As I turn on the news this morning, I am saddened by the horrible tragedies happening all around the world. The shootings in Paris have brought many other tragedies to the forefront, such as the one in Kenya last April that got little media attention. Some people even argue that we are spending too much time focusing on Paris and not paying other disasters the same amount of respect. While this may hold true - the media filters out and decides what they want to show - it's odd that we are arguing over which catastrophe deserves more spotlight.

People are dying. Real people. A mother collapses as she learns that her child has been shot to death. A father cries out as he realizes his children are never coming home. A woman's heart sinks as she watches the events unfolding on the news and sees the venue where her daughter is supposed to be enjoying music with her friends. A young child doesn't understand why he'll never see his Mommy and Daddy again. We are so desensitized as a society because we are constantly bombarded with images of death and despair in movies and in the media. It's easy for us to change our profile pictures and post our #RIP on social media and then go right back to our jobs, our schools, and our families on the same day. But these people are more than a 2-minute news story. The families who lost their loved ones will forever be shaken by these horrible tragedies. Their lives will never be the same.

We need to stand together in solidarity for all of the victims and stop arguing over who deserves more media time. We need to hug our friends and families and learn to appreciate each and every moment we get with them. We need to spread love and hope instead of hate and revenge. I've seen so much hate spreading through social media and it sickens me because hate is what took the lives of those innocent people in Paris. Hate is what causes mass-shootings and bombings. We need to spread positivity, love, and peace. 

Today, I am going to share photos that I've taken of people from all over the world and I hope it inspires you to see the beauty and love that is in humanity.

I've met so many beautiful and wonderful people from many different cultures and I am happy to share a few special moments with you. I hope, if nothing else, it brings a smile to your face. 

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."
-Mahatma Ghandi

Two boys play with a grasshopper at Nkholi Primary School in Soweto, South Africa.

 A little girl hula-hoops at Nkholi Primary School in Soweto, South Africa.

                 

A young boy smiles for the camera at Nkholi Primary School in Soweto, South Africa. 

  World War II veterans return home to Cincinnati from an Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

    A young girl admires toys in a store window in Mexico. 

College students enjoy a lecture at Northern Kentucky University.     

   A baby is born in Kentucky.

   A family holds their daughter for the first time.

A zebra is interviewed at a park in Estonia.

This one always makes me laugh because I still don't really know what's going on here. :)

Young girls laugh as they march in the parade at the World Choir Games Celebration of Nations in Cincinnati, OH. 

A girl waves the Russian flag at the World Choir Games Celebration of Nations in Cincinnati, OH.

Students from Northern Kentucky University enjoying the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. 

Tourists aboard the Maid of the Mist marvel at the beauty of Niagara Falls in Canada.

xoxo

My thoughts go out to those affected by this horrible tragedy in Paris.

Let's not forget the other places in the world currently experiencing great losses: Baghdad. Beruit. Kenya. Syria. And so many more.

I will be lighting a candle tonight for the lives lost. Rest in peace, little darlings. 

Native American Heritage Month

In honor of Native American Heritage month, here is a photo of the sacred tatanka (buffalo) in the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. I had the great honor of spending some time on the Cheyenne River and Pine Ridge Reservations last Spring and it was truly a life-changing experience. The Lakota are a friendly and humble people. Their spirituality and connection with their land is truly inspiring.

If you'd like to learn more about the significance of the buffalo to the Lakota, check out this link and feel free to share:

http://www.tankafund.org/history-of-tatanka

xoxo

Free things to do in Washington D.C.

I gotta tell you - there is so much to do in DC that it is literally impossible to do it all in one week. Most of the museums are FREE, which is great, but it would take a full day for each one of them. I assembled a list of the best free places and things to do! If you come to the D.C. area make sure to check them all out. Make sure to wear your best walking shoes and buy a transit pass. This is the cheapest and best way to see all of the sites that D.C. has to offer!

Museums
The Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian is home to the world's largest museum. They house over 19 museums and galleries, including the National Zoological Park. Everything is completely FREE. If you want to see all of the museums, I recommend taking a few days and visiting a few galleries at a time. Take your time - there is much to see - and you'll want to soak up all the tidbits of knowledge. My favorite museums are the Air and Space Museum and the American History Museum. Check out the Smithsonian website for hours, exhibitions and more:
http://www.si.edu/


The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
This museum is dedicated to memorializing the Holocaust and those who lost their lives in the tragedy. Bring tissues and prepare for an immersive experience. You'll see clothing and shoes worn by Jews in concentration camps. You'll hear audio of people who survived the camps. When I went, there was also a small section dedicated to teaching about genocide that is still happening in the world today. Children are allowed in the museum but I would be cautious. Some images may be frightening. See more at:
http://www.ushmm.org/

The National Archives Museum
This is a must-see for anyone visiting the D.C. area. This is where you can see the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. Prepare to stand in a long security long before entering the Rotunda. For more info:
https://www.archives.gov/museum/
 

Monuments
The Lincoln Memorial
When I first visited the Lincoln Memorial I was in awe of it's beauty and grandeur. The memorial is much larger than I imagined from seeing it portrayed in movies. There is also a cute, little gift shop at the memorial. It's also right on the public transit line. Visitor information can be found at:
http://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
This memorial is relatively new, opening in 2011, and stands at 30ft in height. It's a huge memorial but also great to see. Parking is limited around the memorial, which is why I always recommend walking or using public transit. More info:
http://www.nps.gov/mlkm/index.htm

The Washington Monument
We always see this 555-foot obelisk tower in movies. It's the icon of our Nation's Capital. Personally, it's not my favorite monument to visit. Every time that I've been to the Washington Monument, there's always some sort of construction going on. So if you like to see this iconic monument covered in metal, then this is the place for you. It's a must-see but just be prepared for disappointment if there's a lot of construction going on.
http://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm 

The White House
A trip to D.C. isn't complete without a stop at The White House! You can actually schedule a tour through the White House but you have to make a reservation through your Member of Congress no less than 21 days in advance. Reservations are made on a first-come first-served basis so get those requests in early. If you can't schedule a tour, you can marvel at it's beauty from the outside and stop to take a few photos. You won't be able to get very close to the house itself and be prepared for protesters. Depending on the season there could be very large groups of protesters and rallies happening outside the White House. To reserve a tour: https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/tours-and-events

The Capitol 
The Capitol is free but passes are required for a tour and trust me, you'll definitely want to do a tour. There's so much to see inside the Capitol and don't forget to stop by the gift shop or grab a bite at their cafe. 
https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit

There are so many more free places to visit in Washington D.C., including Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon and more! Do your research before you go and make a list of your must-see places. You'll need plenty of time to see all of the sites and, even then, you probably won't see them all! 

Pay DC

Today we went to a rally in the Wilson Building downtown for "Pay DC" - a group committed to trying to raise the minimum wage in Washington. They packed the small room with many supporters and listened as the council voted on whether or not this issue should pass for consideration as a bill. 

Of course, many news stations were there also to capture the big event! 

For more information about the event, check it out here.

And if anybody sees anything about it on the news, let me know! 

The Subway

Here are a few more photos from yesterday. Riding the subway was an interesting experience. You have all these people crammed into a subway car yet everyone is so disconnected. You get on the subway, you are on your way to work, and you're practically sitting on top of the person next to you...

Why is the subway so quiet? Why do we not converse with people in such close proximity? Heads are turned down, looking at our little, bright screens, without a single though about or murmur to the person next to you. We are just zombies wandering quietly and aimlessly through the cities.

That's all for tonight.

xoxo

Just uploading a quick one for tonight - the internet in the hotel sucks - but I really love this shot so I had to share. I was running across the road and snapping photos without looking through the viewfinder. I love happy accidents! 

Tomorrow we are going to a rally where people are demanding a higher minimum wage for Washington D.C. It should be very interesting and I hope I get some great shots. Will definitely keep you updated. 

xoxo