Returning from a Dream

After ten and a half months, we are back. 

Since September 3rd of last year, we learned that the cars were smaller, there are fresher and cheaper ingredients to cook at home, the coffee is amazing, and that life is a little more relaxed, among many other things. 

We travelled, we laughed and we learned about Spain’s history, and the people that make the country special. They love to spend time with friends, but while outside in a park playing cards, or at a bar drinking a botellin (a bucket of beers to share amongst friends.) Not only that, but Spaniards love their fine olives and cheap, but delicious wine. 

Besides Spain, we appreciated Europe for what it offered. Portugal gave a relaxed and charming atmosphere with stunning beaches and solemn Fado music. Italy, with its delicious gelato and – stereotypically – unbeatable pasta, is incomparable to anything else found outside of the country; that is, unless in your Italian grandma’s kitchen. Then Poland, with its mouth-watering pirogues and emblematic world war two history, is a far-away land to much appreciate. You get the idea.

Comparing the two, the United States and Europe are two very different entities. One with its recent history and emblematic patriotism, and the other with centuries of stories and unity of nations.

Europe taught us many things. It taught us to cook fresh and learn the different flavors of foods and spices. It taught us to appreciate cultures. To learn when they hold special traditions, or why this Saint is named that way or the other. It also taught us that smaller is better. 

Smaller cars, smaller cities, and smaller usage of everything. It showed that life is appreciated simply.

Europe taught us its charm, and now that we come to the United States to live, we will try to live life as we think is best.

Everyone has their own way of living, but after experiencing the joys of both worlds we come back feeling fuller, happier, and ever more ready to embark on the next step of our lives.

We have an outline of it, but only the future knows what of it will be carved in stone. 

So here it goes, to living a life that is a balance of everything good.  

Greece and the Immigrants who need it

Europe is seen to many as an escape to worries back home. Strong economically, unified and with vast social benefits, immigrants from around the world flock to the old continent to start new lives for themselves and for their children.

However, Europe is having challenges of its own. The strong, unified Eurozone is not so unified anymore, with Germany seeing a Grexit (Greece leaving the EUR currency) more favorable than before, while France and Italy strongly opposing it. 

Photo credit: http://goo.gl/mqpLgI

While news outlets tell you about the general issue, those seeking a better life in Europe are forgotten. 

Immigrants from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan – to say the least – have taken a chance in fleeing the violence back home. Particularly, as the Guardian says in a recent news article, the Greek island of Lesbos is being tested against the economic woes happening in Brussels, the European capital where finance ministers have met regularly for talks. 

Since the Greek government mandated an extended bank holiday unknown when to finish, and limited the amount of cash a person can withdraw in one day to 60 EUR, organizations aimed at helping these immigrants with food, shelter and medicine are unable to do so. This is because they need the banks open to carry out transactions with businesses within and outside Greece. That means that they are unable to purchase basics like food. 

Thankfully, locals have stepped up to the plate and welcomed in those seeking a better life. They provide them food, and means of transport to the island’s capital, where they can apply for transport to Athens at the government’s immigrant office there.

One can only hope that whatever the finance ministers decide in Brussels, it is for the benefit of the people and those doing their best to help others.

SCOTUS sides with the Coal Industry

This week the US Supreme Court delivered major decisions affecting the nation. For now, universal healthcare is safe, as well as your desire to marry someone from your same gender. 

However, you now have a higher chance of getting respiratory diseases thanks to SCOTUS's decision on striking down EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) rules against coal plants around the country.

That's right, this makes no sense. Why? because they are concerned with costs. 


Several opponents told the justices that it would cost money. Well, of course it would.

So, what about your health? and your children who need clean air to grow? 

Besides these consequences, the SCOTUS has likely just ruined the UN Climate Summit in Paris later this year. The US is the biggest polluter, and with no credibility back home why would other countries trust us? 

Hopefully the Obama Administration will scramble something in time to add to the negotiating table this December. Only time will tell.

The SCOTUS should have thought of those long-term consequences instead of immediate profits.

Thank you SCOTUS.