The Voice Box

THE RISE AND FALL OF THE EURO As someone who welcomed the EURO, I view with alarm the stories and the prediction of its end. Since the recession, most countries have had their difficulties, but the eurozone seem to be the group which remains forever in the spotlight. Will the euro survive? I hope so. I definitely enjoy using one currency as I move around Europe. And I will certainly not welcome the idea going back to the days when each country had their own individual currency. I hope whatever the economic problems are at present, somehow the zone would be able to come up with the correct financial strategy to resolve their difficulties. Let us hope that my optimism is not misplaced. And as we move into 2012, we shall hear less bickering among member countries. Considering the rapid expansion of the EU, nobody expected a rose garden. But long term, and unselfish committment, is definitely needed at the moment.

At least once a year I go to Miami. It is one of favourite cities in the US, primarily because I do have a few friends there, and I enjoy the luscious tropical climate. This was my first time in September, and when you consider UK is just about moving to a cool autumn; I made the best of my week's visit. High on my list were the famous botanical gardens ...Fairchild BG and The Kampong. I also added this time the Montgomery Botanical Centre. Visits like these demonstrate my profound interest in trees and plants and horticulture.         But I also enjoyed the recent architectural changes to city which has been very conspicuous in the last few years. In the South Beach, I came across The Clay Hotel where I used to stay many years ago. Around that time they also housed a cheap hostel for poor university students like me.

HELP PLEASE Whatever way you look at the tragedy in Japan, you are bound to be overwhelmed with grief. This is a time for giving. And each one of us should make a contribution. As someone who visited Japan two years ago, I remember the society with kindness, and a great sense of order. Therefore, it is sad to see, and absorb the horrifying images of the last week. http://www.redcross.org.uk/japantsunami/?approachcode=68836_yahoojapan

EGYPT AND THE MEDIA Rarely does a news story capture the attention of the world, as the the protest movement did in Cairo in the last weeks. Coming just after the Tunisian revolution, it demonstrated how easy modern communication can keep us all enthralled with what is happening elsewhere. Whatever you felt about their demands, you had to admire the courageous stance they took by their daily journey to Tharir Square. Yet it was the media reporting that fascinated me. Most countries rarely cover North Africa in any depth. This was definitely an exception to the rule. Most surprising was the extensive US coverage especially as they were the prime supporter of the current President Mubarak. I found myself questioning the sicerity of the journalist, and their leader columns. Another issue is how long will this story last. The Tunisian story has almost disappeared even from some of the serious media. And since there are demonstrators still holding out in Tahrir Square, will the media stay t

DIEGO RIVERA A Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park by Diego Rivera Fresco, 1947-8 I started out late. This was my last day in Mexico City. Tomorrow I was heading back to London, and it was my only chance to see Diego Rivera's famous mural. By the time I had arrived, it was already late afternooon. But I chose the wrong day, and arrived to find there was a concert takiing place in the hall where the famous mural was located. Not only was I not able to take normal photos, but I was also prevented from using the flash on my camera. The lighting was subdued to match the mood of the concert, more bad news for me. Under the circumstances, I did the best I could, taking shots from the balcony. And here are a few of them. And yes, I did enjoy the concert somewhat.