If you are a history lover, news junkie, or student of political science, government, international studies, international relations, international law, diplomacy, public policy, etc. then this is a blog that will catch your eye!
Fantasia
is a traditional horsemanship show that is common in regional and local
festivals throughout Morocco. Teams consist of approximately 10 riders. The
goal is to charge together at the same speed and, towards the end,
simultaneously fire their muskets. The crux is to coordinate the speed of
their horses and the shots.
Fantasia
is immensely popular in the country. Performances can easily draw several
hundreds of people and the atmosphere turns very festive because people sing
and play instruments at the show unfolds. A performance can last up to two or
three hours.
Seeing
the horses approach at full speed is frightening and exhilarating!
Volunteers in Mongolia work with their communities on projects in English education, youth development and health. During their service in Mongolia, volunteers learn to speak local languages, including Mongolian and Kazakh. More than 1,145 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Mongolia since the program was established in 1991.
More facts about Mongolia include:
In Mongolia, there are 13 times more horses than humans, and sheep outnumber humans 35 to 1.
The two-humped Bactrian camel is native to Mongolia. The annual Thousand Camel Festival has been hosted by a private group working to protect and preserve the Bactrian population in Mongolia, which has been steadily declining over the past 12 years.
Mongol khöömii, or throat singing or overtone singing, involves producing two simultaneous tones with the human voice.
The Gobi desert, a part of which lies in Mongolia, is the largest desert in Asia and is the fifth largest in the world.
Snow leopards are native to Mongolia, and one-third of the world’s population lives there. A snow leopard cannot roar or purr.
Mongolia is referred to as “Land of the Blue Sky” because it has over 260 sunny days a year.
Mongolia is said to be derived from the word Mongol, which is said to be from the word mong, meaning “brave.”
One of Moldova’s (and Romania’s) oldest traditions, Mărțisor or little March, is celebrated on the 1st of March and according to tales and over the years have become symbolic of love, appreciation, and respect as well as significant of the first day of Spring. For all the “red and white” ornaments I received today and equally with well wishes and congratulations, thank you! Te iubesc, Moldova! (I love you, Moldova!)
Visiting a temple with some of my favorite didis and other neighbors – my family was especially excited to give puja (worship) to the cow (Lord Vishnu) with the “third eye.”
Peace Corps Ghana traces its roots and mission to 1961, when President John F. Kennedy sent the very first 52 Peace Corps Volunteers to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in Ghana.
There are 133 Volunteers in Ghana working with their communities on projects in agriculture, education and health. During their service in Ghana, Volunteers learn to speak local languages, including Dagaare, Dagbani, Ghanaian Sign Language, Gurune, Likpakpaln, Mampuli and Twi.
“In school I learned that in order to achieve my dreams, I must work hard for them. #62MillionGirls don’t have that chance.”–Meryam
“In school, I learned how to have my own ideas and how to defend them. I also learned how to work really hard to get our place in the world we’re living in. #62MillionGirls don’t have that chance.”–Abderrahman
“In school, I learned how to develop my personality. #62MillionGirls don’t have that chance.”–Kawtar
Stephen Wilkes is a day-to-night photographer, he hangs out in a given spot – Paris, Jerusalem or maybe the African savannah – for up to 30 hours at a time, capturing the same place on camera at all hours of the clock.
Happy 2016! Before this year is over, you could be on your way to The Gambia in West Africa to fill one of our Volunteer positions in Agriculture or Health. If you go, maybe you’ll ring in 2017 with a dish of chicken yassa. Try this recipe for a little inspiration:
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken, wash and cut into medium pieces
7 onions, sliced
4 lemons or lime juice
2 tablespoon of mustard, preferably mustard of Djion
150ml of oil
1 head of garlic
2 bouillons cubes ( or Maggi Jumbo)
Black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
Salt, to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Marinating the chicken: (you can let it marinate it for 2 hours or overnight)
Marinate the chicken with the mustard, half of the garlic, 2 lemons and black pepper.
Then keep in the refrigerator for at least 2 h.
Step 2: The onions:
Slice and marinade the onions with mustard, lemons and black pepper ( like you did with the chicken).
Step 3: Grill the chicken in the oven or fry it on the stove with 3 tablespoon of oil on high heat. When the chicken is brown, remove and set aside.
Step 3: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a cooking pot and stir-fry the onions for few minutes. Then add in the remaining garlic.
Return the grilled chicken in the pot with 1 cup of water. Add the bouillon cubes, chili pepper and salt to your taste. Lit it simmer for 30 or until the chicken is done and the liquid in the sauce is totally absorbed
It was their first time making cookies and as my student said, “They nailed it!” Soft and chewy with crisp edges. Not to mention the fact that they are red and green. 🎅🎄🎁 #hohoho #christmas #christmascookies #cookies #sugarcookies #red #green #peacecorps #peacecorpschina #volunteer #tefl #love #baking #friends #goodeats #china #gansu #proudteacher
