RT @o2sbe Win 2 tix to any show at the empire. Winner picked nxt wk. U must be following us to win. --I would ask for Joss Stone tix then :D11:14:21 AM January 29, 2010from web
It started out as a civil war in Uganda but today, more than 20 years later, the conflict continues as a terror regime where the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) continue to abduct children and mutilation and slaughter the local population. The LRA has caused the lives of thousands and dispalcement of millions of people in Uganda, DR. Congo and Sudan.
Invisible Children started out as a film project for three American guys and has turned into a grass-root organization trying to help the children affected by the conflict. It’s a conflict that hasn’t had much focus which is what the Invisible Children organization tries to do and one of the things discussed in the panel debate was how to bring attention to it.
The story is heartbreaking and what the organization is doing is really admirable in trying to give these kids a chance for an education and meaningful life. Until the conflict comes to an end it is worth reminding ourselves and our governments that we should not just stand by as this happens.
To celebrate New Year’s Eve Ann and I joined Ann’s sister and boyfriend for a trip to the neighbor island of Gozo. I’ve been to Gozo a couple of times and always enjoy the quieter, green island for a break away from bustling Malta – this time it wasn’t that quiet tho.
Victoria, the biggest city on Gozo was putting on a New Year’s Eve party at two of the town’s squares with some local bands playing for the evening. We saw a number of bands/acts playing cover numbers and own songs. My two favorites were Carrie Haber and Airport Impressions.
There was a great atmosphere with the live music, lots of Gozitans out in their best clothes, beer and food stands and pleasant weather. A very different New Year for me without any Queen’s speech, cold snowy weather, fireworks or big bell for midnight but I really enjoyed the night.
The next day we went back to Malta – again a nice boat ride in good weather.
On the eve of the 22nd Ann and I made our way to Gatwick airport. We had a flight to Malta the next morning at 7.15 AM and didn’t want to count on public transport getting us out there in the morning as London was having severe traffic issues due to snow and ice. Lucky for us the the flight was almost and time and we made it to Malta without any problems.
On December 24th, while Ann was busy, I walked around the village she is from taking pictures of the Christmas decorated houses.
The last photo is a hand-painted picture on the back entrance to a bar that really have an aura of Christmas. As I walked by Christmas music was blasting out in the streets. Check out the front and side photos.
In the evening of the 24th we went to the village’s Christmas Procession where kids dressed as angels and shepherds walk the baby Jesus through the streets as they sing carols.
In the evening we went out with Ann’s siblings and partners to a nice restaurant on Vittoriosa Waterfront.
After that it was on to the university church where we went for midnight mass. The church was packed with people sitting outside watching the service on a big screen. We got a seat inside and watched the Maltese service which started with this kid retelling the Christmas story. Very cute.
Well I’m used to celebrating Christmas on the eve of the 24th but here it’s different so we had to let the gifts stay under the crib for another night before we could release the excitement.
The next morning we got stockings, opened gifts, played games, Wii and watched films.
An extra bonus is that Ann’s mum has orange trees in her garden so we could all start the day with a glass of fresh juice – delicious.
