Meet Me in Eastern Europe...it's Goin Down.
Wow what a whirlwind these past few weeks have been!
Some of the highlights of course have been Oktoberfest in Munich, a surprise country concert at a local bar by our Program Director, (who knew Germans were so into country!?) and an organized “German Style” Beirut tournament against neighboring dorms.
Fresh-faced after our Beirut tournament, we began our first IES long field trip to Eastern Europe. All of the kids who are Political Science/International Affairs majors (about 35 of us) travel to Eastern Europe while the International Economics/Business kids travel to Western Europe and then we will switch in a few weeks for the second run.
Budapest, Hungary (9.28-9.30)
How to describe Budapest? Traveling from the airport to downtown confirmed my initial expectation as to what an “Eastern European” city would look like…graffiti laden walls, dingy buildings, solemn people just hanging out…but once we reached the heart of the city intricate architecture and lively streets took the forefront. Our hotel was located in one of the nicer restaurant areas, but I couldn’t help notice the still fresh signs of a harsh communist past, not to mention the tense atmosphere of politics in recent regards to Hungary’s corrupt leader and his exposure about Hungary’s sinking economy. I would describe Budapest as a city globalized before globalization; a city completely shaped by whoever occupied the region. There are signs of Turkish influence, Westminster architecture, Orthodox churches all textured by Austrian roots. Truly eye-opening.
Budapest has the fastest escalators ever! And intensely fast, shaky, underground trains! Our first night we took these trains to a lovely boat tour on the Danube complete with dinner and wine. Budapest is gorgeously lit at night. Then we went out to the bars and spent most of our time at this disco-bar which had swings instead of barstools. (genius!)
The next day we traveled to the Hungarian Parliament (beautiful architecture!) and experienced our first taste of political action and protests in front of the building. It was awesome because we got to talk to people and listen to their opinions about the government…a lot of the people protesting were there in the same place during Hungary’s ’56 Revolution. We had a meeting with the Economic and Legal Advisor for Hungary and the EAC and she told us about Hungary’s “couldn’t get any worse” economy. I loved her honesty about the whole situation, a real breath of fresh air compared to most speakers. After a tour of the Parliament, we traveled to a Hungarian University and met with the Director of the Center for Historical Studies. Then we did exactly what our program told us not to do and went back down to the “riots” and protests to check out the scene. It was pretty tense…and since we were all dressed in formal business, we weren’t exactly the most welcome bunch so we didn’t stick along too much longer.
That night, we met up with a Hungarian friend, Marty, who took us to an authentic Hungarian restaurant and bar. Then he took us to a “scenester” Hungarian jazzclub where his favorite instrumental rock band was playing. The concert was unreal and we never would have found it without Marty. It was one of those nights where I kept wondering…where the hell am i? Let’s just say finding the hotel back was an adventure.
The next morning we visited a politically-funded museum called the House of Terror. It depicted Hungary’s history of occupation, fascism and communism in a completely creative way. Very eye-opening. Then we hopped on an 8 hour party bus through my Slovakian homeland to Krakow, Poland.
Krakow, Poland (9/30-10/3)
No one ever thinks to go to Poland. But upon setting foot in Krakow’s market square, amid post football game chaos, I was impressed. This city was happening. We did a city tour. Followed Pope John Paul’s II footsteps. We spent a mentally and emotionally exhaustive day touring Camp I and II of Auschwitz. I still cant believe we walked where millions of people were systematically exterminated. I will forever remember that day…
We literally crashed a dungeon bar with some Polskis. No, really. I am talking slow motion, accidentally flipping over an entire bar table, shattering glasses and making a complete scene…then laughing hysterically because we didn’t know how to handle the situation. Luckily, the Polish are amazing people!
We had a meeting with a Polish University Professor (the Professors are my favorite because they are really good at engaging students) who detailed us about Poland’s situation from the fall of communism to the EU accession. We also traveled to the Polish Institute for Strategic Studies. Our final night in Poland was a blast. They have really fun hipster bars…and this other weird bar with a medieval “torture” theme. Haha! On Tuesday, we departed on another party bus from Krakow to Prague…which upon arrival was rainy but still breathtaking.
Prague, Czech Republic (10/3-10-6)
I would describe Prague’s architecture as delicately communist…It just looked aged but timeless at the same time. The view of the city from the St. Charles bridge cannot be beat. And so many tourists wow!
We had a few meetings on Wednesday at Prague’s Institute for International Relations. We talked with David Stulik, Representative for an NGO, “People in Need” and told us about the Czech Republic’s secret and illegal missions to Belarus. We of course took a city tour and posed as Asian tourists everywhere.
Then of course there’s the night we title “19 shots of Absinthe and 75 cent Beer Night” Come on, you know you have to do it if you’re in Prague even if it’s not the home brew. So we did it and we conquered. And we may have missed some trains and lost some dignity along the way but the group made it home. Living the Eurotrip Dream.
Our final day in Prague consisted of a meeting with the chairman of the EUROPEUM thinktank based in Prague and of course more shopping. Finally, it was time to go where not many have gone before…ESTONIA!
Tallinn, Estonia (10/5-10/8)
Welcome to Estonia…it’s COLD. At least cold for the California girl. More recently, accepted into the EU, Estonia clearly is enjoying the benefits of increased tourism and economic boosts. The medieval-looking streets of Old Town were clean, lively, filled with tourists and sights to see. Many people think that “Eastern Europe” is dirt cheap but I beg to differ. Although all of these countries are not yet in the euro zone, even after exchanging money, basic things are not THAT cheap. And it’s weird you walk around spending thousands of kroons or whatever, equivalent to 50 dollars…trips me out.
Our first day in Estonia we visited the Estonian Foreign Ministry. I don’t think they were ready for our questions…My impression is that Estonia is too new in the EU to really have an established identity; it seems all they want to do is take, take, take. We danced in the rain for a bit and then had another meeintinf with a former member of the Soviet and Estonian Parliament at Audentes University. He was a crazy euroskeptic and some of his answers were off the wall! Nonetheless, it was cool hearing a more extreme position of Estonia in the EU, especially with a specific politically involved post-communist perspective.
After the meetings we got all dolled up and attended the Estonian Opera. Mr. Euroskeptic even decided to come along! It was an Italian opera with Estonian sub titles which was awesome because of course, I understood exactly what was going on! Haha…hey, at least everyone looked good.
Estonia also has a really hip party scene. I guess the cool thing for English residents to do is to have bachelor parties in Estonia. Pretty funny. We spent a significant amount of time at an Estonian Jazzhaus, a Havana bar where (geniuses!) they made a killing on “2=1” drinks and salsa dancing (we are in Estonia right?) I have a confession…I don’t know how it happened but a bunch of us woke up that morning 7 am laying in the middle of our Estonian hotel lobby. I guess we…just…couldn’t….make…it. It was a good laugh, let me tell you.
That same day we went on a city walk and visited the Estonian Museum
of Occupation. Then I decided to pick up on my own and wander
around for the afternoon with my ipod. It was awesome. I climbed a
medieval tower and scanned the Baltic Sea (we didn’t go touch it because
apparently there was a recent flesh-eating disease case reported from the
sea haha creepy) That night we had a final program traditional Estonian Dinner at Eesti Maja. Delish. This of course needed to be followed by the Grand Finale: Havana Bar, dancing, Karaoke dominated by Americans, crashing English bachelor parties, the pub with no name, “soooo…how long are you in Estonia…oh, half an hour!” Our flight was at 6 am so there was really no point in sleeping. Our reasonable thinking paid off and although I barely remember the trip home, the trip itself was truly unforgettable.
It’s been pretty hard recovering from those past ten days especially with papers and midterms coming up but, eh, it’s been nice chilling in Freiburg. Yesterday was amazing…we took a program trip to the Swiss Alps and hiked through them. Truly an incredible spectacle, those mountains. I am glad we got to do that before it got too snowy. Let’s just I could amputate my legs today they are so sore. WORTH IT.
Alright, my eyes are burning from the computer screen and it’s definitely my turn to clean my flat this week so I must sign off. But if you get a chance check out my pics on facebook. Hope everyone is stayin safe abroad and having a blast on the homefront.
Some of the highlights of course have been Oktoberfest in Munich, a surprise country concert at a local bar by our Program Director, (who knew Germans were so into country!?) and an organized “German Style” Beirut tournament against neighboring dorms.
Fresh-faced after our Beirut tournament, we began our first IES long field trip to Eastern Europe. All of the kids who are Political Science/International Affairs majors (about 35 of us) travel to Eastern Europe while the International Economics/Business kids travel to Western Europe and then we will switch in a few weeks for the second run.
Budapest, Hungary (9.28-9.30)
How to describe Budapest? Traveling from the airport to downtown confirmed my initial expectation as to what an “Eastern European” city would look like…graffiti laden walls, dingy buildings, solemn people just hanging out…but once we reached the heart of the city intricate architecture and lively streets took the forefront. Our hotel was located in one of the nicer restaurant areas, but I couldn’t help notice the still fresh signs of a harsh communist past, not to mention the tense atmosphere of politics in recent regards to Hungary’s corrupt leader and his exposure about Hungary’s sinking economy. I would describe Budapest as a city globalized before globalization; a city completely shaped by whoever occupied the region. There are signs of Turkish influence, Westminster architecture, Orthodox churches all textured by Austrian roots. Truly eye-opening.
Budapest has the fastest escalators ever! And intensely fast, shaky, underground trains! Our first night we took these trains to a lovely boat tour on the Danube complete with dinner and wine. Budapest is gorgeously lit at night. Then we went out to the bars and spent most of our time at this disco-bar which had swings instead of barstools. (genius!)
The next day we traveled to the Hungarian Parliament (beautiful architecture!) and experienced our first taste of political action and protests in front of the building. It was awesome because we got to talk to people and listen to their opinions about the government…a lot of the people protesting were there in the same place during Hungary’s ’56 Revolution. We had a meeting with the Economic and Legal Advisor for Hungary and the EAC and she told us about Hungary’s “couldn’t get any worse” economy. I loved her honesty about the whole situation, a real breath of fresh air compared to most speakers. After a tour of the Parliament, we traveled to a Hungarian University and met with the Director of the Center for Historical Studies. Then we did exactly what our program told us not to do and went back down to the “riots” and protests to check out the scene. It was pretty tense…and since we were all dressed in formal business, we weren’t exactly the most welcome bunch so we didn’t stick along too much longer.
That night, we met up with a Hungarian friend, Marty, who took us to an authentic Hungarian restaurant and bar. Then he took us to a “scenester” Hungarian jazzclub where his favorite instrumental rock band was playing. The concert was unreal and we never would have found it without Marty. It was one of those nights where I kept wondering…where the hell am i? Let’s just say finding the hotel back was an adventure.
The next morning we visited a politically-funded museum called the House of Terror. It depicted Hungary’s history of occupation, fascism and communism in a completely creative way. Very eye-opening. Then we hopped on an 8 hour party bus through my Slovakian homeland to Krakow, Poland.
Krakow, Poland (9/30-10/3)
No one ever thinks to go to Poland. But upon setting foot in Krakow’s market square, amid post football game chaos, I was impressed. This city was happening. We did a city tour. Followed Pope John Paul’s II footsteps. We spent a mentally and emotionally exhaustive day touring Camp I and II of Auschwitz. I still cant believe we walked where millions of people were systematically exterminated. I will forever remember that day…
We literally crashed a dungeon bar with some Polskis. No, really. I am talking slow motion, accidentally flipping over an entire bar table, shattering glasses and making a complete scene…then laughing hysterically because we didn’t know how to handle the situation. Luckily, the Polish are amazing people!
We had a meeting with a Polish University Professor (the Professors are my favorite because they are really good at engaging students) who detailed us about Poland’s situation from the fall of communism to the EU accession. We also traveled to the Polish Institute for Strategic Studies. Our final night in Poland was a blast. They have really fun hipster bars…and this other weird bar with a medieval “torture” theme. Haha! On Tuesday, we departed on another party bus from Krakow to Prague…which upon arrival was rainy but still breathtaking.
Prague, Czech Republic (10/3-10-6)
I would describe Prague’s architecture as delicately communist…It just looked aged but timeless at the same time. The view of the city from the St. Charles bridge cannot be beat. And so many tourists wow!
We had a few meetings on Wednesday at Prague’s Institute for International Relations. We talked with David Stulik, Representative for an NGO, “People in Need” and told us about the Czech Republic’s secret and illegal missions to Belarus. We of course took a city tour and posed as Asian tourists everywhere.
Then of course there’s the night we title “19 shots of Absinthe and 75 cent Beer Night” Come on, you know you have to do it if you’re in Prague even if it’s not the home brew. So we did it and we conquered. And we may have missed some trains and lost some dignity along the way but the group made it home. Living the Eurotrip Dream.
Our final day in Prague consisted of a meeting with the chairman of the EUROPEUM thinktank based in Prague and of course more shopping. Finally, it was time to go where not many have gone before…ESTONIA!
Tallinn, Estonia (10/5-10/8)
Welcome to Estonia…it’s COLD. At least cold for the California girl. More recently, accepted into the EU, Estonia clearly is enjoying the benefits of increased tourism and economic boosts. The medieval-looking streets of Old Town were clean, lively, filled with tourists and sights to see. Many people think that “Eastern Europe” is dirt cheap but I beg to differ. Although all of these countries are not yet in the euro zone, even after exchanging money, basic things are not THAT cheap. And it’s weird you walk around spending thousands of kroons or whatever, equivalent to 50 dollars…trips me out.
Our first day in Estonia we visited the Estonian Foreign Ministry. I don’t think they were ready for our questions…My impression is that Estonia is too new in the EU to really have an established identity; it seems all they want to do is take, take, take. We danced in the rain for a bit and then had another meeintinf with a former member of the Soviet and Estonian Parliament at Audentes University. He was a crazy euroskeptic and some of his answers were off the wall! Nonetheless, it was cool hearing a more extreme position of Estonia in the EU, especially with a specific politically involved post-communist perspective.
After the meetings we got all dolled up and attended the Estonian Opera. Mr. Euroskeptic even decided to come along! It was an Italian opera with Estonian sub titles which was awesome because of course, I understood exactly what was going on! Haha…hey, at least everyone looked good.
Estonia also has a really hip party scene. I guess the cool thing for English residents to do is to have bachelor parties in Estonia. Pretty funny. We spent a significant amount of time at an Estonian Jazzhaus, a Havana bar where (geniuses!) they made a killing on “2=1” drinks and salsa dancing (we are in Estonia right?) I have a confession…I don’t know how it happened but a bunch of us woke up that morning 7 am laying in the middle of our Estonian hotel lobby. I guess we…just…couldn’t….make…it. It was a good laugh, let me tell you.
That same day we went on a city walk and visited the Estonian Museum
of Occupation. Then I decided to pick up on my own and wander
around for the afternoon with my ipod. It was awesome. I climbed a
medieval tower and scanned the Baltic Sea (we didn’t go touch it because
apparently there was a recent flesh-eating disease case reported from the
sea haha creepy) That night we had a final program traditional Estonian Dinner at Eesti Maja. Delish. This of course needed to be followed by the Grand Finale: Havana Bar, dancing, Karaoke dominated by Americans, crashing English bachelor parties, the pub with no name, “soooo…how long are you in Estonia…oh, half an hour!” Our flight was at 6 am so there was really no point in sleeping. Our reasonable thinking paid off and although I barely remember the trip home, the trip itself was truly unforgettable.
It’s been pretty hard recovering from those past ten days especially with papers and midterms coming up but, eh, it’s been nice chilling in Freiburg. Yesterday was amazing…we took a program trip to the Swiss Alps and hiked through them. Truly an incredible spectacle, those mountains. I am glad we got to do that before it got too snowy. Let’s just I could amputate my legs today they are so sore. WORTH IT.
Alright, my eyes are burning from the computer screen and it’s definitely my turn to clean my flat this week so I must sign off. But if you get a chance check out my pics on facebook. Hope everyone is stayin safe abroad and having a blast on the homefront.