IT ISN'T ABOUT CIVIL RIGHTS

Of course there are similarities between Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. In fact the second one has recognised how decisive has been Mandela as an outstanding figure in their politics decisions.

For instance, the willingness to listen and to share credit, including in his administration policy rivals as Mandela did some years ago. Besides they have been, they are and they will be and essential part against racial segregation and hatred.

Another common aspect is self-control, considering all the options before to choose one and the resolution capacity in a relaxing way, trying to keep calm in crucials moments.

As a result, Obama is being doomed as Mandela's succesor in the XXI century.

DAVID BOWIE, A LEOPARD CANNOT CHANGE ITS SPOTS

     I could say that the first time I could appreciate a song (ashes to ashes) was by chance while I was watching a "Cuentame como pasó" chapter some years ago. Of course I knew who was since he had been one of the most well-known references in the 80's but until then I hadn't paid attention to him.


Since then I have been listening to his music in different moments in my life lately and the songs produce me a mix of feelings so I've felt very sad when I heard the news of his death.

Besides, I wanted to highlight the way of leave this world (Notice: It could be not real, just an invention on the internet)

• Some close friends didn't know anything about he was battling a cancer.

• He called to his friend Brian Eno and he said to him "thanks for the good moments". Also Eno didn't know about his condition.

• The first song of his last album is called "Lazarus" and the lyrics say "Look up here, I'm in heaven"  

• Finally, the last account in twitter followed by David was @TweetofGod

Just I wanted to pay a minuscule tribute to David Bowie.

P.S. The last album "Blackstar" is the first sleeve where he doesn't show his face.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PUNCTUATION!

PLEASE DON'T USE HIM

The ultimate adventurer:
Richard Burton & The Mountains of the Moon

1)

Richard Burton: He could be considered as the main character of the film. With a peculiar personality, this British polyglot feel and live his life in a risky and impassioned way.

John H. Speke: Richard Burton's friend through thick and thin, he is a selfish person who puts ahead of their interest and convictions.

Isabel Burton: Burton's wife who assume with resignation the Burton's lifestyle thanks to the immense love that she feels to him.

Lowry Oliphant: Speke's publisher who only think in one thing, himself. He does not matter whatever to do to reach their purpose.

2)

Burton is a real adventurer since he really appreciates the whole process of each one. He totally try to get involved in social culture which he visit, taking part in their ritual, traditions,...

Conversely, Speke is determined with the target and the benefits that could be earned in a trip. He consider other cultures in a contemptuous way.

3)

Firstly, both have different kind of mind and clash between them. As I said before, they have as purpose different objectives. Eventually they get to know during the trip, being good friends and even Speke falls in love with Richard. Finally Speke wants to reach glory and fame at the expense of breaking his bond of friendship.

4)

Richard is a revolutionary person, fighting against Victorian culture and tradition. He lived against the tide.

5)

Burton had a open mind, as a result he showed a great interest about slave's medicine. Furthermore the slave assisted to Burton, saving his life and becoming good friends and that the reason why Burton suffer his loss.

6)

Burton did not believe in Speke's theories about discovering the source of the Nile. Besides he was not in the best conditions to take part in this expedition because of he was still injured.

7)

Burton's theory argued that the source of the Nile was composed by some affluents whereas Speke said that the source of the Nile was only one lake (Victoria lake). As I see it, Burton was right since Victoria Lake is supplied by other rivers.

8)

Burton did not betray Speke; quite the opposite. Once they returned from his trip, Speke was recognized as discoverer of the source of the Nile alone.

9)

Burton did not gave importance to his words, because it was a lie. Not all that has been published is true.

10)

Despite having bad moments with Speke, Burton show his friendship sculpting his bust.

11)

We discussed in class this topic, traveller or tourist? I mean, Burton offer us another perspective about travelling, to focus on get involved in the culture of the place you visit.

 

Aphorisms

Aphorisms made by myself.

• Pay attention to your grandparents, listen to your parents, give an ear to your friends. 

• Once, of course; twice, do not worry; thrice, perhaps; four times, no longer.

 

• Everything can be bought with money, even money.

And extra aphorism:

• In detail is the essence of life. Could anyone tell me what is it?

Travelling to Zanzibar

Picture of typical stall in Zanzibar

The first and the most relevant thing which you must take into account before to travel is to planify it.

In this case, our trip to Zanzibar should be by plane, due to the lengthy and tedious route. Besides, we could obtain a significant discount if we book a charter flight, choosing all-in package in order to avoid misunderstandings with local people in case of we get lost.

It is widely known how breathtaking and stunning are beaches in Zanzibar, but is better to stay in a hostel in the city centre, where getting involved and immersed in the local culture is fairly easier. Self-catering is the best option since we will try the traditional food cooked with local products at picturesque pubs.

We cannot forget that the main purpose of this journey that has as its objective to improve the English level of our students, being it as a kind of study trip.

Therefore, among a huge range of activities, our pupils can find meetings to exchange of opinions with local people, screenings of movies, attend to talks, to practise different types of acuatic sports and so on. Obviously all these activities are spoken in English.

My favourite picture

THE SCREAM

DESCRIPTION

The Scream (Oil, temprea, pastel and crayon on a cardboard) is the most famous Edvard Munch's painting. In the foreground you can see an androgynous person at a promenade who highlights his facial expression. Behind him, you can discern two persons surrounded by a mysterious aura. A river is shown in the central part, painted with a range of blues and creating a clear distinction between him and an angered and unusual orangey sky in the upper part.

MEANING

Munch's The Scream is an icon of modern art, a Mona Lisa for our time. As Leonardo da Vinci evoked a Renaissance ideal of serenity and self-control, Munch defined how we see our own age - wracked with anxiety and uncertainty. His painting of a sexless, twisted, fetal-faced creature, with mouth and eyes open wide in a shriek of horror, re-created a vision that had seized him as he walked one evening in his youth with two friends at sunset. As he later described it, the "air turned to blood" and the "faces of my comrades became a garish yellow-white." Vibrating in his ears he heard "a huge endless scream course through nature."

PERSONAL OPINION

At first glance, The Scream produces me a mixed feelings such as fear, overwhelm, anxiety and even an emotional distress during a short time that is really difficult to explain. The strong colours that were used give the composition an intense energy and they makes me feel as the painting brings to life. The Scream inspires me to think about the importance of the life and how we should squeeze it every minute.