A Day On, Not a Day Off

             Today, through parades, programs and service, we celebrated the life and dream of a man who fought for equality, dignity and freedom for all social backgrounds.  We celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as well as his life’s work involving the elimination of poverty, racism and nonviolence in America.

The former U.S Senator Harris Wofford and Atlanta Congressman John Lewis, co-authors of the King Holiday and Service Act started the Martin Luther King Day of Service which transformed the King holiday into a day of citizen action volunteerism resulting in the slogan, “A Day On, not a Day Off”.

Mrs.Coretta Scott King encouraged community service to carry on her husband’s unfinished work and to honor the legacy of Dr. King by making one’s community, country and the world a better place.

Last September, while Florida was under the siege of a category 5 storm called Hurricane Irma, I was invited by a friend to evacuate and visit Montgomery, Alabama. During my 4-day stay, I had the unique opportunity and pleasure to visit Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church where Dr. King was a full-time pastor. It was an honor to visit Dr. King's office, located in the church's basement. It is from this command post where he helped organized the infamous Montgomery Bus Boycott.  

Besides attending the annual MLK Jr. parade in St. Petersburg Florida, I performed by conscientious obligatory day of service at the Kind Mouse Productions Pantry. This wonderful organization, which is run by CEO Gina Wilkins, assists local families in transition and their hungry children. The families, who they provide with food, are those downsized by the economy and are trying to reestablish themselves. This important organization who is partnered with the Pinellas County School Board for the Jane's Pantry/HEAT program, provides nine emergency meals per week per child in a family that are homeless or on the border of becoming homeless. 

Full day, but with purpose and celebratory praises to a man whose huge life contributions have touched the lives of all walks of life.

All the best,

GMarie

Rota Spain……A Hidden Jewel

             Time as flown since returning to the United States after living and working in Saudi Arabia for over four years. I realized after coming across some old photos that I had a few more overseas adventures in me that although dated, I need to post to my blog. I also decided that all my adventures didn’t have to have taken place abroad, but I could also share some of my escapades and experiences in the Americas as well. So, after almost a two-year hiatus, I hope to regain some of my followers who have written me that they enjoyed my journey through my blog as I travelled throughout the continent of Asia and Africa. So, without further ado, here goes and I hope that you continue to follow me through GMarie’s Page.

Being a Navy vet, I was never fortunate to receive orders to Naval Station Rota which is the first and last port of call for U.S. naval vessels after leaving the Mediterranean Sea. So, it just so happens that I was able to visit through a work assignment. Though I would only be passing through this hidden treasure as a fuel stop for the C17 aircraft I was traveling on, I would have to make the best of the 36-hour layover.

Upon landing, and catching a cab to the hotel, I quickly drop of my baggage and some colleagues and I started our exploration of Rota which is in the Province of Cadiz. Rota has a population of about 30,000, and encompasses an area of approximately 32 square miles.

Rota is an ideal town to view on foot. Along our route, we came across a retired Navy Master Chief who saw us roaming in and out of side streets and offered to give us a tour of this quaint town. As we walked along the seemingly many narrow streets our gracious host informed us that Rota was his last duty station and he and his wife decided to make this their retirement home being that his wife was from Spain. He was so full of information and told us many stories of his travels throughout Spain. 

As we walked through the center of the town, we came across many interesting shops. Not too many people were around but those we did encounter were super friendly and laid back. Everyone seemed to know their neighbors, so you did see most would stop on the sidewalk to talk.  We walked to the Castilo de Luna and sat at the patio while we drank our beverages. The place had an old town medieval atmosphere. 

Though it was chilly, we did go walking along the waterfront boardwalk. The boardwalk was exploratory trail that wind through nature one minute and very close to the roaring Atlantic Ocean the next. 

As the afternoon turned into evening, Rota’s streets were swarming with folks after Siesta (around 6 or 7pm) who were on their way to the cafes and restaurants. But you really get a sense of how Rota really is after 10pm. The bars are buzzing with the locals and tourists.   

I really enjoyed the short hiatus in Rota Spain sporting it beautiful beaches in a small place but big family friendly atmosphere!

All the best,
GMarie