Europe: Maybe not so progressive?

In one of my classes today the fact came up that Muslim women are not allowed to wear the "Muslim veil" or head covering in French schools and universities. The specific law, approved in 2004, forbids "ostensible" religions items in schools, but seems to be projected specifically at Muslim women.

Hearing this come so matter-of-factly out of my professor's mouth completely appalled me - how can this law be anything but a violation of free speech? I began to think about how unique our "norteamericano" values may actually be.

Once at home, I did a bit of research, and it turns out many European countries have enacted or are considering similar laws, including The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and most recently the UK.

Keep in mind that many (all?) of these countries allow topless or nude sunbathing, yet forbid in some manner the polar opposite - extreme conservatism in dress. What's wrong with wanting to cover oneself? Or even more so, what gives a government the right to say what it's people can or cannot wear?

Back on campus at UT there are quite a few girls who choose to cover their head, one of which was in my high school class. I can't imagine US legislation prohibiting this, nor do I see any reason why such legislation would exist.

I was never a very patriotic person, but living away from the US these few months has helped me see my country in a different light - some things bad, but definitely some things good too. I am glad to call the USA home.


Here's a link to a wikipedia article with some more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_dress_controversy_in_Europe


Thoughts? Do you see anti-head scarf legislation ever happening in the US? Would it infringe on free speech rights?

¿MX o ES?

In all of my travels around Spain it keeps striking me how much Spain looks like Mexico! Err, well I guess it would be how much Mexico looks like Spain, but you get the point. Anyhow, in the interest of showing more pretty picutres and involving my readership (all 3 of you! ; ) ) I have a little game for you!

¿MX o ES?

That is, where is each of the following photos taken, Mexico or Spain? Five of the photos were taken in Mexico, and there other five were taken in Spain.
The person who gets the most right gets... a hug! yay!

Ok, on to the pics:

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Giving Thanks

Today is Thanksgiving, even though it doesn't feel like it here in Spain. I went to class, people went to work, and not many plan on having a big turkey for dinner.

Despite this, I'm still feeling thankful today - for clothes warm out of the dryer, for arriving at the bus stop at the same time my bus does, for the little things that make each day better.

Even more than I'm thankful for the little things, I'm thankful for the big things: family and friends, and espcially all the support I've always recieved over the years.

My biggest thanks of the year goes to my parents - for a loving and warm home growing up, constant support in all of my endeavors, and never doubting my abilities. I know not everyone has the fortune to grow up with these things, so Mom and Dad, I really appreciate it! I wouldn't be the person I am today without you.


Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and eat some turkey with cranberry sauce for me!


...and because no post is complete without pictures, I present:

Akward family picture! (we're in Leah's dorm)

Long Time no... Blog?

So, it's been a long time since I've updated, sorry folks!

I just got back from a week in Texas for MD/PhD interviews at UT Houston and Baylor, both of which I loved! So far, I really like every school I've interviewed at, which is fun. Now hopefully I'll only get into one so I don't have to pick! :D

In more application news, I've also been invited to interview at UT San Antonio and UTMB in Galveston. I'm interviewing in Galveston in January, and I couldn't really fit the UT San Antonio interview into my schedule, so I declined it. So I'm almost done! All that's left to do is wait...


Besides Texas, I've recently visited Granada, Spain - home of the Alhambra ("the red one" in arabic), a giant arabic castle/fortress. In addition to several buildings from various ages, the Alhambra also has beautiful gardens! It was a pretty neat place. I'm forever amazed by the wealth of history in this country.

I have two tests tomorrow that I should study for, but before I go, here's a couple pics:



At the Alhambra with the city of Granada in the background. The weather report said rain all weekend, but we lucked out with a gorgeous day!



The fortress part of the Alhambra


Until next time,
Maren