such a strong connection to the gardens of the palace! 

I plan to do homework to the tune of Rodrigo's relaxing music, dreaming of the day I'll get to see Aranjuéz in person.

A Talk with John Suarez

On Tuesday, my class had the privilege of talking with John Suarez, a leader of the anti Cuban government movement. He is one of the most knowledgeable people I've met, and has so much information to share. He gives raw facts, but also carefully-articulated opinions that really resonate with anyone listening. 

The idea that really resonated with me was one of non-violence. John noted that many oppositional movements against the government have been successful until troops and weapons were mixed in. Although it seems impossible, peaceful protest has been the most effective in changing things for a country. According to John, people only expected the root of World War I to last a few days... But it blew up and earned its infamy after weapons became involved. For this reason, John hopes that troops will not become involved with the student protests in Venezuela.

I completely agree with the idea that nonviolent protest is more effective than violent protest. Fighting leads to killing, which leads to bitter, heartbroken people who could never get along with their former enemies. However, avoiding this style of opposition hurts no one physically, but still gets the point across without wasting time shedding blood.

I do not believe mankind will ever achieve a completely peaceful state. The ratio of diversity to acceptance is way off. There are too many conflicting views and people are too sensitive to let other views slide without a question. The hunger for power is dominant, and people will stop at nothing in the attempt to assert their views and wishes.

As a reporter in Ukraine, I would be very careful. A Bulgarian journalist was attacked by masked men believed to be part of Russian troops, and two Ukrainian news channels in Crimea have been taken off the air and replaced with Russian programs. I would love to gather information on the ground in Crimea, especially from citizens. I want to know if Crimean people really do want to become a part of Russia, or if the Russian government is hyping it up. I would also try to find out the true identity of the masked troops running around Crimea. I find it fascinating that the troops are invading the region without any insignia or indicative clothing. I suppose going unnamed has its advantages, but if Russia and Ukraine are trying to claim Crimea, why aren't they strutting around like they own the place? Isn't confidence key? 

Reading and learning about the dissident movements in other countries, violent or not, makes me remember how lucky our country is to have relative stability.