Holiday in Spain

I'm going to keep this one short, because I have to get ready for my final Cambridge formal. Yesterday and the day before I spent in Barcelona, Spain. It was two of the most incredible days I have ever had.

Firstly, putting my Spanish to practice was amazing. It all came so naturally... much more so than I expected. I conversed with all of the waiters/hotel people, etc. in Spanish. As well as a few of the locals in random situations. I was pretty proud of myself, and didn't feel like too much of a gringo.

I loved everything about Barcelona. Let's just say that it is definetly a place I could see myself living. I fit right in with the culture (laid back, beach style) and the people and food are amazing. Also, a siesta is built into every single day... perfect for my everyday nap. There are too many things for me to say about Barcelona, so here are some of the hi-lights:

#1 La Mar: For those of you who don't know, Barcelona is situated on the northeast side of Spain, right on the coast. It borders the Mediterranean Sea. One of the most beautiful oceans I have ever seen! The water was as blue as could be... Seriously the kind of things you only see in magazines. Keith and I took a siesta on the beach, and it was amazing. I also went swimming in my dress... the fish in me just couldn't resist. It was absolutely beautiful. Also, it was my first experience with a European topless beach! Which is hysterical. There were also many, many beautiful Spanish men. Let's just say that we enjoyed the scenery... all of it. We went to the beach both days, because we just couldn't resist! We explored the whole area. It was amazing.

#2 La Sagrada Familia: In high school, we had a cultural unit in Spanish 4. We had to learn about all the different painters and architects in Spain for part of it. In this unit, we learned about Antoni Gaudi. Here is where the beauty of a study abroad experience intersects: I got to see a lot of Gaudi's architecture. Now, back during my senior year of high school, I couldn't have cared less about this Gaudi-guy and his buildings. Now? It took my breath away. We spent 2 hours looking at la Sagrada Familia. It is the most beautiful church I have ever been in. I will never, ever forget it. The architecture on the outside was gothic and beautiful, but then when you go inside, it opens up into a huge cathedral. Everything is light, and it's one of those places where you can truly feel God all around you. This was definitely a mountain-top experience for me.

#3 The City itself: I felt completely myself in Barcelona. I fit in so well with the people in the culture. Seriously, if I had a city (other than Cambridge) in Europe to describe me, it would be Barcelona. It's such an eclectic mix of beautiful culture, street art, parks, flowers, and beach. So it is absolutely perfect. The food, the people, all of it. I just absolutely loved loved loved Barcelona. Here are a few pictures of the city.

I'm finishing this blog on my last day in Cambridge. My next blog will be my last of the European adventure-- a summary of all I've learned, how I've grown and changed, and the overall experience. I'm really not prepared emotionally to reflect yet, because I'm not even prepared emotionally to leave. So to give myself more time to dwell in Cambridge-mindset, I'm going to write the last passage back in the States. xx.

More later, love for now, Tess

Journeys.

This weekend, my main task was to read "Radical Hope: Ethics in the face of Cultural devastation" and write papers on ethics and Winston Churchill (A man who is an incredible demonstration of the human personality)

As I do all of this, I find myself in a state of introspection. The question for my philosophy paper I had to answer, "What ought I to do" is one that philosophers have been trying to answer since the time of Aristotle. And while I like the answer I have composed to my paper, it left me thinking about how much a product of my family's culture I am.

Which made me think about the things that really are important in life. And they aren't this computer I'm typing on, or the clothes I'm wearing, or even this paper I am writing. It's the conversations. The moments spent with people I love. The experiences.

This trip has opened my eyes to the reality of my own personal situation. It has opened my eyes to the idea that there are very different ways of living, outside of the one I pursue in Columbus, OH.

Take, for instance, life here in Cambridge. It's a quaint life. We don't have wireless, there isn't a television, you walk wherever you need to go, and moments of stress are handled through conversation and a cup of tea. And this is spectacular.

Wireless isn't a necessity because everything you can do with it you can do with an ethernet cord. Televisions aren't necessary because you spend time with friends deep in conversation, running outside, enjoying the sun or reading books. And the conversation I was talking about? Incredible. There is a standard of respect here that doesn't exist in the states. You listen to what other have to say. You articulate your words. You aren't so hurried ever that there isn't time for a proper cup of tea or coffee.

I have eliminated the rush in my life. There is an endless amount of time simply because I am no longer wasting it. I don't sit for hours on facebook or twitter, and I'm not wasting time on hulu. I'm reading books, I'm opening my eyes to the beauty all around me. Beauty that is existent outside of the UK, it's all over the world. As long as I am looking for it.

I have new passions. New loves. New desires. New friendships. The UK has been a life-changing process. I've altered my routines. I've changed the way I think about time, and I'm better for it.

Americans live to work. Europeans work to live. It's a truth that I learned about in sociology last winter, but I don't think I ever really believed. Here's to hoping I live as a European for the rest of my life.

Ask questions. Expect answers. Have conversation. Turn the television off, completely off just for one day. Go a day without access to a computer. Forget unlimited texting, and have real conversations. These are goals I'm setting for myself when I return to the States, and I hope that the laid-back lifestyle I currently inhabit is one that I live forever. Try it yourself. You  might just be surprised.

I'm glad that my journey here in Cambridge hasn't come to an end yet, but I would be lying if I said I weren't dreading that day, 13 days from now, when I will be on an 11 hour journey home. But the truth is, that isn't the end of the journey. There are no endings in life. There are no new beginnings. There is just life. There are days, there are journeys. And from here on, I want to keep my eyes open to these journeys, and thankful for every single moment.

More later, love for now, Tess.

Political Action... my thoughts on the UK riots

In response to the many riots going on throughout the UK right now:

First: To anyone back home who is worried. The main riots were contained to London, and they brought in over 16,000 police officers from surrounding cities and counties to help with the situation. Last night the riots in London calmed down, at the expense of violence spreading to cities across the UK. So far, riots have been reported in Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Birmingham suburbs of London, and even here at Cambridge. Cambridge has only experienced one minor incident, in which 30-40 people protested; only 5 of whom became violent and were promptly arrested. Advice from the University is to use vigilance and travel in groups by night. During the day there aren't riots in any of the cities. Parliament, who was on summer holiday, was recalled yesterday by the Prime Minister, and the government has devised a plan to fight back against the rioters.

 "This continued violence is simply not acceptable, and it will be stopped. We will not put up with this in our country. We will not allow a culture of fear to exist on our streets." --David Cameron

For those who haven't paid much attention, the riots started in response to a man being murdered by the police in one of the worst parts of London, Tottenham. The protest began peacefully, with around 300 people gathering outside of the police station to demand justice on the part of the deceased. They were protesting, because he was shot after an apparent exchange of fire.

A note: Guns are completely illegal in the UK. You cannot own a gun. You cannot carry pepper spray. You just can't do it. And there isn't a need, because the statistics of violent assaults are incredibly low. The biggest crime risk you face here is most often a pickpocket. This isn't to say that there aren't pockets and incidences of violence, but overall, the rates of violent crime in the UK are much lower than in the US (which says something for gun control laws, I'm just saying). Typical police officers don't even carry guns. So the fact that this man was killed in an exchange of gunfire is a serious matter.

Moving on. After about three hours of peaceful protest Saturday night, the violence that has encompassed the country for days began with the throwing of bottles at the police. Then the lighting of a patrol car. Then a bus. Looting begins that very night.

The next night? Same thing. Minus the peaceful protest. Looting. Rioting. Fires. All across London. To me, it seems as if the original goal of obtaining justice for the man who died has disseminated into a battle between mindless, looting citizens and the police trying to attain some level of control.

Which brings me to my main point. I believe that we each have a right to speak out and say when we think something in the political or governmental processes is injust. I will fight to the end for each person's civil right to freedom of speech. To freedom to gather peacefully. In the UK, they have similar rights. The police allowed the peaceful protest, and only stepped in once it became violent.

It's the violence and mindless looting I take issue with. At this point, I feel like the point has been lost, and it's nothing more than robbery.

Those seeking desperately for a "reason" behind the riots have cited a desire for equality in government programs. So seek that out. Protest. Make signs. Write members of parliament. I am flat out embarrassed to be part of a generation that uses violence and fires to make a "point," a point that is lost among 100 million Pounds (170 mill USD) worth of damage across a country.

Political action is important. Decisions are made by those who show up. Rioting, fires, and violent protests don't allow you to speak your mind, they simply get you thrown in jail. They cause monetary damage, damage to the spirits of cities and their citizens, and sadly, injury and loss of life.

That's the most shocking part to me. People are injured, People are dying. Houses and shops, entire livelihoods are being destroyed. And to what end?

My heart goes out the British Police, the parliament, and the country. Hoping the UK can get through this soon.

Paris and Brussels

Freshly back from the LONGEST travel week of my life. Note to self: Just because you have time for two trips to two countries during the same week does not mean that you should. Reason? I am EXHAUSTED~ hence the delayed blogging. Though I am sure you will all forgive me. Because, as you can imagine, the trips were both phenomenal.

Paris... where to begin? Should I tell you how much I love the city? The people? The atmosphere? Or maybe some anecdotal stories, like drinking wine from baby bottles, wading in the pool in downtown Paris, or sitting outside our bus because the driver left. There is so much to write, so here are the highlights.

Our trip started off much better travelling wise. With only one slight moment of panic, we all got on the bus, and we all made our overnight coach out of Victoria. Now it was time for an 8 hour bus ride. 8 hours. The exciting part? Halfway through the trip you get to cross the English Channel via Ferry Boat! Then into France, where you get new stamps on your passport!!!

So finally, we arrive at Paris. We get off the bus station, and into the metro. I have never smelled anything so awful in my life. I legitimately thought that I was going to vomit. As you can imagine, Paris, a huge city does not have the best smelling metro to begin with... and then add on the fact that it was summer. But, pretty soon the smell dissipated (or I became sensitized) and we were off the metro, on the way to our hotel. We got breakfast at an adorable cafe, and discovered the language barrier might be a little more difficult than we first anticipated. From here it was 2 straight days of go, go, go.

We did everything there is to do in Paris. Versailles, the louvre, tour Eiffel (night and day), Notre Dame, Moulin Rouge. It was all incredible. To spare you the reading of a enormous blog, I'll simply tell you about my favorite tourist attraction we saw:oh wait... I can't pick just one.

Versailles was beautiful. The palace is incredible, and thanks to Louis XIV for building it (even if his country was in complete revolution when he did). Keith and I toured the inside, while everyone else saw the inside and gardens. It was simply spectacular.


Next, on to the Eiffel Tower. We saw if by day, we saw it by night. AND, we went up inside of it!!! Which was really cool, and completely terrifying. If it weren't Paris, I probably would have kissed the ground I was so happy. The tower is beautiful as you can imagine (though more industrial looking than it looks from far away). It was absolutely stunning, and so gigantic. After we went up to the top, we waded through the wading pool nearby. A great relaxing experience for our very tired feet. Overall, the Tower was absolutely incredible. Seeing cities from the air provides an interesting view on society. You can see the beautiful Cathedrals (A sign of the Church's dominance in Europe throughout time) to mid evil and modern architecture, the suburbs, the slums, the posh neighborhoods. An aerial view provided me with an overwhelming feeling of just how blessed my life is, and just how small it is. Absolutely phenomenal.

Also: A note on the World Expo. I really want to go to one. Many of the structures that we see as tourists (the atomium I'll show below, the eiffel tower, the London Eye, the Seattle space needle). Anyway seeing them in their prime for what they were actually made for would be cool. World Fair is now added to the bucket list.

More of Paris. So we had to experience some true Parisian culture, right? Outside of tourism. So we headed down to Moulin Rouge (which is really cool and I now need to see the movie). And we went to a restaurant that Sally's sister recommended. This was perhaps the coolest eating experience of my life, and I suggest that anyone who goes to Paris goes to Chez Les Fondus. It's this tiny little whole in the wall restaurant that serves cheese and meat fondue. We chose "Le fromage." And it was delicious. Bread, cheese, what more could I want? Oh, that's right, wine!! Which is served out of... get this... Baby Bottles!!! Incredible. Hilarious. Delicious. I can't even put it into words.

                      

So after the wine and the fondue, we ended up going home to the hotel to get started for the next day early. It was a GREAT day. We started early, at the Louvre. It was beautiful. Paintings I've never thought of seeing I got to see! Beautiful, beautiful stuff. And some stautes, like the ones below of Aphrodite, Cupid and Psyche. I loved the Louvre. Then, we went to Notre Dame. I think it's the most beautiful Cathedral I have seen yet. The architecture was stunning, and so many people were there! They were also giving service, and hearing the priest speak was wonderful.


Overall, I loved Paris. I loved the food, I loved the culture, I loved the people. It was amazing. So my new goal, well at least one of them in my quest to become more cultured, is to learn fFrench. I love Spanish, but the thing about French is how elegant it is. It's absolutely beautiful, and I really really want to learn it.





Now, onto Brussels. I didn't have class this week, and so my friend Keith and I decided to go to Brussels, Belgium. We took another overnight bus, and got there by 8:30 in the morning. Brussels is a beautiful small city where they speak: Dutch, French, and (ready) English!! People asked us for directions like 11 times. Apparently we just look like locals wherever we go.

The people in Brussels are SO kind. And they have a lot of French fries. Main tourist attraction? The Mannekin Pis. It's a statue of a little boy peeing. The legend goes that the mayor of the city tried to blow it up. He lined the whole block with dynamite, and then it was supposed to, you know, go KABOOM. Well, the wind changed, and the Mannekin Pis statue peed on the gun powder, saving the city. So, there are magnets, snow globes, fake statues, all the you could want.

Also in Belgium: Belgian Waffles. Ice Cream. Chocolat. Basically, I was in food heaven. SO great!!! I think what I loved most about Belgium was just the small-town atmosphere, even though Brussels is actually a pretty big city. It's also the home to the European Parliament. Which is gorgeous. I have a newfound respect for the European Union because of my History course on Modern Europe. What most impresses me is that they were able to take a continent that has been fighting for centuries (particularly horribly during the first half of the 20th century) and the leaders have created a society where the countries have been living in relative peace for over 60 years. I think that was the higlight of the trip for me.

We also went up into the Atomium, which is a giant structure of the Iron molecule. Humongous. You can go up inside of it and see the whole city of Brussels, and further out into Belgium. So gorgeous. We also went and saw a statue of Winston Churchill (my homeboy/favorite history figure). And we ate at Chi-Chi's! The former American Tex/Mex restaurant. It was SO good!!!! Overall, a great trip. I would love to go back some time, just because the atmosphere and people were so great.

Which brings me to my last point, which is really an overall thinking about Europe. The atmosphere, culture, and people.


Taking things slow. Breathing in the atmosphere, the cool wind from outside my window. Taking time to read books, look at the River Cam, walk through centuries-old buildings. Taking time to feel blessed, to be where I am and who I am. Taking time to remember that experiences like these are once in a lifetime, my lifetime. Taking time to remember to bring this attitude home with me, and live the simplistic life of Cambridge, England, for the rest of my life.

More later, love for now, Tess.