Although smaller in size than the northwestern group, the southeastern cluster offers not only one of Lalibela’s most finely carved churches, but also a touch of intrigue with various historians debating whether some churches had pasts as prisons and palaces. Before I proceed though… I received a couple of emails in response to my previous … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: May 2010
The Ostia Mafia – Piazza Gasparri And Beyond
Crippling bureaucracy has, unfortunately, become embedded in Italy’s soul. And crippling layers of bureaucracy invite corruption from people desperate to navigate the system or to get something done. And corruption opens the door to organized crime… I know what I’m talking about because my chick is Italian (Like a real Italian from Italy – not … Continue reading
Is Mexico A Failed State?
Over the past several months, I have heard the question as to whether or not Mexico is a failed state raised a number of times. As part of the “Mexico Series” I have been posting over the last year or so, it is time for me as an International Relations academic to address that question… … Continue reading
The Mexico Series: Mexican Drug Routes
Click on the graphic below to view it in a larger size: The Mexico Series: Weapons Of The Mexican Drug Cartels & The Mexican Police The Mexico Series… Savvy Young Heirs Give Mexico Drug Cartels New Face The Mexico Series… Latest Member of Forbes Magazine’s Exclusive List Of Billionaires The Mexico Series… Is Mexico A … Continue reading
Beta Maryam, Ethiopia
Also known as Menelik’s Mausoleum, the Beta Maryam Mausoleum is located just south of Menelik’s palace in Addis Ababa and offers a pleasantly eerie experience for visitors. Beta Maryam from the outside: The entrance to Beta Maryam: The church interior: After the priest has rolled up the carpet and pried open the large metal door … Continue reading
The Red Terror Martyr’s Memorial
Located just off Meskal Square, the Red Terror Martyr’s Memorial is a good way to get up to speed on the activities of the Derg. The Derg (or Dergue) was a communist military junta that came to power in Ethiopia following the ousting of Emperor Haile Selassie. Derg, which means “committee” was the short name … Continue reading
The Wildlands of Somalia
There aren’t a lot of roads in Somalia. Those that do exist mostly pass through rough countryside, interspersed with the occasional village and frequent checkpoint. Upon arriving at a checkpoint, if you don’t have an armed guard with you, a bribe will be required and all of your passport details will be carefully taken down … Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 