W ANDER L U ST noun: a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.
CONTRIBUTORS
s a m fine
The Tourist
from Chicago, IL age 22
jessic a m a r a k
The German Speaker
from K ansas Cit y, MO age 21
a ndre w spa lding
The All American
from kentucky, il age 23
ja red bergeron from k ansas cit y, ks age 25
The Wise One
WANDERLUST
LET US SHOW YOU HOW TO GO ABROAD, THE RIGHT WAY.
t a b l e o f cont e nts
Deparments
people
enterta inment
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Photo Essays
12 ER A SUMUS L IFE
44 WA R & PE A CE
Features
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the se a sons h av e ch a nged & so h av e w e
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It’s a ll fa lling dow n
I boarded the plane in
Last May, I took a trip with
Charlotte, feeling very
my mother to Palermo as a
anxious. I was taking my
way to reconnect with our
final steps off the airplane
Sicilian heritage. Through the
ramp, knowing that the
ups and downs of traveling,
next time I am breathing
the trip turned out to be an
in a breath of American
experience that strengthened
air, it will be all different.
our bond forever.
WANDERLUST
a rt & culture
st y le
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greener gr a sses I am sitting on a train right now. In a few minutes it will leave Trier for Saarbruken. This is the first day of my most anticipated adventure yet. I am heading to France to see the best bouldering in the world: Fontainebleau.
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Berlin: ICH LIEBE DICH Prior to coming to Berlin, I knew little about the city and what it had to offer. I knew a bit about its history; I knew that Berlin was a city that had been rebuilding and reinventing ever since the wall had fallen over two decades ago.
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PEOPLE
A Journey of Souls with
ERA SMUS IN TRIER by SAMANTHA FINE
TRIER GERMANY: Known as the oldest city in Germany,
United States. They spoke mostly English amongst one
is a moderately small town located in the Mosel region
another, while practicing German, and teaching one
of the Rhineland – Palatinate State. Four Americans
another how to say ‘cheers’ in their native tongue.
traveling from Lawrence Kansas had no idea the amount of exposure and cultural diversity was in store for them in
This rag–tag crew of twenty–something year olds from all
this seemingly traditional German town. This small town
over the world came to Trier determined to enjoy every
environment proved to be full of cultural diversity thanks
second of their time abroad. They threw themselves into
to something called the Erasmus Programme. This
every fun, outlandish opportunity imaginable, whether it
European students exchange program has given over two
was a six day party binge, a day trip to the nearby town of
million European students the chance to study in another
Koblenz, or a road trip to Amsterdam. One thing that is
country in Europe.
certain, is that they enjoyed time together the right way.
In Trier, all international students referred to themselves
Trier is a university town, home to both the University of
as ‘Erasmus’. The Trier 2011 crew consisted of students
Trier, and the Fachhochsule Trier, where this particular
from Mexico, Greece, France, Hungary, Czech Republic,
group of students attended. In a city with over 20,000
Slovakia, Slovenia, Venezuela, Egypt, India, Poland,
college students between these two universities, there was
Finland, Jordan, Palestine, Turkey, Switzerland, and the
hardly a dull moment for this Erasmus group.
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HALL -O
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Georgia Sotiriadi & Anna Mavraki / ATHENS, GREECE
PEOPLE
Matti Uusitalo / TAMPERE, FINLAND
Katya Zeßovec / VODICE, SLOVENIA
Q: Favorite thing about Trier? A: Friendly atmosphere and beer! Q: Favorite Memory? A: The 4-day festival at Zurlaubener Ufer. Q: Something you learned while on Erasmus... A: Too many to mention Q: Most unexpected thing that happened? A: That I actually passed most of the courses.
Eszter Nyékhelyi / BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Manolis Barbas / ATHENS, GREECE
Most students lived in one of two dorms which were within a five minute walk from one another. This allowed them to really grow into a little community, learning from one another. They did everything together, and shared cultural differences with one another. Group meals and dinners were a regular occurrence, as they eagerly demonstrated their (sometimes lack of) cooking skills of their country’s cuisine before beginning a night of fun. Cassandre Chavez / LYON, FRANCE
There was always a special occasion to celebrate, whether it was a giant party with over one – thousand people, or a birthday party. Even if this wasn’t the case, they would still find something fun to do. The clubs would be open until three or four in the morning, and if it still seemed to early to go home, the nearby bar, Chrome would still be open until the sun came up.
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Q: Something you learned while on Erasmus...
A: I LEARNED TO OPEN MYSELF
WANDERLUST
Dwyght Bryan / MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Borbรกla Kovรกcs / BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Q: Something you learned while on Erasmus...
A: THE GERMAN LANGUAGE, AND I LEARNED THE BEAUTY OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND CULTURES, AND HOW TO SAY CHEERS IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES.
Over twelve different countries of students come together to make up the Erasmus student group out of the FH Trier. Most students chose to spend an entire year studying in Trier, while others still have not left.
Georgia Sotiriadi / ATHENS, GREECE
Q: Favorite thing about Trier? A: That NO ONE knew Greek! Q: Favorite Memory? A: The last BBQ in the Cusanus dorms Q: Something you learned while on Erasmus... A: Your mother tongue is not necessary to make good friends! Q: Most unexpected thing that happened? A: All of Erasmus people in Trier!
PEOPLE
Thirteen Trier Erasmus embarked on a near 250 mile (400 kilometer) journey to Amsterdam in two camper vans.
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“ I FELL I N LOVe WITH T R I E R , T HE PE O PLE , & T HE L I FE E X PE R I E N C E S ”
-Rafael Lopez de Cardenas, MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Fire & Energy
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a photo essay
The abroad experience would not have been complete without the Erasmus students in Trier. Our time was spent getting to know one another in our dorm, or out at the bars. We explored Trier, traveled together, and grew together during our time abroad. This essay is filled with images captured on an iPhone, and shows real moments we treasured the most while abroad.
SAM ANTHA FINE
Fire & Energy
TYPICAL ERASMUS SATURDAY 13:00 WAKE UP
14:00 STOCK UP Buying food and beer to BBQ outside at the local market, Netto. You are almost guaranteed to see a familiar face here.
15:00 BBQ & FUN OUTSIDE
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RECONVENE BACK AT DORMS
24:00
HIT THE TOWN
The nightlife in Trier offered something for everyone. Party go-ers could find a relaxed, low key place to drink, live music, or a sweaty dance club, all within walking distance of the dorms.
7:00 sunday SHENANIGANS Far too often, did nights out with friends end after six in the morning. These Erasmus students found this stereo on the street on their way home from being out on a Saturday night. As a homage to their night and Erasmus life, they threw the stereo in the river during on the walk home.
Hitting the town Erasmus Trier At The Gr端ne Rakete
Fun in the streets outside the dorm.
As Erasmus students, we loved sharing our culture with one another. Often, people would cook food typical of their homeland. Here, our German mentor cooked us an enormous spread of typical German food, wine, and beer. 12
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o f our l i v e s
The night time shenanigans end here at the dormitory, Martinskloster at around 7 AM
ENTERTAINMENT
Searching
FOR HOME by ANDREW SPALDING
We are always looking for home. Not our physical
looked at as an equal. Continuing this analogy even fur-
home, but things that remind us of it. Places, people, any-
ther, they even had the European version of Mexican food:
thing that makes you feel at home. The further from home
the kebab. Eaten in a rolled, tortilla-like bread, often late
the more intense that search and desire can be. In Ger-
at night coming home from the bars, they are cheap and
many for a semester, thousands of miles away from what I
loved by everyone. However, no Mexican. It’s not as though
call home, I was searching for little things that reminded
they didn’t like it. In fact, almost all Germans I talked to
me of my life in Louisville, Kentucky. For everyone though,
loved it, and it was even requested that I drive to a near
home means something different.
by American army base to buy for my friends Taco Bell. Apparently it was one of the only Taco Bells in the country
There are an endless number of little details that make
but the base could only be accessed by Americans. Another
up my memories and past experiences, but some I craved
Item that reminded me of home was hot sauce. One of the
more than others. I constantly sought out my favorite food
things I missed most about home was basketball. Watching
(Mexican) during my stay. This was one of my biggest
it, playing it, everything. I never realized until that spring
gripes about Europe, Mexican food was near impossible to
how much I really loved the sport. I would stay up til five or
find. The Turkish people and food were their equivalent;
six in the morning to watch my teams play. But even more
the continent’s largest and most controversial immigrant
than watching, I needed to play. At school I would play as
population from a southern country that wanted to be
much as I can, and at home almost everyday. With friends,
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ENTERTAINMENT
You st a y and strangers, anyone who just happened to be around. I had always taken for granted having a goal in my backyard, and the hundreds of courts and parks everywhere. How all my friends were ready at a moment’s notice to drop what they were doing and play a game. In Germany this was not the case. I searched constantly just for places to play. Most times it was futile, while soccer pitches were abundant, basketball courts, or even goals, were incredibly scarce. I would ask all the locals if they knew of any, and during my walks around town I would scour the streets and back alleys for any signs or clues. I finally did find a court about a mile or so away from our dorm in the back courtyard of a concert venue. I would frequently jog up there to play, hoping others would be there but to no avail, so I would end up shooting
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WANDERLUST
around by myself. I took a long bus ride and hike across
unnatural. You don’t realize how much playing and watch-
town up to the University campus to check out a rumored
ing a sport as you grow up impacts even the basic bodily
court. When I arrived I discovered a single goal in the dirt,
movements in it. I watched from some bleachers for a min-
with no one around. I left and went home.
ute, laughing on the inside, and went home. As comedic as it was, I had found a potential court almost next door.
One day though walking back from the market I heard bouncing. The smacking of some sort of ball against wood,
So a few days later I returned with the basketball that I
coming from what appeared to be a gym almost right next
had searched out and purchased weeks before. I found
to our dorm. I had always assumed it was a private club fa-
the gym empty and the door unlocked, so I started shoot-
cility and had never gone inside, but this time I decided to
ing around. The gym seemed to be for private clubs and
take a look. Inside I found a hilarious sight. A group of old
I planned on leaving politely if anyone showed up. I shot
men were wildly running up and down a basketball court,
around for about an hour when the door opened and in
dribbling sometimes, sometimes running with the ball, fir-
walked a few of the same old men from the game the other
ing up erratic shots, disregarding many rules which I had
day. I was bummed about having to leave and figured I
previously thought were important to the game. It was
would shoot for a couple more minutes.
clear these men had not grown up with the sport. Their movements, while sometimes athletic were awkward and
us .
Fire & Energy
While I was doing this one of them approached me and
asked something in German unintelligible to me.
He went into the locker room to change and more men
“Sprecken sie English?” I asked.
joined him. Some were younger thankfully, perhaps in
their 40’s. I kept shooting around as they started a slow
“A little.” He said.
“Yes, you can play with us. But you first. Stretches.”
I apologized for being on their court and said I would
saunter around the court that turned into a jog. After one
be leaving, but as I turned to retrieve my ball he said,
lap, the man who had invited me to play waved at me.
“Come. If you play, you most join us.”
“You stay.”
“What?”
“You stay and play with us.”
I guess this was the price to a basketball game, one that
This sounded funny to me, playing with a bunch of old
seemed ridiculous, but I was desperate, so I fell into place.
German men, some of whom appeared to be in their
Trying not to overtake them, I followed them around and
70’s or 80’s. So I asked, “Are you sure? I can leave, it is
around finally feeling at home.
no problem.”
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Fire & Energy
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STUDYING ABROAD: a personal account of expectations, and the reality that followed.
BY SAMANTHA FINE
Fire & Energy
& r e a l it y e x p e ct a tions &
I LEFT FOR THE CHARLOTTE DOUGLAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT 8:20 PM ON MARCH 1ST. I WAS TO ARRIVE IN THE FRANKFURT AIRPORT AT 10:45 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY. I BOARDED THE PLANE IN CHARLOTTE, FEELING VERY ANXIOUS. I WAS TAKING MY FINAL STEPS OFF THE AIRPLANE RAMP, KNOWING THAT THE NEXT TIME I AM BREATHING IN A BREATH OF AMERICAN AIR, IT WILL BE ALL DIFFERENT.
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Expectations vs. Reality
n ne eww home EXPECTATIONS ARE A FUNNY THING.
I try not to have them when going into a new situation. This is nearly impossible before leaving for a foreign land for five months. Day dreams turn into obsessions of what it might be like; my room, friends, possible romantic relationships, school, and language. However, the reality is quite different. Home sickness has never been a part of my vocabulary. I adapt well to new situations, and I didn’t expect this to be any different. I figured my room would be similar to freshman year in dorms at college. I thought the dorm, Martinskloster, would be one giant community. The most natural thing to do in a new place is to try and settle down, and make living in a new space as easy as possible. I was originally told my room was close to the street. When first opening the door to my room, I was shocked at the reality of just how close it was. I was uncomfortable being that close to the street, and felt that it was a threat to my safety. Reality set in, and I was not as comfortable as I have been in new situations in the past. . The view out my dorm window, right along a busy street.
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To make my room feel more like my own, I decorated the walls with various post cards and random things I found, or collected from my travels.
This initial reality changed drastically as I grew comfortable in my new surroundings. Its humorous now to think that I was concerned with my safety. In the end, I loved my room. My street-side window was a gateway into the dorm for friends living else where. Because of this location, I constantly had visitors; friends that would just walk up and knock on my window. While I never new most of the people on my floor, I did have three best friends that in my hall, steps away from my door. Some of these friends I would have not been as close with if we did not share a hallway. The lifestyle was much different than freshman year dorms. It was quite the opposite; I have never felt more independent in my living situation thus far in my life, and I really enjoyed it. It allowed me to really grow as a person, develop a very self sufficient attitude. It felt like I had my own one bedroom apartment, yet I was steps away from friends. It was the best living situation I could have asked for.
“MY STREET-SIDE WINDOW WAS A GATEWAY INTO THE DORM FOR FRIENDS LIVING ELSE WHERE�
Expectations vs. Reality
TRIER, GERMANY: MY NEW HOME FOR THE NEXT FIVE MONTHS
I had not done a lot of research on Germany or Trier before taking off to live there. My interests were concentrated outside of Germany, and I was hoping to spend most of my time traveling. I knew Trier was small, and my concern was with large European cities that were famous for monuments and tourism. The reality of life in trier far exceeded my expectations of this old, ancient city. I fell in love with Trier, and all that it had to offer me in just five short months. The size of Trier ended up really allowing me to enjoy my abroad experience. Because the city is on the smaller size, there seemed to be less foreigners in the city than there would be in a large city. This allowed me to immerse myself more into the German culture. I was able to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I found myself wandering the city whenever I had time, taking in my surroundings and enjoying Trier. There was typical German architecture, along with really beautiful surprises, such as our school. .
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“I WAS ABLE TO PUSH MYSELF OUTSIDE OF my comfort zone”
Fachhochschule Trier, University of Applied Sciences, Art and Design Building
Expectations vs. Reality
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A view from the FH Trier, showing all of Trier from on top of the hill where the school sits. From this view, you can see all of Trier, and all of the important monuments. Trier sits on the Mosel River , a major river in the Rhineland-Palatinate state of Germany.
Expectations vs. Reality
l al na gnug au gaeg e
COMMUNICATION, UNDERSTANDING, AND TIME
Moving to a city where I could not initially communicate was very intimidating and exciting. I had tried to learn Spanish in the past, and only succeeded in understanding when I was immersed in the language. I assumed being in Germany would effect me in the same way, that I would pick up on cues, and eventually learn German. I expected myself to be able to understand conversational German before my five months were over. I was prepared for major language barriers when I first arrived in Trier. To an extent, that was some what true for the first few days. I thought Germans would know little English, much like the little Deutsch that I knew. The crude reality of this, was that I actually had to make time to learn in order to do this. Simply being around German speakers would not automatically imprint the language in my brain. I was enrolled in a German class, and I thought that would be enough. I should have studied at night when I had nothing to, but I was too busy trying to find something to do, trying to enjoy my new surroundings. Once I was ready to sit down and learn German, I was already too far behind. I waited too long. Germans are wonderful with English, which also fostered my inability to quickly pick up the language. The international group of students spoke mostly in English. Without taking time out of my daily life to practice German, it was impossible to quickly learn. My only regret of my abroad experience, was not taking more time to take advantage of my surroundings by learning the language.
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“ONCE I WAS READY TO SIT DOWN AND LEARN GERMAN, I WAS FAR BEHIND. I WAITED TOO LONG”
Expectations vs. Reality
tr traavveell While I did not make it to all of the places I intended to, I made it to a decent amount of them, and then some. While abroad, my priorities of the places I wanted to see, and what I hoped to get out of each visit, quickly changed. THE JOURNEY, NOT THE ARRIVAL, MATTERS.
I was no longer interested in quantity of places visited, but
This T.S. Elliot quote is something I could not begin to
quality. I enjoyed taking in the culture, getting to know
comprehend until experiencing the life of a student
some locals, and really experiencing the city for all that
traveler abroad. Before arriving in Germany, I had a
it has to offer. My interest in Western Europe faded as my
list of countries and cities that were mandatory for my
fascination in Eastern European countries grew.
time abroad. They included, Paris, many cities in Italy, Switzerland, London, Dublin, Krakow, Amsterdam, a vast
The way in which I traveled, chose what to see, and where
array of cities in Spain, and Morrocco. I had the attitude
to stay also changed drastically throughout my five months
to go to as many places as possible no matter how much
abroad. I learned how to travel from fellow Europeans. I
time I spent there and what I had to do to make it happen.
took a carpool service from Prague to Frankfurt called Mitfahrgelegenheit rather than taking the very expensive and time consuming train. I originally stayed in hostels I had booked in advance. This changed into staying in rented apartments located in a prime area of the city, or simply figuring out accommodations upon arriving in the city. The most surprising thing of all, was what I was able to take away from all of this traveling. I learned a lot of independence, and grew to adapt and feel comfortable in any situation I was thrown into.
This map represents where I expected to go, where I actually went, and the cool places I did not plan to visit. The tan color represents places I didn’t expect to go, black is for where I actually went, and dark grey for the two places I expected to go but didn’t make it to visit.
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Expectations vs. Reality
“THE JOURNEY, NOT THE ARRIVAL, MATTERS”
tri e r , co l o g n e , coc h e m , pa ris , k Lin d os , a m st e r d a m , k ob l e n z , b
b a r g a , f l or e nc e , l ucc a , so m m 28
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k r e is a u , w a rc l a w , v e nic e , ro m e , e r l in , p r a g u e , l on d on , d ub l in ,
m oco l oni a , bru g e s , a m st e r d a m
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war &
peace a photo essay
The most desolate, intriguing, beautiful and surprising place I visited. The town is only reachable on foot, or by car. I arrived with my cousins after driving on dirt roads up the Tuscan mountains. Sommocolonia is an important battle site of World War II. The first African American to receive the Medal of Honor was killed here, after calling a suicide mission to protect the people of Sommocolonia from the advancing German Army.
SAM ANTHA FINE
My cousins own a three – hundred – year old mill house deep in the mountains of Tuscany. The image above is just around the corner from their front door. A lot of history has taken place in this area. Sommocolonia is just a short drive up the mountains from the cottage pictured here.
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Fire & Energy
TRANQUILITY
so l itu d e
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b e a ut y
Sommocolonia, the tiny romantic town with the most beautiful view in all of Tuscany. This ancient town was originally occupied by the Romans. The town today has fewer than fifty residents. From the hilltop, you can see for miles into the mountainous country.
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Fire & Energy
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war
masked
The ruins of this World War II battle are no a monument to those who lost their lives.
b e a ut y
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Fire & Energy
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It’s all falling down Last May, I took a trip with my mother to Palermo to reconnect with our sicilian heritage. Through the ups and downs of traveling, the trip turned out to be an experience that strengthened our bond forever.
J E S S IC A M A R A K
Fire & falling Energydown It’s all
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Palermo is a place were many of the buildings are old and torn apart, but after a while you begin to see the beauty in the antiquity and history of the city.
Fire & Energy
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the symbo l o f sici ly The Triskelion motif is the ancient symbol of Sicily. It consists of three bent human legs and is attributed to the triangular form of the island. To this day the symbol can be seen all over the city, painted on buildings and in souvenir shops.
bonjourno Pa l ermo ’ s p l ace in S ici ly Palermo is the cultural, economic and tourist capital of Sicily. People are attracted to the city for its gastronomy (the art of food) and Mediterranean weather. Palermo is also known for their romanesque, Gothic and baroque architecture.
famous sici l ian dessert The famous Cannoli dessert is a tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough, filled with a sweet, creamy filling usually containing ricotta was created in Sicily. They range in size from “cannulicchi,” which is no bigger than a finger, to the fist-sized proportions typically found in Piana degli Albanesi, south of Palermo, Sicily.
It’s all falling down
Benvenuto my c z ech / ita l ian heritage
fami ly bonding abroad
ominous impressions
As a child, my parents instilled a
About three months into my study
After landing, our first impression of
strong sense pride for family heritage
abroad experience in Germany my
Palermo was actually quiet comical
in my brother, sister and me. My father
mother decided to fly over for a 10
and typical of my mother who often
told us stories passed down from his
day European adventure. Growing up
embodies many attributes of the typi-
parents and grandparents about the
in an Italian-American family there
original Marak family who immigrated
was one place she absolutely had to
from the Czech Republic to become
see: Sicily. Like mother like daugh-
farmers in Oklahoma. I cannot count
ter, my mom also remembers hearing
how many times he has explained to
stories from her parents about the
overall ominous
us during long road trips and fam-
original Fiorella family who lived in a
tone of the city
small village called Vallelunga in central Sicily. Stories about our heritage
I attribute the
to the everything
are not only important to my family,
is falling down
but also to families all over the world
look and feel of
because they shape our identities and are central to the way we relate to oth-
the buildings.
er people and our surroundings.
Vallelunga, Sicily the beginning o f the journey
cal Italian woman. When we stepped
Palermo, Vallelunga is a small flat
I remember flying from Pisa to Pal-
out of the airport terminal there was
town crossed by many rivers. It is
ermo with my mother by my side and
something about the ambiance that
being able to see the island approach
made her feel uneasy and the further
as we came closer to landing. That
along we went the more the feeling
moment marked the beginning of a
grew. We took a taxi to our hotel, lo-
journey that would strengthen our
cated in the shopping district of Pal-
ily dinners how to properly spell and
bond forever through the ups and
ermo, which according to the hotels.
pronounce our original Czech and
downs that go along with traveling.
com description was a well-lit, high
Italian names. My father has always
I know how much it meant for my
traffic tourist area. I attribute my
tried to expose our family to new cul-
mom to be able to visit Sicily and how
mothers fear and the ominous tone
tures through music, food and art. It
much it would have meant to my late
of the city to the “everything is falling
is his appreciation for all things exotic
Grandma who was never able to take
down” look and feel of the buildings.
that has sparked a wanderlust inside
the journey. I am grateful to have had
It also didn’t help that it was late at
me that I am forever grateful for.
the experience during my lifetime.
night and we were alone in a city
Located about 60 km southeast of
outstanding for the cultivation of typical agricultural products such as almonds, olives, and grapes.
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left A butcher prepares the fresh meat of the day be l ow Arms and legs hang from shop windows
It’s all falling down
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It’s all falling down
Come stai? known in movies for crime scenes and
sions were high, so we sat down at the
the mafia. Let’s just say our imagina-
first restaurant we could find about a
tions got the best of us. When we ar-
block from the hotel. We took a seat
rived at the hotel we were greeted by
at a patio table where we had a clear
what my mom likes to call an “Igor”
view into the restaurant and at our
character at the front door.
surroundings. Inside there seemed to be a family party going on. There was
Mondello Beach, Sicily Located about 10 miles outside
As we walked into the quiet Bed and
a large man who looked like the own-
of Palermo, the beach actually
Breakfast we realized that we were the
er of the establishment sitting sternly
only guests in the building. We put
in a wooden chair with one eye pres-
on behalf of several wealthy aris-
our bags down in our room and went
ent at the party and the other intently
tocrats to create a beach retreat.
out for dinner to collect our thoughts
watching his perimeter. It looked like
on the situation. During our walk, ten-
a scene from the Godfather. It was so
began as a swampland village. In the early 1900s it was drained
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Bene, grazie! stereotypical my mother and I found
evenings activities unfold. I began to
it quite hilarious actually, which re-
make other connections to my Roman
leased some of the fear we were feel-
Catholic, Italian-American family dur-
ing earlier in the evening. The first
ing my time in Palermo. I saw familiar
meal of the trip actually turned out to
religious iconography like crosses and
be the most delicious, so in the end
crucifixes hung from picture frames
we are grateful we let our emotions
and around people’s necks. Although
lead the way.
my experience growing up in Kansas City was a much more watered down version of Italian culture, I felt com-
of course most of the beaches
fortable and at home in Palermo when approached by new Sicilian
Meet Antonio Falcone
foods and cultures.
Nickname: Antonio Banderas
in europe are a constant stream of entertainment
Birthplace: Palermo, Sicily A new day
Religion: Catholic
The next morning we woke up and looked out the window to see dozens
What is one thing most people don’t know
of men, women and children walk-
about Palermo? There is more to do than
because we are not
ing past holding shopping bags and
follow the map and go to all the tourist
used to excessive
eating ice cream cones. We laughed
attractions. The best day for me in Palermo
again about how ridiculous we were
would to take a trip to Mondello Beach and
the night before and realized we have
go kite surfing. I love the atmosphere there
nothing to be afraid of. That day we
and it is refreshing to be outside of the city.
for americans
amounts of p.d.a. and speedos.
took a bus about ten minutes west of Palermo along the coast to Mondello.
What do you love most about your city?
gastronomy connection
We bought a few Peroni’s and enjoyed
Living near the open-air market, I love being
The family restaurant in Palermo re-
the afternoon in front of the crystal
able to walk out the door and have fresh
minded me of my families barbecue
blue water and creamy, white sand.
food, produce and fish at my fingertips.
restaurant in Kansas City where we
Most of the beaches in Europe are a
used to also throw birthday and holi-
constant stream of entertainment for
If you were a tourist in Palermo what would
day parties. I always remember my
Americans because we are not used to
your favorite site be? I would have to say, the
Grandma would always plop down
excessive amounts of PDA and spee-
Palermo Cathedral for its beautiful sculp-
in a wooden restaurant chair like
dos and Mondello was no exception.
ture inside and ornate architecture outside.
the man in Palermo and watch the
Nonetheless we had a relaxing time.
It is a source of pride for Palermo locals.
It’s all falling down
What we found was one of the most authentic and intense environments we have ever been a part of.
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The narrow street goes on for miles between tables lined with fresh seafood, Veggies, flowers, clothes, souvenirs and small trinkets.
It’s all falling down
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WANDERLUST
Arrivederci e x p l oring the market
from his the second floor, “Diana!”
The next morning, we woke up a bit
Out of luck, I turned around and he
later than usual and decided to spend
came down. We ended up taking a
our last afternoon walking through
second tour of the market with Anto-
the open-air market a few blocks from
nio by our side. He pointing out typi-
our hotel. What we found was one of
cal food items from the area and in-
the most authentic and intense envi-
troduced us to his friends. It was nice
ronment we have ever been a part of.
to have a personal tour guide again to
The narrow street goes on for miles
explain things to us that we may not
between table tops lined with fresh
have noticed or realized on our own.
seafood, vegetables, specialty drinks, souvenirs, flowers, clothes and trin-
it ’ s a l l fa l l ing down
kets. The entire scene is overhung
It was actually who pointed out that
by store front awnings and resident’s
Palermo is a place were many of the
laundry hung on wires swooping from
buildings are old and torn apart, but
The last evening in Palermo was a combi-
building to building.
every once in a while you come across
nation of many of my favorite things: art,
something absolutely stunning like a stain-glass window in the middle of
my mom & me
Italian music, beautiful scenery, good wine, good food, Mediterranean weather, new friends and, last but not least, my mom.
Through the ups
the market that is perfectly preserved,
and downs, highs
full of vivid color and fine handy
ambiance was unbelievable and the
and lows of our
work. The juxtaposition between the
entire place was swelling with robust
new and old in Palermo is something
Italian music and artsy locals. I could
my mother and I began to notice
not have asked for a better last night
more and more during our last days
in Palermo.
trip my mother and I created memories and a bond that will
in Palermo. The next morning we had to begin our saying goodbye
journey back home. Looking back, I
For our last night in Palermo, we met
realize that it was through the ups and
up with Antonio and his friends one
downs of our trip that strengthened
last time at a gallery opening. The
the bond I have with my mother for-
It turns our new friend Antonio lived
space was typical of Palermo, but
ever. We started a tradition and creat-
at the end of the market and he coin-
beautiful at night because the arch-
ed a friendship through traveling that
cidentally saw us on our way out while
ways were lit from below to create a
will last forever. I hope this is not the
standing on his balcony. He yelled
soft golden glow on the building. The
last trip we take together.
last forever.
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f ir e &
energy a photo essay Experience flamenco in the Gypsy quarters of Sacromonte at the famous “Cuevas de la Rocio” in Granada, Southern Spain.
jessica marak
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SET TING THE SCENE
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the entrance
loud Fire & Energy
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the intro
move ment
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the build up
quiet
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moments
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the cli max WANDERLUST
Fire & Energy
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the final pose
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GREENER GRASS
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W A N D E R L U ST ST
An d r e w S p a l d in g
1
09:17 a.m. || 6/24/11
I am sitting on a train right now.
Thin trunks shooting up from a car-
It is for these two reasons that even
In a few minutes it will leave Trier
pet of leaves, light piercing the woods,
when I could recruit no other souls
for Saarbruken. This is the first day
thousands of boulders dotting the
to join me on this expedition, I em-
of my most anticipated adventure
glowing landscape, and begging to be
barked nonetheless. It is a pilgrimage
yet. I am heading to Fontaineb-
climbed.
of both climbing and culture. I had
leau France: the best bouldering in
been planning this for years. As soon
the world. (Bouldering is a type of
To get there I must travel through Par-
as I heard that it was possible to study
rock climbing on boulders instead
is. The last time I was there was 2000.
in Germany, I knew that one day I
of cliffs. No ropes are used and the
I was ten and my family was spending
would return to France, and seek out
climbs are short, perhaps only ten
three weeks traveling around France
Fontainebleau.
feet, and but more difficult that
and visiting my French family. I am
longer climbs). Ever since I be-
half French and although none of
The idea of traveling through Europe,
came involved with climbing I have
my immediate family currently reside
camping outside, and hoping every-
heard of, seen, and longed after
there, I still think of it in some ways as
thing works out is daunting. Perhaps
pictures and videos of the magical
my homeland.
this is why no one else was interested.
forest in the French countryside.
Now I have a feeling of excitement,
Greener Grass
be bad, but a broken ankle alone in the forest could be a disaster. However this inherent danger of traveling and camping alone is part of the fun. A reflection of climbing itself, where most of the time you are safe and joyful but, somewhere, in the back of your mind, you know that something could go terribly wrong at any time.
2
But, life is danger. Protecting yourself
at all times leads to a boring and unfulfilled life. You must face and over-
think of a good quote, and “What
enter France, almost immediately the
come dangers to know what you are
we do in life, echoes in Eternity.”
land has changed to a cornucopia of
capable of.
— Gladiator
gold, tans and greens. The sun has
10:30 a.m. || 6/24/11
emerged, and the blue sky reflects in
sibly what I am most afraid of, is the
Left Saarbruken, heading west. Some-
towns are farther apart. Rolling hills
loneliness. I am perfectly at home in
how, no matter where in the world
rise like islands from an ebbing sea
the forest, in fact sometimes more at
you are, west feels like a new fron-
of wheat and vegetation. My attempts
home than anywhere else. I am not
tier. Is it because once it actually was
at poetic prose do not do the scen-
home being alone though. For small
a new frontier. Europe didn’t know
ery and the feelings it evokes justice.
stretches I find pleasure in escaping
about the new world across the sea
Some times I have a moment of clarity,
others, but in general, I crave human
to the west. China was disconnected
in which I realize that, in that second,
contact. This will be a test. A test of
from the west/Europe. Once America
if I were to die, it would be okay. Only
mental fortitude, and moral/physical
was born, we looked west for mystery,
because at that moment, the world is
exploration.
gold, adventure and the unknown.
perfect. Then I think there is so much
As a kid I took vacations each year
I won’t get to do in the future, and I
I have never kept a diary before, and I
with the family out from Kentucky
realize that even if a moment feels as
prefer to call it a journal, sounds like
to Colorado. When we left there was
if it can never be surpassed, inevitably,
journey, and more adventurous. I will
an unexplainable anticipation. We
it will be.
try to use this as company and explore
were going into the wild, away from
my sometimes painfully self aware
normality and the static lifestyle the
This land is a serene hybrid of wheat
thoughts… like right now, trying to
east represented. Now as soon as we
fields and grain elevators of Kansas,
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Another of my concerns, and pos-
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my window. There are fewer houses,
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and the rolling hills and trees of the
3
of practice. This lead to some frustrat-
Italian countryside. Other than the
ing mental consequences mental con-
mountains, does a better place exist?
sequences. I would see a boulder, that
11:06 a.m. || 6/25/11
I could have climbed six months ago, try it, and immediately realize that it
I am now sitting, my back to a rock,
is not going to happen. It is difficult
in the shade of pine trees. I arrived
to accept that you are physically lim-
yesterday at 3:15 and sought out food
ited, while the mind still believes you
and a hotel. Originally I had planned
are capable.
to stay at a cheap campsite, or just sleeping in the forest. But after the
The other difficulty comes from being
long journey, I decided my pack was
alone. I am not patient. I never have
to heavy and since I was already going
been. When you go bouldering with
through the trials of being solo in the
a group, patience is forced upon you.
wilderness, I might as well sleep and
Everyone takes turns trying to climb
shower in comfort. Wandering the
the boulder, and you must wait while
streets for about 45 minutes, I saw two boys around my age going the opposite direction across the street. I could tell they were curious about me and then after we had passed each other 100 feet or so, one of the shouted “Pardon Moi” and ran over. “Tu parley anglais?” I said and explained my situation. They told me about Fontainbleau and walked me to a hotel. It was going well. After checking in sampling a local beer, I struck off into the forest to find my El Dorado. The climbing was amazing. It went off in every direction, like nothing I had seen before. This was my mecca. Quickly though, I realized I was out of shape and out
Rolling hills rise like islands from an ebbing sea of wheat and vegetation.
Fire & Energy
DAYS IN TRIER 65 DAYS TRAVELING 75
COUNTRIES VISITED
DAYS SPENT TRAVELING IN YELLOW
10
HEIGHT = DISTANCE FROM TRIER
GERMANY 4 COLOGNE BELGIUM 2 OOSTENDE/BRUGGE GERMANY 1 HEIDELBERG
POLAND 6 KREISAU
GERMANY 3 BAUMHOLDER
GERMANY 5 COCHEM
*PLUS CANADA
ARRIVE ARRIVE FEB FEB 17 17
Feb
(on flight back)
March
ITALY 8 ROME
7
11
VENICE ITALY
14
RIGA LATVIA GERMANY 13 BAMBERG GERMANY 12 HEIDELBERG
GREECE 9 LINDOS GERMANY 10 KOBLENZ
April
PRAGUE CZECH REPUBLIC AUSTRIA 15 SALZBURG GERMANY 16 MUNICH
May
GERMANY 17 HEIDELBERG
FRANCE 20 METZ
DEPART DEPART JULY JULY 99
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July 61
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TOTAL DISTANCE 10,851 MILES 17,463 KILOMETERS METHODS OF TRAVEL
FRANCE FRANCE 18 FONTAINEBLEAU 19 PARIS
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ANDREW SPALDING
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stares at me. Silently shouting to try
the challenge, the more satisfying the
Paris. It is hot. Il set fraud, in French.
again. Daring me to give it another
success. Is this a cheesy obvious meta-
The forecast was rain, but in a stroke
go. If I succumb I quickly become
phor for life. Probably. There are of-
of luck, my one and only day in the
tired, and risk injury. It is imperative
ten easy ways to a goal. But they lack
greatest city on Earth is bathed in sun
to wait between attempts. But how do
challenge, satisfaction, and experi-
shine. With this is the heat. The worst
you wait, when there is nothing and
ence for the future.
kind of heat: city heat. In the forest,
no one to wait for. This mind set has
4
country, or really anywhere except
caused me to look for climbs that are
I finally met some other people climb-
the city, heat showers down but is ab-
too easy. Ones I can do on the first try.
ing this afternoon. Two Danish guys,
sorbed into the earth, and dispersed
It eliminates the need for waiting, but
who let me join them for climbing for
amongst nature. Even in the desert.
also the satisfaction of failure followed
In the city heat strikes concrete, as-
by success. I have just eaten lunch,
phalt, glass, metal, and other man-
and will now try to climb the most difficult boulder yet. Hopefully patience
The Answer is
made materials. It strikes these and is shot back up into anyone unfortu-
will prevail.
that there is
0 4 : 2 3 p. m . | | 6 / 2 5 / 1 1
no enjoyment
the sidewalks, as crackling mirages
Well Patience did not need to pre-
to be derived
noise, and crowds, all add to the sense
vail. I sent the problem on the first try. Which was a bit anti-climactic although still with some satisfaction. Walking down the back of the boulder
nate enough to be outside. It bakes ripple on black top. Smoke and cars, of hot oppression. And still, Paris is
from the
beautiful, it is near impossible to spoil
easy path.
this city’s allure. There is something uniquely charming about it. The his-
I was reminded how pointless climb-
tory and beauty are everywhere, some-
ing is. On almost any climb or boul-
a while. We didn’t speak much, but it
how still surviving amidst the tourists
der it is very easy to simply walk up the
was an extremely needed interaction.
and high rises. You have to work hard-
back of the rock. Climbing and boul-
Another example of how much we
er to find it; harder even than eleven
dering are based around choosing the
take for granted. Basic human inter-
years ago when I first met this city. Yet
hardest route you can do on a rock
action, and conversation are things
the spirit of Paris is still there. The city
face. Why? Why make it difficult? The
we assume will always be there. But
of lights, love and France. Liberte,
answer is that there is no enjoyment
when they are removed, the vacuum is
Egalite, Fraternite.
to be derived from the easy path. The
almost unbearable.
joy comes from the challenge and succeeding over it. The more difficult
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travel. Riding trains frequently, I am
W WA AN ND DE ER RL LU U ST ST
6
drawn to those moments of connec-
days , or even a few hours. I’ve be-
fect chance to tell secrets, or discuss
tion between people. You glance out
come very close to people I’ve known
matters that would be taboo amongst
the window, or at a passenger getting
less than twenty four hours. You meet
friends or family. These people don’t
of the train. For instance: eye contact,
someone at a campsite, they travel
know you, your friends, or your life.
a human connection. Then gone.
with you for a day. You converse,
You can self reflect and converse with
They leave, the train moves on, and
share experiences, and stories. Then
no fear of lasting repercussions. They
you never see that person ever again.
the next day; gone. Never to meet
will take the knowledge of you, but
They continue with their lives, mov-
again. I am often painfully self aware
have nothing to do with it. No one
ing towards some distant destination,
of this, even while spending time with
they know will care, and they will most
you will never know. I imagine life
those people. But to bring it up vio-
likely forget all of it anyway.
as a path. Each person on their own
lates some sort of self imposed blind-
path, constantly weaving in and out
ness to the transience of these en-
So next time you make eye contact
of new experiences and locations. All
counters. People generally don’t like
with someone on a bus or out a win-
the time, people’s lives/paths cross
to be reminded of the temporariness
dow, or at an airport, try to imagine
ways. A friend or someone you are
of travel-friendships. To most, there
where they came from, where they
close to simply parallels your path for
is no end in sight, until you’re past
are going, and savor that split second
long stretches of time. I try to visualize
it. And what do you say? How to you
where your paths intertwine.
then, imagining a trail behind some-
interact with someone, you will only
one, for their whole lives.
see for a few hours or days. The first
11:50 a.m. || 6/27/11
instinct is to be guarded, treat them
I pass now through the valleys of Lux-
A few times on my travels I have met
like the stranger they are. But I am
embourg, my journey almost at an
people, become friends for a day, two
of the opposite opinion. It is a per-
end. It was a success by all standards.
Greener Grass Fire & Energy
looks on their faces, when they saw the
ever, that once back in the USA I will
the idea that since it is not fun, it will
American at their party were priceless.
miss Europe. This “grass is greener”
seem longer. Stretching my life, in my
Seeing them and having human con-
paradox is difficult to grapple with.
mind. So right now on this train, wait-
tact again was incredible. They spoke
I try to force myself to enjoy my re-
ing and wanting for home, minutes
English mostly to me, and I under-
maining time and push the thoughts
turn to years, and I find solace in that.
stood some French, but it reminded
of home to the recesses of my mind.
I view it as a twisted sort of optimism. If you are having fun take comfort in
me of a common scenario, I have encountered here. A feeling of loneli-
subconsciously
ness amidst a crowd. Whenever I am
that, although it will be over soon; if you are not having fun, try to embrace
with a group of French, German, or
seeking that
any other nationality they make an ef-
other
not decide if I hope these next twelve
fort, generously, to speak English, but
greener grass.
days will go fast or slow. Which is more
the feeling of having more time. I can-
inevitably the conversation returns to
important to me: home, or my final
their native language. I do not feel
time of studying abroad? Most likely
that it is fair to expect them to use
I will flip between these emotions,
English, so I do not press for it. It is
subconsciously seeking that other
ironic though that these are possibly
greener grass.
the most homesick moments, more
This only heightens my awareness
so than alone in the forest. To be in
of the situation. They say truthfully
the middle of a conversation, amongst
that “time flies when you have a good
friends, yet unable to understand or
time.” In addition to this sensation, I
contribute, is a unique and painful
constantly have an awareness of my
feeling. I want so badly to join in the
own mortality, and the knowledge
discussion, (I love talking) and yet
that every second, is one that you will
cannot join. I sit there alone with my
never have again. Because of this, I
thoughts.
seek to live the fullest, greatest life, and enjoy every second. So I try to
I am very excited to be returning to
make myself happy in the most diffi-
America in twelve days. I do know how-
cult, boring, or painful moments, with
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Your true traveler finds boredom rather agreeable than painful. It is the symbol of his liberty-his excessive freedom. He accepts his boredom, when it comes, not merely philosophically, but almost with pleasure.
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– Aldous Huxley
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qui e t &
sti l l a photo essay
The tiny town of Kreisau Poland played host to the 2011 European Arts and History Forum. 90 students. 9 universities. 10 days stepping back in time.
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“Krzyowa” “Kreisau” “Creisau”
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blue
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Von Moltke’s chapel
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Berlin: Ich Liebe Dich
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W A N D E R L U ST
Berlin: Ich Liebe Dich
rior to coming to Berlin, I knew little about the city and what it had to offer. I knew a bit about its history; I knew that Berlin was a city that had been rebuilding and reinventing ever since the wall had fallen over two decades ago.
Someone had told me that the city was comparable
to New York in the 90s but this information was useless
what to expect and I was completely okay with that.
for me. One, I had never been to New York and two, I was
certainly in no way old or mature enough at the time to
studying on the west side of Germany in the old city of
even care about what was happening then. I had no idea
Trier. I was half way through the semester when I decided
At the time, I was spending a semester abroad
to make my first visit. It would be safe to say that I spent more time traveling than actually participating in my studies while I was abroad. And honestly, I would not have had it any other way. That’s not to say I was not learning though, because I was. I was learning through experience. I was learning through interaction. I learned
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from different people and different culture. From different places and different histories. I was learning how to really live. How to go out and get around on my own. I was learning about myself, who I was and where I wanted to be. I was embracing and soaking in everything I could. I just figured that this was my one (and perhaps only) time in Europe and it only made sense to make the most of it.
Th ere s eem ed so me t hi n g s p ecia l ab o u t f i gu ri n g out a n ew p l ac e o n yo u r o wn .
Berlin: Ich Liebe Dich
AN OLD FRIEND
l i ke d t h at I d id n’t k now much about this city I was getting ready to go to. I was needing something to look forward to. Not knowing made things a bit more exciting, a bit more adventurous. I suppose I could have done my research, put together an itinerary and sought out all major tour ist de st i n a t ion s . B ut for w h a t e ver reason, that did not appeal to me. Instead, I wanted a more laid back approach. I kind of just wanted to
back. We lived on the same floor in
wing it. It seemed a lot more fun to
the dorms, we had been neighbors
go out and figure out a new place on
before he transferred schools in
my own, by myself. That was the plan
2008.
at least.
Plans changed t hough but I
month spell traveling up and down
couldn’t complain. One of my dudes
southeast Asia and I found out he
was going to meet up with me. Steve
was making his way to Europe. It had
was an old friend of mine. We had
been awhile since I saw him last and
gone to college together a few years
when I found out he was making his
He wa s coming of f a f ive
way to Europe, it only made sense to meet up. We set a plan to meet on the 31st of May. He flew into Frankfurt, I met him by train, and from there we began our trip to Berlin.
A f ter a l ready feel i ng l i ke a
seasoned traveler, visiting a handful of cites and countries, seeing this and that, I started analyzing the way in which I was traveling. My f irst few trips I was just wanted to go out and see as much as I could in a short
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amount of time just for the sake of it. It made sense though. I was thrilled when first got to Europe. Everything around me was new and foreign. But as I began to settle down in Trier, I started thinking about all that I was missing; all the things a city has to offer that go beyond the hotspots and tourist traps. Before I was only getting bits and pieces, never fully embr acing t he t r ue cult ure and energy of a destination. Sure, I saw a lot of amazing things and went to some incredible places but I wanted something more. By the time we m a de ou r w ay to B erl i n, it w a s time to slow down. I wanted to feel connected the city I was in. I wanted something different. It was time to really get to know and understand a city and the people. I wanted to take in everything it has to offer. It was time to explore, get lost and just live.
Berlin: Ich Liebe Dich
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Berlin: Ich Liebe Dich
KREUZBERG
ittle did I know what would come from this trip. Within the first few moments of being in this city, I knew there was something special about it. It seemed as though it was a being of its own. A vibrant city that beamed with culture, history
imagine how affordable it would
and the arts. It was edgy. It was alive.
be to live here. With low rent and
It seemed to have it all. Dare I say this
a la issez -fa ire economy, it w a s a
place was the epitome of cool? It was
world city that had a special creative
by far one of the coolest places I had
energy to it due to its attractablity,
been to and I had only there a day.
affordability and tolerance.
Having been deemed “poor but
A fter spending the first night
sexy” some time ago, I could start
in a hostel, we wanted to find some
to see why it had gotten that name.
b etter k i nd of accom mod at ion.
Sure, Berlin had its fair share of
Something much more easygoing.
poor areas where unemployment was
And we did just that. We had found
a little high and it faced a healthy
a n ap a r t ment on c r a ig sl i st .o eg
nat iona l debt , but you cou ld n’t
out of places. Apparently a lot of
get around the greatness of this
people rent out their extra rooms
city. It was a cheap place to visit for
or apartments if they are away for
being such a major city. I could only
awhile or gone for the weekend. And it was cheaper than any hostel we looked it.
It was more than perfect. The
renter was a young British-Canadian girl named Lacey. She was a yoga instructor/writer named and was
Roaming some clean streets. I want to get grimey.
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WANDERLUST Flohmarkts are cheap and inexpensive. Perfect for grocery shopping and a nice reminder of why the city is so great.
home base to call our own. It was the perfect way to experience the city, the lifestyle. For a few days, it was like we lived there.
Roaming around, seeing the
Turkish flohmarkts, smashing on the such a nice host. She gave us a quick
delicious falafel and döner kebabs
tour around the area the day we
second to none from street vendors,
arrived and after that we were more
hearing the hustle and bustle of the
or less on our own for the rest of our
people, making multiple trips to
time here. We were in Kreuzberg.
Gorlitzer park and watching it as it
Sitting in east- central Berlin,
filled with people living life, crossing
K reuzberg is one of Berlin’s most
the Oberbaumbrüke back and forth,
eclectic districts. It was a district
that fortress of bridge, walking along
filled of contrasts. It was a district
the famed East Side Gallery, listening
that was filled with culture, a sort of
to the pulsating beats that crept into
melting pot of people teaming with
the air as the sun began to disappear,
bohemians, artsy-fartsys, creatives,
following those sounds into clubs
punks, alternatives, hookers and a
and walking out just to see the that
large Turkish immigrant population.
the sun had risen. It was all too good.
Once a poor area of Berlin, it
was evident that gentrification had taken over in the western parts of the district. You could see clean walls that were once-upon-a-time covered with graffiti. You could see newly renovated apartments and lofts, the set up of dot- coms and agencies. A nd you cou ld see t he you nger crowd that seemed to come from wealthy backgrounds. I could tell a bit of it’s charm had gone in certain areas. But only a little. There was still plenty special about it. We had our Our apartment was in a prime location, with nearby sites including Gorlitzter park, the East Side Gallery and the Jewish Museum
Berlin: Ich Liebe Dich
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Berlin: Ich Liebe Dich
EAST SIDE GALLERY
here was no way of missing it. It would be hard to not see the 1.3km stretch of painted wall murals. The East Side Gallery was an international memorial of freedom and made for a nice walk. The Gallery itself is filled with over a hundred paintings by artists from around the world. Each unique in its own way. Some were well kept, some had been defaced and others were crumbling down. It was nice to see a place where art was used an expression for a unique point in time of the histor y of a separated Germany.
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Fire & Energy
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WANDERLUST
POOR &
COLORFUL a photo essay Smothered with graffiti in its entirety, surrounded by a sculptural garden, Tacheles is a graffitti-riddened, counter-culture of a temple in Berlin. Today it continues to be a home to more than a hundred sculptor and artist squatters. Unfortunately the fate of the building remains in the air as it faces the threat of being torn down.
JARE D BE RG E RO N
Fire & Energy
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Poor & Colorful
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Poor & Colorful
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Poor & Colorful
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W A N D E R L U ST
Poor & Colorful
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W A N D E R L U ST
ART & CULTURE
Leaving a mark
A GUIDE TO THE PERFECT SOUVENIR by JARED BERGERON
THERE IS ALMOST ALWAYS A STORY that goes along
there was the dilemma on deciding what to actually get.
with any tattoo. Some may be extravagant. Some may be
For some this may come easy. For others, it can be quite
important. Some may be absurd or just plain stupid, but
difficult. After all, the idea is to have it with you the rest
there is always some kind of story. Mine was a rather simple
of your life.
one; I wanted something to take home with me from the time spent abroad. I wanted something permanent, something that would last a lifetime, something that
I suppose if you are really indecisive; saying “screw it”
I could keep with me and always be reminded of the
and leaving it up to the fate of the tattoo artist could be
incredible experience I had.
your best bet. However. you need to be sure you trust your artist. Take enough time to do your research. Visit as many
Of course the wanting-a-tattoo part was easy. I had been
studios as you need. Go through the artists’ books. Be
wanting a new one ever since I got my first two-and-a-half
familiar with the work the artist has done. Scrutinize it.
years ago. It was true what they say; you cannot just get one
Be critical. It would be to safe assume that a shitty tattoo
tattoo. It was the making it a reality part that was difficult.
artist typically equals a shitty tattoo. Look for consistent
For one thing, a quality tattoo meant it was going to cost
line quality and lettering work. Ask friends. Ask family
a nice sum of change, which I did not have. And then
members. Word of mouth may even be the best way to go.
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Fire &ART Energy &
CULTURE
It’s the method I used and it worked out perfect for me. I as lucky when I found my tattoo artist in Germany. I came about my him by happenstance. I was out one night in Trier and was talking to a friend at a local bar who had spent a semester in the states studying at my university a year-and-a-half ago. After a few Bit Burgers, we got on the
And the pain begins.
subject of tattoos (he had some badass tats himself) and he told me of a friend of his had done a couple of his tattoos and that this friend also happened to live and work in the same town we were in. He passed along his friend’s business card to me and the next day I made a call and set an appointment to meet Sebastian Winter. After meeting with Seb and shooting the shit for awhile, I found out he was a former illustration student who had graduated from the same school I was studying at in Trier.
He was a laid back, easy going guy who made bitchin’ tattoos and sang, or rather screamed, in a hardcore, German punk band on the side. A look through his work, made it evident that he had strong, clean line work and a unique style that was clearly influenced by the traditional Americana style of tattoos. He was just what I was looking for. I had found my tattoo artist. Before leaving my meeting with Seb, I left a couple pictures as reference and told him to just do his own thing. Having always appreciated tattoos as an art form; the skin as a canvas, the tattoo machine as a brush, I saw this as an opportunity to get someone elses artwork on my body. I had complete confidence in what he would come up with. I knew I wanted an owl motif for some time and after being abroad, it made even more sense and became more indicative of what it meant to me personally.
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It represented the people I met, the relationships I made... Metaphorically, it applied to my life style, a creature of the night. But more importantly was its symbolic meaning. It stood for wisdom, vision, knowledge and transition. It represented the pivotal point in my life. It represented the near six months I had spent abroad and the impact it had on me. It represented the people I met, the relationships I made, the places I had gone and the experiences I had that helped open my eyes to a whole new world. When the day came to begin work, there was a certain anxiety that came over me. I was excited for the mental battle I was about to face. Like mind over matter, it was about finding that happy place and controlling the threshold of pain that goes with getting a tattoo. All and all, the tattoo took 8.5 hours and two sittings, not mention it cost a hefty sum that was worth every last coin. I could not have been more satisfied with the final piece. It was
...the places I
the perfect keepsake, the perfect souvenir.
had gone and the (top) getting set up. lots of paper towels, spray
experiences I had
bottle, inks and tattoo machine. (middle) close up of some bloody ink. (BOTTOM) checking out the stencil, making sure it fits right.
ST YLE
Learning
FROM THE BEST by JESSICA MARAK
Studying abroad was one of the best decision
being abroad made me less intimidated by failure because
I ever made. While in Germany every second of the day,
I was constantly humbled by all the things I didn’t know
from the moment I woke up to the moment I fell asleep I
and all the words I couldn’t say. Hogan knew I had a lot to
was challenged. Whether it was at Coffee Fellows trying to
learn, so he took out a pen and paper and drew the perfect
buy an iced coffee and getting a coffee with a scoop of ice
outline of the lowercase letter “R.” I was completely blown
cream or simply going to trying to make a typeface in Al-
away by his skill and ability to draw such an effortless letter
phabet class. At first it was difficult to adjust and I was con-
form. At that moment I knew that type design was an art
stantly exhausted, but by the end I felt satisfaction when I
from that I would not learn in one day, but through pro-
could successfully order a vegetarian kebab at Ali Babas.
cess of trying to create a typeface I learned so much about typography that has influenced my style as a designer.
On my way to class, I would pass by a preschool and try to translate and understand the little kids conversations at
Being abroad away from the people who know me best al-
recess. When I arrived at class Professor Hogan would go
lowed me to delve into new passion and develop a design
to each student and speak to them individually about their
style that I could call my own. Each new place I went and
alphabet design. When he came to my desk he could tell
with each new challenge I faced I grew more confident in
straight away from my sketches that I had no idea what I
myself and became a stronger more knowledgeable design-
was doing. Usually this would have discouraged me, but
er in the process.
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ST YLE
1.
1. using new techniques At the “Kreisau Endowment for European Understanding”
2.
workshop in Poland I took a paper sculpture class where I was challenged to think three dimensionally and work with my hands to translate a difficult theme into a cohesive, conceptual work of art. The workshop taught me that I can use my design skills in more ways than I thought. It took me trying a completely new medium to realize I should not limit myself to traditional ways of designing thinking.
2. Learning from the best I accredit my typographic style as a graphic designer to the time I spent studying Alphabet design in Germany with Professor Andreas Hogan. While learning to create my first typeface at the Fachhochschule in Trier I was inspired by my peers impeccable use of subtle clean type combinations. I was attracted to the simplicity and intelligence behind their work. Since then I have developed a love for “perfectly simple” styles and incorporate it into my life in every way. 130
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3.
3. Thinking & sketching On every journey from departure to destination there is always down time, whether it is on a train, plane, or even bus. While abroad, I took those moments to put pen to paper and draw whatever I was interested in at the time, whether it was whimsical doodles of girls with pretty hair or detailed plans and charts of my school project. The sketchbook became a part of my day to day process. It helped me managed my time more and become more efficient when it came to designing because I had all the thinking written in my notes, so all I had left to do was make.
Aa DIN TYPEFACE
The typeface used in this magazine is called DIN. It has been defined by the German standards body Deutsches Institut f端r Normung since 1936. DIN is a realist sans-serif typeface that is widely used for traffic, administration and business applications.
Fire & Energy
CHEERS! prost yamas na zdravĂ kippis prieka santĂŠ salute 56
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t sch 端 s s German: An informal goodbye amongst friends.