Friday, September 14, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Transportation
Even before I arrived in Vienna I was impressed with its vast transportation system. I had a plan ready for my arrival in Vienna, I knew that I would exit my train and from the train station I will walk over to the Ubahn 6 and in five stops I would be in my new house. And this I did; I had no problem with the arrival.
Living in Vienna for a month we got to experience the transportation system in the city. We used everything, the Ubahn, the trams, and the buses. Everything works like clockwork. The maps are easy to read which made our job easier.
<-- Here is the map of the Ubahn lines in Vienna. There are five.
Coming form the Bay Area and Warsaw, the Viennese transportation system is amazing !
Comparing it to both Warsaw and the Bay, it is more efficient, clean, and frequent. BART in Bay, which is supposed to be the equivalent of subways, is disgusting. And there is only a couple lines that do not cover the entire bay. BART was built in the 70s and that is visible. Probably because it wasn't upgraded since then. Only recently have there been improvements done to the train cars. The trains run as often as in Vienna, but the stations in the Bay are not as nice and clean.
When comparing Vienna to Warsaw, there are some similarities. The Warsaw Metro is really nice the stations are clean and colorful. The trains are also clean and fairly modern. The only difference between the two cities is that, Warsaw only has on Metro line (second one is being built).
When comparing the buses and trams to the two places almost the same arguments can be made. The transportation system in the Bay Area is slow, dirty, and uncomfortable. Warsaw's transportation system is like Vienna. It's meant to be quick and efficient so that people can get from place to place in such huge cities in a timely manner.
It is kind of unbelievable that in such huge cities like Vienna and Warsaw there exist vast transportation systems. And then we take a look at the Bay Area, and it amazes me what terrible shape the transportation system is in.
And do not even get me started on the train system in Europe in comparison to California. Once, I wanted to take the train to LA from Oakland; the trip would have taken around 13 hours and I still would have to get on a Grayhound for part of the trip. In 13 hours I can fly over, with layover, from San Francisco to Warsaw.
The transportation systems in California and Europe are incomparable.
German Word: die Wahrheit
English: truth
Sentence: Erzählen Sie mir bitte die Wahrhei.
Living in Vienna for a month we got to experience the transportation system in the city. We used everything, the Ubahn, the trams, and the buses. Everything works like clockwork. The maps are easy to read which made our job easier.
Coming form the Bay Area and Warsaw, the Viennese transportation system is amazing !
Comparing it to both Warsaw and the Bay, it is more efficient, clean, and frequent. BART in Bay, which is supposed to be the equivalent of subways, is disgusting. And there is only a couple lines that do not cover the entire bay. BART was built in the 70s and that is visible. Probably because it wasn't upgraded since then. Only recently have there been improvements done to the train cars. The trains run as often as in Vienna, but the stations in the Bay are not as nice and clean.
When comparing Vienna to Warsaw, there are some similarities. The Warsaw Metro is really nice the stations are clean and colorful. The trains are also clean and fairly modern. The only difference between the two cities is that, Warsaw only has on Metro line (second one is being built).
When comparing the buses and trams to the two places almost the same arguments can be made. The transportation system in the Bay Area is slow, dirty, and uncomfortable. Warsaw's transportation system is like Vienna. It's meant to be quick and efficient so that people can get from place to place in such huge cities in a timely manner.
It is kind of unbelievable that in such huge cities like Vienna and Warsaw there exist vast transportation systems. And then we take a look at the Bay Area, and it amazes me what terrible shape the transportation system is in.
And do not even get me started on the train system in Europe in comparison to California. Once, I wanted to take the train to LA from Oakland; the trip would have taken around 13 hours and I still would have to get on a Grayhound for part of the trip. In 13 hours I can fly over, with layover, from San Francisco to Warsaw.
The transportation systems in California and Europe are incomparable.
German Word: die Wahrheit
English: truth
Sentence: Erzählen Sie mir bitte die Wahrhei.
Bratislava
On a free Saturday Ben, Cole, Jackie, and I visited the city of Bratislava, Slovakia. The city is located about an hour and 15 minutes away from Vienna to the east. We took the morning train at 9:20 am and wanted to come back to Vienna the same day at around 10:30 pm.
About a week earlier three guys out of our group visited Bratislava. (Eric, Miles, and Ryan). They were in the city for an entire weekend. They left us instructions on what is worth seeing while there.
When we arrived, we were all positively impressed with the architecture of the city. As we walked towards the old town we encountered a park behind the presidential palace. There was a game competition there, it seemed like half the city was present. Next, we continued walking into the old town enjoying the views, taking pictures, and visiting souvenir shops. Because the guys missed breakfast, we wondered around looking for some traditional Slovakian food. We found a nice place and ordered. We all had some Czech beer and some dinner for breakfast. The guys who came to Bratislava before us were amazed at the beer prices. The cheapest they found was 0.60 Euro for half a liter of beer. We were also on a quest to find beer for 1.00 Euro.
After our break we continued wondering the streets of old town Bratislava. We followed the directions and eventually found Micheal's Church and then the UFO bridge. We decided to cross it and walk on the other side of the Dunaj and then cross at another bridge. We did that and then found a little beach bar, which was also on our list of things to check out. When we crossed the second bridge, we found the city hall, a statue of Stalin, and Maria Theresa. The city was actually full of statues on different topics. We wondered the city streets around the old town and beyond. We found a McDonald's that looked like a five star restaurant. (Which can also be found in Poland). Then we found a bar with beer for 1.00 Euro. Later it turned out that the guys also visited that same place.
After seeing the entire city in one day, we decided to go find our restaurant for dinner. This restaurant was also on our list, the guys found it and said the food was delicious. As we later found out, it was. We all had very good dinners and deserts. At that place we met three British bounty hunters out having dinner. We were all excited to hear English and started a little conversation.
Because we thought that we were gonna miss out train, we took a taxi to the train station. The driver spoke some English and entertained us with a conversation. Or rather Jackie asked many questions about live in Slovakia and taxes. We arrived at the train station and found out that our train was not leaving for another hour. Eventually we arrived in Vienna at around 10:00pm.
At the end of the day, we were all very happy that we took this trip to Bratislava. We were all amazed with its beauty. We were also all excited to take a break from the crowded Vienna. Bratislava is just like Vienna just on a smaller scale and with less people. A place worth visiting !!
German Word: das Gefühl
English: feeling
Sentence: Wir müssen über meine Gefühle reden.
About a week earlier three guys out of our group visited Bratislava. (Eric, Miles, and Ryan). They were in the city for an entire weekend. They left us instructions on what is worth seeing while there.
When we arrived, we were all positively impressed with the architecture of the city. As we walked towards the old town we encountered a park behind the presidential palace. There was a game competition there, it seemed like half the city was present. Next, we continued walking into the old town enjoying the views, taking pictures, and visiting souvenir shops. Because the guys missed breakfast, we wondered around looking for some traditional Slovakian food. We found a nice place and ordered. We all had some Czech beer and some dinner for breakfast. The guys who came to Bratislava before us were amazed at the beer prices. The cheapest they found was 0.60 Euro for half a liter of beer. We were also on a quest to find beer for 1.00 Euro.
After our break we continued wondering the streets of old town Bratislava. We followed the directions and eventually found Micheal's Church and then the UFO bridge. We decided to cross it and walk on the other side of the Dunaj and then cross at another bridge. We did that and then found a little beach bar, which was also on our list of things to check out. When we crossed the second bridge, we found the city hall, a statue of Stalin, and Maria Theresa. The city was actually full of statues on different topics. We wondered the city streets around the old town and beyond. We found a McDonald's that looked like a five star restaurant. (Which can also be found in Poland). Then we found a bar with beer for 1.00 Euro. Later it turned out that the guys also visited that same place.
After seeing the entire city in one day, we decided to go find our restaurant for dinner. This restaurant was also on our list, the guys found it and said the food was delicious. As we later found out, it was. We all had very good dinners and deserts. At that place we met three British bounty hunters out having dinner. We were all excited to hear English and started a little conversation.
Because we thought that we were gonna miss out train, we took a taxi to the train station. The driver spoke some English and entertained us with a conversation. Or rather Jackie asked many questions about live in Slovakia and taxes. We arrived at the train station and found out that our train was not leaving for another hour. Eventually we arrived in Vienna at around 10:00pm.
At the end of the day, we were all very happy that we took this trip to Bratislava. We were all amazed with its beauty. We were also all excited to take a break from the crowded Vienna. Bratislava is just like Vienna just on a smaller scale and with less people. A place worth visiting !!
German Word: das Gefühl
English: feeling
Sentence: Wir müssen über meine Gefühle reden.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The World of the Biedermeier
While visiting the Belveder Art Gallery we were introduced to the Biedermeier culture. Between the Congress of Vienna and the revolution in March 1848, the Biedermeier culture emerged. Parsons writes that, "the Viennese turned inwards to 'the good life'"(195). Now, the Viennese focused on the family life and not so much politics.
The paintings in the Belveder dpict the Bidermeier life. They show imagages of a comfortable family life. The women take care of the household, and the men work and bring in capital into the household. Family values are important. Child upbringing and the household are the most important to the woman, it is her job.
While at the museum, Dr.O asked if any of us have any Biedermeier in them.Thinking about that question I came to the conclusion that I do have some Biedermeier in me. To be honest the Polish culture is quite like the Bidermier. (However that is changing). I grew up in a family that was very close. As a kid I was at my grandparents house on the weekends and during the summer. Our family always spent all holidays together. There was that 'homey' atmosphere at my grandparents house. Even now that I live in the US, I still visit my grandma for 2 months during the summer. Also, there is order and familiarity in the household. Meaning, its neat, tidy, and there is great food. Growing up in this atmosphere of the Biedermeier I can see some Biedermeier in me.
The world of the Biedermeier is something that I wish can be preserved in current day society. At least to an extent. Strong family ties and bonds make society stronger.
German word: der Zufall
English: chance
Sentence: Ich hatte meine Zufall und nahm es.
The paintings in the Belveder dpict the Bidermeier life. They show imagages of a comfortable family life. The women take care of the household, and the men work and bring in capital into the household. Family values are important. Child upbringing and the household are the most important to the woman, it is her job.
The world of the Biedermeier is something that I wish can be preserved in current day society. At least to an extent. Strong family ties and bonds make society stronger.
German word: der Zufall
English: chance
Sentence: Ich hatte meine Zufall und nahm es.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Catholic vs. Protestant Art
The Catholics and Protestants, it seems, have been at odds with each other since the posting of the 95 thesis my Martin Luther in 1517. From then on, a religious conflict emerged between the two religious groups. The nature of the religious conflict can be seen through artwork from around that period and the Reformation. Because different countries chose different religions, their societies were either Catholic or Protestant. The government dictated the religion of the state, and society had to follow. Thus, artists coming from different nations were influenced by the religion of their country. An example of this are the artists Rembrandt and Rubens.
Rubens was influenced by Catholicism because he was born in Germany. This influence is visible in his artwork. When visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna I got to see a collection of paintings by Rubens. All of his art on display had a religious undertone or religion was the center idea of the paintings. Two of my favorite paintings by Rubens, that show the influence of Catholic ideas, are: The Holy Family and The Infant Christ with John the Baptist and two Apostles. In both pieces, the focus is placed on the Catholic religion. Both of the paintings depict the life of Christ. This is just like in the Catholic religion where emphasis is placed on Christ.
Rembrandt, another artist on display in the Kunsthisthistoriches Museum came from the Netherlands and painted under the influence of a different religion. His style of painting is much different from Rubens, because a clear Protestant undertone is visible. For example, the colors used by Rembrandt were much darker. He also used heavy shading in his paintings. This gives the paintings a much darker appearance and feeling. Rembrandt's art is of religious, but there are no angles and halos present anywhere.
Rembrandt mostly painted portraits and not scenes. For example, the best painting that can be used to contrast Rubens is a portrait of Apostle Paul. Rembrandt's painting are of religious nature but their representation, just like Protestant beliefs and practices, is demystified. Meaning that saints, angles, and Mary are removed and are not considered important. The focus is placed more on the religion itself.
German Word: verrückt sein nach etwas
English: to be crazy about
Sentence: Ich bin verrückt nach dieses Autos.
Rubens was influenced by Catholicism because he was born in Germany. This influence is visible in his artwork. When visiting the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna I got to see a collection of paintings by Rubens. All of his art on display had a religious undertone or religion was the center idea of the paintings. Two of my favorite paintings by Rubens, that show the influence of Catholic ideas, are: The Holy Family and The Infant Christ with John the Baptist and two Apostles. In both pieces, the focus is placed on the Catholic religion. Both of the paintings depict the life of Christ. This is just like in the Catholic religion where emphasis is placed on Christ.
Rembrandt, another artist on display in the Kunsthisthistoriches Museum came from the Netherlands and painted under the influence of a different religion. His style of painting is much different from Rubens, because a clear Protestant undertone is visible. For example, the colors used by Rembrandt were much darker. He also used heavy shading in his paintings. This gives the paintings a much darker appearance and feeling. Rembrandt's art is of religious, but there are no angles and halos present anywhere.
Rembrandt mostly painted portraits and not scenes. For example, the best painting that can be used to contrast Rubens is a portrait of Apostle Paul. Rembrandt's painting are of religious nature but their representation, just like Protestant beliefs and practices, is demystified. Meaning that saints, angles, and Mary are removed and are not considered important. The focus is placed more on the religion itself.
German Word: verrückt sein nach etwas
English: to be crazy about
Sentence: Ich bin verrückt nach dieses Autos.
Visit to the UN
My talking points:
Nuclear Security
How to protect nuclear and radioactive particles from unwanted hands?
--> nuclear terrorism on a global level
Different countries would be in charge of their nuclear security, how is it possible to make the use of nuclear energy safe on a global scale?
--> different nations = different objectives
Fukushima nuclear accident, how did that happen?
-->example of failed nuclear security?
Environment and Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power plants are clean energy and thus, are meant to help protect the environment, but at the same time if a nuclear plant malfunctions it becomes a huge threat to the environment. So is it really safer to use nuclear energy?
Is there any way to make the security over nuclear plants safer?
Going to the UN was very exciting, especially after our bus tour with Dr.O where she showed us the building. When we arrived and entered through the airport security, I was amazed at how the UN is a city within a city. There was everything there from a gift shop to dry cleaners. The next thing I noticed was that everyone spoke English. This was odd after almost a month in a German speaking country. I kept saying excuse me and thank you in German even though I could have done it in English.
The visit in the UN was very interesting and fun at the same time. We got to learn a lot about the function of the IAEA and Human Trafficing and Migrant Smuggling.
tbc.
German word: in Gedanken verloren sein
English: to be lost in though
Sentence: Entschuldigen, ich war in Gedanken verloren.
Nuclear Security
How to protect nuclear and radioactive particles from unwanted hands?
--> nuclear terrorism on a global level
Different countries would be in charge of their nuclear security, how is it possible to make the use of nuclear energy safe on a global scale?
--> different nations = different objectives
Fukushima nuclear accident, how did that happen?
-->example of failed nuclear security?
Environment and Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power plants are clean energy and thus, are meant to help protect the environment, but at the same time if a nuclear plant malfunctions it becomes a huge threat to the environment. So is it really safer to use nuclear energy?
Is there any way to make the security over nuclear plants safer?
Going to the UN was very exciting, especially after our bus tour with Dr.O where she showed us the building. When we arrived and entered through the airport security, I was amazed at how the UN is a city within a city. There was everything there from a gift shop to dry cleaners. The next thing I noticed was that everyone spoke English. This was odd after almost a month in a German speaking country. I kept saying excuse me and thank you in German even though I could have done it in English.
The visit in the UN was very interesting and fun at the same time. We got to learn a lot about the function of the IAEA and Human Trafficing and Migrant Smuggling.
tbc.
German word: in Gedanken verloren sein
English: to be lost in though
Sentence: Entschuldigen, ich war in Gedanken verloren.
Friday, August 24, 2012
The Camp
As a young kid I visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. I was maybe nine or ten years old at the time. I do not remember much from that experience. (I think that we only saw part of the camp.) All I remember is the barbed wire, the barracks, which we entered, and the gas chamber. Other than that I have no recollection of the camp. I only remember my emotions or feelings at the time. The emotions I remember are sadness and shock. It was an emotional experience, that I do not regret I experienced. The Polish people are very sensitive about their history. It is all probably because we went from a huge monarchy and then got wiped off the map for 132 years. And right as we were allowed our nation back World War II began.
Hitler's strategy was brilliant, regardless of who he was. He had a plan and the followed it, Nazi Germany pushed down the eastern front like a well oiled machine. Hitler was not only after the Jews, he was after all minorities. These included Jews, Gypsies, and Slavs.
My great grandpa was caught in the street and taken to a forced work camp, during World War II. He managed to escape the work camp. However, if he had not done that he would have been most likely sent to a concentration camp. This is just an example, of how Hitler wanted to exterminate eastern Europe and make it German.
On this trip to Austria we visited the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. I was interested in going and seeing how different I will react and remember this experience, now that I'm older and more mature. Riding up to Mauthausen I was stunned how close it was to the village of Mauthausen. For one, the camp is on top of a hill and is thus, visible to the surrounding villages and towns. Secondly, the smell of thew burning bodies must have been terrible. It just surprised me how visible it was and no one did anything. However, we all know that doing anything against the Nazi regime would mean immediate death.
The camp itself reminded me of a fortress. My feeling were later confirmed by our tour guide Daniel who told us that the camps were constructed to show power. They were telling the common people that Nazi Germany has the power and grip over them.Nazi Germany had a psychological grip on their sovereigns. Hitler used propaganda methods into swaying public opinion that what he wanted, was the best solution for everyone.
What I think most people in out group did not realize was the fact that Hitler was not only after the Jews. The memorial plate that Daniel showed us, shocked us all. The top two on the list of people who died in Mauthausen were Russian soldiers and Polish people. (For Russians the number was about 32 thousand and for Polish it was 30 thousand). For me personally, this chart was what made me react emotionally to being in the camp. Even though I already knew these figures from books, history classes, and conversations with my family members. I was surprised that I got some emotional when seeing these numbers that I was already aware of.
My family survived World War II, for the most part. On my grandmas side, out of her mother's 9 siblings only about 3 survived the war. Some died before the war, but the rest died during the war, and one disapeared without a trace. My greatgrandpa who lived in Warsaw, was caught by the Germans on the street and was taken to a labor camp. He managed to escape the campt. However, if he had not done so he would have been transported to Auschwitz. My great uncle and his wife, who are both still alive, fought in the Warsaw uprising. My family is not Jewish, but I know from family stories that they were just as scared of the Germans as anyone, because Hitler wanted to wipe out the entire Polish population.
The history of World War II is still very much alive in Polish identity. Every family has someone who died during the war. Also, the memory of what happened during the war and the Holocaust is kept alive. And it is done out of a mix of respect, rememberance, national pride, etc.
Maybe this is why the trip to Mauthausen ended up beeing such an emotional journey for me. Also, out of respect I did not take any photos. I know I will remember it for the rest of my life. I also think that it is important to go and see places like Mauthausen. However, only when one is mature and educated enough to handle it.
German word: die Kindheit
English: childhood
Sentence: In meiner Kindheit mochte ich mit Puppen spielen.
Hitler's strategy was brilliant, regardless of who he was. He had a plan and the followed it, Nazi Germany pushed down the eastern front like a well oiled machine. Hitler was not only after the Jews, he was after all minorities. These included Jews, Gypsies, and Slavs.
My great grandpa was caught in the street and taken to a forced work camp, during World War II. He managed to escape the work camp. However, if he had not done that he would have been most likely sent to a concentration camp. This is just an example, of how Hitler wanted to exterminate eastern Europe and make it German.
On this trip to Austria we visited the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. I was interested in going and seeing how different I will react and remember this experience, now that I'm older and more mature. Riding up to Mauthausen I was stunned how close it was to the village of Mauthausen. For one, the camp is on top of a hill and is thus, visible to the surrounding villages and towns. Secondly, the smell of thew burning bodies must have been terrible. It just surprised me how visible it was and no one did anything. However, we all know that doing anything against the Nazi regime would mean immediate death.
The camp itself reminded me of a fortress. My feeling were later confirmed by our tour guide Daniel who told us that the camps were constructed to show power. They were telling the common people that Nazi Germany has the power and grip over them.Nazi Germany had a psychological grip on their sovereigns. Hitler used propaganda methods into swaying public opinion that what he wanted, was the best solution for everyone.
What I think most people in out group did not realize was the fact that Hitler was not only after the Jews. The memorial plate that Daniel showed us, shocked us all. The top two on the list of people who died in Mauthausen were Russian soldiers and Polish people. (For Russians the number was about 32 thousand and for Polish it was 30 thousand). For me personally, this chart was what made me react emotionally to being in the camp. Even though I already knew these figures from books, history classes, and conversations with my family members. I was surprised that I got some emotional when seeing these numbers that I was already aware of.
My family survived World War II, for the most part. On my grandmas side, out of her mother's 9 siblings only about 3 survived the war. Some died before the war, but the rest died during the war, and one disapeared without a trace. My greatgrandpa who lived in Warsaw, was caught by the Germans on the street and was taken to a labor camp. He managed to escape the campt. However, if he had not done so he would have been transported to Auschwitz. My great uncle and his wife, who are both still alive, fought in the Warsaw uprising. My family is not Jewish, but I know from family stories that they were just as scared of the Germans as anyone, because Hitler wanted to wipe out the entire Polish population.
The history of World War II is still very much alive in Polish identity. Every family has someone who died during the war. Also, the memory of what happened during the war and the Holocaust is kept alive. And it is done out of a mix of respect, rememberance, national pride, etc.
Maybe this is why the trip to Mauthausen ended up beeing such an emotional journey for me. Also, out of respect I did not take any photos. I know I will remember it for the rest of my life. I also think that it is important to go and see places like Mauthausen. However, only when one is mature and educated enough to handle it.
German word: die Kindheit
English: childhood
Sentence: In meiner Kindheit mochte ich mit Puppen spielen.
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