The Raouché:
Also known as: Pigeon Rock
Location: Beirut, Lebanon.
A well known tourist attraction and historical site.
A representation of my culture and my ancestor’s homeland.
Williams’ bedrock of democracy (from Terry Tempest Williams’ Homework):
“Each of these places, home work is required.
Participation of the public.
To make sure all is not lost.
While we progress.” (Williams, 19)
AKA a civil duty.
The Raouché is a rock formation that was created from an earthquake. It is a must-see whenever one visits Lebanon. It makes for great photos and scenery. It is located off the shore, in front of 5-star hotels and restaurants. The area is also known to be heavily populated by Muslim woman that read fortunes for money. It is to be expected that one will be approached multiple times for palm readings. Many unattended children also populate the area begging for money. Pigeon Rock, along with the demographic, is a staple for that area of Lebanon and would be a shame to no longer be have available. But, due to the salt water, polluted area of water, and amount of human traffic, the rock has started to erode. Having nice things requires upkeep. Being a public landmark, people assume they hold no responsibility of their actions/littering and the upkeep of said rock. That is not the case. Humans should be conscious of their human foot print and how it effects the world around them. Landmarks are things we hope to share with generations to come and unfortunately, no one realizes that their care of things matters. That could be: throwing one’s trash in a can, tending to areas that are heavily trafficked, and/or keeping bodies of water clean. This would save land, landmarks, and wildlife.
__________________________________________________
Kingsolver suggests that we need wildness.
I COMPLETELY AGREE.
Humans are a species. They are wild and have gotten more and more domesticated throughout the years.
“Caveman” to 2020… big difference.. no?
Yet, we will always have that urge to be “FREE”.
To crave the outdoors and be one with our mother .. EARTH.
I do believe that we use, “one with our ROOTS”, for a reason.
Because:
We should be grounded.
We should be one with the world around us.
We should be our own trees/life source.
________________________________________________
City Dwellers *NOT EXCLUDED*
The universe is beating around you.
Do you know what artery is beating at any given time in your heart?
No but you’re just sure it’s beating (happy to hear).
Same with the world around us.
We are all in this world and a part of it’s system.
You may live in a more clogged part of an artery but it is an artery, nonetheless.
Ground yourself, even in the concrete, and grow.
Flourish.
And make sure the world around you is a little better, a little cleaner, and a little more unique.
Whether because you’re in it or because you are “watering” your surroundings.
There is no job too small. And neither are you. YOUR fingerprint is always unique and so are you.
Always leave a fingerprint on this earth and try to make it your thumb.. KEEP IT GREEN 😉
________________________________________________
From the comfort of my throne (my bed),
Princess Joelle