#—but then not extend that empathy to gale. side eye.

[rowan-guerrins]

people on tiktok well on all social media sites actually will loudly critique the fact some people (especially those who only watched the movies) “didn’t get the point of the hunger games” and then turn around and say gale is the worst person in the universe and treat him like he’s a monster, and that all these traits are innate characteristics completely isolated from the circumstances in which he lived and the people around him. like girlie i think maybe YOU didn’t get the point here either.

#obviously this isn’t to say you need to or were “supposed to” like gale #there are a lot of good reasons to criticize him. esp wrt his sense of entitlement to katniss. #but he’s not supposed to be a Villain™️ #like he’s a poor traumatized (brown coded) boy whose very valid anger was used to groom him into a perfect soldier. #kind of almost like it’s a critique on the militarization of young boys. esp those who are underprivileged. #which doesn’t excuse his actions & it doesn’t mean you have to like him #but it’s enraging when people act like he is a heartless monster who is unredeemable or whatever. like. oh that’s not…. #bonus points if they babygirlify cato and clove (and marvel and glimmer) and cry about how they’re just kids #+ “they were only the way they are bc of the capitol 🥺”. #like yes it’s a big point that they were kids groomed to be child soldiers because the capitol pressured and “rewarded” career districts #to churn out child soldiers and whatnot. but that. ok. #truly just how do you hold the belief that to an extent excuses them or at least makes them sympathetic— #—but then not extend that empathy to gale. side eye. #esp bc a lot of the stuff is taking potshots at gale to uplift peeta/everlark. #like. uh! okay! #obligatory disclaimer i don’t actually like gale. however i am at my limit on weird and bad and inconsistent takes on him. #yeah he sucks. almost like that’s because he was horrifically oppressed by the captiol + then was groomed to be the ideal soldier by coin. #crazy how that’s the point. #and AGAIN. doesn’t EXCUSE what he does. but it’s important to acknowledge bc it v much contextualizes who and what he is and does. #the hunger games #gale hawthorne #i don’t think i need to tag this in the anti tag but lmk

[colombiapola]

Cartagena, Colombia - At Peace By The Beach

I slipped on a set of loose-fitting cotton shorts, and stepped out of my coastline front hotel area for the night. Within a few steps, I remained in the middle of a folkloric dance group Pola Colombia

Women in white embroidered gowns were swirling around their male companions, at the very same time, generating a mild wind in the damp, seaside air.

This is regular of Colombia, a nation that takes the art of dance and also charm contests seriously. Integrate this with the all-natural, eruptive rhythms of Afro-Colombians who heavily populate the seaside locations, and you have actually obtained one continual road event.

Although their Spanish conquerors have long left, Colombians continue to discharge a flamenco-like atmosphere.

Founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena worked as a delivery course and storage space for emeralds and also gold that was later delivered to Spain.

This picturesque city on the Caribbean coastline was once the main access port of African servants to the Americas; currently it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Colombia's favored vacationer location.

Cartagena was attacked sometimes throughout history. The British and also French stormed the city looking for cached prizes. Pirates additionally navigated its waters trying to find other hidden riches.

Among the most significant attacks came from Sir Francis Drake, that in 1586, shown up under the cover of darkness with a large team of men. By daylight, they required a lot of the city to run away. Prior to leaving eight months later on, they torched residences, services, and extorted local government authorities out of substantial amounts of cash, as well as swiped useful jewels.

The last major assault happened in 1741, when British Leader, Edward Vernon, as well as George Washington's half bro, showed up with over 25,000 soldiers and a fight group of 186 ships. Although the Spaniards and African servants were exceeded 7 to one, they withheld the assault and placed a counterattack which compelled Commander Vernon to withdraw his troops. Sadly for him, not before he lost virtually fifty percent of his men, and a lot of his battleships.

Today, Cartagena is a city which continues to hold much of its old Spanish splendor. Spread throughout the older barrios are balconied colonial buildings, repainted in a wide variety of shades.

The old, main component of Cartagena is reinforced by 14 miles of stone walls, and various other fortifications. Numerous locals still believe the material used to hold with each other these stones, was combined with the blood of African servants. Whether that holds true or otherwise, lots of servants died below while assisting to fortify the city against pirates.

The Castle of San Felipe de Barajas was built in between 1536 as well as 1657. The very same citadel that endured the attack of Commander Vernon as well as his soldiers still overlook Cartagena. One glimpse and it's noticeable why it could not be penetrated.

Contemporary Cartagena is overcome consistently by a stable circulation of Colombian, as well as international visitors. The majority of their emphasis is on the old city, where they extend down slim rock streets in search of historic sites.

As you enter Plaza de los Coches (Train Square), directly underneath the city's famous clock, you encounter a huge sculpture of Pedro de Heredia, that established the city in 1533. Simply to the left of the statue, pastel colored early american buildings load the Plaza's landscape.

In the daytime, ladies line the sidewalk with their sweet stands, marketing standard desserts. Individuals relax on the benches and delight in traditional music and also dancing, road comedy efficiencies and even an occasional lecture from a curbside preacher.

At sundown, horse-drawn carriages line up right here, all set to take vacationers on a lantern lit tour with the heart of midtown. It's possible to shut your eyes and go back in time as the equine's hooves resonate off the tight patched streets.

At the end of the plaza (concerning 100 feet), is an open square with a Christopher Columbus monument. This is Plaza de la Aduana (Traditions Plaza), and stands for a dark side of Cartagena's past.

In 1564, Cartagena came to be the portal to the Americas for lots of African servants. Those that survived the treacherous passage got off the ships, and were then aligned in Customs Plaza, displayed around, and also auctioned like animals to the highest possible bidders.

Straight behind Plaza de la Aduana, is the Plaza San Pedro Claver. Named after Saint Peter Claver, that was warmly nicknamed "servant to the servants," this tiny square houses a sanctuary that births his name.

Daddy Claver revealed empathy for the servants who got here. He welcomed a lot of them when they were off loaded, and promptly honored the dying children and the unwell. He spent several years providing treatment for hurt and ill servants, and baptized hundreds of thousands throughout his life time.

5 mins stroll outside the walled city, as well as you're standing in front of Castle San Felipe. It's worth the brief climb up the high hill to reach its doors. You can explore the castle's enormous premises, touch the original cannons, and also peer via the portals. You can likewise stare over the wall surfaces, as well as see the view of the city.

Around 20 maritime miles off Cartagena are the Rosario Islands. This island chain contains 27 environmentally varied islands which have actually been picked as a National forest by the Colombian federal government. If you are trying to find the best area to unwind, it's here. Good snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kayaking as well as walking are readily available. The outside fish tank and also dolphin programs are constantly a hit with taking a trip households.

Several boats leave early in the early morning from the downtown pier, and also slide over the calm waters to the islands in regarding 45 minutes. The last watercrafts of the day return to Cartagena around 4 p.m. So, you can load a lunch and also make it a day outing, or invest a few peaceful evenings on the islands.

Throughout the majority of the barrios in the city, you frequently pick up that you remain in a smaller town. Throughout the day, vendors stroll the neighborhoods hawking everything from ripe papayas and also fresh fish, to pots and frying pans, and also lotto tickets.

Throughout the city, you can locate makeshift football fields where lots of young children play, football in the blazing sunlight (and occasionally in gale rainfall) kicking goals like specialists, wanting to be the following Carlos Valderrama, or Ronaldinho.

After watching the dancing efficiency, I strayed down some backstreets and also located some pairs nursing cool beverages near an open pit grill. The waft of barbecued hen filled up the muggy night air. The food selection looked tasty, too.

Cartagena cuisine is a variant of authentic Caribbean as well as Creole, although you can discover a vast array of food as well as drinks. Outdoor dishes generally feature the sounds of Vallenato, Reggaeton, Champeta, or Salsa music, typically thumping from tall speakers, however sometimes live.

Generally, Colombia is a suitable gateway to South America for new vacationers; whether they're backpackers, cruise liner guests, or even those on a family journey.

From the majesty of the walled city, to scenic beaches, to casual street events, Cartagena is a location you will always bear in mind.

Where to remain:

If you get on a shoestring spending plan, hotel lodging in Cartagena can cost as little as $5-10 a night in the Getsemaní location. However, for that price, expect a basic bed, follower, with a shared washroom and also shower. Include one more $15 and you can find comfy spaces in this historical area of community, which occurs to be the oldest area in Cartagena.

The Bocagrande area has one of the most hotels in Cartagena. Right here, you'll locate many resorts on the beach. From tiny family members hotels to 5-Star, there is a rate variety for everyone.

If you intend to be pampered, attempt the Charleston Hotel. Not just does it supply 5-Star solutions, it's skillfully concealed between the city's old wall surfaces, and it sits near many tourist destinations in the old city.

The Charleston includes an impressive roof pool and also restaurant location. Right here, you get a bird's- eye sight of the Caribbean, Cartagena Bay as well as the wonderful old city.

Arriving:

Copa Airlines has direct trips from Miami and Panama City, Panama.

AirMadrid has straight flights from Madrid and also Barcelona, Spain.

Visa:

American visitors traveling to Colombia need to have a legitimate U.S. passport, however not a visa. This allows you to stay up to 90 days. This can be expanded for an additional 90 days at the Migration office (DAS).

#Pola Colombia