A Mystical Cruise of Tunisia

I would like to take the time here to take you on my Spring Break trip to different lands, a tale of newfound wonders and excitements. I recounted some of my adventures in a book that I had with me during this 2-week period, and I seek to go through some of the material. I will also include many Pictures so that you can see what it was like. Truly, I have never been so awestruck before this particular excursion.


I´ll start with my 7 day visit to the capital of Tunisia, Tunis, in the very northern most part of Africa. The following text is from my Journal at that time:
     Last night - being at that time the seventh of April - I arrived in a land completely unlike any other; this would begin my week-Long visit in Tunisia. As soon as my travel-weary soles connected with the earth, and after a not-so-bad plane flight, I began to comprehend the stark difference between here and other travels previously. Even the air tastes of another brew. It is truly magical here; just casually strolling about one realiyes the Change of tone, especially coming from America. The architecture, nature, roads, everything reminds you that you´re not in Kansas anymore.
    I´m staying in a wonderful abode in an area called LaMarsa, near Sidi Bou Said. This Region in particular parades a Special Quality. Nearly all of the buildings are painted in a uniform White and blue style, draping the landscape in a sea of rambling Stone. The blue domes and White arches spread throughout the majestic Mediterranean coast. Taxis come and go, whisking the People this way and that. While waiting for my friend at her University, IHEC Carthage, I took a stroll down to a nearby beach. It wasnt that sort of huge beach with Tourists Spilling all over the sand; rather, it bespoke a calm, easygoing atmosphere. Its only inhabitants are two men and a dog coupled with some fishermen enjoying their catch.

 9.4.2017
Heute in Tunesien geht so schön! Und Balkis - meine Freundin - und ich habe viel spaß gehabt! Gerade dann haben wir zum Zentrum des Tunis angekommen, und es war ein wunderschöne Erfahrung! Trans. - Today Balkis - my friend - and I had so much fun! Just then we had arrived at the Center of Tunis, and it was a very great ride! We went to the traditional inner, and very tight streets of the Souk. Reaistically, it is hard to simply Picture what life is really like here, and even for me have I only visited the larger and slightly more touristic Areas. The tight market streets of the Souk - a winding, often-cramped, and labyrinthian maze - bristle with lively Shopping, brusk grumbled phrases in Arabic, and of course just a Little hustling. Walking around here, in honest truth, is simply nothing like the US or Europe. For one, the traffic is a bit...off kilter. You can expect nobody to follow traditional traffic rules, but at the same time, the Population here thrives on a sort of Tunisian ordered chaos.
    Walking by the street markets, you will hear many voices goading you in, whether it be the Arabic "saleem," "Bon jour," or "hello". But don´t let the sometimes boisterous street-vendors pollute your Image of Tunis. It is part of the life here; People must sell their wares and make a living: you don´t just get a Job at Walmart here, that´s for sure.
    Wandering through the Souk, Balkis and I strumbled upon a rather interesting building. It appeared to be some sort of rug shop; however, there was no one around save for some younger People enjoying the rooftop Access of this particular building. In our wonderstruck state, we proceeded to venture inside and see a view that would take my breath away. From the top I could see the whole of Tunis: sprawling, buzzing, and wild.

    Nothing is exactly set in Stone here. You want to buy something? Prepare to haggle and coerce for a decent Price. You want to go downtown from Sidi Bou Said? Hop on the nearest old jelopy of a taxi, Hand the Driver a Dinar or two, and get off where you like. Want the Train? Buy a ticket, scramble on, and pay Attention because it goes when it wants and doesn´t conveniently tell you all the stops in English. You may not want to read a book while you´re waiting either because, as Balkis told me when she tried to read a book on the Train once, a man asked her, "What are you doing? Do you think you´re European or something?"
    Unfortunately, as Balkis tells me, These organizational Problems set Tunis back a Little bit, but the rich history and culture here should be a must-see for everyone. Buildings are scattered and somewhat irregular, not unlike a crazy place like Manhattan, but littering is not as taboo, and there are no convenient, well-organized Shopping malls.
     However, Tunisia still shines out as the beautiful Country of historic Carthage, extraordinary beaches, and oh! the Food is astounding. Today in Tunis, Balkis took me out to try a traditional Food called ojja, a sort of soupy, sheep-intestine and egg-infused spicy goodness. I really don´t quite know how to describe it, but hopefully a Picture will help you out!

   
    Another facet I have noticed about Tunis is that there are many embassies and homes of ambassadors that stand in quite a stark contrast to other buildings, including that of the Tunisian president, Bej Caid Essebsi. In fact, while I was strolling on a beach one day, I happened upon Essebsi´s presidential manor without even realiying it. The compound must take up a good square mile or so, and it includes a luscious beachside. While driving around with some of Balkis´friends from the University - who enjoyed very much going by the names of "Cook" and "Donald", they remarked profusely upon the many rich embassy complexes and other various mansions.
    One Thing that I feel I must mention about Tunisia is the wrong sort of Impression we in the US and other countries might have of it. The News and Mainstream media Display Tunisia as a place of danger. However, my experience in this beautiful Country so far has been everything excepting These negative notions. I´m Aware it is almost cliche to mention this, but one must really visit the Country before making too many judgements. While some sources may portray Tunisia in a darker light, the truth that I have experienced so far is quite different. Everyone I have spoken with here has affirmed that the dangerous side of Tunisia is a minority. This is not to say to let go of all one´s safety measures, but mass hysteria is certainly not the answer. Although my time here is short, I have definitely gotten the most authentic Tunisian experience that one could hope for; my local friend and others made sure of that, and I have experienced nothing resembling danger.


10.4.2017
    Heute hat für einen sehr guten Tag gemacht! Gerade habe ich für meine Freundin Balkis und ihren Kurs ein Presentation gezeigt, und es ist sehr gut gegangen! Today in Tunis I made a presentation as part of Balkis´final class presentation. For this Project, I prepared a short speech about my brother James, who works extensively with Computer Software, on the subject of Innovation. This presentation from Balkis and her Group lasted about one hour, and I was honored enough to speak in front of her class for about ten minutes. I was to speak for another Group in the same class, but unfortunately we ran out of time and their presentation was delayed a week, and of course, I would have left Tunisia at that Point. It seems that visiting American students are somewhat of a rare commodity here, and very useful for a group seeking high marks at that!




This wraps up the accounts I made whilst I was visiting Tunisia. And although this nowhere near resembles a complete recounting, hopefully the Pictures and text will have given you somewhat of an Image of what it is like. Again, thank you for reading, and enjoy the Pictures!

 Balkis, some of her friends, and I at the University

 A view over Tunis from the coast

 My great friend and Tunisian local, Balkis

 Part of downtown Tunis with a historical arch

 Man in the Souk crafting traditional headpieces

 View over downtown Tunis

 Museum dar el´hout

 Nighttime view of Tunis from a wonderful coffee shop

 Inside the great coffee shop one finds comfortable arragements

 Balkis´friend Nada and I pose infront of a traditional Tunisian door

 Fancy sign for Carthage, part of Tunis

 The home where I stayed, a wonderful Family

 Ancient ruins, typically seen anywhere you walk here

 A large cathedral in Tunis

 Entrance to a great Museum with the Tunisian flag

 View across the bay

 Ancient Theater

 View of a large Mosque near Carthage

 Inside the Mosque

 In front of the Mosque (So schön!)

One of the greatest inventions: the Turkish Coffee!

Ein Reisen nach Prag

Last weekend proved a rather exciting and mystical experience: a travel to the wonderful Czech city of Prague, or in the Czech language, Praha. As with all places in European countries, Prague boasts extensively rich history coupled with hoards of old-style architecture dating from Medieval, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Massive cathedrals sprout from the city, imposing and massive behemoths thwarting the smaller structures, and lending the fey mystique which the Hauptstadt of Czechia offers. Simply strolling through the streets will daze the mind with legions of historical importance. For example, part of my visit to Prague included an exploration of the famous and second-oldest Jewish synagogue of Prague, the Pinkas Synagogue. After World War II, the long-standing synagogue was modified to be a museum, paying tribute to some 78,000 victims of the Holocaust. Inside the building you will see every single name, birth, and death date of each of these victims painted onto the walls. Before entering, men, as a sign of respect for the synagogue, must cover their heads; the museum staff happily provides coverings if one is in need.

Pinkas Synagogue

In speaking of the Czech Republic, I could not leave out one of the most important figures in Czech national history: Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. Masaryk, to the Czechs, is equivalent to JFK or FDR, and indeed the Czechs have popularized the use of his initials, TGM. Born in 1850, TGM would become exceedingly involved in politics during the time in which the area we know as Czechoslovakia was owned by the Habsburgs and the Austro-Hungarian empire. The history of the empire itself is enormous and would take much to long to explain, but for now, understand that the Habsburgs were and still are a very famous and important family, especially for Austria, and also Hungary and many of the Slavic states. The Habsburgs - before WW I in 1913 - ruled over much of the Slavic states, extending into Romania, part of Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and part of modern-day Ukraine and Moldova. However, the Empire under the Habsburgs collapsed after WW I which brought about the creation of Czechoslovakia under the new leader, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk.


The history takes an interesting turn here because of course Czechoslovakia was then occupied and forcibly annexed by Hitler during WW II. Sadly, Masaryk died in 1937, a year or so before his country was taken. The land then went through the horrors of the Nazi era, and, following the fall of the Third Reich, became occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945. Going back to TGM, the Soviets made sure that he would be as erased from Czech memory as possible in order to ensure Soviet rule. However, after the Soviet Union collapsed, the Czechs worked towards creating their own state which was finally resolved in 1993 when the Czech Republic we know today was formed. Naturally, Masaryk was reincarnated as the key figure for Czech Independence, and today he can be seen as a statue across Czechia.


During my visit, I had the great fortune to see the Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) across the Vltava river from our hotel. This behemoth of a complex, dating from the 9th century, features a royal palace, many smaller buildings with interesting shops, and the massive St. Vitus Cathedral. Beautiful structures and architecture make this one of the most worthwhile experiences you could have in Prague. Especially with the St. Vitus Cathedral, it is a sight not to be missed.

Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral

Overall, my trip to Prague was extraordinary, and I would highly recommend it as one of the top cities in Europe to visit. I promise you would not be disappointed.

Below I will show some more pictures with explanations. Thanks for reading everybody! Your support is appreciated.

Entrance to the famous Charles Bridge

Statue of St. John Nepomuk (touching the part where he is thrown off the Bridge is said to let you return one day to Prague!)

Some fabulous examples of Czech Food. On the top is a variety of meat with dumplings in the Czech style. On the bottom is a popular Dessert Snack, the Trdelnik.

Antique car heading to a Show.

Beautiful park upon the hills of Prague

Cloudy view of the oldtown of Prague

Update on the Past Weeks

Wooh! the blog is now officially up and properly named: An Austrian Adventure. As one could imagine after so long a time here, I have gone through many exciting moments in Austria, and it just keeps getting better. Thus, I suppose I'll give you a brief summary of what I've done so far.

So first day, February 3 2017 I flew out from the Dulles airport and arrived - after an extraordinarily-not-unpleasant flight - at the Heathrow airport in London. From that point until February 6 I stayed in a relaxing hotel somewhat removed from the city center, but not too far. Unfortunately, we weary wanderers were not destined for immediate, cozy beds after a sleepless 8 hours on a plane. No. Instead, we dropped our things off in the hotel and left because our rooms were not quite ready. Thus the first day of our "Abenteuer" had begun.

Some friends and I, in a sleepless swagger, stumbled about London for the greater part of the morning and afternoon, seeing the big sites: Big Ben, the parliament building, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, etc. I included one picture of London among the ones posted here; let's see if you can guess which one. I know it must be dreadfully difficult! Anyhow, our beds were eventually prepared, and my fellow travelers and I blissfully stole away into billowy, sheet-laden slumber. The next day, however, would prove to be my Tour de Force of London.

My eyes eased open in the bright hours of the early morning, trying to forget the time-zone change and hours of sleep lost; I jumped out of bed, brimming with the energy of a battery that refuses to believe it's been used up, which in some weird sort of paradox provides one with more power than battery-scientists would think possible. I felt giddy with the idea of my first time across the Atlantic, and I most certainly did NOT want to waste it! Therefore I rushed out and began the next, last, and most exciting day in London.

In order to spare the length of this first post, I will make this day more brief. After walking outside, I immediately set out to see the Royal Society and the monument to the Fire of 1666. Unfortunately, the Royal society was closed that day, so I was content to walk up the 350 or-so steps in the monument to make up. Being a loyal English major, I then set out to see the restored version of Shakespeare's Globe. The Globe was fantastic, but unfortunately I would not be able to see any plays that day, for I had already had my eyes on two concerts that I was hoping beyond hopes would work out. First, I saw a fabulous organ recital at Westminster Abbey, followed up by - and I got this one by the skin of my teeth - a performance by the London Philharmonic Orchestra focused on music from Steven Spielberg. Naturally, this was all fabulous, and I cannot possibly put to paper all of the experiences which I had in just a short 2-day visit of London.

And now we come to Austria. After the stay in London, we left early on the third morning with a flight to Munich (München). Once we had sorted out all the travel-shenanigans, we all were placed cozily into our housing in Austria. To my delight, I discovered that I would be staying with a local Austrian "Hausfrau" in her home with three other AIFS students. Her name is Frau Lindenthaler, and she definitely knows how to deal with study-abroad students. So far, Frau Lindenthaler has been one of the best aspects of my program. She is incredibly helpful, kind, and is never too harsh when you mess something up. And most of all, she speaks German to us, which has been very helpful in my studies here.

So I've already been writing for a while now, so I'll leave it here, but I will definitely post more in the future, most likely dealing with specific and awesome other little excursions and adventures that I've had, such as a hike in Gaisberg mountain, skiing in Flachau, and my most recent weekend trip to Vienna/ Wien. Enjoy the pictures!

For reference, the first picture of the food depicts the wonderful Austrian dish of Wiener Schnitzel, which is usually either veal or pork pounded very thin and breaded. It usually comes with some sort of potato dish on the side.

Next is one of my favorite pictures, showing rear-view of the cross from the Maria Plain chapel.

Below that is a picture of... you guessed it! London, complete with double-decker bus, Big Ben, and a slightly visible London Eye.

After that we have here Mr. Mozart himself, although not really, it's just a statue. But have no fear! he was born and raised here in Vienna before going out on his wild musical adventure.

Lastly I included a decent photo of the Salzach river at night. You can assume here that any building with a tall spire is a church, and the building with the red light in the background is the famous Festung/ Fortress Hohensalzburg.

Thanks for reading so far, and stay tuned!