Evan Worldwide - Global Youth Perspectives

ARGENTINA- Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

Known for its excellent wine, food, music and dance, the Argentine Republic offers a diverse landscape containing beautiful beaches and snowy mountains.  The famous Asados are enjoyed every Sunday,  full of meats and sausages grilled to perfection.  

I loved learning about Argentina from my friend Martina.  She is so knowledgeable about the country, food and political climate.  She shared with me that it is not common for young people to focus on politics and she is alway trying to teach her fellow classmates about global issues. She discusses the economic conflicts in Argentina which play a part in the main social issues related to classism, and identified that there is a huge differentiation between the rich and the poor. 

Martina shared how she loves learning about politics through model united nations and that she loves meeting and learning about people all over the world.  Interestingly enough, that is exactly how I met Martina.  She commented that Model UN conferences allow her to learn about other cultures around the world and recognize how different yet similar we are as humans.

 

MEXICO - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

Indigenous temples, Cenotes, the largest underground water tunnels in the world, and known for its vast variety of cuisine, Mexico, officially titled the United Mexican States, has been referred to as land of extremes with its incredible geographical diversity, from beaches to rainforests to deserts. 

I was excited to learn more about my friend Daniela and her family's Mexican culture and traditions. My ancestry is part Mexican, with my father born in San Antonio, Texas to parents of migrant workers. I unfortunately do not have a strong cultural connection with my Mexican heritage, so I was very eager to learn from Dany about her family. Growing up in San Diego, and being so close to Mexico, I have been exposed to delicious Mexican food and beautiful Mexican culture.

Dany shares how there are such amazing variations in the cuisine and ingredients depending on where you are in Mexico. I loved to hear Dany talk about her family's connection with each other and how food brings them together. She talked about her family coming together to enjoy delicious meals every Sunday. Their strong connection through cooking and the unity of coming together as a family can be found in so many cultures around the world.

ISRAEL - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

Known as the Biblical Holy Land, The State of Israel sits on the Mediterranean Sea and is home to beautiful architecture and pristine beaches. It is only 290 miles in length and 85 miles wide, with a population half the size of New York city.  With many new startups businesses, Israel is second to Silicon Valley in high-tech companies, with many research and development facilities and products originating in Israel.  

I met Halel through a friend of a friend, and although we have grown up on different sides of the world, we share a lot in common of how we see the world and how people should be treated.  She and I spoke about conflicts in Israel relating to the land and the people.  We talked about the possibility of a two state solution and how she had to take final exams in a bomb shelter at school.   We spoke about how Tel Aviv is one of the most liberal cities in the world, and how she loves that there are cities that break through stereotypes and segregation and where people of different walks of life can live together in peace. I appreciate her openness and neutral position on sensitive topics regarding her home of Israel. 

TURKEY - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

The Republic of Turkey is one of the most historical crossroads on our planet. Turkey is the bridge between two continents, Europe and Asia and is home to multiple cultures.   This transcontinental location has been the birthplace of many influential items in our world such as Santa Claus, Air Travel and even Money! Turkey is home to one of the largest cities in the world, Istanbul which is the only city to be located on 2 different continents, Europe and Asia! 

Getting to talk with Can was a huge privilege as he has amazing insight and perspective as a young leader in his country of Turkey. I was shocked to hear about the amount of conflict that’s occurring in his country and I could tell the turmoil in his homeland deeply affects him. Once I started to ask him questions about food in Turkey, he started to feel way more relaxed and calm as it gave him great memories of his living grandparents.  Can shares about the conflict, culture and cuisine of Turkey.

FRANCE - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

In this episode we will meet one of my favorite French connections, Ambrine. I met Ambrine during THIMUN, an international Model UN conference, where we worked together on writing two resolutions for our MUN committee. I was instantly drawn to her erudition, leadership and ability to articulately express herself with confidence. Since THIMUN, Ambrine has traveled off to college where she is studying political science and I know she will be successful in everything she does.  During our interview, Ambrine details some societal conflicts occurring in France that are very similar to the same challenges we are currently facing in the US.  Finally Ambrine paints a picture of what life is like living in France: from French Football Rivalries to how to pick the best French restaurants, and we wrap up with Ambrine sharing some of her favorite home cooked meals...What can I say? Interviewing Ambrine was a delight...I hope you enjoy it too!

ECUADOR - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

This episode of Evan Worldwide, we are meeting my friend Ricardo who gives us some insight into Conflict, Culture and Cuisine in his home country of Ecuador.  Later in the podcast you will hear Ricardo highlight some of the different food combinations so unique that he believes you will not find them anywhere else in the world.  We start todays discussion off with a youth perspective on how Ecuador is plagued by Government corruption, high levels of racism and sexual assault towards women.  I am encouraged to hear that progress from the younger generation has been taking shape slowly through protests and social media.  

SPAIN - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

In this episode we are meeting Marco from Madrid, Spain. I first met Marco in a virtual forum of international students that lasted for six hours.  The group discussed topics from world peace, conflicts, fashion, music and food.  I can honestly say it was one of the most memorable group conversations I have ever had.  From the moment I started chatting with Marco, I knew he was a kindred spirit sharing his passion for food, cooking and his love for world culture.  On a recent trip to Washington DC where I was touring some colleges, I was fortunate to meet Marco and his wonderful family.  We shared a few meals and toured some of DC’s most famous museums.  In the upcoming interview, you will hear how Marco explains Spain’s accepting culture toward diversity and equality and even shares how Spain has held protests in support of Black Lives Matter and other important topics towards human rights.  We wrap up talking about Spain’s culinary delights, the importance of saffron, tapas bars and of course the national dish of paella.

JORDAN - Evan Worldwide Global Youth Perspectives

On this episode of Evan Worldwide: Global Youth Perspectives we are going on a journey to to the Hashimite Kingdom of Jordan.  Home to the UNESCO Heritage site of Petra and bordering the Dead Sea, Jordan is located in the Middle East, geographically situated as a crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe.  With approximately 10.5 million people calling Jordan home, 95% of the population are ethnically Arab and follow Islam as their religion. 

We will meet one of my most amazing friends, Karma.  Karma is an extremely bright, passionate, young leader that will provide some amazing insight into some of the struggles facing Jordan today.  She will share some unique perspectives into Jordanian culture and as always, we will wrap up our talk about some amazing Middle Eastern food.