#BringBackOurGirls

Ugandan girls I met in August 2007.
(C) Thrifty Gypsy

(The following story happened on August 24, 2012, while on a flight from Dulles to Amsterdam en route to Prague.  While the exact words of the conversation may not be verbatim, the content and emotion are accurate.) 

Jostling my way down the aisle of a Boeing-777 on my way to enjoy a long vacation in Prague and Germany, I should've been ecstatically happy that my much-anticipated vacation was finally here.  But I wasn't.  Stupid KLM and their stupid seat assignment mix-up, I thought angrily.  For the first time ever, I wasn't going to be seated next to my husband, and I was grumpy and agitated because of it.  To add insult to injury, I had a middle seat and with the plane at near full capacity, I just hoped that my seatmates on both sides were unobtrusive and indifferent.

I tossed my carry-on into the overhead compartment and sat down to the right of a nice-looking, young Indian couple.  At least she smells good, I thought as I caught a whiff of her jasmine perfume.  She smiled at me as if she could read my thoughts.  As the line of boarding passengers thinned, I began to hope that maybe, just maybe no one would be sitting in the aisle seat to my left.  Just as I was beginning to think I could snag the seat, a tall, muscular woman hurried down the aisle clutching a hand-bag and a small suitcase.  My heart sank as she compared her ticket to the seat number and stopped at the empty seat beside me.  After dropping her belongings everywhere and distractedly trying to shove them into the overhead compartment, she finally sank into her seat as the flight attendants began to check passengers' seatbelts.

I made myself as small as possible in my seat as the woman beside me fidgeted and squirmed in her seat.  I began to feel very, very sorry for myself.  What a way to start a vacation, I thought as a few angry tears came to my eyes.  The woman then elbowed me, albeit accidentally and not roughly, as she struggled to get comfortable.  I was about to make a comment to her when I noticed she, too, had tears in her eyes.  She fiddled with her wristwatch as the tears continued to stream down her cheeks.  Instantly, my attitude towards her softened.  Guess I'm not the only one having a hard time, I thought.  Reaching into my purse, I pulled out a tissue and offered it to her.  She took it and gave a low thank-you.  As we taxied to the runway and then took-off, she calmed down considerably while I clenched the seats anxiously (I don't do so well with flying).

   "Are you okay?"  She asked with the slightest trace of an African accent.
   "I will be once we're up all the way," I replied.  "You?"
   "No," she returned quietly, folding the tissue into small squares in her lap.  "But I am doing better now, thank you."
   At this point, this woman had my curiosity thoroughly piqued, but I didn't want to be rude and pry into her personal life.
   "It's been a while since I've been on an international flight," I admitted.  "I'm not looking forward to the long hours.  Can't wait until we're there safely!"
   "Ah, yes," she said.  "It has been a long while for me as well.  Is this a vacation for you?"
   "It is!  My husband and I are on our way to tour Prague and then visit family in Germany.  It's been two years since we've had a big vacation, and I'm really excited about it.  How about you?"
   She looked at me for a moment, then shrugged her shoulders slightly.  "I am going to see family, too," she said.  "But it is not a happy time."
   "I'm sorry to hear that," and I truly meant it.  There was a few minutes of silence between us as I pondered her words and wondered how I could try to help her.  I've become a more private person when it comes to spirituality and religion, but I sensed that maybe my next questions would be received favorably.
   "Did you want to talk about it?  Would you like me to pray for you?"
   For the first time, her face lit up, but her eyes filled again.

   "Please," she said, her voice breaking considerably.  "I-I really could use prayer right now.  And my family, too.  You see, I am on my way to Nigeria.  To bury my father.  He, he was murdered."  She broke down.  My own eyes filled with tears again, but this time they weren't for selfish reasons.
   "I am so, so sorry," I repeated.  I took her hand and gave it a small squeeze.  "I cannot imagine what you're going through right now.  I can tell you loved your father very much."
   "I do.  So very much.  I-I just wish I had made him move to America with me years ago.  Then maybe he would still be here.  My poor mother is so frightened.  I will be bringing her back."
   "Is she not safe there?"
   "Oh, no.  No, it is not safe.  My father was hacked to death by machetes.  I fear for my mother's life and my own while I am there."
   Words failed me.  I could not fathom the horror of the reality she was describing to me.  I gazed at the small television screen in front of me.  It seemed so unreal that while I was flying in the relative comfort of an airplane on my way to a decent vacation, there were people out there being slaughtered like animals because of their faith.
   "I know my father is in a better place.  I just wish I could've seen him one more time, or brought him out of Nigeria.  I will bring my mother back with me, and I will never return to Nigeria again."
   "I cannot pretend to understand why this happened," I finally said.  "And I am so sorry that you are having to travel so far alone for such a difficult circumstance.  But you are not truly alone.  God had a plan for your father that we can't understand, and He has a plan for you as you're in Nigeria again.  I want to pray that you will have strength and courage enough for you and your mother while you are there."
  

Source.

And so we prayed together for a while, hands joined together.  Once we finished praying, we talked a little more, prayed some more, and finally the woman dozed off.  As her head fell on my shoulder in her sleep, I asked forgiveness from God for my selfishness earlier in the day.  I realized that I was put in that seat for a reason.  If I had been sitting next to my husband for that flight, I would've been blind to the individual situations of those around me and would not have been able to provide comfort, no matter how small, to that woman.  And my own troubles, which had so consumed me at the beginning of the flight, were so trivial compared to real difficulties.

***

I'll never forget that woman.  Her name was Miriam, or Faith - my memory has faded in that respect, and she lives somewhere in northern Virginia.  But as the media focuses on the Nigerian girls kidnapped by Muslim terrorists, I think of Miriam and pray that the bloodshed in Nigeria will stop.  I pray for the girls kidnapped, tortured, and sold.  I pray for the families terrorized by the agony of their missing daughters and sisters.  I pray for all those looking over their shoulders wondering if their next moment will be their last.

And when the media loses interest and focuses on the next big scandal, I hope that you will continue to pray for Nigeria and other countries in the world where people are persecuted for their faith.  Remember how lucky we are to be able to travel as a luxury, and be mindful that many people must travel in order to flee dangerous situations.

Source.

 Various links about Nigerian genocide:

• http://barnabasfund.org/US/News/Archives/Fifty-Christians-burned-alive-by-Islamist-militants-in-Nigeria.html
• https://www.opendoorsusa.org/pray/prayer-updates/2012/%297-July/Nigeria-is-becoming-genocide
• http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/05/07/nigeria-kidnapped-girls/8801487/
• http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/29/nigeria-students-killed-attack-college

Destination: Charleston, SC

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“Charleston has a landscape that encourages intimacy and partisanship... you can never completely escape the sensuous, semitropical pull of Charleston and her marshes.” 
- Pat Conroy, The Lords of Discipline

***

Is it possible to tire of Charleston?  From its tree-lined avenues to its historic buildings, sunny beaches to mysterious marshes, Charleston oozes charm and the refinement of Southern gentility and hospitality, offering residents and visitors alike the opportunity to soak in its unique atmosphere and culture.  In recent years Charleston has received attention through its inclusion on various travel lists such as Trip Advisor's 2014 Top 25 Traveler's Choice Destinations and ranking #1 on Travel + Leisure's 2013 World's Best Cities.  For my part, Charleston is easily in the top five of favorite American cities, and if you've ever visited, you probably understand why.

Battery Park
Photo Cred: Meghan M.

For a proper tour of the city, the Battery promenade is a great place to start.  The Battery is situated where the Ashley River enters the harbor and is named for its original purpose as a cannon defense of the city against naval attack.  Nowadays it makes for a pleasant stroll, taking in beautiful views of the water and enjoying the blooms of White Point Gardens.  The houses along the park are equally impressive, showcasing the iconic Georgian architecture that is prolific among Charleston houses.

From the Battery, head north along the waterfront or, even better, go one block over and walk along Meeting Street, making time to stop in at the Calhoun Mansion or the Nathaniel Russell House to learn more about the elite families that lived in Charleston in the 18th and 19th centuries, or to dart into one of the many churches found in Charleston.  Charleston is often called the "Holy City" due in part to the prevalence of churches in the city and its history of religious tolerance towards Jews, Huguenots, and Catholics during the colonial period.

At this point you may be getting hungry, but eschew the fast-food and restaurant chains for more of a local flavor such as what can be found at Poogan's Porch (Queen St near Meeting).  Try the fried alligator bites or a BLT with goat cheese and fried green tomatoes.  Your taste buds will thank you.

St. Matthew's German Lutheran Church
Photo Cred: Meghan M.

Next stop ought to be the Historic Charleston City Market (Meeting & Market St) to peruse and maybe purchase the handiwork of local artisans.  Paintings, pottery, baskets, jewelry, scarves and other items are all on sale in this open-air market venue.

Other sites of interest in the downtown area are the campuses of the College of Charleston and The Citadel.  The architecture of these colleges are stunning and well-worth a stroll if you appreciate fine buildings.

And before you leave the city boundaries, you should check out the South Carolina Aquarium or take the ferry to Fort Sumter.  Sumter is a five-sided brick fort best known as being the place where the American Civil War started on April 12, 1861, when Confederate forces attacked the Union garrisons at the fort. 

For those with a penchant for nature, the area around Charleston can offer a wide variety of adventures: kayaking, canoeing, sunbathing on the many beaches in the Harbor and nearby Atlantic, surfing, camping, and hiking, or tubing on the Edisto River, just to name a few.  You can even camp practically right in the middle of Charleston!  James Island County Park is a 13 minute drive outside of downtown Charleston, but you can't hear the city sounds when ensconced in the beautiful 643-acre park.

Fort Sumter
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If you're looking for beaches in the area, Folly Beach is a local favorite, although the traffic getting to the island can be overwhelming as it's accessible by only one road.  Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms north of Charleston in Mt Pleasant tend to have less traffic, but are just as beautiful.  And while in Mt Pleasant, you should check out Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum and tour the U.S.S. Yorktown, an aircraft carrier which was built for and saw action in the Pacific theater during World War II.

Hand-crafted items at Downtown Crossing, Summerville, SC
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Charleston's charm extends beyond the city boundaries to the towns and cities nearby.  Goose Creek and Summerville are within easy commute of the city and generally offer more affordable lodging options than what can be found in Charleston itself.  Summerville also boasts a delightful outdoor mall on its historic Central Avenue where you can purchase hand-crafted items at Downtown Crossing for a souvenir or enjoy a cold one at O'Lacy's Pub.

For more insight on Charleston, the surrounding area, and its attractions, you should check out Vacation Rick's blog for reviews, information, and pictures!  He writes about Charleston from the perspective of a vacationer who always comes back to "Chucktown" for more of what it has to offer.

Have you ever been to Charleston?  What did you like about it?

Linking up for #TravelTuesday!

Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo has become a big deal in the United States, especially during the last decade or so, but there is a lot of ignorance surrounding the reason for celebrating.  If you were to ask the average American on the street the reason for celebrating Cinco de Mayo, the answers would invariably be either "It's Mexico's Independence Day" or that May fifth sounds cooler in Spanish so someone turned it into a holiday.  Cute, but not true!  Mexico's Independence Day is actually September 16th, and although Cinco de Mayo does sound catchy, the origin of the celebration is not as well known, at least to Americans.

The holiday actually originated as a celebration of an unlikely win by the Mexicans over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.  The French went on to trounce the Mexicans afterwards, but that battle became a point of Mexican pride, especially to those who live in the region near Puebla.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become something of a big deal.  In a way, it's the Mexican equivalent of St. Paddy's Day in terms of the revelry and events of the day.  It's a celebration of ethnic roots and a culture that continues to have a considerable impact on the U.S., particularly in the southwestern states.  Over seventeen percent of the U.S. population claims Mexican heritage!

So while you're sipping your Dos Equis and stuffing your sombrero-capped face with delicious tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, reflect on the original reason for celebrating Cinco de Mayo!  And while you're at it, check out fellow travel-blogger and Mexican citizen Raphael's post "5 Myths and Facts to Marvel You" regarding the holiday.

Do you or have you celebrated Cinco de Mayo?