Experiential Blog 9

The information that was most meaningful to me after completing this program would probably be the experience and knowledge of different cultures that I am taking back with me. I'm a huge fan of learning about other cultures and getting to experience cultures that differ from my own first hand for an entire month was an amazing experience. I don't know if this information would of necessarily changed a situation from the past but it definitely could of enhanced some of them. I know have a deeper understanding of other cultures which, I think, allows me to connect with others on a more personal level. This new information has broadened my ability to connect with others and I now know how what seems like slight differences in culture can make the biggest impact.  

Experiential Blog 8

In our class we have been discussing German history and Culture. I've learned a lot since taking this class, to be honest I had never even heard of the Hapsburg family before this. I didn't know too much about Germany's culture and History and now I feel as if I have a good start to understanding it. I like the way that we are learning here more so than how we learn at home. Actually going out and seeing some of the places that we've talked about not only keeps it from being boring but it helps cement the information so I'm more likely to retain what I've learned. I think the most Important knowledge pertaining to the class that I've learned while on this trip would be about the Hapsburg family and Empress Sisi. They had such a huge impact on the Empire and their people that I think it's important to know about what they did. 

Experiential Blog 7

The attitudes have varied from place to place. Vienna was a lot more refined and seemed to get more annoyed by our "American tendencies" when we got too loud or obnoxious. While in Prague I noticed that while it was a lot more laid back they were more inclined to get annoyed with us when we were eating out, they didn't seem to have the patience for us paying separately. I feel like London was the only place that we visited that didn't seem to be bothered by us in the slightest. They seemed to have similar attitudes as us just more polite. My assumptions before coming here were that everyone was going to be polite and but more formal and reserved. For the most part this turned out to be true. This critique has shown me that while in new areas I need to be more aware of what the normal do's and dont's are and how we are expected to act.

Kafka

The Kafka museum was one of the best museums that I've been to. Not only does it portray his work but it tries to create an ambiance to help you connect with Kafka on a personal level. Kafka was a tortured soul who despised the Empire. This was reflected strongly in his writing. In his writing the Judgement we see a great amount of metaphors for the Empire and how you have no choice to be loyal to it, no matter the cost. Kafka did his best to rebel against the Empire in his writing and his everyday life. He hated nothing more than the feeling of powerlessness and uselessness.

Ossuary

The Ossuary in Kutna Hora was intriguing yet slightly disturbing. The place was filled with bones which had come from a mass grave that had been dug up because it was becoming too full. An artist decided to create an Momento Moiry, a tribute to death, out of these bones. He created chandeliers, walls, and other decor all out of human bones. This serves as a reminder that we too will succumb to death one day. While there I couldn't help but to think about how they would feel about where their bones ended up. Personally I think it would be kind of cool to be part of something like that. It's a form of art and it speaks to people, so in a way you are preserved in history.

Konopiste

I hated this palace, it was extremely unsettling and disturbing. It was a hunting getaway for Franz Ferdinand and there were literally thousands of dead animals, each mount included the date, location, and it's number. This gives the impression that he was seriously mentally disturbed. He most likely suffered from OCD and hoarding. The palace was a show of masculinity and power hungriness, all of which were totally overly done. Franz Ferdinand bought these animals and had them shipped to this palace for the sole purpose of hunting which he did purely for entertainment. I think that this is a great representation of the empire. It's obsession for control and to exude its power over everything and everyone.

Sisi

Sisi is an Empire heroine in many ways. Many looked up to her for her compassion, charisma, and beauty. She worked to be connect not only with her own people but with those from else where. Despite being caged and having her freedom stripped from her she continued to love her people. Sisi suffered much loss, her freedom, her son, etc and has gained a cult following not only because of her gothic attributes but because of her demeanor and how she treated others.