January 16, 2007

Fun Weekend Happenings, and some rantings about globalization

I should update more because now there's too much to write and not enough brain power!! :)

I think I'll write more about my classes in another entry (Yes, believe it or not, I actually go to class every day here!!!). This weekend we had a couple days off so a couple friends and I took a train to Interlaken, a big ski town in central Switzerland, right in between amazing mountains and 2 gorgeous lakes. We went just to go walk around the town and admire the beautiful scenery. We also took a smaller train higher up into the mountains, to a town called Grindelwald. It was interesting to be over in the German speaking part of Switzerland, rather than the French part. None of us understood a word around us!!!

Here's a picture taken from the train, so it's not the greatest quality - but it still gives you an idea of how great the scenery was!


Many people here are expressing great anxiety about global warming. It has been unseasonably warm here in most of Switzerland, and therefore there's not nearly as much snow on the mountains as there should be. The ski resorts are really hurting for business because of this. It was quite disheartening to see how little snow there was in both Grindelwald and Interlaken. Once we got a little higher in Grindelwald we were able to experience some snow...but not very much. I hope more people in the US start to realize the reality of global warming, and how widespread its effects are. We are using way too many resources, and if we keep going on this way, we will continue to kill our Earth.

Well, I just started referring to class a bit without you even realizing it, because we've been discussing globalization, and climate change is a clear result of it. But like I said, I'll go into that at another time because I need to rest my brain.

To shift subjects, take a look at the following picture and tell me what's wrong with it...


Hmmm Latino restaurant?? With a map of Italy??? Any German speakers out there? Is Latino somehow the German word for Italian, cuz otherwise I have no clue what's taking place in this picture.

Finally, yesterday after class we had the good fortune of meeting with a Human Rights Officer of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. I left the office fairly convinced that I'd be her someday....but who knows really. Tomorrow we'll be touring the United Nations as well. Something you should definitely check out when you have free time: the United Nations Universal Declaration for Human Rights. This should be the key reason why any human, whether you're Christian or not, black or white, young or old, male or female, etc, should fight against the injustice that globalization has caused in this world. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer, rather than increasing wealth for all which is what it should do. There are basic fundamental rights that we all have as humans and they need to be upheld. So check it out....and see what you can do to hold your church and/or government accountable.

Ok, I need to get off my soapbox. If you made it this far, thanks for reading, and thanks for being a part of my life! I don't know what I'd do without all my friends and family!!!

Peace for All,
Becky

5 comments:

-kat- said...

latino is definitely not german for italian. but you are in switzerland, which has its own little crazy brand of german. interestingly enough, i've found that german/swiss/austrians tend to define the most miniscule of cultural differences in their own lives, but lump unfamiliar cultures together... it's not that they don't know italians aren't latino. they just think they're similar enough that it won't be offensive to consider them the same thing...
that might be a little harsh on the native german speakers of the world, but i mean, what happens happens. and i'm only speaking for the germans i knew. who were young and only half of them bound for college, so i'm sure that hurts them in this arena, too.

Anonymous said...

Becky

Globalization has the ability to free all people from poverty. Though it is not certain and has social costs. Globabalization will provide the ability for everyone to sell the products and / or services at the best possible price. Governmental control of markets does not have the ability to free people from poverty. That is certain. What is also certain is that man's inherent sinful nature will cause him to take advantage of his weaker brother / sister, regardless of the economic system. That is something as Christians we must strive to fight.

Having said that, I am impressed & and awe of your committment to changing the world and helping all people.

God is good -- All the time.

Reba said...

If you leave a comment, please indicate who you are!!!

Anonymous said...

Becky

My apologies. My name is John. That's my real 1st name, though I have found very few people use their real names at all. My biggest pet peeve is those that blog using someone else's famous (or quasi-famous) name.

I used to blog on a regular basis, but just don't have the time right now.

John

Anonymous said...

Nice to see some pictures from our trip. Keep up the bloggin'

Peace ~ Mattie