Language: instrument for progress or tool of destruction

Learning a new language can be a wondrous thing. It offers the ears and mind an opportunity to engage in cultural societies and with diverse peoples whom otherwise were distanced or even restricted in the past. But as a descendant of those whom cherished oral traditions, seeking to now interact another first nations culture who traditionally communicated via oral traditions, it almost seems corrupt and false to bridge the language gap through a dialogue that is neither ancestral or traditional to each our own. Yet, here we are, learning the national language, that has been forced to replace the 125+ traditional languages and dialects of Shangri-La, of which all government, political & educational institutions are instructed to use. The essence of colonialism lives on in various forms around the world....and the pursuits of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim all that has been lost continues globally. Just as #5 suggests.....

....Mind the Gap...... and other creatures...

No, I have not be riding the Underground (unfortunately) in London in lieu of keeping my blog updated regularly. But instead I have been preoccupied with scanning into my computer ALL of the hard copy pictures of my life, several thousand that I have been toting about with me from continent to continent. Now that over 12000 photos are available at a button's push, it's quite satisfying, if not exciting, to have my life (and that of many others) at such close range on a daily basis. Tear-jerking, in a happy, positive way really...
However, now back in the land of Shangri-La, I am feeling a bit more inspired to contact the outside world again, albeit quite lazy amidst the humid summer rains of South-East Asia. The sense of peace and contentment has not dissolved amongst the puddles and sweat drenched t-shirts of this fair land. Indeed, it's splendour is still as welcoming as ever. Next week I begin what will be a 2 year commitment in Shangri-La with my soul-mate by my side. It's an adventure we are excited and eager to pursue, and the locals are just as interested in partaking in our adventures as well. Nepal might have its fair share of random cows and roaming "local" dogs, but other "friends" mark their territory and request a wide gap when new comers join their ranks.... it's too bad that our Western Urban jungles don't have more of these neighbours to share space with; the state of the earth's environment and atmosphere might not be so degraded and certainly not as overpopulated...