Macau revisited, happy birthday husband!

Ken and I decided to take an overnight trip to Macau to celebrate Ken's 60th birthday (which is Monday), instead of staying in Hong Kong. I had been in Macau in 1998 with my friend Nery, my how things have changed and yet stayed the same. We took the TurboJet which only takes 45 minutes from Hong Kong,  ride premier class if you go, they have a lounge and free wifi! We decided to stay at  the Mandarin Oriental hotel, and I know we made the right choice, even though our room was not ready, a girl by the name of PeeWee took excellent care of us and even ordered a small cake tone sent to our room when she found out that we were there for Ken's birthday. After we looked at a map and booked our tickets for an evening show, we decided to take to the streets and walk. I cannot believe how hot and humid it was, in less than two minutes I was deep in sweat. We saw much of the old Macau and so much of the new. The incredible thing is that Wynn has two hotels and is building a third one! Macau reminds me of Las Vegas back in the seventies with a few more modern buildings.  Last night we went to an amazing show called  The Dancing Water Show. I will say it was incredible, the show O has nothing on this show. An hour and a half of amazing acrobatics! Sometimes I felt as though it was too much for the senses. I even felt my stomach churn, as if I was coming down a dip in the road. Do you know that funny feeling you get in the car or on a roller coaster? That one! Today after breakfast, we walked some more, and found the old ferry port and the part of Macau that I remembered. We were walking and a store was holding their grand opening ceremony and invited us to take a look at their store. Ken of course can never say no and was their first VIP customer. I did not want anything to do with them since one of their product was pills made out of sharks that are produced in Taiwan. I told the girl that it was Ken's birthday and a second later she coordinated fifty plus employees to sing happy birthday!  The great part of Macau is that they have kept much of the old Macau and its charm, plus you can never get lost in Macau you just have to look up and find the Grand Lisboa and you will be able to find your way! I hope they will continue to develop, but not destroy the old buildings like China and so many other places have done. I want to wish my husband a happy birthday, may you be blessed with a long healthy and happy life. Always your wife!

Here are some fun facts about Macau:

• The official name of Macau is Macau Special Administrative Region.
• The official languages of Macau are Portuguese and Chinese.
• Macau lies on the western side of the Pearl River Delta, bordering Guangdong province in the north.
• Macau was known by the name ‘Haojing’ (meaning Oyster Mirror) or Jinghai (which literally means Mirror Sea), before Portuguese immigrated to the place way back in 16^th century.
• It is believed that the name ‘Macau’ was derived from the A-Ma Temple, a place of worship that was build in 1448, with Matsu (the goddess of seafarers and fishermen) as its deity.
• Chinese form as much as 95% of the total population of Macau, whereas the rest of the 5% comprise of people belonging to Portugal, Europe and other countries.
• Majority of the people living in Macau are Buddhists, while one can also find Roman Catholics and Protestants here.
• The economy of Macau largely depends upon the revenue generated by tourism. Gambling is also a money-generating affair in the region.
• The currency of Macau is Macanese Pataca.
• After Las Vegas, Macau is one of the biggest gambling areas in the world. In fact, gambling is even legalized in Macau.
• Macau is the Special Administrative Region of China.
• It is one of the richest cities in the world.
• Macau was the first and last European colony in China.
• Macau is one of the most densely populated regions in the world.
• Macau ranks amongst the top 10 regions in the world, with a quite high life expectancy at birth.
• The infant mortality rate of Macau ranks amongst the lowest in the world.
• Macau is a highly humid region, with the humidity ranging anywhere between 75% and 90%. It receives fairly heavy rainfall as well.
• The Historic Centre of Macau, including twenty-five historic monuments and public squares, is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• The tourists of Macau should know that tipping is a very popular as well as important tradition followed in the region. Nearly 10% of the bill is given as tip in most of the restaurants and hotels of Macau.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth America!

As I was looking at one of my favorite sites, I ran across this T-shirt and it made me think, about how much we are hated across the world and how much hate there is in our own country. I think the forefathers are rolling in their graves at the behavior and the intolerance of some in the U.S. I think the "Christians" the religious right have taken hostage the way we run our country. I thought in the U.S. there was a separation of Church and State. I thought the "Nazism" had ended, or so I had hoped. When I see states like Arizona trying to change the constitution and introduce a law that allows, supports, and promotes racial profiling, it makes me sick! Most of you that really know me, know that I cry every time I hear the national anthem, because I am so thankful to be living in a country that has allowed millions of immigrants to dream, aspire, and become decent, law abiding citizens in what I believe is the best country in the world (with all its faults)! What I would hope is that Americans remember is throughout our short history the Italians, the Irish, the Arabs, (post 911) have all felt the hatred, and now we are hating the Hispanics until the next minority gets their chance at being hated, profiled, stereo typed and demeaned. I hope and pray that we can unite as a country as see people a human beings for who they are and not a religion,  a race, gay or straight, or any other label that people like to place on one another.  How strange that the TSHIRT proclaims, with plenty of arrogance, that "Merica" is running the world, when in fact, our struggle in 1776 was against a power (the British Empire) that proclaimed exactly the same for itself, with equal arrogance.  Just like the Spanish, the French and the Romans before them.  We should focus on healing our country and keep our nose out of other peoples business.  I say that as I write my blog! How hypocritical is that? Or maybe it is that sometimes what we need is to have someone look outside the box to see the harm we do. Two days ago Hong Kong celebrated with a twenty five minute firework show celebrating fifteen years of being reunited with China. What might have gone unnoticed to many was that more than 200,000 thousand people paraded for hours and hours prior to fireworks because it is their opinion that things were better when the British ruled.  The point is that people are at their best when they can make their own choices.  It needn't be the model that we in "Merica" , or in China, or in Britain, think is best.  It is for the people to decide.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness

Give me your tired, your poor, 

Your huddled masses, yearning to breath free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

Aqaba, Jordan beautiful sea and coral life

Lauren had a great time in Aqaba, even though she ended up getting a double ear infection both inner and outer! We visited the American Hospital in Istanbul and saw  the ENT to confirm and get meds. Lauren dove twice each day, which included  a reef, wreck, drop off, and I cannot remember the name of the other dive. I was able to snorkel while she dove and was amazed at all the sea life. I thought I would include some photos of where we went for a swim, which is pretty incredible when you think about it, since next to Aqaba is Elat, Israel, Egypt and on the other side of Aqaba is Saudi a Arabia. Aqaba is Jordan's only sea port, the life line aside from the airport for imports and exports. They used to truck but now with Syria and their war, has blocked the passage to other countries.  If you look at the second photo you will see in the distance the women in their black clothing at the beach and in the water.
Here is a little more information on Aqaba: Aqaba is well known for its beach resorts and luxury hotels, which service those who come for diving, fun in the sand as well as watersports like windsurfing and Scuba diving. It also offers activities which take advantage of its desert location. Its many coffee shops offer mansaf and knafeh, and baqlawa desserts. Another very popular venue is the Turkish Bath (Hamam) built in 306AD, in which locals and visitors alike come to relax after a hot day. Aqaba and Wadi Rum are the sites of the annual Jordan – Middle East Distant Heat Festival, an annual electronic dance festival. It takes place on 31 July and 1 August. DJs from Jordan, the Middle East and around the world participate in this unique dance festival. Some famous artists who participate in the festival are Armin Van Buuren, Ferry Corsten, Above & Beyond, and Josh Gabriel.

A beach in Aqaba.

In 2006, the Tourism Division of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) reported that the number of tourists visiting the Zone in 2006 rose to about 432,000, an increase of 5% over previous year. Approximately 65%, or 293,000 were Jordanians. Of foreign tourists, Europeans visited the Zone in the largest numbers, with about 98,000 visiting during the year. The division has financed tourism advertising and media campaigns with the assistance of the European Union.^[6]

During national holidays, Jordanians from the north, particularly Amman and Irbid, flock to Aqaba's luxury resorts and sandy beaches. During these holiday weekends, hotel occupancy reaches 100%.

Aqaba has been chosen for the site of a new waterfront building project that would rebuild Aqaba with new man-made water structures, new high-rise residential and office buildings, and more tourist services to place Aqaba on the investment map and challenge other centers of waterfront development throughout the region.

The Distant Festival held at Aqaba on the last Thursday of July and the following day at Aqaba and Wadi Rum which features the world's most famous trance and electronica dancers.

Aqaba has been chosen as the Arab Tourism City of 2011.^{[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]}

End of a journey (for now)

Lauren, my daughter goes back home today after spending a little over two fantastic weeks together. I must say that I am so thankful that I had a career in which I had the opportunity to show my daughter the world.  I think one of the most important things we can do is EXPERIENCE life and everything it has to offer. To me this means traveling to places and be captured by other peoples way of life, their thoughts and cultures, to gain a better perspective and understanding of the world. I must say that sometimes I find that I am completely perplexed instead of enlightened, but that is part of the journey. I was thinking again about Jordan, the resilience of its people  , living in a country that is seventy plus percent desert and has a very limited water source. I was also thinking the fate of two men in Iran that have been sentenced to death by their supreme court for drinking and getting caught for the third time! Really?! I think of how lenient the U.S. is when in comes to alcohol. drugs, crimes, murders,
how lax the U.S. system is, how much of our resources are paid to keep people alive on death row for decades!
I think we once again come to the word compromise, the two extremes are in my view wrong and there should be a happy medium. I think the one thing that is changing the world is access to the internet and the ability for media to travel and cover the world. The women in Jordan realized they had the perfect opportunity to be heard, with the preparation of the arrival of Putin to the country, they had the media's attention and seized the moment. I applaud these young men and women for standing up and having their voices heard. Last night I could not sleep and I think it was because the last thing I heard on the t.v. was that some Arabic country is still practicing female genital mutilation. I find this so disturbing and wish countries would include this act to be criminal and put a stop to this ridiculous and barbaric practice. If you would like to read more on this subject please read below.  God's speed Lauren, love mama

Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice that started in Africa approximately 2000 years ago. It is primarily a cultural practice, not a religious practice. But some religions do include FGM as part of their practices. This practice is so well ingrained into these cultures, it defines members of these cultures. In order to eliminate the practice one must eliminate the cultural belief that a girl will not become a women without this procedure.

What is Female Genital Mutilation?

Female Genital Mutilation is the term used for removal of all or just part of the external parts of the female genitalia. There are three varieties to this procedure.

Sunna Circumcision - consists of the removal of the prepuce(retractable fold of skin, or hood) and /or the tip of the clitoris. Sunna in Arabic means "tradition". Clitoridectomy - consists of the removal of the entire clitoris (prepuce and glands) and the removal of the adjacent labia. Infibulation(pharonic circumcision)-- consists of performing a clitoridectomy (removal of all or part of the labia minora, the labia majora). This is then stitched up allowing a small hole to remain open to allow for urine and menstrual blood to flow through.

In Africa 85% of FGM cases consist of Clitoridectomy and 15% of cases consist of Infibulation. In some cases only the hood is removed.

What is the age, the procedure used and the side effects?

The age the procedure is carried out varies from just after birth to some time during the first pregnancy, but most cases occur between the ages of four and eight. Most times this procedure is done with out the care of medically trained people, due to poverty and lack of medical facilities. The use of anesthesia is rare. The girl is held down by older women to prevent the girl from moving around. The instruments used by the mid-wife will vary and could include any of the following items; broken glass, a tin lid, razor blades, knives, scissors or any other sharp object. These items usually are not sterilized before or after usage. Once the genital area for removal is gone, the child is stitched up and her legs are bound for up to 40 days.

This procedure can cause various side effects on the girls which can include death. Some of the results of this procedure are serious infections, HIV, abscesses and small benign tumors, hemorrhages, shock, clitoral cysts. The long term effects may also include kidney stones, sterility, sexual dysfunction, depression, various urinary tract infections, various gynecological and obstetric problems.

In order to have sexual intercourse the women have to be opened up in some fashion and in some cases cutting is necessary. After child birth some women are re-infibulated to make them (tight) for their husbands.

Is this practice a cultural or religious practice?

In an FGM society, a girl can not be considered to be an adult until she has undergone this procedure. As well as in most cultures a women can not marry with out FGM. The type of procedure used will vary with certain conditions and these conditions could include the females ethic group, the country they live in, rural or urban areas, as well as their socioeconomic provenance.

FGM is a culture identity practice. The fact that the procedure helps to define who is the group, is obvious in cultures that carry out this procedure as an initiation into womanhood. Most FGM societies feel that unless a girl has this procedure done she is not a woman as well as removal of these practices would lead to the demise of their culture.

FGM societies have many claims of why this procedure should be done and these are as follows:

In most FGM societies one important belief is that this procedure will reduce a women's desire for sex and in doing so will reduce the chance of sex outside the marriage. This is vital to this society as her honor for the family is depended on her not to be opened up prior to marriage. Some view the clitoris and the labia as male parts on a female body, thus removal of these parts enhances the femininity of the girl. It is also believed that unless a female has undergone this procedure she is unclean and will not be allowed to handle food or water. Some groups believe that if the clitoris touches a man's penis the man will die. As well as the belief that if a baby's head touches the clitoris that the baby will die or the breast milk will be poisonous. The belief that an unmutilated female can not conceive, therefore the female should be militated in order to become fertile. Bad genital odors can only be eliminated by removing the clitoris and labia minora. Prevents vaginal cancer. An unmodified clitoris can lead to masturbation or lesbianism. Prevents nervousness from developing in girls and women. Prevents the face from turning yellow. Makes a women's face more beautiful. Older men may not be able to match their wives sex drive. Intact clitoris will generate sexual arousal and in women if repressed can cause nervousness.

FGM does predate Islam, but most Muslims do not practice this. FGM was also practice by Falasha (Ethiopian Jews). The remaining FGM society's follow traditional Animist religions. To see a list of groups click here. 

In countries where Muslim's practices FGM, they can justify it, in the words of the Prophet Mohammed, in these two controversial sayings that are found in the Sunnah (words and actions of Mohammed)

A discussion was recorded between Mohammed and Um Habibah (or Um'Alyyah), a women performed infibulation on slaves. She said that she would continue the procedure "unless it is forbidden and you order me to stop doing it". He replied (according to one translation) "Yes it is allowed. Come closer so I can teach you: if you cut, do not over do it, because it brings more radiance to the face and it is more pleasant for the husband." Mohammed is recorded as speaking of the Sunna circumcision to Ansar's wives saying: "Cutting slightly with out exaggeration, because it is more pleasant for your husbands."

These passages are regarded to have little credibility or authenticity with in the Muslim religion and is contradiction in the Qur'an:

God apparently created the clitoris for the sole purpose of generating pleasure. It has no other purpose. There is no instructions in the Qur'an or in the writings of the Prophet Mohammed which require that the clitoris be surgically modified. Thus God must approve of its presence. And also, it should not be removed or reduced in size or function. the Qur'an promotes the concept of a wife being given pleasure by her husband during sexual intercourse. Mutilated genitalia reduces or eliminates a women's pleasure during the act.

There is an estimated 135 million girls and women that have gone through this procedure with an additional 2 million a year at risk. This procedure is practiced in Africa (28 countries), Middle East, parts of Asia as well as in North America, Latin America, and as well as in Europe. It is now believed that the practice originated in Africa and is a cultural practice. Follow this link to see some indicators supporting this conclusion.

Amnesty International now has taken up the fight to do away with this practice that mutilates millions of girls each year. Today FGM is seen as a human rights issue and is recognized at an international level. FGM was in the universal framework for protection of human rights that was tabled in the 1958 united Nation agenda. It was during the UN Decade for Women (1975-1985) that a UN Working Group on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children was created. This group helped to develop and aided to the development of the 1994 Plan of Action for the Elimination of Harmful Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of women and Children. the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's' Fund and the Untied Nations Population Fund, unveiled a plan in April 1997 that would bring about a major decline in FGM within 10 years and the complete eradication of the practice within three generations.

Nahld Toubia, MD, a physician from Sudan and assistant clinical professor in CSPH's center for Population and Family Health states: "Female circumcision is the physical marking of the marriage ability of women, because it symbolizes social control of their sexual pleasure-- clitoridectomy--and their reproduction--infibulation," Toubia also believes that female circumcision raises numerous human right issues, including reproductive rights, the protection from violence, women's rights and especially children’s rights since most circumcisions take place on girls who are four to ten years of age. Even though there is no theological basis for the practice of FGM, it will be hard to eradicate, until we have a better understanding of the cultural beliefs.

Professor Stephen Isaacs, J.D, who specializes in human rights issues states "Human rights transcend cultural relativism by definition," and goes on to also state "But the cultural-religious argument has to be taken into consideration for implementation of policy."
But with this Toubia maintains that the goal in ending FGM must never be compromised. "No ethical defense can be made for preserving a cultural practice that damages women's health and interferes with their sexuality," "It is only a matter of time before all forms of female circumcision in children will be made illegal in Western countries and, eventually, in Africa." Toubia states.

Where do I start with my thoughts about Jordan

I must say for the first time in my life I am conflicted about a country, my preconceived thoughts about it and its leader and the current state of the country. When I was young, I used to watch King Hussein on t.v. and thought he was so charismatic and charming. Like most things when one starts to conjur things in ones mind, and when they become reality, they are not as sweet, the idea of it was much better.  I will start wit the positive, Jordan overall is a warm, funny and welcoming place to visit. Lauren and I felt safe wherever we went and we enjoyed all the places we went visit. Now here is the kicker, when "machismo" and religion mix and they are the so woven in to the fabric of society, that is a recipe for catastrophe. I believe in almost all of the pillars of the Quran and the Hadith. The problem is that society forget that people are beings of light and that they need to be respected for that above ALL else. When people have no respect for fellow human beings especially women) that is where the issues begin. The Jordanian Times had an article in the paper on the 26th of June  "Young Jordanians say "no" to sexual harassment, honour (the papers spelling) crimes. On Monday the young women of Amman held a demonstration against "honour crimes" and the practice of FORCING RAPE VICTIMS TO MARRY THEIR RAPISTS!  This is probably one of the most horrific things one can do to destroy the human spirit. Having been a child that was sexually abused and having had my spirit broken, I cannot think of anything more heinous! This is not about me, so lets get back to the subject. The same issues plague the world, maybe not to this extreme, but in the U.S. and everywhere when there are extremes in anything, that is when complications begin. I am not preaching "anti religion" but I do think that if people just believed in God without any name on it, the world would be so much easier. Just the same goes for "color" why do we judge people by the color of their skin? What truly baffles me is that technology can evolve at lightening speed, and yet civilization seems to regress. Well I think that is enough of my philosophical thoughts of the world and religion. I hope that Turkey, which is such a cosmopolitan city does not move "back" because of the religious majority taking over.
I hope the people of Turkey find the strength to fight and keep the vision of Ataturk.

Lauren and I had a great time hiking through the desert, riding horses and camels and taking our first balloon ride over Wadi Rum. I snorkeled while Lauren dove in Aqaba. After our great time together in Jordan, we flew Istanbul and saw all of the beautiful wonders of one of the most magical cities on the world.

Wadi Rum, and Aqaba Jordan

I have so much to tell and so little time, I will start by saying my phone died and two days later my Mac died too! We also have had a terrible time trying to log on Jordan's very limited Internet service. I am now on my IPad, so please forgive any typo's. I am not sure where I left off but the most important thing on my mind is why men treat woman so unequally if the Koran says man and woman should be treated equally? Why is it that a woman has to cover herself from head to toe and in temperatures exceeding 105 degrees and the man is able to wear what he wishes? Why do the men treat the woman this way? I think that it is so disrespectful, and I cannot wrap my head around it. The only reason that I can think of is that men here know that women in general are smarter (no bias) and that if given the opportunity we would rule the world. My other question is why do women tolerate being second class citizens? I wish I could find someone to speak to about this to help me understand their way of life. More one this later, In the desert Lauren and I took our first balloon ride! What a treat, so smooth and so hot! Every time the man pulled the arm to blow the torch up, I would feel the hairs on my head and arms singe. We then took our second camel ride and I of course always get the awnery animal. In Wadi we did a tour and then went to the rocks to watch the sunset, as I approach the rocks I pause to see how I am going to get up, and I look at Lauren and say "I smell poop" well of course I did, I was three feet deep in SHIT! What luck! I decided I was not going to let it bother me and had one of the best laughs in a long time. I just kept on thinking of the soul that left his green and very stinking poop on my shoe. My guide Ahmed swore he was going to find him and kill him! In all his years as a guide he has never encountered so many issues with his guests. To tell you the truth neither have I, it seems like a black cloud is testing me everyday and I refuse to give in and spoil my precious time with my daughter. Ahmed my guide tried to wipe the poop with wipes and then some water, but the amount was so much that he took off his hat and used it to clean most of it off. Ahmed then proceeded to carry my shoe down the mountain and to the truck and the smell was horrendous. We then put it in a plastic bag and I went barefoot the rest of the tour through them desert. More on Wadi later. I wanted to let my cousin, the little mermaid, know that I thought of her every moment of my day today as I snorkeled for hours, seeing every beautiful fish and sea creature imaginable. I wish I could bring her to see real beauty. Hopefully one day we will take a trip somewhere for her to see what a real reef looks like. Now I am going to have dinner with Lauren and call it a night. Tomorrow Lauren dives, I will snorkel and then we are off to Turkey! Love to all, E

Petra, Jodan,

Lauren and I spent the morning walking, hiking and riding horses and camels. We love camels! I feel so at home on them, my horse on the other hand did not want to ride today and bucked up on its two hind legs! Good way to start the day! My phone broke last night, and I have not had easy access to the Internet, so for a moment there I thought that was how my day was to begin, luckily for me, I was able to control my pissed of horse and ride! We then hiked for seven miles up to the sacrificial alter, three miles up in about 100 degree weather! What the hell is wrong with me! I must say it was worth the pain and aggravation, really impressive to see a city like Petra, we then walked down and down until the camels came to our rescue! We paid way too much for the ride, but they know we are at their mercy in this type of weather. Lauren and I love camels, when they start to gallop it is quite the thrill! Of course the camel is running and I am only hanging on with my legs because I am busy taking pictures. I will not have access to Internet for the next few days, but hope to post photos soon. Love to all, E