I brought in plants known to purify water as a sort of natural sewage and released native fish species known to help with water clean-up. Planting jumbo grass, bamboo, and...
In the early hours of May 4, heavy rains cracked the dam in Porto Alegre, unleashing a torrent of water that devastated everything in its path. It washed away the foundations of houses as if they were mere toys.
Deep down inside, I knew my sister wanted justice. She wanted her killer arrested, sent to trial, and convicted. In Mexico, I pulled up a chair to reach an address book high up on a shelf in the wardrobe. I pulled down boxes containing my sister's papers. When I opened one of the lids, it felt as if Liliana sprung...
The high-pitched whistling and booming sounds grew closer and closer. On the third floor, we felt the ground begin to shake. Unable to stand on our feet, we stumbled and fell as we attempted to get to safety. Crawling closer, my family hugged each other, hoping to protect ourselves with our arms.
Growing up in Chipata, we owned a small piece of land that we survived on. My mother tirelessly sold vegetables from morning until evening to support us, saving money to ensure I could attend school.
One of my Jewish friends was walking back to her dorm when a group of protestors surrounded her. They began shouting antisemitic slurs at her and accusing her of being a baby killer. Terrified, she called me crying.
On this adventure, we tour islands and bays, learn sailing skills, and fish for lunch. We cook with local products, swim, float, and walk through jungle trails to beaches and waterfalls. We play guitar, do yoga, and read books. On the deck, we sunbathe, fall in love with the sunsets, and see the starry skies.
In 2021, some of the most advanced and democratic nations on the planet appear to be emblazoned in political battles between neighbors, fed by an abundance of competing misinformation.