Poland. We visited Poland for our 5-day Fall Break weekend. It was exciting to leave Italy--the first time since our arrival to Italy, which isn’t hard to believe considering Italy has so much to see inside itself.
I really didn’t know too much about Poland before arriving. What I learned on the trip has given me a whole new appreciation for this country, wedged in the middle of Europe. After learning so much about it, I now consider it a powerhouse. Never underestimate Poland’s power. Although a young country, only 92 years old, this country has been through a lot, seen a lot, and pulled through, united! The faith of the people became so apparent even within the first day of being there. The faith, I believe, is what has pulled them through WWII and even Communism. Solidarity fought Communism without shooting a single bullet. The Polish used reason to combat the very thing Communism was trying to inhibit--thought!
We visited Auschwitz the first day. What a moving experience. The gray, chilliness of the air and its surroundings lent to the experience of seeing Nazi Germany’s worst death and concentration camps. To see the result of what ultimate power can do and imagine how evil can corrupt humans to the point of destroying their own race was something that only made me more confused. I still can’t imagine how one human can kill another, how one human can witness another in pain and do nothing, how one human can kill mercilessly. To walk the streets and see the buildings that were a part of something so inhuman, and to imagine the lives of those who walked the same cobblestone paths--both the Holocaust victims and the Nazi soldiers--was an experience I cannot even describe. I thought about it and it’s so easy to see something like that and be affected by it and then walk away leaving history behind, in the past. Something I took away from my visit at Auschwitz is that we must learn from history and take it with us. History does repeat itself and if we don’t learn from history and allow it to teach us something, then we’ll continue to make the mistakes we have in the past. Being present within history, as history is yesterday…it’s the past minute, means taking part in what’s happening right now. I have found it most difficult to recognize that today, right now, we have wars going on--not just in the middle east, but right in our own country, namely abortion. Millions are killed every year. The same thing that I blame those in the past for, is the same thing I can be blamed for: mediocrity. Those who didn’t take a stand during WWII, by not informing themselves and those around them about what was really going on to avoid actually having to do something about it, is the very thing I’m doing. What am I doing to help society and the world? Am I taking a stance?
Something that also ties in with this is our visit to the Rising (Uprising) Museum we visited in Warsaw. The Museum told the history of the lives of the Resistance movement, called the Warsaw Uprising, who fought Hitler’s agenda during WWII, starting in 1944. They fought up until the day when the entirety of Warsaw was destroyed by the Nazi’s. Warsaw stood in the way of Hitler’s advance to Russia. One story that stood out to me was of one man who described how he and several others hid in the sewers for up to fifteen days at a time, living off of sugar cubes. When he thought he couldn’t do it anymore, he was encouraged by the others whom he was with. Stories such as this one defined the courage and persistence of the brave Polish who stood up for something that was wrong. We all can draw inspiration from this. I know I did! It made me think of my own self: would I be that strong if I were in that same situation? Would I be strong enough?
It was ironic that we were to visit the Divine Mercy Shrine that same night, after Auschwitz. Christ, the Dispenser of love and mercy, gave his message to St. Faustina in a country that He knew was going to face a lot. The message now spread world-wide, calls us to ask for and trust in God’s mercy. To go from something so horrific to something so hopeful was a reminder that God is in control. Humans have the capacity, because of their free will, to sin. Yet, God, being the merciful, loving God that He is gives us His Love and Mercy!
The rest of the trip only got better. We visited the Salt Mines, Krakow, and Warsaw. In Krakow, we witnessed the festivities of the Polish Independence Day, celebrating 92 years of freedom! We met some friends who showed us around Krakow! In Warsaw, and this is probably what made our Poland trip an experience beyond what we saw, we met our host families--the families what would be hosting all 9 of us for three days and nights. I was able to truly experience the hospitality of the Polish people. It enhanced my experience to get to know those who lived and were a part of Polish culture so much that I could not help but be affected and attached to the Polish people. They are some of the most humble, hearty, genuine people I have ever encountered. Each family went out of their way to see that our visit to Poland was amazing. They fed us. They organized our days! It was our interactions with them, conversing with them, and getting to know them that showed all of us, I think, why Poland is so special. This one country that no one might think to go to is the one country that is so full of history and good people!
We ended on a good note. Our last day was spent in Czestochowa! So beautiful. The cathedral where the image was housed was gorgeous. The steeple rose high into the deep blue sky where, against the grey-ish, white clouds, it stood as reminder that we must always be pointed upward. Seeing the image for the first time was when we entered the chapel for Mass. It was more beautiful than I could have imagined. It think that it is still being venerated today after five centuries, amazed me. I saw pilgrims all over--hundreds of them--venerating this image. To see the faith of these people as they crawled on their knees around this image--many praying for a miracle--was so beautiful.
As amazing as Poland was, arriving back to Rome felt like arriving back “home” after a trip. I was actually really excited to speak Italian (the little I do know) again, and even interact with the rude Italian mentality again. I think I learned to appreciate it more, and it made me realize I only have so much time left here. It’s hard to describe, but I feel attached to Rome. There’s something about it that attracts me to it. I will always love Rome!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Cinque Terre: The Honey-mooners' Paradise
I feel as if I have not documented much about my actual trips as I should be. Apart from the lack of time I devote to writing about my trips, I keep two journals which I simultaneously write in, one for school and one for personal use. So, I can’t be blamed for avoiding writing down my experiences and adventures, just that I don’t always blog about them. The only reason I feel a real need to blog about my trips is so I have something to reference or point people to when they inquire about my trips.
I have often wondered how I am going to recount my experience in Rome when I go back home. It will be like recollecting three months of traveling, personal growth, adventures, sights, sounds, emotions…I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s literally impossible to summarize my trip. Even within my stay in Rome, I’ve traveled so much outside Rome itself that each trip is like an adventure in itself, and I simply can’t treat my weekend trips as side notes in comparison to Rome. Each trip had its own amazing elements; each experience had its own adventure! I suppose what I’ll have to do when people inquire about my trip is to describe the affect of the trip on me, as a whole, i.e. what I learned from it, how I grew, and my favorite experiences. Sounds easy. Ha.
Anyway, I must continue writing about my trips, so that I don’t forget to do it. Two weekends ago, Maggie and I adventured to Cinque Terre, five cities along the Northern coast of Italy. These cities, , Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso were like a beautiful dream . The cloudy, grey day on which we arrived added a mysterious feeling to the towns which colored the mountains in which they were carved into. The first town, Riomaggiore, is my favorite, maybe because it was the first town we visited, but it was like walking into a dream. The smell of the salty ocean was fresh in the air and the breeze from the ocean swept up the streets as we walked toward the castle at the top. By this time it was already dark, yet we could hear the waves crashing against the rocks. It was so peaceful. Maggie and I sat up there for a while enjoying the sounds and smells.
Cinque Terre was defined by a series of random, unexpected events, and I here quote blurbs from my journal:
“Sitting by the railroad tracks in Manarola waiting for the train because the road was closed off and Maggie wouldn’t let me crawl over the fence.
Eating cashews and snickers bars.
Getting on the wrong train at La Spezia going to Genova. The detour brought us thirty minutes past our intended destination, but it was a much needed detour. We just laughed when the conductor got mad at us for getting on the wrong train…and I quote him: ‘Make sure you KNOW where you’re going before you get on a train…’
Sneaking into a garden in Riomaggiore at night and picking two grapefruit after almost killing myself upon entering the gate of the garden when I didn’t notice the drop off. I slid and my leg got caught in the fence. I wouldn’t suggest doing it. But, it was worth it.
Maggie trying to throw her orange over the ledge of the train tracks. She aimed. She threw. Squash…right on the train tracks. Epic fail! Hilarious.”
These are just a few of the episodes that defined our trip, not including a random stop off in Pisa on our way back to Rome! We got off the train, found our way to the leaning tower of Pisa, walked back, and hopped on the next outgoing train to Rome! All of these fun adventures wouldn’t have been possible without Maggie.
And, this all happened in some of the most gorgeous towns in all of Italy. I cannot forget to describe the indescribable beauty we saw. The towns wedged into the mountains were painted with color! The reds and yellows popped in contrast to the deep browns and green of the mountains. Wine vineyards enveloped the mountain side! The five towns each offered a unique and different feel! There was pesto and foccaccia bread everywhere. Apart from that, Cinque Terre is known for its delicious WHITE wine. I can honestly say I had THE best glass of white wine that I have ever had in my entire life.
Cinque Terre has to be one of my favorite places in all of Italy!
I have often wondered how I am going to recount my experience in Rome when I go back home. It will be like recollecting three months of traveling, personal growth, adventures, sights, sounds, emotions…I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s literally impossible to summarize my trip. Even within my stay in Rome, I’ve traveled so much outside Rome itself that each trip is like an adventure in itself, and I simply can’t treat my weekend trips as side notes in comparison to Rome. Each trip had its own amazing elements; each experience had its own adventure! I suppose what I’ll have to do when people inquire about my trip is to describe the affect of the trip on me, as a whole, i.e. what I learned from it, how I grew, and my favorite experiences. Sounds easy. Ha.
Anyway, I must continue writing about my trips, so that I don’t forget to do it. Two weekends ago, Maggie and I adventured to Cinque Terre, five cities along the Northern coast of Italy. These cities, , Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso were like a beautiful dream . The cloudy, grey day on which we arrived added a mysterious feeling to the towns which colored the mountains in which they were carved into. The first town, Riomaggiore, is my favorite, maybe because it was the first town we visited, but it was like walking into a dream. The smell of the salty ocean was fresh in the air and the breeze from the ocean swept up the streets as we walked toward the castle at the top. By this time it was already dark, yet we could hear the waves crashing against the rocks. It was so peaceful. Maggie and I sat up there for a while enjoying the sounds and smells.
Cinque Terre was defined by a series of random, unexpected events, and I here quote blurbs from my journal:
“Sitting by the railroad tracks in Manarola waiting for the train because the road was closed off and Maggie wouldn’t let me crawl over the fence.
Eating cashews and snickers bars.
Getting on the wrong train at La Spezia going to Genova. The detour brought us thirty minutes past our intended destination, but it was a much needed detour. We just laughed when the conductor got mad at us for getting on the wrong train…and I quote him: ‘Make sure you KNOW where you’re going before you get on a train…’
Sneaking into a garden in Riomaggiore at night and picking two grapefruit after almost killing myself upon entering the gate of the garden when I didn’t notice the drop off. I slid and my leg got caught in the fence. I wouldn’t suggest doing it. But, it was worth it.
Maggie trying to throw her orange over the ledge of the train tracks. She aimed. She threw. Squash…right on the train tracks. Epic fail! Hilarious.”
These are just a few of the episodes that defined our trip, not including a random stop off in Pisa on our way back to Rome! We got off the train, found our way to the leaning tower of Pisa, walked back, and hopped on the next outgoing train to Rome! All of these fun adventures wouldn’t have been possible without Maggie.
And, this all happened in some of the most gorgeous towns in all of Italy. I cannot forget to describe the indescribable beauty we saw. The towns wedged into the mountains were painted with color! The reds and yellows popped in contrast to the deep browns and green of the mountains. Wine vineyards enveloped the mountain side! The five towns each offered a unique and different feel! There was pesto and foccaccia bread everywhere. Apart from that, Cinque Terre is known for its delicious WHITE wine. I can honestly say I had THE best glass of white wine that I have ever had in my entire life.
Cinque Terre has to be one of my favorite places in all of Italy!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A City Come Alive
Today everything seemed to come alive! As I walked the streets of Rome, making my way through new allies and discovering new spots such as the one I’m sitting in now, Circus Art Cafe, I felt as if everything stood out. The marble city silhouetted with domes and towering statues, seemed so clear from the top of Piazza Garibaldi. Even the mountains showed off their beauty, a careful contrast against the white outline of the city!
The cute, chic café that I happened upon while exploring the backs streets has a unique style, and somewhat of an American twist to it (American only because it actually has tables and chairs to sit down in to enjoy a cup of coffee or work on a paper!). The sun is shining through the window wrapping me in warmth as I drink a cappuccino.
I’m getting in the habit of forcing myself to order everything in Italian. My efforts to fit in, and appear to be an Italian have seemed to fail up until this point…and I thought I was doing well. For example, when I ordered some gelato yesterday: “Coni piccolo con pistachio solo, per favore!” I immediately felt a sense of pride only to hear the guy scooping my gelato say: “Americini…American?!?!?” Ugh. Really? Was it that obvious that I’m American? In any case, this set back won’t stop me. I’ve continued to order in Italian, and not only that but only speak Italian when I’m addressed by another Italian. I refuse to speak English whenever possible while out in public (except when I’m with other American speaking people).
As of late, my mind has been focused, far too much, on what is my favorite time of year: Christmas. I don’t know what has sparked this premature excitement for preparing for Christmas, but it’s all I can think about. I’m most excited about experiencing a little taste of the Christmas Season, or, rather, the preparations for it, here in Roma! I want to experience and commandeer new traditions. Europeans seem to have more traditions, or should I say, different traditions. Maggie and myself planned a trip to Austria the second week in December, where I hope to participate in their Advent festivities.
So much is planned for the last four weeks of my stay here in Rome. My heart aches at the thought of leaving, yet I must not dwell on the days left, but cherish and live each day to the fullest. I’m making a list of the things I have to fit in before I go so I don’t forget to do them before I leave. We’ve done so much already!
The cute, chic café that I happened upon while exploring the backs streets has a unique style, and somewhat of an American twist to it (American only because it actually has tables and chairs to sit down in to enjoy a cup of coffee or work on a paper!). The sun is shining through the window wrapping me in warmth as I drink a cappuccino.
I’m getting in the habit of forcing myself to order everything in Italian. My efforts to fit in, and appear to be an Italian have seemed to fail up until this point…and I thought I was doing well. For example, when I ordered some gelato yesterday: “Coni piccolo con pistachio solo, per favore!” I immediately felt a sense of pride only to hear the guy scooping my gelato say: “Americini…American?!?!?” Ugh. Really? Was it that obvious that I’m American? In any case, this set back won’t stop me. I’ve continued to order in Italian, and not only that but only speak Italian when I’m addressed by another Italian. I refuse to speak English whenever possible while out in public (except when I’m with other American speaking people).
As of late, my mind has been focused, far too much, on what is my favorite time of year: Christmas. I don’t know what has sparked this premature excitement for preparing for Christmas, but it’s all I can think about. I’m most excited about experiencing a little taste of the Christmas Season, or, rather, the preparations for it, here in Roma! I want to experience and commandeer new traditions. Europeans seem to have more traditions, or should I say, different traditions. Maggie and myself planned a trip to Austria the second week in December, where I hope to participate in their Advent festivities.
So much is planned for the last four weeks of my stay here in Rome. My heart aches at the thought of leaving, yet I must not dwell on the days left, but cherish and live each day to the fullest. I’m making a list of the things I have to fit in before I go so I don’t forget to do them before I leave. We’ve done so much already!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
My Journey thus Far
Looking back to the first day I arrived in Rome, I remember the fresh feeling of excitement and anticipation. I remember very vividly my first experience in St. Peter’s Basilica where I felt goose-bumps and tears filled my eyes as I saw before my eyes the most magnificent structure and monument of universal faith that I had ever seen. I can even recall the taste of my first Italian cappuccino.
As I was thinking about this the other day, I realized the novelty of beginning a journey does not always last, which is not entirely a bad thing. As exciting as it was to see things for the first time and be surrounded by overwhelming sights and sounds, I know that the point I am at now is a point where I can truly allow this study abroad experience to impress upon me in a deeper way. Already half-way through this three month long journey, I am constantly seeing new sights and sounds and am still edified when passing the rich art and architecture that I cannot help but be amazed. It is like finding treasure in a treasure chest that has an endless supply of riches.
The difference now, after two months, is that I am beginning to see things with different eyes than before. It can be compared to the process of maturation in a child. The mind, seeing things for the first time, has a sort of child-like outlook (in the sense that it sees things in a new and unfamiliar way). Yet overtime, the mind learns to see a thing for what a thing is and, at that point, allowed to see it in its entirety. For example, I have noticed this on my surmounting number of trips to the Vatican. Each time is a different experience; each time I am amazed, yet, at the same time, each time I am able to see things in a different light or angle than before. The key now is not to take my surroundings for granted and overlook the beauty I have the opportunity to see every day. I have found myself taking more time at each place and going back to the places I’ve been before to soak up, in a deeper sense, what I have already seen, allowing it to trans form my soul.
That is what this city and studying abroad has done for me: transformed me in a way I could never have imagined. I heard from those who had gone before me that the study abroad semester changes a person. I never fully understood what they meant until now. I cannot even express what traveling has taught me other than that traveling, especially in such a glorious city such as Rome, has the power to transform the mind, body, and spirit if one has an open heart and mind. The senses are heightened by the very structures that lift one’s spirit to something beyond itself. I came into this semester with just that: an open heart and mind. I wanted to immerse myself as much as possible in the culture. Doing so has changed me (in ways I might not even realize). I see the world in new light. It is not so much that I have changed as a person as it that I have grown as a person. I have grown in unexpected ways through my experiences. So many factors have played into this: the program (including the director, Mr. Assaf, who has allowed us so many opportunities), the community in which we live, the people I am with, and of course the city Rome!
I have and still am taking every experience as an opportunity to grow and learn. I can honestly say that I have fallen in love with Rome. My heart will always have a special place for this city. I am constantly, on a day to day basis, learning! I never want to stop. Rome has taught me that one must never stop learning. This experience is one that will always be a part of me. It has transformed me and will affect me for the rest of my life. I am thankful for this opportunity as it will form me and prepare me for the next step in life!
As I was thinking about this the other day, I realized the novelty of beginning a journey does not always last, which is not entirely a bad thing. As exciting as it was to see things for the first time and be surrounded by overwhelming sights and sounds, I know that the point I am at now is a point where I can truly allow this study abroad experience to impress upon me in a deeper way. Already half-way through this three month long journey, I am constantly seeing new sights and sounds and am still edified when passing the rich art and architecture that I cannot help but be amazed. It is like finding treasure in a treasure chest that has an endless supply of riches.
The difference now, after two months, is that I am beginning to see things with different eyes than before. It can be compared to the process of maturation in a child. The mind, seeing things for the first time, has a sort of child-like outlook (in the sense that it sees things in a new and unfamiliar way). Yet overtime, the mind learns to see a thing for what a thing is and, at that point, allowed to see it in its entirety. For example, I have noticed this on my surmounting number of trips to the Vatican. Each time is a different experience; each time I am amazed, yet, at the same time, each time I am able to see things in a different light or angle than before. The key now is not to take my surroundings for granted and overlook the beauty I have the opportunity to see every day. I have found myself taking more time at each place and going back to the places I’ve been before to soak up, in a deeper sense, what I have already seen, allowing it to trans form my soul.
That is what this city and studying abroad has done for me: transformed me in a way I could never have imagined. I heard from those who had gone before me that the study abroad semester changes a person. I never fully understood what they meant until now. I cannot even express what traveling has taught me other than that traveling, especially in such a glorious city such as Rome, has the power to transform the mind, body, and spirit if one has an open heart and mind. The senses are heightened by the very structures that lift one’s spirit to something beyond itself. I came into this semester with just that: an open heart and mind. I wanted to immerse myself as much as possible in the culture. Doing so has changed me (in ways I might not even realize). I see the world in new light. It is not so much that I have changed as a person as it that I have grown as a person. I have grown in unexpected ways through my experiences. So many factors have played into this: the program (including the director, Mr. Assaf, who has allowed us so many opportunities), the community in which we live, the people I am with, and of course the city Rome!
I have and still am taking every experience as an opportunity to grow and learn. I can honestly say that I have fallen in love with Rome. My heart will always have a special place for this city. I am constantly, on a day to day basis, learning! I never want to stop. Rome has taught me that one must never stop learning. This experience is one that will always be a part of me. It has transformed me and will affect me for the rest of my life. I am thankful for this opportunity as it will form me and prepare me for the next step in life!
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