Experiential Blog 9

Throughout this study abroad program, I have encountered new information every day. The most meaningful part of this trip was seeing all the different countries, and being able to interact with other people in a country different from my own. Some of the places I went to, I ran into some really nice people who ask us about where we are from and I found it most interesting that they all ask the same question: What do you like most about America? I couldn't even answer that. I feel like our cultures are similar but also so different. I feel like if I am in a situation where cultures differ, I will be able to handle it. Being aware of the cultures and asking questions because asking them questions is okay will help understand who they are and what their culture is. Having the knowledge then will reduce the stereotypes we make on other countries and maybe change our behavior in the future.

Experiential Blog 8

During this study abroad experience I have been introduced to what empire is. We see empire in our every day life from government, architecture, officers, and much more. My learning is different when studying abroad. I feel like this is a more hands on learning in a way that we get to go to the places where our readings are taken place. There is a lot of history I have learned through the readings and the places I have been to. The palaces and tours we have been to helped me personally retain the information rather than learning this information in a classroom back at home. Physically being in the area and seeing the history itself changes your perspective on how you learn and see things. In my case I have learned about what empire is, and how to see empire in my life.

Experiential Blog 7

Throughout my trip thus far, I have been able to observe people's attitudes, how people think about time, personal space, and how to treat foreigners. Each place I have visited they all treat time the same way. They follow military time which is different from how we tell time. During my free weekend I went to Paris. I noticed that they don't have much personal space. I saw multiple people kissing on both sides of the persons cheek, while we would never do this. I noticed that some places I went to were more touristsy than the rest. People in Grantham, London, and Vienna were easy to get along with, while Paris and Prague the people weren't so great. When I was in Prague those who would be working at a store or restaurant and i wouldn't give them exact change, they would have s rude attitude. Paris was different, but the locals there don't seem too friendly towards the tourists. I met a couple while in Paris during one of our tours and they mentioned how they had been traveling for a little while. They mentioned that it was very frowned upon in Germany to rest your foot on a subway seat and they threatened that they would have to pay a fine if it happened again. It is interesting to hear others experiences. I can tell by someone's body language and facial expressions on how their attitude is. It is important to respect another culture and to acknowledge others in your surroundings.

Content Blog 7: Kafka's writing contributes to understanding of empire

Kafka was born into a middle class German speaking Jewish family in Prague. He wrote a lot of letters throughout his life, but he liked to draw more than writing. His writings were gothic, but some of his works were influenced by the expressionist movement. He revolves around concepts of struggle, pain, solitude, and the need for relationships. The museum showed some of Kafka's drawings in how he would fall into nothingness. I think this is very gothic not knowing where he goes.

Content blog 6: The Ossuary of Kutna Hora. Creepy/sublime

The ossuary of Kutna Hora was the most fascinating church I have ever seen. For those who don't know, the ossuary is a bone church located in Prague. The church looks like any regular church on the outside, but on the inside it is creepy. There are skulls and human bones from about 40,000 people arranged around the church. People may be thinking this is creepy, and it is. There was a monk who wanted to add on to the church but needed more space. But there were huge graves that needed to be uprooted to make room. The monk thought to dig up the graves and use the bones for the church. The bodies were of people unknown from the plague and war. So you may think why did the monk do this? I think it is possible that he was doing this to honor them and to show their respects.

Content Blog 5: Describe Konopiste as a classic empire location

Konopiste palace was the home to Franz Ferdinand. It is located in the Czech Republic, southeast of Prague, outside the city of Benesov. He was the archduke of Austria. Like most of the males in the Habsburg line, he entered the army. He was given multiple titles such as lieutenant, captain, and colonel. He was a big hunter who had over 4,000 dead animals in his house. I interpret his trophies as being a symbol of his power. Similar to the other palaces, you had to jump from room to room. The palace had baroque interior. He was assassinated, and the irony is that he was hunted like his animals were.

Content blog 4: Describe Sisi, explain how she is an empire heroine

One of my favorite stories we read was about Sisi and Franz Josef. Sisi was a young 16 year old who travelled to upper Austria with her mother and sister Helene. Helene was to be the bride of their cousin Franz Josef. Franz fancied Sisi over Helene. Sisi was young and more appealing. She didn't go to all her meals and had an eating disorder. She did enjoy writing, and she was provided with a writing station. Sisi wished that Franz wasn't a prince. She was hesitant in marrying him even though she loved him. She didn't want to be a mistress and change herself to fit that image. At the Schonbrunn palace she felt like she was trapped in a cage. At the Hofburg palace Sisi was given more. She had bigger rooms and her own bathroom. She felt more comfortable here because she had more stuff at the Hofburg.