SOUVENIRS discover your wanderlust
fall 2020
Fall 2020
SOUVENIRS Editor in Chief Maya Fidziukiewicz Deputy Sara Sheibani Art Director Rachel Betters Marketing Director Ellie Marcus Marketing Associate Emily Beyer Webmaster Brooke Strain Photography Editor Olivia O’Brien Illustrator Tracy Fu
Editors Madison Berger Margaret Huibregtse Olivia O’Brien Staff Writers Emily Beyer Kyle Engels Sophia Madore Kiersten McDevitt Carter Olson Ella Sabin Lili Sarajian Kate Van Dyke Amanda Weil On the Cover Nicole Golownia Contributing Writers Barbara Hanna Olivia Peters
Contributing Photographers Luca Costa Jennifer Foshey Nicole Golownia Barbara Hannah Asha Jain Rashelle Pershman Sara Pratt WUD Publications Committee Director Evanka Annyapu WUD Publications Committee Advisor Robin Schmoldt Wisconsin Union President Lily Miller
The Publications Committee of the Wisconsin Union Directorate celebrates creativity on campus by providing hands-on experience in publishing, editing, writing, and art-making. Through the publishing of our 6 student-run journals and magazines, we provide a creative outlet for UW-Madison students interested in creating poetry and prose, reporting on travel, music, and fashion, or delving into research in science and public policy. We also offer lectures with established authors, an annual literary festival, and we co-host events such as UW Fashion Week and previously, The Gatsby Gala!
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LETTER FROM Dear Reader, THE EDITOR
As our team was coming together (virtually) for the semester, I wondered whether what you hold in your hands would be possible. In the span of a few weeks, printed media and travel - once glorified and enjoyed - quickly became inaccessible and intangible. That is why this issue is centered around the idea of courage. Courage is the ability to do something difficult. It is the mentality to face our fears. To trust our step forward when we have no clue where the road will take us. To step back when our loved ones are at risk. Throughout this issue, you will read stories from individuals who craved something that was (and for the moment still is) out of their reach. From keeping the thrill of travel alive in a different time, to having abroad experiences cut short, to recognizing change-makers across the globe, their desire for satisfying a curious spirit would not be stopped by social barriers or physical distancing. The travel world is on pause: check-ins used to be in hotels, but now it’s with your loved ones. This discomfort is teaching us lessons we don’t even know will be useful yet. It takes courage to stay home and be present, knowing we have so much yet to discover. Don’t be discouraged - let 2020 be your year! At the time you read this, there will be plenty more sunsets to catch, strangers to smile at, and moments to reflect and be present with yourself. Taking a trip through these pages does not require masks or pandemic precautions. These words are yours to soak in from the comfort of your space, with a warm cup tea in your hand, of course. Bon voyage!
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YOUR discover WANDERLUST
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FOR MORE, FOLLOW @SOUVENIRSMADISON ON SOCIAL OR VISIT SOUVENIRSMADISON.COM
Fall 2020
IN THIS ISSUE 8
28 42 49
10 12 14 16 18 20 23 24 26 30 32 34 37 38 41 44 47 50
How to Take a Walk in a Foreign Country Yellow Roses & Sushi Witamy w Polsce! Sentiment de Travel Passing Through Portugal The State of National Parks The Sprinkles of Life 27 Hour Countdown A Traveled Worrier’s Courage Help Some1 The Homes We Create Exploring the Familiar Ten Untranslatable Words To Understand Courage from East to West How to be Fearlessly Homesick Traveling Through Literature Beginner’s Travel Guide to Wisconsin Appreciating Home After Life Abroad FALL 2020
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NICOLE GOLOWNIA, MILAN, ITALY
HOW TO TAKE A WALK IN A
foreign country BY MARGARET HUIBREGTSE
Bring a rain jacket. And good shoes. These might sound obvious, but trust me on this. And this might seem almost insulting in the age of smartphones, but make sure you have a camera. Just in case. The camera isn’t to take pictures of any famous landmarks or postcard skylines, either. You can if you want to, but that’s not why you need it. You need the camera to take photos of the little, funny things that make a place real – the incongruous graffiti, the weird ads. And also, of the details that make the people real – the hand-lettered lawn signs, the spectacular (or spectacularly weird) gardens. And there might be a cool building or picturesque landscape in there, too. Mostly, though, we aren’t looking for photos. This walk isn’t a search for the spectacular. It’s an exercise in the mundane. It’s easy, when travelling, to skate over a place, to visit the museums and the landmarks, the cute little shops and the Anglicized restaurants and feel like you’ve “seen” the city, “know” the place. You don’t. All you’ve really demonstrated is how quick we as tourists are to forget that our exotic travel destination is omeone else’s home. The people who tour you around the landmarks and sell you things in the cute little shops go home at the end of the day, or maybe they
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go out for a drink, or they take a run or go bowling or any of a million other things. The point of the walk is to remove the blinding patina of tourism, to find fresh eyes to look at this new place as a place, a rich hub of humanity instead of a dot on the map.
THE POINT OF THE WALK IS TO REMOVE THE BLINDING PATINA OF TOURISM. So bring a rain jacket. This might take a while. John Steinbeck once wrote about the Spanish verb vacilar, which he said meant something akin to “wandering,” but also slightly different. To be vacilado is to be looking for something without actually caring if you find it or not. I don’t speak Spanish, and the translations I found online don’t bear this definition out, so Steinbeck may have been completely making this up. I still find it useful, though, because vacilado is exactly the state of mind to be in when taking a walk – it’s good to have a goal,
MARGARET HUIBREGTSE, DUBLIN, IRELAND but really what you’re looking for is what exists in between you and your ostensible destination. When I was in Cardiff, I set out to find the water. Wikipedia tells me the water I was looking for is called Cardiff Bay, and that it was responsible for the rise of Cardiff as a major city after the coal boom of the 19th century. I didn’t know any of this when I went out looking for it, though – but I had seen it when the train pulled into town the night before, and I wanted to find it again. So I did. I walked at least two hours before I got there. I was passed by dozens of loud trucks pulling into a garbage processing facility. I read dozens of signs in both English and Welsh, and tried to link the two together in my mind. I crossed a bridge. I saw a sign for a dalek, which my Whovian friend tells me is because, according to the Doctor, time is particularly thin in Cardiff. Or something. I walked through a tiny church that had been converted into a craft store. I bought a bag of jalapeno peanuts. I talked to a man running boat tours across the bay. And yes, I did eventually find the water. I even took some pictures of it. But that wasn’t really the point. In Dublin, I found a beach and walked the length of it barefoot, then found a canal and sat alone on its banks, listening to the traffic. There’s a plaque by the Thames dedicated to people with Creutzfeldt-Jakob
disease, and if you stare at the trees in London long enough, you can work out the patterns of the blinking lights. There’s a public art display near the Cardiff train station apparently inspired by green beans, and a park in Ireland dedicated to Gulliver’s Travels. If you walk far enough out of Galway, you can see children’s names carved into the sidewalks, and if you walk the other way, you can greet the horses living in people’s backyards. Of course, going for a walk always introduces the possibility of getting lost – especially in European cities full of winds and alleys, narrow streets between tall buildings. In Amsterdam, I ended up in a Dunkin’ Donuts at 9 p.m. on a Tuesday, eating a muffin and trying to connect to the Wi-Fi. Wherever I went in Edinburgh, I always seemed to find my way back to the same statue of David Hume. There’s an art, though, to getting lost – the trick is to know vaguely which way you’re heading, but not be clear on all the twists and turns in between. At its core, it’s Steinbeck’s vacilado – wandering with a purpose, searching for something as an excuse to find you don’t know what. So make sure to give yourself plenty of time, in case you don’t find what you’re looking for. And then a bit more extra, in case you do. And don’t forget that rain jacket.
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SOPHIA MADORE, ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, USA
YELLOW ROSES AND SUSHI: AN UNPLANNED ADVENTURE BY SOPHIA MADORE
I lived in the midwestern prairie lands most of my life, but for the past two summers I have worked in the Rocky Mountains. With this elevation difference, I can conclude it was a breathtaking experience— literally and physically.
It was fun to stay at the YMCA—even during a pandemic summer. Both of the summers I spent in the Rocky Mountains were great. When reflecting on my experiences, I realized that I learned an important lesson about traveling.
For both summers, I was out in Colorado to work at the YMCA of the Rockies and be a part of a Catholic leadership program called FOCUS Summer Projects.
One may think because I went out to Colorado I got to hike many mountains. The world is full of uncertainty and trips don’t always go as planned.
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RACHEL BETTERS, ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, USA There were a few crazy moments at the YMCA of the Rockies this past summer regarding COVID-19. For ten days, three other student leaders and I had to quarantine in a tiny cabin. We had been exposed to someone that had traveled to the YMCA and was sick. In addition to us leaders being quarantined, many girls in my small group were forced to isolate in their own rooms. This was devastating—we did not travel out to Colorado in the hopes of being quarantined. It was a pain to see the mountains outside of our window and not be able to hike them. Instead of being able to spend time with our new friends, we spent time setting up traps for our newly found house mouse: Remmie. As hard as this was, so much goodness came out of this unplanned adventure. We spent most of our time waving at trucks as they honked by our cabin. Friends came to our cabin to drop off yellow roses and sushi (what a combo). Spending ten days in a cabin with people, you get to know them pretty well. Us student leaders spent the
beginning of summer running all over the YMCA campus. We didn’t have a chance to spend much time together--quarantine changed that. We had many chances to dance to the Have a Great Day playlist on Spotify, make pancakes and drink countless cups of French-pressed coffee. Traveling isn’t about the destination, but the people you share the experience with. Through this unplanned adventure, I got to see the community and friendships I found in Colorado unfold before my eyes. The mountains are beautiful--but the courage that I saw in my friends of making the best of a hard situation was filled with so much more beauty and awe. The lesson I learned is said best by Katie Gapinski, one of my best friends:
THE MOUNTAINS ECHO SO THEY CAN MIMIC THE PEOPLE. FALL 2020
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WITAMY W POLSCE!
BY MAYA FIDZIUKIEWICZ
MAYA FIDZIUKIEWICZ, WARSAW, POLAND
The minute I stepped off of the plane in the Warsaw airport I felt relieved. A familiar language greeted my jet-lagged self - witamy w Polsce! (welcome to Poland!) Three layovers and some sleepless flight hours later, I was finally there. These next few weeks of my summer would be spent learning about family roots by exploring the country my parents and grandparents used to call home. My brother and I were picked up from the airport and driven to our family friend’s home, where we arrived well past midnight. Despite the late hour, we were greeted by
nothing less than a feast, the likes of which could have fed a family of 10 for at least a week. We spent that gorgeous summer city hopping through downtowns filled with tourists, then escaping to small villages only locals would dare get lost in. Of all the places we ventured, Toruń’s historical significance merged with its modern beauty most captivated my curiosity. Walking through the cobblestone streets of Toruń, I was enchanted by the vivid colors of the buildings and the smells of pastries and steaming
breads that caught my nose every other door I passed. And there were flowers everywhere. Planted, hung, displayed, picked, bought - everywhere. Known for the gingerbread cookie and the birthplace of Nicolas Copernicus (you know, the guy who discovered that the Earth revolves around the sun), Toruń’s reputation attracts visitors to experience a city that exists inside its medieval walls. Perhaps the most well-known landmark in Toruń is the Leaning Tower of Toruń, or Krzywa Wierza. The top of this tower is displaced almost 5 ft. from where it would be if it were standing vertically. Legend has it, a monk who used to live in Toruń fell in love with the daughter of a rich merchant, and met with her in secret against the rules of his order. When the town found out, he was sentenced to build a tower that was as tilted as his wrongdoing. To this day, it is said only those who have not sinned are able to keep their balance when leaning against the tower -- I can’t say I kept mine... While in Toruń and then visiting the rest of Poland, my brother and I were constantly surrounded by the delicious culture of the Polish people. If you ever learn at least one Polish word, it needs to be lody (pronounced LOW-deh), which is the word for ice cream. This word, like the traditional pierogi,
is already plural - because you never get just one anyway. When in Poland, we ate lody as often as Americans drink iced coffee - maybe even more. Polish cuisine is often focused on the warm and hearty; pierogi, breads, kiełbasa, potatoes, gingerbread cookies, and crepes, all of which are delicious, and should be taken advantage of when available. However, Polish summers are quite short, and so the locals must make the most of the nice weather by using high quality ingredients in their hand crafted desserts. Imagine: something like a creamy sorbet --made of real fruit,-- slowly melting in the warmth of the summer sun. I know, my mouth is watering too. Two months later (and seven kilograms heavier), I came back to my Polish-American home I am lucky to say is raised on Polish soul. All aspects of our roots-- food, culture, and language-- remain alive in our household, because my parents recognize the importance of passing down our preserved traditions. Our family life involves my father telling me stories of what it was like to be stationed in Toruń during communist times, and my mother demonstrating Polish hospitality in every dish she makes. Although I was born in America, I feel as though I have dual loyalties and consider Poland my homeland as well. From gingerbread cookies to cold lody to savory dumplings, what better way to make someone feel welcome at their home-away-from-home?
SARA SHEIBANI, PARIS, FRANCE
sentiment travel de
BY SARA SHEIBANI
Un verbe It is an action De voyager With a definition in a dictionary Se deplacer au loin But with a different impression En francais A trip Semble plus court, sans une histoire Something that you have photos of, And that you put in your scrapbook to remember
A verb C’est une action To travel Avec une définition dans un dictionnaire Move from place to place Mais il y a un sentiment différent In English Un voyage Seems full, a story of a journey Un moment ce qu’on se changer Et qu’on est souvenu comme une pièce de notre histoire de la vie
OLIVIA O’BRIEN, SINTRA, PORTUGAL
MAYA FIDZIUKIEWICZ, WARSAW, POLAND
JENNIFER FOSHEY, TANZANIA FALL 2020
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ime flies faster when you’re somewhere new. My trip to Portugal lasted five days, but it felt like much less. First time out of the continental U.S. and I was struck, not only by the difference in landscape-- Lisbon’s March is very different than a Midwestern March-- but also by the difference in culture and lifestyle. Portugal felt leisurely coming from college, and from a country that treasures productivity to the extent that it is ingrained in our identity. The morning after we arrived in Porto, my parents and I decided to go for a walk. Now that I had shaken off my jetlagged stupor, I felt dwarfed by the enormous task of exploring a new country. The sensation of finding myself in a new place was a lot like how I imagined a puppy must feel arriving at its new home for the first time. I felt the need to absorb every sight, smell and sound, because I feared the novelty of everything wouldn’t imprint itself in my memories unless I gave my attention to even the smallest detail. Before I knew it, the sun was setting. Our walk around the city felt like a dream, the kind where a thousand things happen in the span of a minute, and upon waking you can’t remember what was real. Except this time, everything was. I think the most striking thing I noticed on our walk that first day was people enjoying their time. A man with a guitar sat serenading passersby beneath trees blooming with red flowers. Workers chatted outside quaint coffee shops, not a to-go cup in sight. An old woman hung her sheets out the window to dry. All around us people lingered, their composure an invitation to slow down and stay awhile. Yet, despite being surrounded by such tranquility, I felt pushed to be more productive than ever: I wanted to experience everything, make every second of those five days count. Too quickly I was compelled to abandon Porto and board the train to Sintra, our next destination. Known as a scenic hideaway with access to many of the region’s mountain-top castles, I looked forward to our stay here the most. Even though it had started raining during the journey, immediately after disembarking we were greeted by views of a sunken garden, shrouded in fog. Leafy silhouettes covered the side of the mountain, mist dulling the bright greens and tropical colors that
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typically shone in the sunlight. I remember rushing up the mountain road, my carry-on bumping against the back of my legs as I took it all in. My eagerness to see everything prevented me from taking the time to truly appreciate it all. I carried this attitude with me to the castles, too. As we hiked up stone walls and towers built thousands of years ago, I couldn’t help but notice how the tourists around us seemed to be in just as much of a rush as I was. A cluster of British women clambered to take a selfie with the picturesque views, and an old woman practically tripped me with her hiking stick as she overtook us on the stairs. (In hindsight, ankle booties are not the best footwear choice for exploring a five thousand year old castle.) Despite the grandeur surrounding me, I couldn’t ignore the little voice whispering, “Go, move on, check the box, see the next site. This is all the time you have, so use it.” There we were among the ruins of a Moorish settlement, its presence alone a testament to humanity’s ability to conquer the passage of time, and we couldn’t help but fall victim to our own tranistory agendas. It wasn’t until I stepped off the plane that I was able to process the events of the past week. It’s funny how you don’t really appreciate the places you’ve been until you’re back. I often think about how much I missed in Portugal; how I didn’t fully realize the extent of its impression on me until I was walking the familiar roads of my neighborhood, didn’t appreciate many of its differences until I returned home with memories of a new place fresh in my mind. Years later, it feels like I was in Portugal for much longer than those five days. This is probably due to how frequently I reminisce. I remember munching on a Clif bar in overgrown palace gardens. I remember colorful facades of tiled buildings and uneven cobblestoned streets. And I remember the awe with which I observed the Portuguese approach to life. The memories of my trip are comforting to me - an invitation to extend the time I spent abroad. Portugal isn’t just a place I’ve been, or a box I’ve checked. It is my refuge: somewhere I can retreat in times of stress, or visit when I have a spare minute. A place where I can enjoy the serenity of life, untouched by the passage of time.
PASSING THROUGH PORTUGAL
BY OLIVIA O’BRIEN
FALL 2020
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BY ELLA SABIN
THE STATE OF
national parks
Amidst a summer with physical distancing mandates, and indoor spaces having limited capacities, national parks and natural preserved spaces had themselves full schedules. Many typical summer attractions closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so people sought out alternative ways to spend their time. One of the most commonly recommended activities this summer was to get outdoors, leading to people flocking to national parks and preserves. At the start of the pandemic, there was plenty of news coverage about nature’s revival during the time away from visitors, how the pandemic could heal the earth.
This is true in some ways, with wildlife thriving in areas where it previously had to guard itself from tourism, but there is more to the equation than that. Some wildlife areas like national parks and well-known preserved spaces are actually seeing a rise in visitors this summer. Many individuals, groups and families all had the same idea this summer: pack the car and hit the road in search of adventure and beauty. The rise in visitors has both benefits and consequences. It allows the parks and reserves to make up for dormant months in the tourism sector, where funds were not coming in at the usual rate. But the same
There are lines that mirror the busiest weeks of the year, but prolonged for months of the summer, according to National Geographic.
hikers, and lack a respect for the land they’re on. Even with the park restrictions on capacity, customers have found ways to disregard these rules, such as arriving early in the morning before restrictions are enforced to gain entry to the parks.
“The future of national parks depends on people respecting them and treating them with care.”
National parks are taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their guests and also to do the best they can for their natural areas. These measures include limiting park capacity as best they can, and encouraging physical distancing. However, Smithsonian magazine points out that it’s really up to the visitors, the parks can only do so much. The visitors need to be aware of practicing measures that will keep themselves and others safe, and also be respectful of the natural life that surrounds them.
Many parks have seen that their visitor demographic has become increasingly filled with firsttimers, and those who are not as experienced with how to behave at a national park.
Santa Paula Canyon National Forest has seen record numbers of graffiti, litter and defacing along its trails this summer. Park regulars testify to seeing people on the trails who clearly are not avid
The future of our normal everyday lives seems to be in the hands of COVID-19, but the future of national parks depends on people respecting them and treating them with care.
OLIVIA O’BRIEN, ZION NATIONAL PARK, USA
circumstance that’s helping their budgets may be harming the very land they pay to upkeep. Because of the tourism drought followed by a sudden monsoon of visitors once COVID-19 restrictions loosened, the ecosystems of these areas have been put under a strain like never before.
THE SPRINKLES OF LIFE BY SOPHIA MADORE
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There will always be one coffee shop that reminds me of the endless possibilities of adventure: Dunkin’ Donuts. Dunkin’ Donuts isn’t just a place to go for coffee and donuts. For me, it is a trip down memory lane. Dunkin’ has been the filling of jelly happiness to my family’s hearts for many years. I am from Minnesota and all my extended family lives in either Ohio or Maine. Because of this, my childhood was filled with many long road trips—some being 12 hours and others 36. Packed in a car with my three younger siblings and a dog, pit-stops for donut holes and cold brew gave structure to what felt like an endless car ride.
When I was younger, we did not have Dunkin’ Donuts close to us. This all changed when they opened up a Dunkin’ 15 minutes from my hometown over quarantine. My family was so excited! I am proud to say that my dad and younger siblings were the first customers to step foot in this new Dunkin’ Donuts. After some research, my dad discovered what he thought would be the opening day. He and my younger siblings excitedly walked into the store to find out that the shop was not open to the public yet. It was employee training day—yikes. With defeated heads and sluggish feet, they left the bakery without purchasing a thing. Imagine walking into Dunkin’ and not eating a freshly glazed donut... Double yikes. Love overcomes all--even the embarrassment of walking into a restaurant on employee training day. Despite this awkward first date with Dunkin’, it served my family little moments of joy during our quarantine. Jamming to Ice Ice Baby while sipping our iced vanilla lattes--this was one of my sister and I’s quarantine hobbies. We love Dunkin’, but my little brother has the app downloaded. Therefore, his love for donuts and coffee goes beyond ours and we had to plan a crazy adventure. My little brother and I planned a bike ride through the backroads to Dunkin’. Twenty cows, seven miles and three donuts later (each), we convinced my dad to pick us up in the Dunkin’ parking lot.
“LIKE LITTLE SPRINKLES ON A DONUT, DUNKIN’ HAS EMBELLISHED MANY OF MY LIFE’S TRIPS.” Like little sprinkles on a donut, Dunkin’ has embellished many of my life’s trips. The trips that I have gone on--whether big or small--have been filled with the simple joy of my family stopping at Dunkin’. Trips are made up of so many little moments--it takes courage to embrace the simplicity of these joys on the many crazy adventures life brings us on. FALL 2020
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JENNIFER FOSHEY, TANZANIA
SARA PRATT, KARIBA, ZIMBABWE
BY BARBARA HANNA
27 HOUR COUNTDOWN
When you fall near children in Namibia, your fate is sealed. Before you can count to three or even think to get up, you feel the weight of a small child land on you.
Then another. Then a third. Soon you lose track of the number, and you should be upset, But how can you be? Under a mountain of giggles, you don’t even mind that you can’t breathe because you are laughing instead reviving your life with a different kind of oxygen than you ever thought you needed. When you fall for Namibia, your fate is sealed. Back at home, you long to return despite the 18-hour flight time and 9-hour layover; You vow to go back. You take what you have learned and hold it close, keep in contact with the friends you have made. And, one day, you will find yourself packing your bags to bursting, kissing your anxious mother and worried father, crossing an ocean and three continents on your way to fall once more.
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BARBARA HANNA, NAIMIBIA
When you fall on the sand dunes in Namibia, your fate is sealed. Step by step you trudge along. The fine grains beneath your feet pull you into the earth and threaten to hold you there. You squint against the unabating sun Why is everything fighting against your climb? The sand rides the whistling wind through your hair and your clothes, striking your skin. Crawling now on all fours, you push up just a bit further, stretch your fingers to the edge, clutch that final handful of grain Silence. Slowly, you rise. You tilt your chin to feel lucid air sweeping over your face. The glittering sand adorns your arms and you feel it resting heavy like a crown in your hair. The scorching sun sits ahead as your equal, and your dry lips crack as you smile.
BY SARA SHEIBANI
A TRAVELED WORRIER’S
courage
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SARA SHEIBANI, PARIS, FRANCE
he relationship I have with travel is complicated. One would think that I would have felt confident with almost two decades of traveling across the U.S. and internationally as I left to study abroad in France. Unfortunately, the ‘anything could go wrong mentality’ from my mother and random news articles made me a very worried yet well voyaged traveller. My view of travel and courage has been shaped by this contrast of my vast travel experience yet constant worries.
What brought me to France was a confusing freshman year, over six years of French classes, and an accepted IAP application to a French language institute in the small ville of Tours. Traveling has always been a sort of escape for me, both physically and mentally. Even though I am often worried about what could go wrong, being in a new place makes it okay. Over the years my successful trips have made my pretravel worries dissipate and gave me more courage. However, facing my first solo international travel I felt like I was not starting a new chapter but as if I was picking up a new book with no information. Before I was able to get to my small French town, I had to board a plane from Chicago to Stockholm, then Stockholm to Paris with hopefully all my baggage and no missed flights. Walking to the security line at O’Hare by myself is when it hit me that I would be travelling alone. All the possible mishaps made me feel a jolt of worry and short of air. This wasn’t the last time I felt this, but it was the worst of the summer. Going through the motions of security helped bring my heart rate back down but then I had to wait for hours, alone
SARA SHEIBANI, PARIS, FRANCE with all my thoughts. I knew there weren’t any other options except getting on the plane. The incentive of French pastries also helped me put one foot in front of the other when my seating group was called. Conquering two international flights alone, as easy as it may seem, helped build back my courage that had crumbled in O’Hare. For the rest of the summer I called upon the courage that I had built up from my previous little victories. Paris is a big city and one of the most famous, so of course I felt obligated to spend a few days there before heading to my host family in Tours. My two cents of wisdom that I have for ‘solo’ travelers is knowing you don’t actually have to be alone the whole time and planning does not ‘ruin’ the fun and funny stories of travel. Really distant family connections graced me with a car ride from the airport to my airBnB. Not to mention a great conversation with a Parisenne and experiencing the madness that is traffic circling l’arc de triomphe. After a squished elevator ride and several stairs with my suitcase, I made it to my small room. I was alone in a city I didn’t know, with no access to a cell signal or data, and I had a choice to pull out the couch and sleep or take an evening stroll in my temporary neighborhood. It takes a long time to lock doors in France and the long journey back down stairs and the elevator
prolonged my worries, but I was also excited as I stepped out onto Boulevard Saint Germain. Before getting to that point I had planned, I was prepared to go to the ice cream shop a friend had recommended, and that’s what gave me the courage to go out and wander. That’s how a worried traveler enjoyed an evening solo in Paris after multiple flights and jet lag. Triomphe is what I felt as I enjoyed my tangy mango ice cream, stumbled across the scaffolded Notre Dame, wandered the banks of the Seine and cobblestoned streets of Paris getting just lost enough and not injured. Choosing to travel solo is just one of the many courageous steps that travelers take, as I found on my first night in France and throughout the following months. Everyone gets their courage from a different place; for me that’s having some plan, even just a small objective, and a map. When you find that courage it only continues to grow and that’s when the fondest of memories, no matter how simple or insignificant seeming to others, start to happen.
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HELP SOME1 BY KATE VAN DYKE
F
or the past seven years, I have traveled to Riverton City Jamaica, a landfill community outside of Kingston. I return each year to spend time with the incredible friends I’ve made there. The bonds I’ve formed with many of the Jamaicans I met in Riverton are some of my deepest and strongest friendships. I’ve had the privilege of becoming close with Stefan Dezonie, a 28-year-old mother from Riverton. Stefan has always been a role model to me, as she always knew she wanted to impact her community from a young age, despite her own personal circumstances.
KATE VAN DYKE, RIVERTON CITY, JAMAICA
Here is her story.
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Dezonie grew up in Riverton City, of which around 12,000 people reside. As a young girl, she was inspired to start her own organization, so when she was nine, the seed for her organization, Help Some1, was planted. Dezonie’s inspiration came from her mother, Claudette Hoilett. Hoilett’s mother died of cancer when she was 12 years old, so she was forced to take care of herself. Dezonie recounted that her mother was scorned and abused in school because she could not afford lunch or to pay school fees. “I wouldn’t want that for anyone else,” Dezonie explained.
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KATE VAN DYKE, RIVERTON CITY, JAMAICA
“Therefore, I have decided to help the less fortunate in my country which includes children, disabled and elderly persons.” As she grew up, Dezonie emphasized that her parents’ teachings of generosity and selflessness helped mold her into the courageous woman she is today. “My family didn’t have anywhere to go and that was why we had to live in Riverton where living was a bit more affordable,” Dezonie recounted. “I can remember that they started working a very small income, as my dad was driving a garbage truck, and yet they realized that people in the community were struggling to eat and were worse off than us. My parents then agreed on making soup and porridge every weekend for people who wanted something to eat but couldn’t afford it. My mother would always say, ‘Bless someone from the little you earn and it will make more room for joy.’” Dezonie emphasized how her mother’s words have always stuck with her, and she continues to live her mother’s teachings today. Through her nonprofit, Dezonie and Hoilett work directly with the people in their community, aiming to give them hope and support. As she continued to positively impact people, Dezonie was encouraged to register her organization as a nonprofit in Jamaica—Help Some1 was registered in 2018. When the organization got off its feet, she began to request donations to sponsor children’s education starting at the
kindergarten level. Dezonie and Hoilett want to help children in situations similar to Hoilett gain a strong education to set them up for success.
“I HAVE LEARNED THAT IT ONLY TAKES A SPARK TO GET THE FIRE GOING.” “Just to see the smiles on people’s faces whenever I help them gives me a warm and loving feeling in my heart,” Dezonie said. “Just to know I can help someone feel better about themselves—just to let them know that it’s not about where you’re from, but where you are heading.”
Not only has Help Some1 impacted the Riverton City Community in numerous positive ways, but it has also impacted Dezonie herself as well. “Watching a single mom walk out of depression when we helped her start her own small business really impacted me,” Dezonie explains. “That made me realize that there has always been a lot of greatness in me. Greatness that I was ignoring. And I have learned that it only takes a spark to get the fire going.”
To learn more about this non-profit organization, visit their Instagram: @help_some1. Anyone can donate through the Cash App, by tagging the name $StefanDezonie. FALL 2020
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OLIVIA O’BRIEN, CALIFORNIA, USA
NICOLE GOLOWNIA, GRINDELWALD, SWITZERLAND
SARA SHEIBANI, RAINBOW FALLS, USA FALL 2020
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THE HOMES WE CREATE
RACHEL BETTERS, FLORENCE, ITALY
BY KIERSTEN MCDEVITT
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T
his past semester, I called London, UK my home. During my few months abroad: I lived in a flat and went to school down the street, I became familiar with the aisles of the British grocery stores, I turned into a local restaurant regular, and I rode the tube everywhere, alongside other native commuters. As my time abroad went on, I really got to know the borough I lived in. Spending a semester in the UK gave me the chance to understand a new culture and with new social norms; I was fully immersed in a Briton’s way of life while starting to call it my own. My travel experiences in London and in other places have taught me a few things, one being that you don’t always have to go abroad or spend a long period of time somewhere to call that special place your home. Any place we travel to that is significant or special to us creates its own home in our memories. The tropical vacation you went on with your family for a week could feel like a home to you, or even the day trip you took with your friends to a state park. When we make great memories in a place we visited and look back on them, we’re able to revel in the distinct value they hold with us. These values take form in things we saw, ideas we learned, and the people who we experienced all of it with.
Traveling to a place you’ve grown to love is like listening to a new song that you’re obsessed with; when it’s playing, you’re completely consumed by everything about it. Thinking about my home overseas is nostalgic. I can still see the afternoon sun coating the white city walls, peeking through the winding streets like a thread of yellow. I can still hear the rhyming high o’s of pedestrians and the black cabs rolling by me on the street. These details all remind me of how it felt to be there for the first time by myself, enjoying a new culture with new friends. I call London a home just as I call a road trip through Tennessee with my mom a home. These details are different—full of fresh air and dense, characteristic trees of the Smoky Mountains. I can still hear the hours of old tunes drifting out the window of our car, and can still feel the warmth of the small-town bookstore we stopped in. This stress-free trip with my mom will always have a similar, familiar and cherished place in my memories. Wherever we travel, we will always remember the way we felt when we visited a special place. The excitement of a city’s night lights, the calming scent of salt on an ocean breeze, the exhilaration of skiing down a mountain run, the cheery afternoon sun at the terrace—certain pieces are unforgettable. These values and ties we create in the places we visit are what make our travel experiences so special.
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EXPLORING THE FAMILIAR BY LILI SARAJIAN I was committed. I had saved up the money and worked up the courage. I had, somewhat reluctantly, sacrificed a summer making money, doing an internship and spending time with loved ones. I was ready to study abroad, and I was all in... ...until I was dragged back out. It was supposed to be stifling heat and sticky skin, open air markets and delicious scents, my first taste of Peking duck and crowded train rides into Beijing, awkward mistakes while I fumbled to speak Chinese and newfound confidence by the time I left. I was so looking forward to meeting the girl that I would become after spending three months learning Chinese in Tianjin. I hoped she would be fearless,
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having conquered some of her greatest anxieties like traveling alone and speaking Chinese with locals. I hoped her eyes would have been opened a bit wider and her heart softened a bit more to the world. Instead, the girl that is writing this spent her summer in her childhood home and working at her parents’ business in a small city in Wisconsin. In fact, she was roped back into a world so familiar that, after a few weeks, it was like she had never left at all. But, something incredible happened while I was stuck, immersed in the familiar. I changed. I learned new things about myself and who I want to be. I might have even learned more than the girl that spent three months in Tianjin. Spending way too much time with my family allowed me to see the ways my loved ones have changed
SARA SHEIBANI, WUXI, CHINA and grown in recent years. We slowly repaired strained relationships and learned how to make our time together count. With hours of excess time on my hands, I spent many of them in self-reflection, thinking about the way my past has shaped me and how I can change to become the person I want to be. I dedicated myself to figuring out what my true passions are and what I really want to do with my life. And, like a true Midwesterner, I drove around aimlessly, testing out new playlists while I discovered the hidden parts of my hometown that I never knew existed. All of this is to say that there was a lot left to explore right at home. We expect that traveling will mold and change us, and surely it often does. It forces us out of our comfort zones and expands our perspectives by showing us what we can’t find at home. We leave home, sometimes running at full speed, to get our hands on
as much of the world as we can and discover where we fit within it. In fact, I thought that heading home this summer, instead of getting on an airplane to fly across the world, was going to be like moving backwards and falling behind. Instead, I found myself soul searching within the confines of my four bedroom walls.
I FOUND MYSELF SOUL SEARCHING WITHIN THE CONFINES OF MY FOUR BEDROOM WALLS. Traveling is a blessing that inspires us, shapes us and broadens our outlook—this is what we know and chase after with every penny we can spare. But, what we sometimes fail to miss is the value in the familiar.
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RACHEL BETTERS, SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
of just as could ever think u yo k ac eb m co eling The best the infuriating fe s re tu ap C . es ss rrassment the moment pa cover from emba re to le ab g in of not be hing. Timing is everyt . gh ou en y kl ic qu
French
Japanese
A keen awareness of shor t-lived beauty. Melancholy feelin gs combined with a strong sense of gratitude for joy s in life that fade.
mono no aware
“
MY ABROAD EXPERIENCE WAS
indescribable
Arabic
Taarradhin
Russian
Pochemuchka
Swahili
to a e act of coming Taarradhin is th ne ise where everyo ut happy comprom reconciling witho of ay w a ’s It s. win ce. anyone losing fa
”
Pochemuchka is a person, usually a chil d, who asks too many questions. Pochemuchka is a light-hearted put-down that might be expressed in English with a warning like ‘curiosity killed the cat’ .
n be directly , Hakuna matata ca ge ua ade ng la ili ah his phrase was m In the Sw T ’. es bl ou tr no ere are to the 1994 translated to ‘th ng world thanks ki ea sp hlis ng E to ‘no popular in the can be translated It g. in K on Li out avoid worrying ab Disney movie The to ns ea m d an ’ amas worries’ or ‘no dr your control. of things outside
Chinese The Chinese word ré nao is usually translated as ‘liv ely’ or ‘bustling,’ but its tru e meaning goes beyond the se adjectives. It refers to a fun, lively place with an inviting vibe that makes you want to be there.
Re Nao
Danish
“Job joy”, a strong sense of fulfillment and satisfaction you get from having a great job.
TEN UNTRANSLATABLE WORDS BY AMANDA WEIL & SARA SHEIBANI
Hindi
Jijivisha
Inuit
Iktsuarpok
Māori
This Hindi word conv eys an intense desire to live life to the fullest. The word often refers to a pe rson who lives with intense emotions and ambitious desires, seeking to thrive .
From the Eastern Canadian Inuktitut, one of the principal Inuit languages of Canada, Iktsuarpok is the act of repeatedly going outside to keep checking if someone (anyone) is coming. Somewhere between impatience and anticipation. Iktsuarpok refers to the feeling of anticipation and impatient excitement that the person you’re waiting for has arrived.
The essence or life force of an object, person, or group. It is the quality felt by a being or entity, their special nature. In particular , highlighting the connection the Māori have with nature and what others perceive as inanimate.
TO BY OLIVIA PETERS UNDERSTAND I sit looking at the Seine Stroking the spine of a book That I’ve come to know I can’t read its text Though I’ve tried once daily since my arrival My only friend Deteriorating before my eyes Pleads: Comprendre I strain my ear Towards neighboring café conversations Not eavesdropping Just hoping to recognize Any comfort between their fricatives
OLIVIA O’BRIEN, PORTO, PORTUGAL
After I inhale a deep breath It comes out as a sigh Floating up in the smooth evening Where it slides Into thousands of others’ As a collective admiring aspiration That forms the breeze making us all comfortable Amidst the summer humidity Our breathes churn and ripple in a Van Gogh sky Undulating in harmony And understanding And cohesion My gaze scans the passersby Wondering if anyone else is watching That movement up above Wondering if anyone is considering me Like I consider them all I stroke the spine of my companion And crack it open once again Because my time here is running out FALL 2020
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RACHEL BETTERS, CONEY ISLAND, NY
courage from
As a Midwest-born-and-raised girl from Wisconsin, I can appreciate vast stretches of farmland, quiet lakes and quaint, bite-sized downtowns. But most Americans and tourists would agree that some of the best spots in the U.S. lie on the east and west coasts. How can you resist sprawling mountain ranges, bustling cities and ocean views? Because my mom likes to torture our family with 20+ hour road trips, I’ve travelled up and down both coasts, collecting some of my favorite cities—Boston, Portland, Seattle and New York—along the way. But the question is...which coast is best? I’ll cop out of that debate right now and tell you that there is no universal, or even beneficial, answer to that question. Both coasts are worth a dedicated road trip no matter your preference. So, I guess you’ll just have to decide for yourself! But, in the meantime, here are a few of the differences I’ve noticed, plus a few ways I was inspired by these places to be courageous!
1. You can’t beat the beach. Of course, the greatest draw of both the east and west coasts are the coasts themselves! In my opinion, there
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EAST
is no better way to take advantage of the coastline than to take the scenic route along the coastal highways. The vast stretch of ocean will keep you company as you meander through the cliffs, stopping more often than your itinerary allows to dip your feet in the cool water. The rocky shores of the east coast will stir up daydreams of sipping coffee on the balcony of your private lighthouse, eyes tracking sailboats across the horizon while the salty breeze mists your face. In the west, California sunshine reflects off the sand like glitter and the warm breeze plays with your hair, inviting you to sit and stay awhile to watch the crashing waves. I remember hiking along the shores of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine when my brother started climbing down the rocky cliffs. My desire to follow him down and see what lie out of sight went head to head with my practical, worrisome nature. What if I drop my phone? What if I slip? Is this trespassing? There’s no path here! Thankfully, an adventurous spirit came out of nowhere and took over, luring me down—and wow was it worth it. We ended up coming across a huge natural cave littered with pools of water invaded by tiny crabs and colorful seaweed. I could have sat in there, staring out at the ocean for hours.
to
WEST BY LILI SARAJIAN
RACHEL BETTERS, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
2. Funky and fresh or historical charm? The beaches and natural landscapes of the coasts leave plenty to explore, but if cities are more your speed, look no further than Portland or Seattle for youth and vibrance, dipped in the laid back personality of the west coast. Don’t miss Powell’s Books, Voodoo Doughnut, Pike Place Market and the Museum of Pop Culture—some of my favorite destinations in these two cities! If you’re a sucker for brick townhouses and historical landmarks, eastern cities like Boston and Charleston are as charming as they are trendy. My top places to visit would be Newbury Street, the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and The Angel Oak on Johns Island. If you’re taking a break from natural scenery to head into town, then you’d better check out the local restaurants! Trying new foods is another fantastic way to be courageous during your travels. Personally, I handle spicy food about as well as I handle finals week...which is to say, pretty poorly. But, when we found an amazing Korean restaurant in Seattle that we couldn’t pass up, I forced myself to push my boundaries. While Chimaek and Jjambbong won’t make my weekly meal prep plan anytime soon, that dining experience remains one of my favorites.
3. Los Angeles and New York are worlds of their own. Speaking of cities... I saved the biggest—but not necessarily best—for last. It seems that L.A. and New York are worlds of their own, set apart from their respective landscapes. These cities are well-loved and prominent centers of culture and the arts, but they are also far more crowded and congested than their competition. I would reserve your judgement about the rest of the west and east coasts if you’ve only made it to these cities. In fact, these destinations would better make for dedicated trips, with places like Disneyland, Universal Studios and Hollywood Boulevard in L.A., and Broadway, Central Park and Liberty Island in New York being worthy of full day trips on their own. For me, everything about New York tested my anxieties, from figuring out how to take the subway to being shepherded in the wrong direction by a hoard of people to facing sensory overload from all of the loud, flashy distractions. That being said, New York is definitely the most engaging, exciting city of all the ones I’ve visited on the coasts. The adjustment period of forcing myself to slow down and take it all in was worth it to be able to appreciate one of the world’s most iconic cities in its full glory. FALL 2020
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LUCA COSTA, ,CHICAGO, USA
BY AMANDA WEIL
HOW TO BE FEARLESSLY HOMESICK “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” - Winnie the Pooh Homesickness is not necessarily the sickness that comes to the top of mind right now, being that I am a Junior and know what it is like to be away from home for long periods of time. But, it can be a lingering feeling for many freshmen, as they transition to college. Especially for international students who may or may not be first-generation college students, or if they have never been to America. This year, it may seem unexpected to hear someone say they miss home. Hasn’t quarantine made us stay close to home enough? Still, it may be easier to empathize with homesickness when we acknowledge that there can be a lot more ways to define home than a physical place. Home can mean people, meals, smells, streets, shops, routines, and traditions which give us comfort and familiarity. Or, even the mailman you see every morning who gives you a wave hello. For me, I feel most at home with my dog. He makes me feel peaceful and relaxed. During these times, it seems important to remember why we would ever put ourselves into a new, or uncomfortable situation to begin with. Of course, sometimes, it is not our choice. But other times, we may do it to grow. Courage and homesickness seem to go hand in hand. In times of discomfort or uncertainty, we often want
what feels familiar. Yet, moving towards what feels uncomfortable is how we can stretch ourselves. So, be sure to recognize the discomfort that comes with living somewhere new as both homesickness and bravery. And in the meantime, here are some ways to feel more at home in a new place:
1. Be a tourist in your city
Soak up everything your city has to offer. You probably won’t stay in one place forever, so be sure to make the most of the time you have now! Hit up all the best sites, restaurants, museums, and shops. The tackier the better.
2. Host a potluck with your roommates
Home-cooked meals taste better in college. Cook your favorite dish from back home and tell your roommates to join in! You may even want to do a recipe exchange.
3. Become a regular at some new spots
You have to start somewhere! You know you’ve made it when the workers know you by name. Bonus points if the waiter knows your order.
4. Make a care package
Create a care package for yourself that feels like home. Your parent’s laundry detergent and blankets are all fair-game.
5. Remember why you chose to get out of your comfort zone and spend time in a new place Remind yourself of how much you will grow from living in a new place! Look forward to all the new memories and stories you will create.
6. FaceTime your family and friends
This will give you the chance to see your loved ones, and it is more intimate than a phone call. You can reconnect and be reminded that you have a support system back home no matter how far the distance may be.
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AISHA JANE, GRENADA, SPAIN
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OLIVA O’BRIEN, LISBON, PORTUGAL
TRAVELLING THROUGH LITERATURE BY CARTER OLSON
A
s COVID-19 limits travel for everyone, people are trying to find ways to scratch their itch to get out and explore! In Wisconsin, winter is quickly approaching, meaning it will become even more difficult to explore outside, forcing us to once again find new ways to “travel.” We can look to literature for an escape and adventure since authors often spend a significant amount of time creating a world through their words. The Book of Salt by Monique Truong is a novel from the perspective of Gertrude Stein’s Vietnamese cook, Bình, during part of her time in France. Truong constructs vivid images through appeals to every primary sense. Through this novel, readers can travel to Vietnam with Bình’s flashbacks, the streets of Paris, and the kitchen of the famous Gertrude Stein. This book is for anyone who likes to focus on the culinary world when travelling. As a bonus you might even find a new dish you would like to try! The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a novel about Amir, a privileged child, and his experience
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growing up in Afghanistan at the start of the revolution. Although the book takes place during the time of a raging war, the text explores the complex friendship between Amir and Hassan, his family servant. This text will return you to your childhood while tackling timely concepts of classism, racism, and conflict. I recommend this text for those who enjoy learning about a place’s history while travelling. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is an African novel about Okonkwo, a powerful man in his village. This text is well regarded as the entry text into African literature because of its popularity. Achebe will transport you to Nigeria and make you question how you make sense of your surroundings. I recommend this text to people who like to go to museums and learn about different customs and traditions, or to anyone interested in learning more about Africa specifically. Abeng by Michelle Cliff is a novel about a young woman, Clare Savage, who grows up in Jamaica. Cliff instantly pulls the reader into the natural beauty of
the island. This work focuses on the important topics of colonization and slavery, so it is not as relaxing as the beginning may suggest. However, it is a very beautiful text that would be a fitting supplement to any social justice literature. This text is perfect for anyone who wants a break from nonfiction literature, or who is interested in the Caribbean, as it can be used as great insight into Jamaica, including its tourism. Paradise by Toni Morrison does not necessarily leave the United States, but creates a new society within it. Morrison constructs “paradises� in this novel as utopian solutions to societal issues like racism
and sexism. This book can be confusing as it jumps between the perspectives of different characters, so it might be a fun text to read with a group! This is a timely piece for anyone who wants to consider what it could mean to create their own community, or theorize what might occur in extremely remote land in the United States. These are just a few book recommendations from texts I have recently read and enjoyed. Of course, there are many wonderful books, so make sure to ask your friends and family for recommendations. Better yet, ask them to read one with you!
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BEGINNER’S TRAVEL GUIDE TO
wisconsin
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RASHELLE PERSHMAN, MT. HOREB, WISCONSIN
BY KYLE ENGLES
W
ith travel across international borders halted for the time being, it seems there’s nowhere “fun” to trek to nowadays. If you’re like me and the rest of the Souvenirs team, you’re looking for more reasonable places to see. Lucky for you, Wisconsin already has plenty of great destinations to visit! When people from other parts of the country think of the Midwest, they can unfortunately lump Wisconsin in with the stereotype of a wasteland of cowpens and cornfields. However, anyone capable of an involuntary “ope” can tell you there’s plenty of excellent spots to explore across the state, especially when you need a safe getaway from being cooped up inside. When it comes to areas highly favored by many a Wisconsinite, Door County is a pick that comes up often, and for good reason. The easternmost county in Wisconsin, Door County juts up far into Lake Michigan, providing 300 miles of shoreline for visitors to enjoy. High limestone cliffs and seaside beaches are a common sight and make the area seem more exotic than what you’d typically expect from the Midwest. Another popular spot is the Cave of the Mounds, located in Dane County. A series of sprawling caverns located about twenty minutes west of Madison, the area is referred to as the “Jewel Box” of the Midwest’s caves. There, visitors can take guided tours underground to explore the National Natural Landmark, and observe rocks dating back to over 400 million years in age. Besides tours, you can sift for gemstones, explore the gardens aboveground, and do some personal fossil digging.
has plenty of campground space, making weekend getaways an easy option. Pattison State Park is another admired state park, providing some stunning views of its own. Close to Lake Superior in Douglas County, the park boasts the largest waterfall in the state, Big Manitou Falls, which stands at a towering 165 feet. The park remains popular during winter months as well, when the falls freeze over and visitors can observe colossal amounts of cascading water, frozen in time. Speaking of ice, the Wisconsin Ice Age Trail is another must-see (or must-walk) attraction. The 1200 mile trail takes a circuitous route around the state. As the name implies, many of the popular sightseeing locations were created by glaciers long ago, and different sections of the trail provide many different sights to behold, from sweeping plains to relics of famous shipwrecks. There are also several challenges, incentives, and events for hikers at different times in the year, which makes it a great year-round trip.
ANYONE CAPABLE OF AN INVOLUNTARY “OPE” CAN TELL YOU THERE’S PLENTY OF EXCELLENT SPOTS TO EXPLORE ACROSS THE STATE.
For those looking for more of an adventure in Wisconsin, check out the vast selection of spots to visit for hiking and other outdoor activities. One of the most popular locales is undoubtedly Devil’s Lake State Park. Covering over 9,000 square acres in Sauk County, the park has plenty of striking cliff face scenery to seek out, along with many opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and rock climbing. Devil’s Lake also
The final destination I want to mention is one that I was unaware of myself: the Apostle Islands. The islands are split between Ashland and Bayfield County in northern Wisconsin and are accessible primarily through the vibrant city of Bayfield itself. Home to many small attractions, beaches, and restaurants, the islands provide many opportunities for recreation outside of hiking as well. Like Door County, the islands contain beautiful exotic scenery, such as overhanging cliffs, bright blue waters -- the perfect setting for some cave kayaking. Many visitors take a ferry to reach the islands, but there are a handful who decide to kayak there instead! All in all, Wisconsin far exceeds the dairy farm stereotype that it is constantly attributed. Hopefully, when much of the state reopens soon, people will have the opportunity to do some long-needed traveling, albeit without the plane tickets. FALL 2020
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RACHEL BETTERS, VIAREGGIO, ITALY
SARA SHEIBANI, NICE, FRANCE
EMILY BEYER, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 48 SOUVENIRS
JENNIFER FOSHEY, TANZANIA
ASHA JAIN, KANYAKUMARI, INDIA
BY EMILY BEYER
APPRECIATING HOME AFTER LIFE
EMILY BEYER,MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
abroad
For all twenty years of my existence, I lived in one place: Madison, Wisconsin. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely city, but I always knew that I needed to escape one day. Remaining in one place for so long made me feel trapped and suffocated; I yearned to experience the world beyond the boring and lifeless Midwest. My opportunity to flee home arose when I found out about the UW-Madison’s extensive study abroad programs. My options were overwhelmingly endless-- the world was my oyster. Although I could choose almost any destination, my heart had been set on going to Australia for as long as I could remember. The Land Down Under was incredibly appealing to me: the draw of the Outback, the beaches, the warm weather, the chance to live in a big city, and also witness some of the world’s most captivating wildlife... it all seemed too good to be true. The magical land of Australia was finally within arm’s reach! The most exciting part was that I was not simply going to visit, I was going to live there. I was about to go from living in the same city my whole life to living alone on the opposite side of the world, and I could not have been more ready. As soon as I arrived in Australia, I was smitten with my new home. As someone who values nature and the great outdoors, the chance to finally live somewhere with
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endless outdoor opportunities, and a consistently warm climate was a much-needed respite. In my hometown, the destinations were stale and the bitter winters were unbearable. Finally, I had the chance to enjoy the outdoors no matter what time of year and I was happier than ever. My new home was about an hour’s public transportation ride from the heart of Sydney. My new life consisted of daily excursions: I visited some of the world’s finest beaches, explored the city, took advantage of the nightlife, hiked in the Blue Mountains, and traveled the surrounding areas including Melbourne on the southern coast. Compared to my monotonous life in Wisconsin, I was in my own personal heaven. Along with my adventuring, one of my favorite parts of living in Australia was experiencing a different culture and way of life. It may seem as though Australians and Americans are very similar, but Australians approach life with an entirely different mindset. Though they don’t all fit the “chilled out surfer” stereotype, their mentality regarding work and play is much more balanced than it is in the U.S. Instead of allowing their work to consume their lives-- which commonly occurs in America (and is something I am certainly guilty of)-- Australians make time to relax and do what they love. They
put less pressure on productivity and success, and instead, emphasize pleasure in daily life. Unfortunately, disaster struck after about a month of living my best life in my dream home. As it raced around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to make an important decision: whether I should take the risk and stay in Australia where I had never been more content, or come home to the very place I needed so desperately to escape. After
ALL I NEED IS TO BE IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT I LOVE, DOING WHAT I LOVE, WITH PEOPLE THAT I LOVE. many hours of tears and stressful debates, I decided that the chance of being unable to return home to my family in case of an emergency was too great. So I made the hardest and saddest decision of my life to return home. Already dreaming of the day I would return, I grudgingly packed my things and left the Land of Oz.
Although I was traumatized by having my paradise ripped away from me, I was forced to look for silver linings in order to survive quarantine. Armed with my new repertoire of experiences and recently refreshed outlook on life, I began experiencing life in Wisconsin from a new perspective. Despite the Wisconsin landscapes being significantly less magnificent than those of Australia, I was able to recognize their distinct beauty. I also began to appreciate Madison as a city unlike any other. With my newfound appreciation of Wisconsin’s charm, my previously mundane home was now a place to cherish. My biggest realization from my time in Australia is that I don’t need the perfect career, or a high paying job to be happy in life. All I need is to be in a place that I love, doing what I love, with people I love. There is no onesize-fits-all life path-- I know now that life is ever-changing, and achieving happiness is most important. I can lead a life that balances work and play wherever I go. I will enjoy the little things that are exclusive to each destination, including my own home. Even though I know Madison won’t be my home for much longer, knowing that I will eventually be able to travel and return to my favorite place has made me appreciate my home more than ever.
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AISHA JAIN, KANYAKUMARI, INDIA
Souvenirs is a collection of travel and multicultural experiences from students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Souvenirs’ mission is to provide a platform for students to share lessons they learned while traveling and to provide readers with quality information while inspiring wanderlust.
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VBAD
@SOUVENIRSMADISON SOUVENIRSMADISON.COM
