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Dancing by the River

31 Aug

By the boat park

So I went night cycling last night around the city of Paris and the best part about it was when we were cycling by the river, and saw two groups of people drinking wine and dancing by the river. I had uncovered the treasure I was looking for! And why do I love dancing? I do believe there is a special connection with someone through dance, through being in sync with the music, and for that few seconds, share a moment.

I guess I did this irish circle dance where almost the whole dance floor changed partners, and I got to “meet” a whole bunch of different people, not speak, but just feel the tension between our hands and bodies and step into the beat at the precise moment, twirl and spin.

I was reminded of my brother’s song- Just Imagine, and the first line goes:

Imagine children of enemies, laughing together..
Just Imagine what love can do.

It was hard for me to come to France after coming from Ghana, especially after visiting the slave castles where so many were brutally tortured and killed and kept in slavery. And talking to some people here, when they travel to Africa, they say, being French, there still is a slight hostility towards them because of the painful past. And sometimes I ask myself- what if I were French? How do I relate to the world, knowing my ancestors had shed such blood? And how do I appreciate the castles, when I knew they were meant to enlarge the empire, meaning enslaving more people and taking over more territories as if it were a game to play? But maybe that’s the amazing power of forgiveness and the power of music and dance because last night, even in the parks, I saw people of all races laughing together, dancing together, sharing a moment together. We perhaps are the children of enemies, now laughing together, and it was a beautiful sight.

More pictures from the night cycle!

Notre Dame

Notre Dame

Oldest clock in Paris

Oldest clock in Paris

Velib bikes!

Velib bikes!- Bike share program!

City Hall

City Hall, Paris

My velib!

My velib!

By a bookstore!

By a bookstore- library without boarders

The Last Day in Perú

25 Jul

My fav photo this week!

We had more celebrations in Peru for the Fiestas Patrias and I can hardly believe it’s my LAST DAY in Perú tomorrow. Here are some more photos from the celebrations!

I’ve honestly been swept away by the immense generosity and humility of the people here, the wisdom that exists in this country and the stories people have told. Leaving for Singapore TUESDAY!!!!

Dancing with the kids


Outfits from the department of Cuzco


With the Hermanas and Señora Elizabeth (VP for Primary school), with an Inca headdress!


More dresses!

Festidanza Photos!

19 Jul

My fav photo of the Festidanza

The Festidanza was amazing. The culture here is Peru is wonderfully rich and it might be because it was close to the Peruvian national day but there seems to be so much pride in being Peruvian. From the kids who say “¡Soy Peruano!” to the Principal of Fe y Alegría, there is a deep sense of love and belonging for their country and people. 🙂

Photos below!

Dance from the Sierra


Dance de Música Festeja!


Dance from the mountains


The Fe y Alegria 37 team!


Beautiful colors and costumes


Three parts of peru- Costa (Coast), Sierra (Mountains), y Selva (Forest)


Fe y Alegría No. 37 (US!) teachers and supporters!