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World Peace Day in 2009

Today is the United Nation’s World Peace Day – so I have to do something special to further the mission.   One of my main goals with this blog is to promote peace by learning about and appreciating other cultures.  So, my apologies for diverting my attention from Morocco, but this song means so much to me I have to play it today.

I think U2 and Bono are brilliant at mixing politics and music together.  Their latest CD is heavily Middle Eastern influenced and makes a powerful yet peace-oriented statement.  They are on a global tour promoting No Line on the Horizon and I can’t wait to see them in about 3 weeks.

This clip was recorded at the Live 8 concert held in London on July2 , 2005.  The Live 8 concert brought together 150 bands in 10 concert venues around the world.  It was estimated that 3 Billion people watched the concerts and joined the movement to help end global poverty.

The mixing of artists and cultures was incredible for Live 8.  Concerts were in:  London, Cornwall UK, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Philadelphia, Barrie Canada, Tokyo, Johannesburg, and Moscow.  On Wednesday July 6 2005, the Final Push concert took place in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The Live 8 Promoters, Bob Geldof and the Band Aid Charitable Trust, began over 20 years ago working to end the famine in Ethiopia and Sudan.  Their mission continues today as they bring together people and music around the world – still fighting global poverty.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Woodstock concert held in New York in 1969.   As I watched the media surrounding the historical event, I can’t help but smile at how far we’ve come.  In 1969, the Vietnam War was a huge controversy of unclear objectives and unknown conclusions.  Popular culture was changing with the “hippies” and music from new artists such as Jimmy Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and Bob Dylan.  Woodstock brought over 500,000 people together for 3 days of music, love and peace.

Tonight I’m listening to music from Woodstock, Band Aid and Live Aid.   Mixing music and politics for the betterment of society is a really good idea.  I hope you enjoy my favorite song  “One” and think about how you can promote peace in your life.  Maybe listen to Bob Marley’s “One Love”, that’s another favorite of mine!    Peace, Joy

Design Reflects A Culture

Traditional Architectural Design

When you visit Morocco you can’t help notice the design of buildings and detail in the mosaics.  The architectural style is a reflection of the mix of cultures influencing artists since the first century.

Previously the Phoenicians and Romans controlled the Northern African region.  As time passed, the Berbers, who were the native people of the Atlas Mountains adapted Islam and Arabic culture became dominate in the land.    In 788 (yes, over 1,200 years ago!)  the first Islamic State was formed by Moulay Idriss I, the Idrisside Dynasty began in Fez, Morocco.

“What is beautiful is never too expensive. What is glorious has no price”. Thus spoke the Merinid Sultan Abu Inan when he was presented with the final costs of the monumental Bou Inaniya, a medersa or religious Muslim academy, that he had built in his capital, Fez, in the 14th century.

I won’t continue the history lesson, you know it goes back and forth with battles between Spain and Morocco.  What happened is a mix of cultural influences on both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar.

One example is a Riad, which is a traditional house or palace with an interior garden, modeled after the Roman courtyard dwellings.  The Riad is inward focused allowing privacy and protection from the weather.  The interior gardens and open roof provided air and light which is lacking in a mud brick wall construction.

Entrance to these houses is a major transitional experience and encourages reflection because all of the rooms open into the central atrium space.  In the garden there are often orange or lemon trees and possibly a fountain.  The interior walls are decorated with intricate geometric mosaic tiles.

The Moroccan culture is rich and diverse – Spanish, Italian, French, Arabic, African, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic.  Each region possesses its own uniqueness, contributing to the national culture.   Today, Morocco has set among its top priorities the protection of its diversity and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

In celebration of that diversity, I am going to bring Moroccan Design into my home.  While I can’t rebuild my home, I can bring a fountain and mosaic tiles onto my back patio.  The geometric patterns are mesmerizing and yet calming, the blue and black on white is spectacular.  I’ve got the citrus trees, maybe a little belly dancing music… What do you think?  Can you incorporate this design into your life?

Patterned Mosaic Tiles

Food and Wine for the Soul

What better way to nourish the soul than with a fabulous meal with wonderful wine?  An Argentinian Steakhouse is an experience of both delicious flavors and cultural history.

Argentina is famous for it’s cattle and sheep ranches.  Since the early 1800s, the ranches in the Pampas region have been a major part of the economy.  The gauchos, or cowboys are part of the folklore and national identity.

Many people consider Asado, or barbequed meat, the traditional national dish.   Beef, lamb, pork, chorizo sausages and even chicken is grilled next to each other over the open fire.

A long metal cross, or asadores, is used to hold an entire animal over a firepit.  The asadores can also skewer pieces of several meats which are grilled and then sliced and served together.  The meat is not marianted before cooking and is very slow roasted for several hours.

A Chimichurri sauce of chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, onion and olive oil is served on the side.  Because of the influence of Italian immigrants, pasta is another popular side dish.  A dulce-de-leche flavored pudding or creme cake makes a perfect dessert.

Today, Argentina is the world’s 3rd largest exporter of beef and is the 5th largest producer of wines.

The Spanish colonization during the early 1500s brought the grapes and wine production to Argentina.   During the 1800s, immigrants from France and Italy brought their wine making techniques to the country.  Over 20 varietals of wine are produced including: Malbec, Chenin blanc, Pinot gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Dolcetto, Lambrusco, Sangiovese and even Champagne, Sherries, Brandies and Vermouth.

The grilled meat and fruity wine are pure heaven if you ask me!  I can almost hear the guitar music playing in the background.  It’s dark and rustic – I think you can imagine the dining experience.

I’m going to buy a Malbec for my steak tonight and toast to Argentina – Joy