Now we just finished a learning session with one of our teachers here. He is an Indigenous man from Guatemala who lived through the 36 years of war here. It's so interesting to hear him talking about Mayan spirituality and its focus > There is believed to be one God, "Ahau" who is interconnected with everything, both man and woman. Nature is key. Everything is complimentray and connected. This forms a balance, harmony, an equilibrium. The sense of community is incredibly strong and vital.
But during the years of war, because of the legacy of the Spanish Conquest, he and his classmates were taught that Mayan spirituality was witchcraft, "no one should practice that." Before Guatemala declared independence from Spain the "Repartimientos and Encomiendas" ocurred, which distributed the indigenous people among the Spaniards, controlled the indigenous people and Christianized them. This is when Mayan spirituality truly became oppressed.
To this day that legacy still remains in many ways.
We're expecting a woman from the humanitarian community who is a part of Congress to come and join us. She will be talking about the current politics of Guatemala.
Just a note, our last speaker just told us about the widespread dissatisfaction with the current President, Alvaro Colom. Initially Colom claimed to be "one for the Indigenous"...
I guess the speaker is on her way!
The other students here are pretty great.
There are a lot from Northfield, MN who attend Carleton and St Olaf. It seems as though the rest are from Washington and NY.
Love,
Anni/ka
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Hello from Guatemala City!!
Yesterday I arrived to the supposedly "newest and best" airport section in Central America... I guess I was too busy to notice because I was focusing on getting my backpacking gear on my back without falling over. I swear some people wear watching, just waiting for me to slowly start tipping.
Once I went outside of the customs/luggage area I finally saw the little "Center for Global Education" sign and then I headed over to meet up with a few of the other participants that had already arrived.
I got to sleep a little on the plane, but once we got to the guest house where we're staying and became acclamated, many of us passed out on our temporary beds... I finally slept for a few hours.
Lunch and dinner were both big, filling meals...and very good, at that. I definitely have got to skip dinner tonight because breakfast and lunch today filled me up so much.
They gave us our orientation today and then we went to La Casa Crema, which is named after the White House. There we also went into one of the famous cathedrals of Guatemala City.
Following this, we traveled to the main garbage dump site of the city. This is a very impoverished area where many people are self employed, working with recycling and the trash as a whole just to make a small living. It is interesting because virtually there is no recycling in Guatemala, but people living in the garbage dump area collect things such as plastic, then take those items to plastic mills to get money, for example.
There we went to a type of school and recreation center that began 20 years ago, started with 15 youth and now has 400 youth as students. The school was inspired because of the mass amounts of children who were collecting garbage in order to make a living for their family, but by doing this full time they were not getting an education. Now the four teachers at this school offer support, education, recreation, and an emotional outlet to displaced children, children without support, children previously expelled from school who cannot enter back into the main school system, pregnant adolescents, teens who never attended 1st grade and on for example... The school works with the youth in order so that they can still work, either in the mornings or afternoons, as long as they come to classes daily during the half of the day when they're not working. If the students continue this throughout their years and complete their education, they can get a job with the City, working with various City gardens. The students can also choose to go on to a university.
Essentially, just being there for the hour that we were, I can tell you that this is a truly amazing and genuinely successful grassroots organization that has, and continues to, empower those who were born into an area that has been labeled one of "asassins and thieves."
After this we drove many miles to a higher part of Guatemala that is inhabitated basically all by the wealthy. There we saw huge, luxury apartment complexes, mega malls, gated communities, Sears, TGI Fridays... riches and globalization to the T.
Talk about polar opposites.
Yesterday I arrived to the supposedly "newest and best" airport section in Central America... I guess I was too busy to notice because I was focusing on getting my backpacking gear on my back without falling over. I swear some people wear watching, just waiting for me to slowly start tipping.
Once I went outside of the customs/luggage area I finally saw the little "Center for Global Education" sign and then I headed over to meet up with a few of the other participants that had already arrived.
I got to sleep a little on the plane, but once we got to the guest house where we're staying and became acclamated, many of us passed out on our temporary beds... I finally slept for a few hours.
Lunch and dinner were both big, filling meals...and very good, at that. I definitely have got to skip dinner tonight because breakfast and lunch today filled me up so much.
They gave us our orientation today and then we went to La Casa Crema, which is named after the White House. There we also went into one of the famous cathedrals of Guatemala City.
Following this, we traveled to the main garbage dump site of the city. This is a very impoverished area where many people are self employed, working with recycling and the trash as a whole just to make a small living. It is interesting because virtually there is no recycling in Guatemala, but people living in the garbage dump area collect things such as plastic, then take those items to plastic mills to get money, for example.
There we went to a type of school and recreation center that began 20 years ago, started with 15 youth and now has 400 youth as students. The school was inspired because of the mass amounts of children who were collecting garbage in order to make a living for their family, but by doing this full time they were not getting an education. Now the four teachers at this school offer support, education, recreation, and an emotional outlet to displaced children, children without support, children previously expelled from school who cannot enter back into the main school system, pregnant adolescents, teens who never attended 1st grade and on for example... The school works with the youth in order so that they can still work, either in the mornings or afternoons, as long as they come to classes daily during the half of the day when they're not working. If the students continue this throughout their years and complete their education, they can get a job with the City, working with various City gardens. The students can also choose to go on to a university.
Essentially, just being there for the hour that we were, I can tell you that this is a truly amazing and genuinely successful grassroots organization that has, and continues to, empower those who were born into an area that has been labeled one of "asassins and thieves."
After this we drove many miles to a higher part of Guatemala that is inhabitated basically all by the wealthy. There we saw huge, luxury apartment complexes, mega malls, gated communities, Sears, TGI Fridays... riches and globalization to the T.
Talk about polar opposites.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Guatemala... get up in three hours
My mom has kept coming into the living room to tell me that I should go to bed now... I guess she has reason because I'll be waking up around 12:30 am.
Last night I didn't sleep well at all... I couldn't get these Alison Krauss songs out of my head. I know, Alison Krauss, right.
Well if there is one thing I'm feeling anxious about it's that I just want to meet these 18 other people that will be studying abraod in Central Am. with me and I want to develop some good connections with them.
But I guess skipping those beginning parts of meeting one another would really take away a huge chunk, no?
Well, the staff will be a-waitin' with the "CGE" sign at the airport tomorrow...!
Last night I didn't sleep well at all... I couldn't get these Alison Krauss songs out of my head. I know, Alison Krauss, right.
Well if there is one thing I'm feeling anxious about it's that I just want to meet these 18 other people that will be studying abraod in Central Am. with me and I want to develop some good connections with them.
But I guess skipping those beginning parts of meeting one another would really take away a huge chunk, no?
Well, the staff will be a-waitin' with the "CGE" sign at the airport tomorrow...!
todo en el presente~~~
After picking up my friend on my bike today, we headed off to our main spot, The Blue Heron coffeehouse. As we were biking down her street she quickly noticed how still it was outside, and in that stillness she automatically felt a certain type of comfort.
My friend just finished living in Connecticut for four years and will be soaking up the Winona environment for some months now in her upcoming future. I guess it's a thing about being back in a smaller, generally tranquil town... you become refreshed and better aware of the peaceful stillness of the streets, of how you can actually hear the leaves shaking in the moderate wind... things like that.
I had to be reminded of this peace. It's funny what an awareness, present-moment-check does to you.
:)
My friend just finished living in Connecticut for four years and will be soaking up the Winona environment for some months now in her upcoming future. I guess it's a thing about being back in a smaller, generally tranquil town... you become refreshed and better aware of the peaceful stillness of the streets, of how you can actually hear the leaves shaking in the moderate wind... things like that.
I had to be reminded of this peace. It's funny what an awareness, present-moment-check does to you.
:)
Friday, August 22, 2008
The journey to enlightenment... well-informing oneself.
Just the other week another report came out stating that most people from the US get their news from the TV.
It is long past time that each of us take our own initiatives do inform ourselves from diverse, global perspectives. For example, it is vital to receive world news from a perspective outside the US. Also, independent news sources are crucial. Yes, one can argue that all news has an agenda; but at least hear those different, varying, diverse agendas [especially ones that don't come solely from one's country's bias] in order that you aren't just watching your state's weather channel and reports that focus mainly on the State Fair and who got robbed the other day.
It is long past time that each of us take our own initiatives do inform ourselves from diverse, global perspectives. For example, it is vital to receive world news from a perspective outside the US. Also, independent news sources are crucial. Yes, one can argue that all news has an agenda; but at least hear those different, varying, diverse agendas [especially ones that don't come solely from one's country's bias] in order that you aren't just watching your state's weather channel and reports that focus mainly on the State Fair and who got robbed the other day.
One of the people, eh?
John McCain was quoted the other day saying he would have one of his staffers "get back to" the public about how many houses he has.
By the way, the guy has seven.
One cannot claim that they "work for the people" [and the majority of the "people" here are middle to lower-income] and then live so lavishly to the point where he or she cannot keep track of the number of homes he or she has.
All leaders should live through average, not exceedingly rich and squandering, lifestyle in order to be on the same playing field as the rest of US people.
By the way, the guy has seven.
One cannot claim that they "work for the people" [and the majority of the "people" here are middle to lower-income] and then live so lavishly to the point where he or she cannot keep track of the number of homes he or she has.
All leaders should live through average, not exceedingly rich and squandering, lifestyle in order to be on the same playing field as the rest of US people.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Eat fresh, eat locally, eat from Featherstone Farm!
CSA, Community Supported Agriculture, has been up and running throughout the summer this year in Winona, MN. Not only is this initiative happening in Winona, but there are also many local farm crop shares just like this going on in the Twin Cities!
My family and I pick up our reciclable box every Wednesday from the Bluff Country Co-op. The best thing is to come back home and feel excited as you open up the box, which is literally filled with food, wondering which fruits and veggies you have received this week. Today we got bak-chow [sorry for the spelling], yellow squash, red tomatoes, some type of seasoning herb, zuchinni, and a honey dew melon. DELICIOUS! Now two times a week my family uses our "wok" to cook those veggies and fruits up... There are so many of them that we've got to do the combinations.
Also, if you're eating a lot of cooked food for dinner, you can eat the veggies raw if you just wash them, dice them, and sprinkle some salt and pepper on them. Then when you're done doing that, mix in some lime or lemon juice, vinigarette, and/or plain olive oil. RIQUISIMO combination*
The best thing is knowing that when those delicious greens go in your mouth, you are eating from a trusted, known source and most of all, you are supporting your local, organic farmers!
My family and I pick up our reciclable box every Wednesday from the Bluff Country Co-op. The best thing is to come back home and feel excited as you open up the box, which is literally filled with food, wondering which fruits and veggies you have received this week. Today we got bak-chow [sorry for the spelling], yellow squash, red tomatoes, some type of seasoning herb, zuchinni, and a honey dew melon. DELICIOUS! Now two times a week my family uses our "wok" to cook those veggies and fruits up... There are so many of them that we've got to do the combinations.
Also, if you're eating a lot of cooked food for dinner, you can eat the veggies raw if you just wash them, dice them, and sprinkle some salt and pepper on them. Then when you're done doing that, mix in some lime or lemon juice, vinigarette, and/or plain olive oil. RIQUISIMO combination*
The best thing is knowing that when those delicious greens go in your mouth, you are eating from a trusted, known source and most of all, you are supporting your local, organic farmers!
Baggage Restrictions
My mom had me searching the Delta Airlines website this morning, scanning for any new information about my upcoming flights...
It was just last night when it dawned on me that not only will I really be leaving this Monday morning [1 am :) ] but I will also not be returning for five months or so... Let the learning and adventures begin!
But it does make me feel a little vulnerable acknowledging that... But that is O.K. My theory is that some of the most magnificently transforming times in life entail some of the most difficult... Vamos!
Does anyone have any information about restrictions/special instructions for taking a rucksack/backpacking gear on airlines??
I may have to opt for that rather than going with the normal pull-along luggage...
It was just last night when it dawned on me that not only will I really be leaving this Monday morning [1 am :) ] but I will also not be returning for five months or so... Let the learning and adventures begin!
But it does make me feel a little vulnerable acknowledging that... But that is O.K. My theory is that some of the most magnificently transforming times in life entail some of the most difficult... Vamos!
Does anyone have any information about restrictions/special instructions for taking a rucksack/backpacking gear on airlines??
I may have to opt for that rather than going with the normal pull-along luggage...
Monday, August 18, 2008
Guacamole, Pasta, and Good Company.
Last night I passed the time enjoyably and comfortably with three lovely women -- a friend from high school, her mother and sister, and their extended family -- a French student who stayed with them years ago... It reminded me of the simple bliss that a meal can entail...from the preparation of the food to the setting of the table to the opening of cupboards and drawers searching for the glasses and silverware...to finally settling down around the table, taking a breath, and excitedly serving up and savoring the scents after all the anticipation -- just ready to stay there until the night ends because you know there is so much good conversation to be had.
Once I arrived the women already had set the light-hearted tone...the gas stove was little with the water just about popping as it was minutes away from boiling. Soon the pasta would be added but until then there was the chocolate-vanilla French cake to flip over and smother with the icy white frosting. Lucky for us our visiting friend came ready to make some of her home recipes. It's great to feel like you're not actually making a meal just because you're so into hearing what each person has to say, with much expression and smiles, I must add.
Vegetables were scattered around the side of the sink, dripping with water after just being rinsed, ready to be chopped. Soon they were cut and alternately dropped into a bowl mixed with lemon juice and pepper, just fit for an exquisite combination -- one that pulls the taste buds laid back time of catching up and subconsciously getting to know one another better...
We joined one another around the table which was pleasantly located on the porch... we were in the outside environment encompassed by a screen ~
Soon the pasta bowl was passed around and we laughed as my friend's mom commented, "See, the French aren't afraid to use real cream in their food." We all nodded in appreciation of the French lifestyle and cuisine, conscious of the different eating habits and regard toward meals amongst cultures.
The salmon pasta was complimented with those fresh, diced vegetables -- and afterward, the cake! Soon the tea and grapes were brought out and we went later and later into the evening with spontaneous conversation...
To a good, drawn-out meal with good people!
Once I arrived the women already had set the light-hearted tone...the gas stove was little with the water just about popping as it was minutes away from boiling. Soon the pasta would be added but until then there was the chocolate-vanilla French cake to flip over and smother with the icy white frosting. Lucky for us our visiting friend came ready to make some of her home recipes. It's great to feel like you're not actually making a meal just because you're so into hearing what each person has to say, with much expression and smiles, I must add.
Vegetables were scattered around the side of the sink, dripping with water after just being rinsed, ready to be chopped. Soon they were cut and alternately dropped into a bowl mixed with lemon juice and pepper, just fit for an exquisite combination -- one that pulls the taste buds laid back time of catching up and subconsciously getting to know one another better...
We joined one another around the table which was pleasantly located on the porch... we were in the outside environment encompassed by a screen ~
Soon the pasta bowl was passed around and we laughed as my friend's mom commented, "See, the French aren't afraid to use real cream in their food." We all nodded in appreciation of the French lifestyle and cuisine, conscious of the different eating habits and regard toward meals amongst cultures.
The salmon pasta was complimented with those fresh, diced vegetables -- and afterward, the cake! Soon the tea and grapes were brought out and we went later and later into the evening with spontaneous conversation...
To a good, drawn-out meal with good people!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
America... but which one?
There is the common habit of saying, as U.S. citizen or as a person living in the U.S., that "I am an American;" or "I live in America." What is vital to recognize is that there are four Americas: North America, Latin America, Central America, and South America.
I had a mind-opening experience that made me better conscious of this fact when I was studying in Spain during the end of my high school year. Not remembering how to say I am "estadounidense" [from the U.S.] when someone asked me what my home country was, I replied "soy de america" [I am from America]. That person then looked at me with a confused expression and told me that she and her classmates were taught in school that there is more than just one America. She explained how they addressed Canada as a part of America [being in North America] and then went on to mention Mexico [having some of their states in North America and the rest being referred to as a part of Latin America], etc... I then realized the utter truth to her response.
Yes. I still feel incredibly ignorant for not being conscious of the implications of saying that I was from America -- those implications being complicated and not specific.
Ever since my time in Cuernavaca, Mexico, this summer I have been asking myself "What makes people from the U.S. more entitled to claim the entirety of America [or, all of the Americas, for that matter] as their own?"
I realize this sounds harsh, but I feel that the truth in this is harsh and it needs to be more consciously recognized.
I do also want to add, though, that there are a great deal of people who use the term "America" loosely because it is what they have grown up around, because it is a habit, not meaning to take away of the significance and presence of the other "Americas"... I would just like to raise awareness of the implications and vastness of the term.
Thank you.
I had a mind-opening experience that made me better conscious of this fact when I was studying in Spain during the end of my high school year. Not remembering how to say I am "estadounidense" [from the U.S.] when someone asked me what my home country was, I replied "soy de america" [I am from America]. That person then looked at me with a confused expression and told me that she and her classmates were taught in school that there is more than just one America. She explained how they addressed Canada as a part of America [being in North America] and then went on to mention Mexico [having some of their states in North America and the rest being referred to as a part of Latin America], etc... I then realized the utter truth to her response.
Yes. I still feel incredibly ignorant for not being conscious of the implications of saying that I was from America -- those implications being complicated and not specific.
Ever since my time in Cuernavaca, Mexico, this summer I have been asking myself "What makes people from the U.S. more entitled to claim the entirety of America [or, all of the Americas, for that matter] as their own?"
I realize this sounds harsh, but I feel that the truth in this is harsh and it needs to be more consciously recognized.
I do also want to add, though, that there are a great deal of people who use the term "America" loosely because it is what they have grown up around, because it is a habit, not meaning to take away of the significance and presence of the other "Americas"... I would just like to raise awareness of the implications and vastness of the term.
Thank you.
Back home.
Thursday I planned on leaving leaving work by 1 pm. I knew saying the goodbyes would not be a short ordeal, but I had a bit of a schedule to stick to and I thought I could keep it on track... So I ended up leaving a little before 3.
:)
No complaints whatsoever though. I guess it just shows how much I love being around the people in my work environment. The bittersweet feelings of moving along into the school year are beginning to be felt little by little. I'm not the only one going abroad -- Ali will arrive back this Sunday from Japan, Amber will be going to Bali one week after I leave for Central America, and Chu will be heading out soon to study in Japan for a full year. Wow. Although I can honestly say I miss the unique, awesome energy of each individual from the office; I am so excited to hear of their endeavors--whether those endeavors be out of the country or in the ever-so-happenin' Minneapolis...
:)
No complaints whatsoever though. I guess it just shows how much I love being around the people in my work environment. The bittersweet feelings of moving along into the school year are beginning to be felt little by little. I'm not the only one going abroad -- Ali will arrive back this Sunday from Japan, Amber will be going to Bali one week after I leave for Central America, and Chu will be heading out soon to study in Japan for a full year. Wow. Although I can honestly say I miss the unique, awesome energy of each individual from the office; I am so excited to hear of their endeavors--whether those endeavors be out of the country or in the ever-so-happenin' Minneapolis...
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
"The 90's"
Tonight some of the staff and I will head out on the town, already tired enough from last night, to "Gay 90's" where we will shake up the Wednesday evening!
The Electric Fetus is first calling our names; so I think Amber and I will cut out of work soon. Then we will be off to Ben's in order to literally just lay - lay, eat, and hopefully sleep -- all in good company.
Yes. May the energy come with the good vibes of our last night before heading out of the country [at least the "last night" for Amber and myself;) ]
!
The Electric Fetus is first calling our names; so I think Amber and I will cut out of work soon. Then we will be off to Ben's in order to literally just lay - lay, eat, and hopefully sleep -- all in good company.
Yes. May the energy come with the good vibes of our last night before heading out of the country [at least the "last night" for Amber and myself;) ]
!
Spending the last week with good people.
Alright.
These are my last few days in the office at Augsburg, at my "homestay" in White Bear, with the beautiful and energetic people of Admissions...
This, of course, is bittersweet ~ as many things in life are.
I do need transition - the cultural transition into Central America, specifically. Inside I feel I'm ready for it. But it is crazy to think that in such little time I have come to appreciate a substantial amount of people so much - these people would be my co-workers. No joke, but I tell you that it is a family environment in here. Just last night I spent the entirety of my evening and into the morning with two co-workers. Yes, these last couple days I am choosing to spend with them.
It's crazy to think that without working here I would not have experienced last night, not to mention how I would not have developed the connections with such unique individuals. So I am going to go on thinking of them from time to time. And when I do I will be inspired by their energy and bright, quirky [in truly the best way possible] personalities. I really will look forward to seeing them again in the future... and maybe even going to the Irish Fest with Amber, heading to a Twins game with Kendra, living in Carrie's house, going to a movie w/ Marissa and helping her out w/ her array of tasks, talking [maybe too long;) ] over lunch break w/ Mary about life, ... and on and on.. .
But we shall return in some way/time/dimension! ~ Until then ~~
These are my last few days in the office at Augsburg, at my "homestay" in White Bear, with the beautiful and energetic people of Admissions...
This, of course, is bittersweet ~ as many things in life are.
I do need transition - the cultural transition into Central America, specifically. Inside I feel I'm ready for it. But it is crazy to think that in such little time I have come to appreciate a substantial amount of people so much - these people would be my co-workers. No joke, but I tell you that it is a family environment in here. Just last night I spent the entirety of my evening and into the morning with two co-workers. Yes, these last couple days I am choosing to spend with them.
It's crazy to think that without working here I would not have experienced last night, not to mention how I would not have developed the connections with such unique individuals. So I am going to go on thinking of them from time to time. And when I do I will be inspired by their energy and bright, quirky [in truly the best way possible] personalities. I really will look forward to seeing them again in the future... and maybe even going to the Irish Fest with Amber, heading to a Twins game with Kendra, living in Carrie's house, going to a movie w/ Marissa and helping her out w/ her array of tasks, talking [maybe too long;) ] over lunch break w/ Mary about life, ... and on and on.. .
But we shall return in some way/time/dimension! ~ Until then ~~
Twins v Yankees
Last night was the first time I had ever attended a professional baseball game. Kendra, Amber and I chose a good night to light-rail-it over to the stadium because the Twins were playing the Yankees [whom they had defeated the night prior].
As we were purchasing our tickets, the three of us all commented on how that area would have to be one of our favorite venues to "people-watch." Yes, we admitted it because let's just get it out there -- professional sporting games bring in people of all interests and ages, and it is a pretty damn fun environment!
The tickets we bought ended up being in the "Family Area" which gave us a deal of one free hot dog and one free beverage, so we were happy fans. Our seats were in the middle of the row, so of course the people on the outskirts became tired of standing up and sitting back down just for us to walk past a couple times...;)
You have to love having those deep conversations in some of the most spontaneous areas... like in the middle of a Twins game with three young men behind us screaming at the Fan Cam. What a scene.
The girls and I stayed until the bottom of the 7th just to sing "Take me out to the Ball Game." Very nice times.
In the end, the game went past 12 innings.
Go Twins!
As we were purchasing our tickets, the three of us all commented on how that area would have to be one of our favorite venues to "people-watch." Yes, we admitted it because let's just get it out there -- professional sporting games bring in people of all interests and ages, and it is a pretty damn fun environment!
The tickets we bought ended up being in the "Family Area" which gave us a deal of one free hot dog and one free beverage, so we were happy fans. Our seats were in the middle of the row, so of course the people on the outskirts became tired of standing up and sitting back down just for us to walk past a couple times...;)
You have to love having those deep conversations in some of the most spontaneous areas... like in the middle of a Twins game with three young men behind us screaming at the Fan Cam. What a scene.
The girls and I stayed until the bottom of the 7th just to sing "Take me out to the Ball Game." Very nice times.
In the end, the game went past 12 innings.
Go Twins!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Olympics
Women's gymnastics tonight! Sean Johnson is a complete powerhouse!! That girl is absolutely versatile, and does it with such a determined strength in a beautifully driven way.
This is actually the first time when I have been excited about the Olympics, so here's to devoting your life to what gives you passion!
This is actually the first time when I have been excited about the Olympics, so here's to devoting your life to what gives you passion!
Mbotma Bluegrass Music Fest
I just arrived back from spending two-and-a-half days in El Rancho Manana [insert tilde over first "n"] where I went with my dad and his friends to spend the weekend jamming to some old-time music.
The weekend went by really fast and it feels great to know that I soaked up my time there as well as I could. It's funny to think that when I was young I couldn't have cared less for the good twang of the banjo, and now I'm thinking about taking it up after I arrive back this year from traveling...
After listening to my dad play and listen to this genre of music for so long--I mean literally 19 years--bluegrass and folk have become more of a choice, an enjoyment.
The Mbotma Fest may just become an annual event for me; gosh, I even had my dad tired out from trying to see all of the acts. :)
For some genuinely unique excitement and energy, check out "Mountain Heart." "The Ditch Lillies," "The Stairwell Sisters" and "Grasstowne" also are highly recommended.
The weekend went by really fast and it feels great to know that I soaked up my time there as well as I could. It's funny to think that when I was young I couldn't have cared less for the good twang of the banjo, and now I'm thinking about taking it up after I arrive back this year from traveling...
After listening to my dad play and listen to this genre of music for so long--I mean literally 19 years--bluegrass and folk have become more of a choice, an enjoyment.
The Mbotma Fest may just become an annual event for me; gosh, I even had my dad tired out from trying to see all of the acts. :)
For some genuinely unique excitement and energy, check out "Mountain Heart." "The Ditch Lillies," "The Stairwell Sisters" and "Grasstowne" also are highly recommended.
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