What Was I Thinking?!
I woke up this morning tired and groggy, but as I got up, I tried to remember some thoughts I had before going to bed. I couldn't remember anything. In fact, it was like my head had a fence somewhere that's preventing me from remembering. Then, the only thought that made it through was this: "Oh God, I think I'm suffering from minor amnesia..."
That, or exhaustion at staying up late. Yesterday we had a nice dinner with my father's friends: one who's family are very close to ours, and another is an acquaintance to our family but is a close friend of the former. She's also German, which means that my dad's friend is also fluent in the language since both converse in it (my Dad's friend is Palestinian).
Anyway, as it goes with all dinners, as grown-ups jumped from all sorts of topics; from the slow evolvation of Abu Dhabi to Germany's lack of rain in these two days, to dreadful bombings and politics.
Angelica (the nice German lady) related to us a story that happened in London; a car that was parked in a no-parking zone in front of a restaurant. People we amazed at this, but the tow-truck came and took the car away, practically going all over London with it. Only when the driver looked at the car from his view mirrors that he noticed something wrong. He called the police, and the discovered that the car had a bomb in it. When the story made it in the news, the reason (assumed) for placing that bombed car in front of that particular restaurant was because a lot of women go there at night and alone. This is suppose to make them "sit at home and become good wives."
When Angelica quoted this, we all sat bewildered. And thus, we turned to the rights of women in Islam. I pointed out that the Prophet's first wife was a business woman before and after marrying the Prophet. Also, not many people realize this, but Islam itself has it's own Mulan story in it's history.
Her name was Khawlah Bint Al-Azwar. From what I remember, during the battles between the Muslims and Romans, her brother was taken as a prisoner by the Romans. Learning this, she dressed like a man, and joined the army to help get free him. It was only in the middle of the battle did the army learn that they had a female amongst them, and that was only when she reluctantly answered their general Khalid bin Waleed.
Back to the dinner, Angelica, after learning that I was in journalism, asked me if people should stop reading newspapers since they give out false information. It was a very weird question, since no body can stop reading the news, otherwise we'd all be blind to what everyone else is up to. If newspapers research and clarify their sources instead of changing their facts, maybe there wouldn't be that much misinformation going around. My father's friend added that people should read from different newspapers, get different point-of-views to create their own opinion. But then, what would it matter if you have an opinion? Does the make your opinion the right opinion, just because you've followed bits and pieces of puzzled articles?
The good thing about opinions is that it doesn't count as facts either, but it is what people believe is the right answer in their minds.
When I was staying in Achensee, watching CNN (the only english channel there was), I wondered if all the controversies of the world would be answered before we all die.
Other news- We're going home tomorrow...
Tour in Munich
When we walked out from the subway, this is what first met our eyes. This place is called Marienplatz, the main plaza, shopping area.
And here we started on the tour. I don't remember EVERY building, but I'll try and add what I can. Most of the building were offices.
These pictures were taken only because I'm either interested in it's architecture, or because I like clock towers.
I was lucky to get an empty shot of this fountain, since it;s open for the public (and children) to play in it.
Opposite this fountain is a huge spacious area, which is very nice to look at.
This door of the building I remember! It's either the Ministry of Justice, or the Building of Justice. It can be recognizable (to me) through that head above the door.
The had a Greek Museum here! Unfortunately, we didn't get to see it, but someday...
*sigh* I don't remember this! When I look at it, it is a replica of the one in Paris, which marks the area of the guillotine slaughter, but what it is in Munich...
This gentlemen was one of the scientists, I think he specialized in hygenics.
This is Maximilien Street, where all the brand shops are located.
This is another official building I cannot remember (lol), but it is distinct because of it's arches- which is known as part of Italian architecture. The second picture is the opposite building.
That is a passing picture of Maximilien's statue. He was one of the rulers of Germany.
A nice view of the river from the bridge!
I thought this is a funny picture- as can be seen, the river is their beach!
This is a huge castle turned into something else now. I couldn't capture the whole structure in one shot. That's how huge it was!