In a nation with so many problems, being informed about issues from on high can be jarring. What’s not so harsh is finding practical solutions performed by people living with the pain. But, unfortunately, we have to descend to the ground for that.
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) is a study in contrasts. It’s a history of colonialism, post-colonialism, then national liberation for all…a fast-paced evolution from around 1910 (when the Brits pulled out) until today. The rapid changes in politics and the very structure of society are watched with trepidation by South Africa’s neighbors and its citizens.
This saga is slowly unfolding in Erie, Pennsylvania. By slow, we mean since 1960. Continue reading to see how this story unfolds.
Somalia’s history has a long, consistent history as a cockpit of international trade from the fabled Kingdom of Punt sending cool stuff to the ancient Egyptians and finally welcoming Greek and Roman traders onto the coasts. Punt was very good at playing every side against each other in the lucrative frankincense, myrrh, and cinnamon trade. Punt later formed a trade cartel with Arab sea traders to jack up the prices of these hard-to-get items.
Jakarta, Indonesia, has been a global crossroads since the 10th Century. Indonesia stands at the intersections of the Java Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Sunda Strait, which is as essential today as 500 years ago.
When will people stop thinking that London is the ne plus ultra of the United Kingdom? London is unaffordable. It swoons over its exile population of grifters, the pollution is unbearable, and their bottomless brunches match Dubai in their tasty tastelessness. But, there’s a Britain beyond the M25 motorway.
Once Ireland was a rural and poverty-stricken land. Hundreds of years of British rule by a landed aristocracy sucked rent, food, and money out of the nation.
