Rome is it.

“You cheer my heart, who build as if Rome would be eternal.” - Julius Caesar (63 BC - 14 AD)

I think Rome might possibly be better than Paris. I know. Those are fightin’ words. Maybe I’m still under the magical spell of one of the most amazing cities EVER (Rome, that is), but for the life of me, I can’t help but wonder why the hell on earth Paris is the most visited city in the world, while Rome is in a distant 5th place? That totally baffles the mind. Rome RULEZ - and Paris is totally overrated!

I hear gasps worldwide coming my direction. Pfff. Bring it on…
This opinion is based on my many stays in Paris and Rome - while I actually have spent much more time in Paris as a resident. Perhaps if I lived in Rome, I might have the “honeymoon is over” syndrome? Who knows. For now, this is what I think, and I’m sticking to it.
Rome is better than Paris. Why? How?

- Much much more history in Rome.

- Stunning monuments and ancient ruins practically everywhere you go in Rome.

- Friendly locals in Rome. Um, Paris? hahahaha.

- Better coffee in Rome, hands down.

- The weather in Rome kicks Paris’ ass. So very much.

- The Pantheon, The Arch? THE Originals are in Rome!

- Rome has less POO on the sidewalks.

- Rome doesn’t smell like pee probably because guys in Italy use the toilets instead of walls and alleys.-

- The food in Rome was consistently excellent. Yes, you heard me correctly.

- Happier atmosphere.

- The ocean is nearby.

- Beauty is everywhere.

- Italian is prettier than French. hee!

- Rome is more relaxed.

- Cafe waiters are nice! OMG what a concept, right Paris?

- Cars stop for pedestrians in Rome.

- The Slow Food movement was founded in Rome.

- The Coliseum in Rome was built in 8 years. How long would it take in Paris?

- No bisou politics. A simple one kiss on each cheek in Italy ‘cept starting on the left side.

- Italians love the Dutch, especially those with blue eyes and blond hair...hehe

- Oh please. This list would take me years to complete.

In defense of Paris, I’ll offer these things: 1) Paris is quieter; 2) Paris has more wifi access; 3) Paris pastries are better except perhaps a simple panna cotta ai frutti di bosco; 4) transportation is more extensive but so what; 5) Paris’ marketing is better, which is why so many more people around the world have been brainwashed believe it is the most beautiful city on earth; 6) Parisian women dress better than Roman women; 7) Paris has more cheese.

But not that much as in the Netherlands.

In the end, I am still a cheese head...

Day Opening - December 6

New fashion from Libya.

On your way...

...to a Green Christmas.

Day Opening - December 5

Po Li Monastery, Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

From a a friend, about the Dutch...

Am I a 'Rotterdammer', a 'Hollander' or a world citizen?
Boy, what a ruckus Princess Maxima has created, says a friend of mine.
I remember that when I first came to this country, I thought the life of a novice expat was comparable to having an identity crisis. But it seems that the Dutch who have not even left their own country are now struggling with identity issues.
Maxima's comment that 'the' Hollander does not exist has led to a whirlwind of emotional reactions.
A number are not pleased by Maxima's statement which raises questions about 'the' Dutch identity. These are very serious times with identity as a political agenda item.
Minister of Justice Hirsh Ballin's quest against the double nationality (Volkskrant), for instance. The danger of more than a million citizens in the Netherlands (including their own, who have returned to Holland after having lived abroad) having a double nationality in the near future, is obviously a national threat to be dealt with.
Having the Dutch identity means you are loyal, whereas not having it means, well… I will let you fill in the blanks. Whereas in other countries having a double nationality is actually accepted and is a global trend as well.
Geert Wilders' McCarthyism
Neo-Nazi or X factor?
Wet summers and SUVs
What's in a culture - part I
What happened to those light-hearted days? When the Dutch were not so paranoid about those residents with more than one nationality? What happened to the curiosity and openness towards foreigners? The days in which the Dutch laughed at your silly pronunciation and grammar mistakes? It was all part of the integration game – making mistakes and giggling about them.
When I was still struggling with the Dutch language years ago, I informed the host at a family gathering that I was leaving the party earlier because everyone in the room was “smelly”. Having the flu, the smoke from my relative’s cigarettes irritated my throat. I had mistaken the word "ruiken" for "roken". My sister-in-law looked at me with a big question mark on her forehead. Immediately my Dutch husband, then boyfriend, came to the rescue and explained that what I had meant to say was smoke, not smell. Laughter emanated without a schoolteacher’s lecture.
Nowadays that finger starts waving. You might even be asked whether or not you had actually passed the Dutch citizen exam.
I have not left this country since my arrival more than twenty years ago, except to go on vacation, and I am still amazed that I am actually living in the same country.
Former Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers, when returning to the Netherlands after a number of years abroad, was shocked by the "rigid" culture which had evolved in the Netherlands over the years. A "de-verdonking" of the Dutch culture was urgently needed, according to Lubbers (Volkskrant).
I often wonder whether Dutch society will remain in this rut and whether the good times will ever come again. What do the Dutch need to lift their spirits and to put an end to these sombre years? I can hardly imagine that making foreigners give up their double nationality will do the trick.

Day Opening - December 4

Göteborg, capital of taste, world culture?

Turkish-Dutch cooperation: The Hague / Ankara

Logo of the Turkey institute in the Hague, the Netherlands.

Last week, Myrthe send me a press release about the opening of the Turkey Institute the Netherlands in The Hague on November 27, 2007. Its an independent institute with one goal: to give the citizens in the Netherlands on a scientifically way, information about Turkey. One of the initiative takers is Prof. Dr. Erik-Jan Zürcher, who is Professor Middle East languages at the oldest university of the Netherlands: the University Leiden. Its also one of the most well know universities of the Holland (still the same country), together with University of Utrecht (where he was Prof. Turkish languages and Culture until 2006, and which Universitty ranks worldwide no. 40) and Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Prof. Dr. Erik-Jan Zürcher

The aim of this institute is providing knowledge about Turkey, through discussion platforms such as student associations, media, publishing companies, education centre's etc.

The TI is sponsored by Dutch multinationals such as Unilever (Dutch/British), KLM (with Air France), Fortis (Dutch/Belgium), Eureko (Dutch, but in Turkey with Garanti sigorta), TNT, ING (Oyak Bank), Aegon, Akzo Nobel etc.

According to Prof. Zurcher, there is still misunderstandings between the citizens of both the Netherlands and Turkey. And since there is a huge demand for knowledge about Turkey, with the help of sponsors and the city council of The Hague, this institute could be established. Its unique in Europe and the USA.

Last year, on the 21th of December 2006 the Dutch Minister for Education opened the Netherlands Institute for Higher education in Ankara. This project is established to help Turkish students with a scholar ships, intern ships in the Netherlands, and establishing relations between Higher Eduction institutes in Turkey and the Netherlands. And to improve relations between the Dutch Institutes in Rabat (NIMAR), Cairo (NVIC), Damascus (NIASD), Ankara en Istanbul (NIT). During a meeting earlier this year in Cairo the decision was made to invite the Managing Directors of the Dutch Institutes in Athens (NIA), Rome (NIR) en Florence (IUOART) for a more intense and direct collaboration.

Staff and employees of Niha in Ankara.

All these projects, programs, institutions are funded by the Dutch, to improve bilateral relations with Turkey. Its a pity that some people only are focused and on how 'undemocratic and racist the Netherlands is'.

As some Turkish friends in the Netherlands are saying all the time: Turkish hospitality is great but their pride is 3 times that big: they will never admit that they need the help of other countries. Even they accuse the Dutch Government for not doing enough for the Turkish people in the Netherlands.

Finally, please find the Niha conference from January the 13th until January the 16th 2008 here. Participants are for example the Rectors of the most important universities such as:

Ali Doğramacı, Rector of Bilkent University, Attila Askar, Rector of Koç University
Ural Akbulut, Rector of Middle East Technical University, together with Aybar Ertepınar, vice-president of the Turkish Higher Education Board YÖK) and Tarık Çelik, vice-president of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA). And many others:

The program: here.

One important point here: vocational training in the Western world means something different than vocational training and education in Turkey, which is mainly based upon religion.

The effects of War and Mother is talking.

The post below, link, is such a powerful one, that I really like to share it here.
It reminds me about the movie 'Apocalypse Now'.
The difference only here is that you don't brag about killing people. Ans this is a real story.
You can read it here. Its called 'Like mother, like son'.

Day Opening - December 3

Geisha, Japan.

Day Opening - December 2

Salto Natale: Zürich’s Christmas show.

Some Paparazzi Gossips:)

I am going to post little different this time, if Hans don't mind, little bit of paparazzi gossips. Don't want to talk about Politic, country relations, planes crashes ect..

Here is some paparazzi gossips:
Picture and news taken from USMAGAZINE and People magazines

1) Britney Spears pregnant again;

I was shocked when I heard it as well, she didn't take care of her last 2 kids that she is pregnant again but thanks god she isn't..

A day after both Rotem and Spears pal Sam Lutfi issued statements firmly denying the cover story— which claimed Spears was carrying Rotem's child — a rep for the tabloid released alleged text messages from Rotem, in which he said, "Yes, it's true."

On Wednesday, Rotem released the following statement to Us: “There is absolutely no truth to this.”

Good thing Spears isn't expecting. For a look at her scarier parenting moments,

2) Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt:

I adore this couple not because of I personally met Angelina Jolie on her UN Jordan tour and stayed in my husband's hotel and spending 3 hours in meeting with UN members what they can do with Palestine refugees..

Brangelina not only joined forces to raise their ever-growing brood (four kids and counting!), they've also created the Jolie-Pitt Foundation, which donated millions to organizations like Doctors Without Borders.

3) Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony

Yes she is finally pregnant and glooming:)

"I thought it was a more relaxing experience than working with actors that you don't know," Lopez tells Us about acting and performing with her Anthony, whom she married June 5, 2004. The couple - who also co-starred in the movie El Cantante - went on tour together this fall.

4) David & Victoria Beckham

I know I know, they are not my favorite couple but what can I say, David being tick is short when he talks but if they are making a lot of money I guess they have very good people behind them:)) I shouldn't talk about my clients like that I guess, opps:))

"I always knew David's would sell because it's him," Victoria has said of creating his and hers perfumes with David, her husband of eight years. "But I wasn't sure if anyone would want to smell like me."


5) Julia Roberts and the last gossip:))

A mother of three, has made it clear – in her actions and now in words – that she doesn't like paparazzi staking out schools in order to get photos. Roberts, 40, recently chased down a photographer in her SUV near a school and gave him an earful, in an incident that was caught on video and shown on TMZ. Asked by Access Hollywood for Friday's show what she said to the man, Roberts replied, "I just told him a school is not a place for a grown man to be crawling around trying to take pictures.

" She added: "If you want to take a picture of a person, then go to an adult place. Go to the coffee shop, go to the grocery store, go to the restaurant. Don't stake out someones children's church, school or playground environment."
She is one of my favorite actress.. I do agree sometime with her in recent issue: they do have hard time with all those paparazzi and photographers in daily life.. well I guess this is what they get when you are famous, but why I don't see Tom Hanks in daily routine pictures where he eats where their kids goes to school ect? I wonder never hear anything about him except when he is launching his new movie.

Day Opening - December 1

Lapland, home of Santa Claus.

Hand luggage...

Nothing to declare?

Day Opening - November 30

Tuscany, Italy.

Some facts about me....and you

Super hero, here some facts about me, as you tagged me. I will ask for disclosure of some other bloggers' as well.)):

1) Born anarchist. Turned to be a social-liberal-democrat. Anti-nationalist. But still in love with Bakunin and George Moustaki.

2) Tall, thin, but you can feel my thoughts.

3) Studied for nothing. Law, philosophy, and drama/movies (UCI) made me escape in the world of Peter Stuyvesant and Martini: advertisement.

4) Making ads was not what I wanted and changed to PR; ended up as a communication manager but still can not talk Turkish.

5) Married at the age of 45 at Ciragan Palace. After 9 failed relations. Now happy with a non-typical Turkish spouse.

6) Born in the Netherlands, but made in Italy. Best friends in Holland: male from Iran, female from Suriname. Best friends in Turkey: male from France, female from Turkey but lives in Greece. Best friend in the USA: male from Holland, a female of Jewish Italian heritage.

7) I love to discover cultures and languages, but allergic to dogmatism. Traveller, open mind, but for some people still narrow minded.

And her I go to tag some others, only them with a blog:

Esra
Myrthe
Dinc
Bea
Metin
Derya
Kathryn

Unions support the Dutch kids

The General Dutch Union of Teachers support the protest of their high school kids.
Somethingh different than high school shootings...

And this is not fun anymore...

The British teacher, Gillian Gibbons, has been found guilty in Sudan of insulting religion after she allowed her primary school class to name a teddy bear Muhammad.
Gillian, 54, from Liverpool, has been sentenced to 15 days in prison and will then be deported.
She had been accused on three counts of insulting religion, inciting hatred and showing contempt for religious beliefs. And what the Western world is still reacting peacefully while for example the OIC didn't make a statement, yet.
Instead of condemning these kind of ridiculous sentences it has to do something about inciting real hate, hate preaches, planned suicide attacks, and undermining the civil societies by imams in the UK, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Germany, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Argentina etc. And the state ideology of Turkey don't left any space for manoeuvre either. The Secr. General of the OIC is a Turk and it can do more than it did...until now.
Calling a teddy beer 'Muhammad'...you are kidding; the Sudanese government doesn't have anything else to do? Darfur? It is a sad sad time for dialogue.
And what shall we do with all the men who are named 'Muhammad'? All 250 lashes?

Strike!

Last week Friday Dutch high school kids went on strike. Between the age of 12 and 18. One reason: to decrease the total amount of school hours with 80 annually. From 1040 to 960.
I must say: interesting to see those kids on strike.

But this week Monday it became ugly: during protest marches they clashed with the police, especially in Amsterdam.

For tomorrow. Friday the 30th. is a special protest manifestation planned. If you are 16 years or younger you need approval by or your parents or the principal of the school you attend. 17 years and older, you can go...

Expats blogging about Turkey

Via Carpetblog I came across an article in Today's Zaman about expat-bloggers in Turkey.

[French blogger Marie-Antide] Fort provides advice to İstanbul's foreigners and amateur bloggers. "Listen, observe, open your mind to the city's rhythm, movement and craziness. Question yourself and break down prejudice. This is the way to depict İstanbul accurately."

This advice captures the open-mindedness and the profound yet lucid love of İstanbul shared by most of these foreign bloggers. As Vincent wrote in his introduction to "James in Turkey": "Turkey might be my favorite country in the world, but that doesn't mean I can't criticize, scream and cry about it. I think there is much that can be changed with a little effort here and there, and this is where I rant what I think to whoever is interested in listening. I invite you to comment and scorn as you please; I might learn something."

Unfortunately, the article doesn't seem to give the links to the blogs, so I did a bit of ...ugh ugh... research myself to provide you with the links to the blogs mentioned. Apart from Carpetblog (who has long been one of my favorite bloggers in the region), the blogs mentioned are James in Turkey, Turkish Muse, Du miel aux épices (in French), Dilek Zaptçıoğlu's Istanbul-blog (in German) and İstanbul la Turque (again in French).

Have fun exploring these blogs!

Fun or not....

Turk Telecom was on strike for the past 5 weeks, and twice problems with Internet. Today already the forth day without I-net connection.b A really disaster if you are for 50% dependent on email and Internet services. Today Turk Telecom announced that they reached an agreement, so the strike is over. But still no services. They told me: 'it's your (wireless) modem', but they told me the last time the same and in the end they were wrong.
The funny thing is, Turk Telecom didn't stop their advertisement campaign. This for me a new way 'of positioning and branding' and quiet unique in the world....