Mananya Talks

Mananya Talks: My visit to Auschwitz

Today in 1940, the Warsaw Ghetto was established.

During my most recent trip to Poland, I visited Auschwitz. I didn't feel right taking a lot of pictures. I took enough to share with you to remind all of us the ramifications of intolerance, greed and hate.There were so may eye-opening and shocking remnants on display but I chose to take only the images you see. It was weird enough that the day we visited Auschwitz, the lawns were well-manicured and the sun was shining bright, not the Auschwitz I envisioned.

There were mounds of personal items and 'mug shots' of the prisoners with tears and fears in the eyes. It was overwhelming to see. A lot of people refuse to go to Auschwitz because of the pain and bad memories it brings. I can respect that. But for the sake of our future, I encourage each one of us to revisit and educate ourselves, our kids, and the new generation about the past so history doesn't repeat itself.

Let me tell you a story. Two years ago I visited the Memorial at Ground Zero. I hope you remember the "Wall"---where loved ones posted "Missing" signs, notes and condolences left by strangers, and piles of flowers on the concrete ground. The Memorial had that "Wall" image on HUGE display. As I was looking at the image and reading all the "Have you seen me?" signs and touching notes, I noticed a young boy who kept on climbing around the image, horse-playing. He was a kid. I took no offense to his act. But it had me thinking, "How old is this boy? Does he even know what this Memorial ground stands for?" I found out he was 7. Which meant, he was only 2 during the attack and probably never felt that same feeling I and many others did when we saw those jaw-dropping images on TV. He may never know the full impact of 9/11 from personal experience like the way many of us do. 

His parents were doing the right thing by bringing him to the Memorial to teach him a piece of history. Whether it's a visit, a sit down discussion, or going through the Internet together to learn about history, it's important. I will never know what WW1, WW2, or any other major events felt like because I never went through it. It is our duty, as much as the school system's, our families and peers to educate one another on events that affect humanity. I leave you with this quote:

The one who does not remember history, are bound to live through it again.

    -George Santayana, quote on display at one of the crematoriums at Auschwitz, Poland.

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Crackin' Pecans While Playin' Golf

Media_httpwwwworldgol_yegai
via worldgolf.com

I often think about my years in Texas. Specifically, my years spent playing golf at Eldorado Country Club in McKinney, Texas. It isn't the most beautiful course by any means, but it is a special place. Well, actually, it is a magnificent course- luscious trees and well-kept greens. Might not be great by Norman’s standards, but, fine by me!

Every day after school, the HS team would hit the links for 9 holes. On weekends, most of us played 18+ holes. This place had pecan trees EVERYWHERE. I cracked those lil pecans with my golf shoes and ate em' every chance I spotted one on the ground. Can you really do that in Chicago?!?! No.

In the Windy City, I'm limited to playing golf for only 4 months out of the year. Even though I LOVE Chicago, year-round golf is what I miss most about Texas. Amongst many reasons, golf makes you appreciate nature, you are one with nature. For real. Hear me out...

Everything affects you out there. The grass, trees, sand, water, wind and sun. You have to understand how to embrace what's out there to succeed in the game. I adore golf. It makes me happy. It calms me. Teaches me patience. And yes, I love golf as much as I love cooking and dining out.

If you by some odd reason have the desire to visit the quaint town of McKinney, Texas, try to play a round at Eldorado and remember to find pecans, crack em' and take it all in.

via:
http://www.worldgolf.com/ and http://www.eldoradocc.com