"...I am struck by a sign hanging from the ceiling that announces the ways to the arrivals hall, the exit and transfer desks. It is a bright yellow sign , one metre high and two across, simple in design, a plastic fascia in an illuminated aluminum box suspended on steel struts from a ceiling webbed with cables and air-conditioning ducts. Despite its simplicity, even mundanity, the sign delights me, a delight for which the adjective 'exotic', though unusual, seems apt...If the sign provokes such pleasure, it is because it offers the first conculsive evidence of having arrived elsewhere." -De Botton
This passage could not have been written better for me because this is exactly what I think when I enter a new place. I remember the first time I arrived in Europe. I landed in Dublin and it looked similar enough to home at first. Then I enter the airport and see signs for the 'WC' and very tall 1,5 litre bottles of soda, including an extensive collection of Fanta flavors. Even yesterday as I was riding on the bus to the castle and concentration camp I was lost in thought staring out the window, especially because the surroundings resembled West Virginia, I see a road sign and my heart jumps in excitement because it reminds me that I am in a different place.
Last week myself and a few friends crossed the river to Germany and even this short trip you see different things. Signs spelled with an odd B like letter in the middle of a word and even different marketing styles. This may sound too deep in thought or even odd, but when I see a sign like De Botton did or taste a burger that has a different taste than at home to suit the taste of Europeans I think about the history of the country and all that has happened to lead up to this burger being this way while my burger at home tastes different. It is almost like the reflection of the people of this country.
As the world become smaller I hope I, and other travelers, can always have these small joys at seeing a sign in a different language other than English and tasting a similar food from home and seeing that even that is different.
-Tyler Underwood
10/01/2011
9/30/2011
Call me a diva if you’d like, but I have very strict rules when it comes to my clothing. Rule 1: never wear the same thing within a two week period (jeans and jackets are an exception). Rule 2: no one borrows my clothes, if they do it’s a trade, but only with close friends. Rule 3: Never spend over $35 on a shirt or $120 on jeans. But, France is starting to change me…
When I’m in the mall or the city center shopping, I can’t help but notice how much money people spend on clothes. No one acts surprised when their total is 300euro. Who are these people?! What do they do in order to spend this much money every time they go shopping? No one looks at the price tags and no one discriminates against certain stores. It’s totally normal to see an old woman looking at the same clothes as me now. When I’m at school, I’m not shocked to see people in the same outfit they wore last week. Whatttttt?! That is the ultimate crime!!! What are these people thinking?
White at a party hosted by the BDI, I met my French buddy, Salima. I had a million questions for her. First I asked her about their shopping spending habits. She couldn’t speak for everyone but she explained that she worked her entire summer break and spent about half of her savings on a wardrobe for the fall and winter. Most of her friends did the same. She said she didn’t mind paying much for some things because she’d wear them multiple times and worked hard. She then went on to explain that the things I see people wearing multiple times are probably very expensive and they want to get their worth out of it. These shopping trips only happen one or two times a year. So maybe ill take a lesson or two from the French: reward myself for my hard work and take more appreciation in fashion. However, I’m still not sharing my clothes with anyone.
When I’m in the mall or the city center shopping, I can’t help but notice how much money people spend on clothes. No one acts surprised when their total is 300euro. Who are these people?! What do they do in order to spend this much money every time they go shopping? No one looks at the price tags and no one discriminates against certain stores. It’s totally normal to see an old woman looking at the same clothes as me now. When I’m at school, I’m not shocked to see people in the same outfit they wore last week. Whatttttt?! That is the ultimate crime!!! What are these people thinking?
White at a party hosted by the BDI, I met my French buddy, Salima. I had a million questions for her. First I asked her about their shopping spending habits. She couldn’t speak for everyone but she explained that she worked her entire summer break and spent about half of her savings on a wardrobe for the fall and winter. Most of her friends did the same. She said she didn’t mind paying much for some things because she’d wear them multiple times and worked hard. She then went on to explain that the things I see people wearing multiple times are probably very expensive and they want to get their worth out of it. These shopping trips only happen one or two times a year. So maybe ill take a lesson or two from the French: reward myself for my hard work and take more appreciation in fashion. However, I’m still not sharing my clothes with anyone.
On Anticipation
"It is easy to forget ourselves when we contemplate pictorial and verbal descriptions of places. At home, as my eyes had panned over photographs of Barbados, there were no reminders that those eyes were intimately tied to a body and mind which would travel with me wherever I went and that might, over time, assert their presence in ways that would threaten or even negate the purpose of what the eyes had come there to see." (page 20)
There are always expectations involved when traveling, especially when you will be living in one place for over three months. I anticipated living in the Château and riding my bike to school on a daily basis. Beyond that, I had no idea what I was in for. All I knew was that I wanted to be somewhere completely out of my comfort zone and away from everyone I knew for a while to really understand more about myself. The goal was to not let myself get in the way of my adventures, unlike Botton in this passage.
With all this being said, I am currently more confused about my future than I ever have been because I have left my normal inhibitions in the U.S. The thing is, I am totally okay with it! My completely planned out future has now become - how do I come back? Should I sell my car? I have even considered selling my eggs to a fertility clinic to pay for another study abroad trip. I realized that I not having a plan is the best way for me to live at this point in my life. I didn't anticipate feeling anything like this but it's times like this that make it all worth it.
- Rachel Cooper
There are always expectations involved when traveling, especially when you will be living in one place for over three months. I anticipated living in the Château and riding my bike to school on a daily basis. Beyond that, I had no idea what I was in for. All I knew was that I wanted to be somewhere completely out of my comfort zone and away from everyone I knew for a while to really understand more about myself. The goal was to not let myself get in the way of my adventures, unlike Botton in this passage.
With all this being said, I am currently more confused about my future than I ever have been because I have left my normal inhibitions in the U.S. The thing is, I am totally okay with it! My completely planned out future has now become - how do I come back? Should I sell my car? I have even considered selling my eggs to a fertility clinic to pay for another study abroad trip. I realized that I not having a plan is the best way for me to live at this point in my life. I didn't anticipate feeling anything like this but it's times like this that make it all worth it.
- Rachel Cooper
Is there really a "wrong time" to see the world?
"A danger of travel is that we may see things at the wrong time, before we have had an opportunity to build up the necessary receptivity so that new information is as useless and fugitive as necklace beads without a connecting chain. The risk is compounded by geography in the way that cities contain buildings or monuments that may only be a few feet apart in space but are leagues apart in terms of what is required to appreciate them. Having made a journey to a place we may never revisit, we feel obliged to admire a sequence of things which have no connection to one another besides a geographic one..."
I disagree with de Botton a bit here. I would not consider this a "danger". I don't think a lack of such "receptivity" would leave a traveler in mass confusion or with a less valuable experience.
There is just a different experience. If you knew absolutely nothing about a place that you were visiting, would it not be just like visiting an alien planet? Would that be a worthless experience?
Personally, I find the juxtaposition of different structures from different time periods to be beautiful and something that is certainly unique to every individual place. Even though I may not have extensive knowledge on everything that I come across, I don't feel that what I'm retaining is "useless". It's concepts and ideas of places that fascinate me the most.
A few days ago I climbed the Strasbourg Cathedral, which I find to be the most impressive landmark in the city. I know a little of its history, but thinking back, I don't think a complete lack of knowledge would have made the experience any less. A lot of what surrounds the cathedral is hundreds of years younger, but that does not take away from the ability to admire it all as a whole. It's amazing and admirable in itself that these "unlike" things are able to coexist and form the identity of a city.
For example, one of the most surprising sights from the top of the cathedral was the European Parliament building, strikingly different in style from all else that was visible. It was a nice reminder of what Europe is today as opposed to when the structure that I was standing on was brand new. However, they both equally are a part of Strasbourg, and I think that's something to reflect on.
This leads me to de Botton's dismissal of the significance of geographical relations. I believe that the "geographic connection" of things has significance. The "geographic connection" of anything is worth interpreting and analyzing. There's reason and purpose for why things are located as they are. It's the questioning of this, and not the dismissal, that gives people a reason to truly appreciate places and landmarks when travelling.
-Maria
I disagree with de Botton a bit here. I would not consider this a "danger". I don't think a lack of such "receptivity" would leave a traveler in mass confusion or with a less valuable experience.
There is just a different experience. If you knew absolutely nothing about a place that you were visiting, would it not be just like visiting an alien planet? Would that be a worthless experience?
Personally, I find the juxtaposition of different structures from different time periods to be beautiful and something that is certainly unique to every individual place. Even though I may not have extensive knowledge on everything that I come across, I don't feel that what I'm retaining is "useless". It's concepts and ideas of places that fascinate me the most.
A few days ago I climbed the Strasbourg Cathedral, which I find to be the most impressive landmark in the city. I know a little of its history, but thinking back, I don't think a complete lack of knowledge would have made the experience any less. A lot of what surrounds the cathedral is hundreds of years younger, but that does not take away from the ability to admire it all as a whole. It's amazing and admirable in itself that these "unlike" things are able to coexist and form the identity of a city.
For example, one of the most surprising sights from the top of the cathedral was the European Parliament building, strikingly different in style from all else that was visible. It was a nice reminder of what Europe is today as opposed to when the structure that I was standing on was brand new. However, they both equally are a part of Strasbourg, and I think that's something to reflect on.
This leads me to de Botton's dismissal of the significance of geographical relations. I believe that the "geographic connection" of things has significance. The "geographic connection" of anything is worth interpreting and analyzing. There's reason and purpose for why things are located as they are. It's the questioning of this, and not the dismissal, that gives people a reason to truly appreciate places and landmarks when travelling.
-Maria
planes and how i'm terrified of them
I was actually reading the Art of Travel today and there was one part of the 2nd section that had to deal with planes, and the magnificence that it seemed to hold for De Botton. Where fear is the only thing that seems to grip me whenever I start thinking about having to fly, pleasure and contentment go through the arthur's mind. I only wish that that sort of resolve would flood my mind whenever I begin to think about airplanes.
One passage during this section seemed to strike me as the most important question on my mind De Botton states "Similar sentiments may arise when looking at one of the larger species of airplane, it to 'vast' and 'complicated' creature which defies its size and the chaos of the lower atmosphere to steer serenely across the firmament. Seeing one parked at a gate, dwarfing luggage carts and mechanics, one is induced to feel surprise, overriding any scientific explanation, at how such a thing might move-- a few meters, let alone to Japan. " My question is, ok yea what the heck exactly holding this massive machines up in the air? I get the physics of it, yea but still. What keeps it from crashing down to earth? That is exactly why I am so afraid of these huge monsters. At any moment if something unexpected happens it could bring the whole thing down.
That's why it makes me wonder what kind of peace and contentment that it holds for the author, and how exactly can I achieve that peace? My life would be so much less filled with anxiety over this issue if someone could tell me exactly what I need to do in order to not freak out every time I think about flying.
One passage during this section seemed to strike me as the most important question on my mind De Botton states "Similar sentiments may arise when looking at one of the larger species of airplane, it to 'vast' and 'complicated' creature which defies its size and the chaos of the lower atmosphere to steer serenely across the firmament. Seeing one parked at a gate, dwarfing luggage carts and mechanics, one is induced to feel surprise, overriding any scientific explanation, at how such a thing might move-- a few meters, let alone to Japan. " My question is, ok yea what the heck exactly holding this massive machines up in the air? I get the physics of it, yea but still. What keeps it from crashing down to earth? That is exactly why I am so afraid of these huge monsters. At any moment if something unexpected happens it could bring the whole thing down.
That's why it makes me wonder what kind of peace and contentment that it holds for the author, and how exactly can I achieve that peace? My life would be so much less filled with anxiety over this issue if someone could tell me exactly what I need to do in order to not freak out every time I think about flying.
9/29/2011
To Do List: Make Friends
Studying abroad was appealing to me on many levels. One included meeting local students from another part of the world and immersing myself in a different culture. This has yet to become a reality after lining in France for a month. I feel so established in my own university ans so self assured in my studies and decision to study abroad, that I easily forget that I am reduced to being seen as a freshman entering college in that I have no friends, no contacts, and no real grasp on the city hot spots for students. I have unfortunately felt as if I have begun my college freshman year for a second time in Strasbourg. This idea frightens me. Although, the anticipation of having trouble getting around, speaking the language, or getting used to the cold weather were something I had prepared myself for, having trouble getting to know people and making friends was not. I had never given much thought as to how I had made friends later in life. I can distinguish and categorize my friends from the most recent to those I have known since before puberty. What I cannot recall is how I was able to connect with theme genuinely in order to begin this friendship. Beginning a conversation, finding common ground, or simply starting a friendly conversation has been more of a task than I thought possible. When faced with the dilemma to speak to another student or not, I revert back to the insecurities I had as a freshman and begin to doubt myself by thinking "I hope this isn't a stupid question", "I hope they speak English", "I hope they can understand my French","I hope they don't laugh". With all these questions plaguing my mind, by the time I have built up enough courage to talk to them, they have already walked down the hallway and I am simply left standing there with my question still unanswered.
I have contemplated many theories as to why my popularity at the EM hasn't risen to its full potential. First, I believe that the students here are my friends and are people I can call upon when I am ecstatic or even depressed. I am not alone in my travels nor my endeavors and do not have a compulsive need to make other friends since I already have fifteen friends at the Chateau. Second, the language barrier is too hard for me to cross. I am timid to express myself in the little French I know and merely seek out other English speakers and not French native if I ever do need assistance. Third, I have not found a place outside of school that will allow me to interact with students on a daily basis. I believe this third theory is the main culprit. Although, most everyone has made an effort to get out and know Strasbourg and its nightly atmosphere, we have yet to find a place that is frequented by students.
Slowly but surely, out of pure desperation for foreign student contact, I have made myself venture out in hopes of making one friend here in Strasbourg. I hope I am able to keep up any burst of courage I gain in order to talk to a fellow French student, because, after all, they are just students with most likely same tastes, problems and interests as we have, right?
I have contemplated many theories as to why my popularity at the EM hasn't risen to its full potential. First, I believe that the students here are my friends and are people I can call upon when I am ecstatic or even depressed. I am not alone in my travels nor my endeavors and do not have a compulsive need to make other friends since I already have fifteen friends at the Chateau. Second, the language barrier is too hard for me to cross. I am timid to express myself in the little French I know and merely seek out other English speakers and not French native if I ever do need assistance. Third, I have not found a place outside of school that will allow me to interact with students on a daily basis. I believe this third theory is the main culprit. Although, most everyone has made an effort to get out and know Strasbourg and its nightly atmosphere, we have yet to find a place that is frequented by students.
Slowly but surely, out of pure desperation for foreign student contact, I have made myself venture out in hopes of making one friend here in Strasbourg. I hope I am able to keep up any burst of courage I gain in order to talk to a fellow French student, because, after all, they are just students with most likely same tastes, problems and interests as we have, right?
9/28/2011
Different Worlds, Different Centuries, Similar Story!
I am in awe, reading the story of Gustave Flaubert and his love NOT for his mother country, France, but for another country completely different from his own. Egypt was his love, as America was my love. Since he was young, he hated his own country, its people, their manners and even their food and animals. He found refuge in what he later came to name "the Orient" for happiness, even though my desire to leave my country was not as profound as Flaubert's, it is ironical that a man born in a different world, different century could have a similar story of a girl born thousands of miles and centuries apart.
Growing up in a small village in Kenya, I found myself far removed from the needs and likes of my peer group. While in middle school learning the world Geography, I was overly interested in the North American continent, I would read keenly about the cotton-belt, the large rivers, the five big lakes, and even though I was young, I had decided that one day, America would be my home.
Going back to Flaubert's story, he was disgusted by the weather in his country, he did not care for beautiful places like Normandy or La belle, France, he believed strongly that he had been "transplanted by winds" to his mother-country, having been born elsewhere, he did not think he was born in Egypt, or China, or wherever, all he knew and believed was that he was not a "product" of France.
Whereas for me, I knew I was born and bred in Kenya, but I refused that I must grow and live in Kenya, I strongly knew I wanted to belong to another country, even though America was my chosen country, it really did not matter to me where I would eventually end, all I knew, just like Flaubert, wished and longed for "the Orient" I wished and longed for America. He was young, had no money of his own, so all he could do was to simply wish and dream about the "orange trees, palm trees, lotus flowers and cool paved pavilions in marble with wood-panelled chambers that talk of love!" He would ask himself questions like 'Will I never see necropolises, where toward evening, when the camels have come to rest by their wells, hyenas howl from beneath the mummies of kings?" I, on the other hand had no money either, but would ask myself, "will I never see Hollywood, where great movies seen all over the world are made?" Flaubert wishes came true at twenty-four when his father died unexpectedly, leaving him a fortune that allowed him to waste no more time dreaming, but to go to where his heart was. Unfortunately, I never got any fortune like Flaubert, even though my opportunity to move to my country of desire, did not come as early as Flaubert's, it finally came sixteen years ago.
I know a lot of people reading this blog might not relate or even naively think that one can be born in one place, but the heart belongs to another place, and when one has that feeling, it does not matter how good their life is or how much love one has for their family, one must leave to fulfill their heart's desire, one might not even have enough money to do so, but like they say "where there is a will, there is a way!". I am as much Red Indian as Kenyan, like Flaubert said, he was as " much Chinese as French." Truly, it does not matter who you are today, than who you will be tomorrow! - Caroline
Growing up in a small village in Kenya, I found myself far removed from the needs and likes of my peer group. While in middle school learning the world Geography, I was overly interested in the North American continent, I would read keenly about the cotton-belt, the large rivers, the five big lakes, and even though I was young, I had decided that one day, America would be my home.
Going back to Flaubert's story, he was disgusted by the weather in his country, he did not care for beautiful places like Normandy or La belle, France, he believed strongly that he had been "transplanted by winds" to his mother-country, having been born elsewhere, he did not think he was born in Egypt, or China, or wherever, all he knew and believed was that he was not a "product" of France.
Whereas for me, I knew I was born and bred in Kenya, but I refused that I must grow and live in Kenya, I strongly knew I wanted to belong to another country, even though America was my chosen country, it really did not matter to me where I would eventually end, all I knew, just like Flaubert, wished and longed for "the Orient" I wished and longed for America. He was young, had no money of his own, so all he could do was to simply wish and dream about the "orange trees, palm trees, lotus flowers and cool paved pavilions in marble with wood-panelled chambers that talk of love!" He would ask himself questions like 'Will I never see necropolises, where toward evening, when the camels have come to rest by their wells, hyenas howl from beneath the mummies of kings?" I, on the other hand had no money either, but would ask myself, "will I never see Hollywood, where great movies seen all over the world are made?" Flaubert wishes came true at twenty-four when his father died unexpectedly, leaving him a fortune that allowed him to waste no more time dreaming, but to go to where his heart was. Unfortunately, I never got any fortune like Flaubert, even though my opportunity to move to my country of desire, did not come as early as Flaubert's, it finally came sixteen years ago.
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