NorthStar Flags

Saying goodbye is sweet sorrow, but after my experience with saying farewell to some of my friends, I discovered that goodbye is just the start of another joyride in life.

But, yeah, it was fun. We were in the sun, the weather was perfect that day. The clouds were in a shade of cerulean, the sea was perfectly clear. Some of my friends were grilling fish and pork chops, as we were sipping our tall glasses filled with ripe mango shake. Ah, what a perfect day it was. And what a perfect day to have fun.

I couldn’t remember how to get to that place but it was like a cool paradise. The sands were white, there were colored twirler flags near the shore, and small pennant streamers hanging all over like festival decorations, fluttering happily in the pleasantly cold breeze.

Cool summer music was playing even though it was late December. What can you expect? It was in the tropics. The weather is almost always nice there.

At night we made a bonfire and had that one really sentimental moment. That was it, it was time to say goodbye. We knew that when we wake up the next day,we might never see each other again. We were sad, because it’s the end of another part of our lives; because we knew each of us might only be a fragment of each other’s memory. But we were happy, I guess, because we all now become part of something else; we’ll go on and make new memories. It was something to remember. We gave each other bracelets and messages and all that cheesy but very heartfelt stuff.

I didn’t get to sleep that night. Instead I sat beside my friends who didn’t want to sleep either, underneath the star-filled sky; watching the waves dance in the moonlight. It was magical, it was the first time I saw the moon glow a brilliant gold, shining like a fairy-like spotlight in the dark sea. We remembered the good old times as we waited to watch the sun rise.

It was time to go home. It was what seemed to be the last time I’ll ever have fun with them as a young person. I know one day we’d see each other again, but I don’t think we’d still bother talking about the simple things in life, not like we did before. Maybe we’ll just talk about what job we have, or if any of us got married or had kids. All that serious stuff makes me feel like I don’t really want to reach my 30’s just yet!

It certainly is a tiring afternoon from work, but I agreed to help my brother with his theology subject. It was about how people from different religions worshipped their god or gods for whatever matter. Sure, yeah, most of the other religions would offer songs and dances. Some would have a festival, with all the grandeurs of good food, colorful clothing, colorful pennant streamers on the streets, and a really long prayer.

But what really caught my attention is the kind of offering the Tibetan Buddhists as a form of prayer. They were flags, of different sizes and shapes.

What makes those Tibetan flags so interesting is that they are inscribed with auspicious symbols. They have prayers and mantras inscribed with the symbols. For centuries, those prayer flags were hung outside their homes and sacred places. It is said that as these flags are carried by the wind, they also carry a good aura for the rest of the country. These flags bring happiness, longevity and a prosperous life to the one who planted the flag and those who were living near that person. It reminds believers about compassion, kindness, courage, among many others.

Just by hanging those flags in high places, it can carry the blessings to everyone. The Mantras are said to sanctify the air as it passes over the flags. The prayers inscribed in the flag etch a permanent mark on the universe, the prints slowly fade because of the strong winds.

The fading of the prints on the prayer flags are significant to me, because it reminds me of the fact that in this life, it’s always a cycle of living and dying. We should be able to accept the fact that anything can change in a blink of an eye. And we can only hope for better days. And we should be able to see the greater role we have to play in life.

I heard from my supervisor the other day what his friend told him. If I recall correctly his friend told him that the poor should all be killed because they are unproductive. I couldn’t believe what I heard. I believed that by now, at this age of humanity and with the people having sense and rationality discrimination is a thing of the past, well, I was wrong.

People of all ages and gender are still suffering from tyranny and discrimination. I could not tell by just listening to those words what is really happening so I decided to go out and see for myself what is happening with the world. As I was walking down the street I saw this pride flag and I don’t even know what it stands for. With the use of the internet I took time to find out what the flag means. I know that it is the symbol of the LGBT community and it is used as a symbol of gay pride. Reflecting on what I researched I remembered a few incidents in my life that really struck me. I used to see gay people in my high school days being beaten up to the point that there mouths bled, and sad to say I didn’t do anything.

I guess people should respect the LGBT community, and their pride flag should be honored. Let us face it, most of the creative people and those who made innovations in designs and fashion have come from the LGBT community. These talented individuals have changed the world and made it colorful, we should at least give them respect because like us they are also humans and most of them even work harder than us and instead of discriminating them why not learn from them? I am not saying that we all be converted, I am saying that we should respect their sexual preference and their humanity.

I heard from my supervisor the other day what his friend told him. If I recall correctly his friend told him that the poor should all be killed because they are unproductive. I couldn’t believe what I heard. I believed that by now, at this age of humanity and with the people having sense and rationality discrimination is a thing of the past, well, I was wrong.

People of all ages and gender are still suffering from tyranny and discrimination. I could not tell by just listening to those words what is really happening so I decided to go out and see for myself what is happening with the world. As I was walking down the street I saw this pride flag and I don’t even know what it stands for. With the use of the internet I took time to find out what the flag means. I know that it is the symbol of the LGBT community and it is used as a symbol of gay pride. Reflecting on what I researched I remembered a few incidents in my life that really struck me. I used to see gay people in my high school days being beaten up to the point that there mouths bled, and sad to say I didn’t do anything.

I guess people should respect the LGBT community, and their pride flag should be honored. Let us face it, most of the creative people and those who made innovations in designs and fashion have come from the LGBT community. These talented individuals have changed the world and made it colorful, we should at least give them respect because like us they are also humans and most of them even work harder than us and instead of discriminating them why not learn from them? I am not saying that we all be converted, I am saying that we should respect their sexual preference and their humanity.

I was once asked by my friend “what is the most romantic place on earth”? One city immediately crossed my mind, Paris. Though I’ve never been there, I’ve seen enough pictures and read some blogs on the internet that would justify my answer. Paris is also known as The City of Love, its major attraction is the majestic Eiffel Tower built beside the Siene River. The tower is the tallest structure in the city and also the most visited paid monument in the world. Aside from the Eiffel Tower, there are other famous historical structures in Paris such as the Notre Dame. But if you aren’t a history fan, you can also indulge yourself and your partner with the famous Parisian cuisine and wines while cruising the serene Siene river. Certainly, a date on a loveboat will set the atmosphere right for every couple.

Sightseeing is indeed a popular activity to do in France, and if ever you get bummed with all those still structures -a different kind of sight is also available 24/7. Those gorgeous Parisians will certainly be an excellent subject for photography or observation. So if you’re alone in The City of Love, there’s still chance that you’ll feel the love atmosphere. Nice Parisians are always in each corner of the city, whether for a fling or for a serious relationship.

Paris, aside from the metropolitan area is largely unchanged since the 1860’s that is why a large number of old buildings are still present. The Paris Flag which is composed of a red and blue stripe is patterned from France’s national flag. So if you are traveling, you’ll know your in the vicinity of Paris if you see that red and blue stripe cloth on a flagpole or if you feel that magical love atmosphere that all of them are talking about.

Anyway, my friend said that my answer is wrong. The most romantic place on earth according to him is wherever your heart is. Poetic others may say. But, I say it’s cheesy.

I was always fascinated about the middle age wars. The tales from the Middle Ages starting for Merlin to King Arthur and his knights of the round table to Beowulf and his adventures have been my favorite treats before I go to sleep. As the years went by and as I learned to love to read more books I found a liking to the Vikings of Sweden. They were the brute and ruthless people that have invaded parts of Europe through raids. To feed my curiosity and to heighten up my knowledge about this people I have discovered more than just the mythical raiders of Europe I found the country’s beauty itself. The flag of Sweden, a blue flag with a yellow Scandinavian cross extends to the edges of the flag is simple if you would look at it but to know the country itself is more fascinating.

As I have read through books, I have seen some majestic views of the place. One was the Lapporten mountain pass in Lapland. The view was amazing and the thought of going there and visit really gets me going. Another view to behold in Sweden is the sunset over Lake Vattern, the beauty of the sunset itself is romantic and fit for any lover who would want to spend time with each other.

More than the views, Sweden is also proud about the success of their people. Alfred Nobel came from Sweden, the inventor of dynamite and institutor of the Nobel Prize. Another thing that made Sweden known was ABBA, the Swedish pop quartet that took the world by storm. The last thing that I would want to share about Sweden is their 190 meter tall Turning Torso, it’s a skyscraper that has a marvelous design and as the name suggests, it looks like a turning torso. All of this achievements and success has brought glory to the flag of Sweden and I hope I can visit that country and experience it first hand.

It’s just a piece of cloth, why does it have to be kept out from rain? It’s just colored cloth. Why does it have to be put on the walls THAT way? Why does it have to be put on the coffins of patriots when they get buried? Why does it have to have meaning? Why does it have to be waved whenever we celebrate something big?

I’m sure there are other things you can wave around.A captivating street banner, perhaps! That looks better. That little piece of cloth doesn’t have rainbow colors on it. And why does it have to be replaced when it’s all tattered and old? Why do people want to die for it? It’s just a stupid cloth.

But whenever people see it, they feel hope when they see it being raised on a pole. People rejoiced when they see it waved after a long time of slavery, abuse, or war.

When it’s high on a pole, everyone looks up at it and respects it like all their dreams depended on its existence. Some would rather die than not claim it as theirs. People give all their time and effort just to design it, craft it, to carefully weave it, to skillfully decorate it.

It has seen so many revolutions. Its colors survived time. It symbolizes something greater than just mere objects. It means more than just vibrant colors put together to look good. It has seen the rise and fall of human beings.

It’s your nation’s flag. And no matter where you come from; no matter what skin color you have, it’ s your symbol. It’s a reminder that people have given up their lives to establish your nation. It’s the hopes of all the people who’ve dreamed that one day, their people would live in peace. And while these hopes exist, your country flag will continue to wave proudly with the winds.

I decided not to eat dinner last night. I’ve been doing that the past months whenever I felt my belly bulge when I sat. Nothing’s happening. So I carried on with my routines, completely aware of all the odd sensations in my stomach. I was hungry, but I decided against eating.

After all the nightly television dramas finished off, the Friday night that was so young made its presence felt, and so did my famished tummy. I consider myself lucky for having a housemate, who is all willing to go out during times like these, given that all we would do is eat. We’d look at each other and we’d know already what’s on each other’s minds. Some food wouldn’t hurt especially on Fridays.

We changed and marveled at the idea that the two of us are out and about on our way to our usual spot. It was midnight and we were both ready to feast. I was not surprised to see a great deal of people in there. It was Friday after all. A great deal of familiar faces, too – plus a bunch of pretty Korean guys.

I got my food and found my friend and me a table in a nice little corner. She had ordered a generous portion of foodstuff for herself and wondered why one had a tiny triangular red-orange thing chucked in the middle. It was a puny replica of the place’s advertisement street banner outside. I chuckled. I told her she’d ordered the spicy alternative and that was how they pointed out the food was spiced, and thought about how she didn’t notice that eye-catching welcome flag that greeted us. She was gorging on her food in no time. While my friend demolished the food on her plate, I, meanwhile, was by some means dissatisfied because that cobbler I’d been longing for wasn’t available still. And because I’d really wanted to devour on it, my friend insisted that we take a walk down to another place and get that delectable treat.

We sat down and gobbled our sweets up, chatting endlessly. I went home bursting past midnight. So much for one Friday night.

The Australian Open 2009 in Melbourne recently wrapped up without me watching a single game. I did not see Andy, not even heard Maria’s cry. I feel wretched. It is one of the small number of annual sports events I have always been anticipating. This year, I even almost totally forgot about it had I not heard in the evening news that Roger Federer lost to 22-year-old Rafael Nadal.

I can’t even still believe that Rafa is only four years older than I am. He looks thirty, if you ask me. And I still can’t believe he just won against Roger – again. I mean, every time Andy brings to and end his bid, it is always Roger I am rooting for. Roger the cool one. Roger the humble one. Roger who could pretend he is twenty-two and would still pull it off.

Rafa – he never got my interest. In high school, I felt sick just seeing him in his signature knee-length shorts and sleeveless top, with the matching headband tucked in a mound of unkempt blonde hair, and who habitually pulled his shorts out of his butt. But I hated him mostly because he was good, was young and promising, whilst Andy was slowly creeping his way out of the top ten and was not getting any younger; Andy who would yell at the umpire if his shot was called out, Andy who flung his racket a lot out of obstruction. I could not blame the guy.

Now Roger broke down after losing to Rafa – currently the world’s number one tennis player. I never saw anyone cry like that in the AU Open before. Especially not a man. But that did not alter my fascination for him. It only made me like him even more. And Rafa will not be hated from now on. He gave Roger a little hug and in his speech said his apologies for beating him which the crowd found amusing. I appreciate his compassion towards Roger and how he’s feeling. You gotta love both men.

As Roger delivered his heartbreaking speech, and as he marched out of the Rod Laver Arena, in the midst of the cheering crowd wagging Switzerland’s flag and some also waving the flag of Spain, he brought with him the respect of not only those who were there present at the game, but of every person who had seen him that night in every nook and cranny of the world as well. He is unquestionably one of the world’s finest (and humblest) players.

I was going through some research when I came across one interesting image of a flag. It was blue with a gold strip running horizontally. There was a white star just below the gold strip. I found out that it was the flag of Nauru, one of the smallest country in the world. I found out that Nauru is a small island nation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The star represents the island of Nauru, it has 12 points, representing the 12 tribes of the island nation. The position of the star below the gold strip represents the country’s geographical location which is one degree south of the equator, the gold strip being the equator. The blue field represents the vast ocean the islands lies smack in.

I’ve read that Nauru was known for its only resource and that is phosphate. Before this resource was depleted, the people of Nauru had one of the highest per capita income in the world. Sadly, mining do not renew resources. And now Nauru is having a hard time economically. It doesn’t help that it is isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the nearest neighbor of this island nation is 300 kilometers away. The country relies heavily on assistance from Australia. Economics is not the only threat being faced by Nauru, the rising tides brought about by the warming of the planet could drive the population to the uninhabitable former mining areas which are higher than the densely populated coastal areas.

Nauru is a microcosmic example of natural resources poorly managed. From a boom area, in less than a century, the country is struggling to make ends meet. What happened to this small island nation can also happen to our planet. After all we are also an isolated “island”. The country is trying to recover from the ecologically negative impact brought about by the decades of phosphate mining. It’s a little slow, meanwhile, we can only hope that the flag of Nauru will again fly someday proudly because they have won the battle against the effects of the errors and excesses of the previous generation.