Yes, the USA is giving a lesson to the world by voting for a candidate who is from African descent and electing him to the top job. I am particularly proud of you. In 1968, Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee and exactly 40 years later a Black American has been elected to be the president of the USA. Barack Obama, whose father was from Kenya, was elected on November 4th the 44th president of the US. It is a great day for democracy in the US but also a lesson to the world. Except some countries, such as Great Britain and eventually Brazil are able today to have a Black President. But a country like France is far from ready to cross this line. Actually the president is probably one of the worst one France has, in relation to racism. In any case, France will not for a long time elect a president who would be from African or Arab descent. The French who want to give lessons to the rest of the world in various areas, including in human rights and racism and anti-semitism, are the first who have those feelings toward people who are not WASPs.
I am proud of you Americans.
jeudi 6 novembre 2008
lundi 1 septembre 2008
What a country
Hi all,
I have been in Morocco, in Rabat to be exact, for the whole month of August. We have bought an apartment in the capital because we had some money that came from the sale of an apartment that belonged to the heirs. The apartment itself is quite nice and rather big. We have four bedrooms and a big living room. O good kitchen but only one complete bathroom but only with a shower. The neighborhood is not bad as it is a mid income one. But, but and now we understand that we are in Morocco. First there is a house where are hold weddings and all kinds of events. The problem is that during the whole month we had weddings organized that started at 1 in the morning and stopped at 5 in the morning. And the other problem is that the sound was incredibly bad and loud. It was as if the so called bands were just trying to make as much noise as possible. And when we called the police many times, they didn't do one thing. At a point they even answered that they had the authorization to organize parties. But are the inhabitants of the neighborhood have the authorization to sleep? Apparently no. It is the worst lack of respect of human beings I have ever seen in my life. And this country calls itself civilized and wants to be recognized as so? I'll do anything to denounce this lack of respect of Moroccans for everything. Another more thing that is really boring. There have been some works in some apartments in the building. I think that they were destroying a wall to I don't know what. They are so undeveloped that to tear down a wall in an apartment it took more than 10 days each time. Everything Moroccans do is to avoid spending money to do something well. I have never seen something like that.
My advice to people who want to invest in Morocco: wait until the country is really respecting people because some surprises could be very bad.
The last thing. I have been going to the beach almost every day. But there are all, at least in the Rabat region, dirty. The water looks rather good and clean. But there are always plastic bags and other garbage in the water. How this country can pretend attracting 10 million tourists a year if nothing is done to clean the beaches and to have tourism professionals receiving them the way they deserve? I don't think that Morocco is ready to become part of the international community.
I have been in Morocco, in Rabat to be exact, for the whole month of August. We have bought an apartment in the capital because we had some money that came from the sale of an apartment that belonged to the heirs. The apartment itself is quite nice and rather big. We have four bedrooms and a big living room. O good kitchen but only one complete bathroom but only with a shower. The neighborhood is not bad as it is a mid income one. But, but and now we understand that we are in Morocco. First there is a house where are hold weddings and all kinds of events. The problem is that during the whole month we had weddings organized that started at 1 in the morning and stopped at 5 in the morning. And the other problem is that the sound was incredibly bad and loud. It was as if the so called bands were just trying to make as much noise as possible. And when we called the police many times, they didn't do one thing. At a point they even answered that they had the authorization to organize parties. But are the inhabitants of the neighborhood have the authorization to sleep? Apparently no. It is the worst lack of respect of human beings I have ever seen in my life. And this country calls itself civilized and wants to be recognized as so? I'll do anything to denounce this lack of respect of Moroccans for everything. Another more thing that is really boring. There have been some works in some apartments in the building. I think that they were destroying a wall to I don't know what. They are so undeveloped that to tear down a wall in an apartment it took more than 10 days each time. Everything Moroccans do is to avoid spending money to do something well. I have never seen something like that.
My advice to people who want to invest in Morocco: wait until the country is really respecting people because some surprises could be very bad.
The last thing. I have been going to the beach almost every day. But there are all, at least in the Rabat region, dirty. The water looks rather good and clean. But there are always plastic bags and other garbage in the water. How this country can pretend attracting 10 million tourists a year if nothing is done to clean the beaches and to have tourism professionals receiving them the way they deserve? I don't think that Morocco is ready to become part of the international community.
samedi 9 août 2008
Summer in the city
How I love summer. Sun and heat are energizing. At least to me. I am in Morocco now for holidays. Well it is really because we have a few things to do more than by choice. The country is nice but not really to spend nice holidays. Recently when I arrived in Rabat I heard that the authorities have taken a decision that is exactly against what the tourists are looking for. Imagine in a city all bars and restaurants have to close at 1 AM. I was told that it is because of a murder that had been committed in a bar that they had taken this decision. It is only in Rabat but how do you want to attract tourists in this city? And the country's plan is to attract 10 million tourists per year starting in 2010. It is absurd and stupid. Plus for businesses it is a loss, a financial loss that can be devastating. And it also send a false message to tourists and the professionals: someone can always punish all businesses for real or false reason. It looks like non liberal governments that punish a whole economical sector because one person (and in this case it wasn't a restaurant or bar's owner guilt) makes a mistake or commit a crime. It sends a wrong message to visitors to be. Well unfortunately it doesn't surprise me. But it is a stupid decision and I do hope that the authorities will cancel it quickly
Otherwise, the weather is beautiful in Rabat: not too warm nor too humid. In fact the perfect climate for people who are looking for nice holidays
Thank you for reading me.
Otherwise, the weather is beautiful in Rabat: not too warm nor too humid. In fact the perfect climate for people who are looking for nice holidays
Thank you for reading me.
vendredi 18 juillet 2008
What a month!
This July has been awful. There was almost no sun at all. Well like that Paris is not as beautiful as it should be. However, there are plenty of tourists visiting the French capital. And I haven't seen that many Americans for a long time. They are coming back even though their currency, the Dollar, is very low. I have seen a lot of Brazilians as well.
So what is happening in our planet those days? Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday this July 18th. He really is one of the greatest man of this century, the 20th and even the 21st. I have met with him briefly when I was living in Washington. He was invited to speak at the National Press Club. I went there with Sayuri who as a member took me with her. He was president at the time. But the main room, with tables and food services, was full so we had to go to the gallery. It was good because we were above him and the guests so we had a clear view of the table where he was seated. Then when the lunch-press conference finished, we left the gallery to go out of the NPC and we took stairs that were going to the main entrance. Suddenly, as we were almost down the stairs, some secret service men arrived and asked us to wait because for safety reasons we had to let Mandela leave the club first. Then he arrived smiling and looked at us on the stairs. We were the two of us plus another person who said "Vive Mandela". Mandela looked at us and came to us to shake our hands and said thank you. Then he left followed and preceded by the secret service officers. I was full of emotion afterward. That moment will stay forever in my head. To have approached one of the greatest men of the 20th century and shook his hand: I felt lucky.
So what is happening in our planet those days? Mandela celebrated his 90th birthday this July 18th. He really is one of the greatest man of this century, the 20th and even the 21st. I have met with him briefly when I was living in Washington. He was invited to speak at the National Press Club. I went there with Sayuri who as a member took me with her. He was president at the time. But the main room, with tables and food services, was full so we had to go to the gallery. It was good because we were above him and the guests so we had a clear view of the table where he was seated. Then when the lunch-press conference finished, we left the gallery to go out of the NPC and we took stairs that were going to the main entrance. Suddenly, as we were almost down the stairs, some secret service men arrived and asked us to wait because for safety reasons we had to let Mandela leave the club first. Then he arrived smiling and looked at us on the stairs. We were the two of us plus another person who said "Vive Mandela". Mandela looked at us and came to us to shake our hands and said thank you. Then he left followed and preceded by the secret service officers. I was full of emotion afterward. That moment will stay forever in my head. To have approached one of the greatest men of the 20th century and shook his hand: I felt lucky.
lundi 23 juin 2008
Finally summer has arrived
Finally summer has arrived and the weather is beautiful. It is even hot. I wonder how the weather is in Washington, DC, where I have been living for more than 10 years. I do miss the city and the country a lot. I love Americans and the way they live. I did complain, when I was living there, about their social life which was and probably still is poor. But it was also because a lot of people don't make too much effort in meeting people outside work. And I miss also a lot the happy hours I used to go to, whether at work, or with other friends.
I have plenty of good moments in mind. A lot of great places I saw there. Whoever is living in the USA should know that it is a privilege and to do everything to stay there.
I have plenty of good moments in mind. A lot of great places I saw there. Whoever is living in the USA should know that it is a privilege and to do everything to stay there.
mardi 17 juin 2008
Paris is a beautiful city
When the sun shines and the temperature is pleasant, around 23 C, Paris is a beautiful city. It is so nice to walk in its streets. People are smiling, and look happy. I would advise everybody to come at least once in their lifetime to visit Paris. Even when we work here, it is nice to go out at night to have a drink or to eat something.
I do miss the US, and Washington D.C., where I have lived for 10 years. I would go back to the US without any hesitation to spend the rest of my life there. However, would I go back to the East coast or try the West coast? I have never been to California but I am attracted by this state. San Francisco is probably a great place to settle but the weather there scares me a little bit. I could get depressed if it is always or almost always cold, rainy and cloudy. In fact San Diego could be a good place for me to live but I don't know. If anyone who reads this message knows San Diego and/or has pictures, I'd appreciate to have a look at them.
I also dream a lot of being back to Arlington where I have lived.
I'd like to have your opinions about the US.
Faycal
I do miss the US, and Washington D.C., where I have lived for 10 years. I would go back to the US without any hesitation to spend the rest of my life there. However, would I go back to the East coast or try the West coast? I have never been to California but I am attracted by this state. San Francisco is probably a great place to settle but the weather there scares me a little bit. I could get depressed if it is always or almost always cold, rainy and cloudy. In fact San Diego could be a good place for me to live but I don't know. If anyone who reads this message knows San Diego and/or has pictures, I'd appreciate to have a look at them.
I also dream a lot of being back to Arlington where I have lived.
I'd like to have your opinions about the US.
Faycal
vendredi 6 juin 2008
Hello to all
Je m'appelle Faycal L. Benhassain et je viens de créer mon blog. J'aimerais pouvoir vous donner mes opinions sur ce que je pense et ce que je fais.
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