From Magic Kingdom to Mariupol, Ukraine

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Babs
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Cinderella Castle Magic Kingdom Disney World, USA

Visiting the Magic of childhood fantasy, with one foot in the world of adult tragedy.

Here all the staff are smiling and friendly, making you believe that all is right in the world. To quote Thich Nhat Hanh: “In our daily life, we can smile. If we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.”

Then my mind shifts to Mariupol, Ukraine. Where Russia is exherting its great power against principals of international law and humanity, and rockets kill 30 people. It reminds me of a Jimmy Hendrix quote; “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

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In Michigan my Ukrainian friends light candles and stage a protest against University of Michigan Musical Society honoring Putin comrade conductor
Valery Gergiev, who supports the annexation of Crimea and bloody invasion of Ukraine.

Staging a protest, doesn’t change the world, but it helps to keep us from letting the world change us. We all need to do what we can when we can.

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Visiting Italy at Epcot

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Babs

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Eating on the patio of the restaurant Via Napoli gave us an authentic Italian experience. It was less crowded than the noisy indoor dining. When the Medieval Cortona Flag dance began and we couldn’t see the young male performers. Our waiter pointed in their direction “but of course, go”, basically he could wait to take our order.

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All the staff were warm, friendly and accommodating. It was so much like being in Italy. We were happy we shared the Chicken Parmesan and the salad. It was just the right portion for the two of us with no leftovers.

Amusingly our visit to France for dinner found the staff very authentically French.

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Good Morning Old Key West resort

Posted on January 19, 2015 by Babs

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Great morning waking up to ibis in the pond below our balcony.

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