The Subject Matter

My program is all about Communist and Post-Communist Central and Eastern Europe. And let me tell you, my entire world has been turned upside with the knowledge I have obtained. I definitely do not have a full grasp, but I am starting to get a good feel for what happened, what high school failed to teach me. Learning about the corruption, persecution, discrimination and evil that occurred under communism and still today has really made me appreciate (i know this sounds cliche) my freedom.

In Budapest, we visited the House of Terror; it was the headquarters for the Arrowcross party (the Hungarian Nazi Regime) as well as the communism headquarters. Many innocent people were tortured and killed in the building, which is now a museum. The value of learning all about the history while being IN the countries and visiting historical places has been priceless.

>>>These are just some pictures I took from the Museum, which consisted of exhibits covering the beginning of Communism, the Gulags, WWII/Holocaust, the Rise of Communism, fall of Communism and much more.<<<

House of Terror Museum

Memorial for the religious persecution under the Communist Regime 

We spent today at Radio Free Europe Headquarters in Prague. What they are doing is providing accurate and free news to nations who sadly do not get that from their own government. What's interesting too is it is SOLELY FUNDED BY THE US CONGRESS...Yes, our tax dollars go to this amazing organization.

 I think of all the news sources I can instantly access and trust....and then learn about the dozens of countries who are cut off from the world and ultimately from the truth. It's a whole different world out there.

I felt I needed to blog a bit about the educational aspect of my experience abroad, because surprisingly, it is  becoming a major part of why this time here is so life-changing. Not having any background in this subject matter has made this all the more shocking, but if I could encourage anyone to do their own research and learn about something new or more in-depth, this is some pretty interesting stuff to have happened (so recently too).

 If anyone is even reading this....

The people who remain in your life.

Its a rare thing for your friend of 13 years to come visit you...

while you're studying abroad...

in Europe...

and go out, explore and show her around...

and have an amazing time. 

(She is such a beautiful person, inside and out...)

I'm of course talking about Samantha Weiner <3

I mean...

This European man was catching up on some 'light' reading in our hostel in Krakow...

In case you're a dummy and can't read...

Its "World Poverty for Dummies"

For some reason, we found (and still find) this comical...

Firenze, Italia

Welcome to Italy. Where the people are wayyyyy friendlier than in our dear Central Europe. We met up with the CHID Rome kids for some beautiful sightseeing and of course, bringing our little GS-ness to this quaint little town where the David calls home. As the saying goes, we came, we ate, we conquered. I got a great taste (pun intended) of Italy, and I can't wait to go back in June :)

My fellow savvy travelers <3

Rive Gauche...Went back all 3 days...Walked out with a pair of Oxfords I will blog about later. 

GROM Gelato is BOMB! 

My good friend, Joseph Hegge. See ya in Prague and them Amsterdam!!!

doo doo doo doo doo doo...Hannah Leask.

Hannah Leask. Nutella addict, my fellow KD and what an amazing travel buddy. She planned our trip to Florence, has been the one walking behind Jacklyn and in front of me (but will occasionally straggle with me, especially since she keeps re-injuring her foot), amazing to party with or just go have a beer, and I can't imagine doing this trip without her. Roommates for our third quarter now, she's a cool gal who I can't wait to look back, laugh and reminisce on our amazing adventures to Vienna, Florence, Krakow, Budapest, Berlin, Amsterdam, and of course...PRAGUE.

The hunt for a leather coat...then we met Romino. 

Pub crawl. Unexpected Rain. Please, we are from Seattle, we know what to do.

First toe-stub injury. It's been all downhill aka glass in foot, high heel stabbing, more stubbing...

Exploring Krakow. April 21-25

After fending off robbers on the overnight train, we finally arrived to Krakow for Easter weekend. What we arrived to was a vibrant city, beautiful weather and a strong (religious) culture to explore.


>>>My pictures from: The markets, Communist-Era Tour, beautiful old University called Collegium Maius, where their most famous alum is COPERNICUS.. We also did a fabulous bike tour through Krakow and Kazimeriz (the Jewish District).


This trip really showed the the effects of Nazism and Communism and the historical and current indications of them. 

Collegium Mauis

Staple (plastic) car of Communist Poland.

Pickles...to chase the Vodka. So Communist

Church built during communist era.

Poland.

It's a powerful thing to look at the sign from this angle on my way out.
"Never Again"