Monday, 6 October 2014
Sunday, 5 October 2014
Letters From America: The Balloon Fiesta, Balloon Glow
Hello Everyone,
Yesterday I went to the Annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta for an event called the Balloon Glow. It is a hot air balloon festival like no other. It is one of the biggest in the world with hundreds of balloons taking to the sky over the first week in October, One of Albuquerque's largest tourist attractions, it draws tourists and balloonists from all over the world for events such as the Mass Ascension and a Flight of the Nations. It is simply one of the most stunning sights you will ever see. I went to the first evening Balloon Glow of the week on Sunday night. The Balloon Glow is a static display of balloons lit up on the ground while the guests can walk around and take pictures, followed by a firework display.
Although the event was slightly hampered by the wind, as many of the balloons did not manage to make it up, it was still a really good night. I tried funnel cake for the first time, which for those of you who don't know what it is, it is fried pancake like batter with a liberal shaking of icing sugar on top of it. It vaguely reminded me of a Spanish churro, which I love. I wasn't quite able to finish my funnel cake as it was a huge portion, so next time I think I will share with someone.
The Balloon Fiesta is a unmissable part of Albuquerque culture, even though it can be unpredictable as it is completely reliant on good weather. However, even that doesn't impact the atmosphere of the entire event, or the sheer volume of people that can fit in one huge field. The anticipation and excitement that can be felt around the balloons is second to none, as well as the slight terror that one of the massive balloons will fall on you. It is a completely unique event, summing up Albuquerque perfectly. Ready to take off at any moment, but always burning from within. Looks pretty nice with a sunset too.
Saturday, 4 October 2014
Is Feminism Dead? Or is that Chivalry...
Hello Everyone,
Let's do a test. When I say the word feminism, what do you think of? Write it down. What was it? Was it a nice thought? It probably wasn't. Most people today think of feminism as synonymous with 'man-hating' or 'ball-buster'. This is an issue. Feminism should fill people with hope of change and equality. It is a positive cause, why do people continue to view it in a negative light?
I watched a video of Emma Watson at the UN promoting the cause HeFORShe, telling men that they should also pick up the mantle and fight for feminism just as much as women. "It is a men's cause too" she spoke in a voice that rang through the entire auditorium. Reciting events in her life that influenced her decision to become a self-proclaimed feminist, you couldn't help but feel a connection to it. Have we not all had similar experiences growing up? Who hasn't had a girl friend that has stopped doing something becasue she was afraid that it would make her look manly, or a guy friend that didn't share what he was feeling for fear of being labelled a girl? We still live in a society where no country in the world has equal rights Feminism is about equality and the ability for everyone, no matter race or gender, to have the same rights.
I am not kidding, this video made me cry. But it also made me think. Why do we think about feminism in such a negative light? It's on the same level as chivalry these days. These two contradicting ideas are hated in society by just about everyone, or people are too scared to say that they believe in either. And you can't say that you like chivalry, and be a feminist. I believe that yes, we all deserve equal rights, but there is nothing wrong with helping others in small ways like holding doors open, and treating people correctly. This is what I see chivalry as. And isn't that what Emma Watson was saying in her speech? That to reach our goals of equal rights for everyone, we all have to help each other. And if that means just opening a car door for someone, or helping them out when they need it, so be it.
Watch Emma's eloquent speech here, and I dare you to not change your view on the word 'feminism' and 'feminists' afterwards.
Let's do a test. When I say the word feminism, what do you think of? Write it down. What was it? Was it a nice thought? It probably wasn't. Most people today think of feminism as synonymous with 'man-hating' or 'ball-buster'. This is an issue. Feminism should fill people with hope of change and equality. It is a positive cause, why do people continue to view it in a negative light?
I watched a video of Emma Watson at the UN promoting the cause HeFORShe, telling men that they should also pick up the mantle and fight for feminism just as much as women. "It is a men's cause too" she spoke in a voice that rang through the entire auditorium. Reciting events in her life that influenced her decision to become a self-proclaimed feminist, you couldn't help but feel a connection to it. Have we not all had similar experiences growing up? Who hasn't had a girl friend that has stopped doing something becasue she was afraid that it would make her look manly, or a guy friend that didn't share what he was feeling for fear of being labelled a girl? We still live in a society where no country in the world has equal rights Feminism is about equality and the ability for everyone, no matter race or gender, to have the same rights.
I am not kidding, this video made me cry. But it also made me think. Why do we think about feminism in such a negative light? It's on the same level as chivalry these days. These two contradicting ideas are hated in society by just about everyone, or people are too scared to say that they believe in either. And you can't say that you like chivalry, and be a feminist. I believe that yes, we all deserve equal rights, but there is nothing wrong with helping others in small ways like holding doors open, and treating people correctly. This is what I see chivalry as. And isn't that what Emma Watson was saying in her speech? That to reach our goals of equal rights for everyone, we all have to help each other. And if that means just opening a car door for someone, or helping them out when they need it, so be it.
Watch Emma's eloquent speech here, and I dare you to not change your view on the word 'feminism' and 'feminists' afterwards.
Friday, 3 October 2014
Letters From America: Monthly Playlist
Hello Everyone,
It's that time of the month again, and I have chosen my songs to add to my playlist of my year abroad.
- Same Jeans by The View
- Singing in the Rain, from Singing in the Rain
- Time After Time by Sarah McLachlan
- Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
- More Than Ordinary by Kasey Chambers
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