#ipewinter23

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Amsterdam <3

Hello everyone!

This week has been great so far as it is officially Spring in Madrid!!! Slowly the locals are shedding their coats, the sun is out and shining, and there’s a sense of joy and relaxation in the air. Yesterday actually had a high of 71℉ which was amazing. But, let’s rewind to the end of last week. 

My parents flew back to Madrid early in the morning on Friday, and I had a full day full of classes. BUT, then comes the fun part! Saturday morning I flew out of Madrid to Amsterdam to meet my boyfriend. Amsterdam has been on my bucket list for quite some time, and it’s safe to say that it lived up to my expectations. After arriving and checking in on Saturday, we quickly decided to take advantage of the nice weather, as Amsterdam can be quite finicky in the springtime. We walked around enjoying the beautiful views of the canals and then hit our first food spot - ZeroZero. Throughout our entire trip we had such amazing food so I want to actually highlight a few places we went below. 

ZeroZero: This was a casual/quick eats place that offers up authentic Italian sandwiches. We ordered two sandwiches - one vegetarian with grilled eggplant, sun dried tomatoes, pesto, fresh mozzarella cheese and olive oil, and the other with prosciutto, salami, and a cheese spread. These were sincerely some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.

Dante: This was a nicer sit-down Italian restaurant that we went to for dinner. I ordered a creamy truffle pasta and it was AMAZING. 

Chun Cafe: I found this place on tik tok - it is a cafe/boba shop that also specializes in sandwiches stuffed into milk bread. We waited about 40 minutes queuing to get in but it was worth the wait. We got the ribeye bulgogi, garlic shrimp and egg, and bacon egg and cheese sandwiches. 

Fable Friet: I had previously heard that this place is a must-try. They specialize in serving up fries that are covered in different toppings. We stopped by a bit later in the day when there wasn’t a line, and got fries with fresh parmesan cheese, a truffle aioli/mayo, and chopped onions on top. I actually am still craving these fries even though I’m back in Madrid. 

Van Wonderen Stroopwaffles: stroopwaffles are famous in Amsterdam, so we had to try! We got one covered with caramel, and the other with some type of butterscotch bark.

I truly had some of the best food ever while in Amsterdam, which made the trip so great. But, food isn’t all that the city has to offer. There were a ton of cool independent boutiques and vintage stores to shop through, and the locals were all extremely friendly! I also had the chance to meet up with one of my roommates back from Ann Arbor who was visiting, and we all were able to go on a canal cruise together. The tour offered unlimited wine and cheese which was super fun, and we got to learn some fun history about the city.

Unfortunately, as I mentioned before, the weather in Amsterdam can be unpredictable. It was raining for the entirety of our last day there, but we luckily had planned on visiting a museum this day. We went to the Rijksmuseum, and it was so fun! It was filled with beautiful pieces of art, and also had the most beautiful library I have ever seen inside. It was a great rainy day activity that lasted for a few hours. Afterwards, we went to Food Hallen, a food hall (lol) that had a bunch of independent stalls/restaurants within it. It was similar to a food court, but a lot more fun. We spent our afternoon trying different small dishes from the vendors. 

Overall, Amsterdam was an amazing experience, and I think it might just be my new favorite city that I’ve visited. But, I am happy to be back in Madrid, and not just because it’s a lot sunnier and warmer here. Here’s to another week of fun!

Abbey Almeda

Industrial and Operations Engineering

UP Comillas

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Reflecting on Prague

For the last time, hi!

It's been just over a week since I've gotten back to the states and it's a bit surreal. I'm lucky that I have quite some time to rest before my internship starts but that means I've been spending a lot of time with my thoughts.

As I was packing everything up to go home, I almost couldn't believe I could basically fit my life into two suitcases because I feel that so much has happened and I've grown a lot. (It's a little fitting that I show you these in juxtaposition to all the stuff I brought in my first post haha).

I'm so grateful for the experience I had abroad, and I don't think I could have imagined the relationships and memories I would get. While people always say that going abroad was one of the best times in their life, I don't think there's anyway to internalize it besides going through it yourself. Even as I've been meeting up with friends here back home, I find it really hard to describe what happened while I was abroad; summaries don't seem to do the time justice.

Without getting too sentimental, I met so many cool people in Prague. I think about sometimes how even though we go to the same school we probably would have never met if not for this program and it blows my mind. Honestly I'd have to attribute my self-growth to one of our classes too. There was so much reflection over who I am and what I wanted that I think it's really helped me see what's important in my life. I also developed such an appreciation for the city and Europe in general. (Limited public transit, tax not being included in prices, and the lack of convenient apple pay-ing really does it lol) Living in Prague was like waking up in a fairytale everyday...

a little blurry and messy but <3

To anyone going abroad and especially to Prague, enjoy it while it lasts. Don't be afraid to do something crazy/try something new, you'll never know who you'll meet because I certainly couldn't predict anything that happened, and I wouldn't change any of it.

Good luck in all your study abroad adventures, I can't wait for you to have the time of your life :)

Diky nashle,

Catherine Jiang Computer Science Tech Career Accelerator in Prague

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Last Sprint Part 3: Berlin

This is the last blog post before I head back to the US. Time flies!

Berlin is the vibrant capital city of Germany. From its iconic landmarks to its cultural heritage, Berlin provides an unforgettable experience to every tourist. I visited specifically for its history during cold war, and to meet up with my friend.

My main purpose of this trip is to visit the Berlin Wall, which once divided the city into two parts. Many sections of this wall still remain and serve as a reminder of the struggles that the people of Berlin faced in the past. You can take a guided tour or simply walk along the wall to experience its significance.

For history buffs, the Berliner Dom or the Berlin Cathedral is a must-visit location. This magnificent building is known for its impressive architecture, stunning mosaics and paintings. The cathedral is situated on Museum Island, which also houses several other museums that tells the story of Berlin's rich history.

Berlin is known for its vibrant street art scene. Take a walking tour of the city to explore its many graffiti and murals, including the famous East Side Gallery that showcases over 100 artworks on a section of the Berlin Wall. We visited a brewery that has been renovated into a museum.

Lastly, no tour of Berlin would be complete without a visit to the Tiergarten. This is one of the largest parks in Germany and is perfect for an afternoon stroll or a picnic, with beautiful gardens and plenty of open spaces.

And that concludes my journey for 4 and a half months in Europe. Gonna miss you Europa, see you till next time!

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Last Sprint Part 2: Athens

Athens is one of the ancient cities in Greece that is filled with spectacular landmarks. It is known for its rich history, art, and culture, making it a top destination for tourists from all over the world. Athens is also a modern city that hosts many events, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year.

The city's most significant and famous landmark is the Acropolis, which sits high above Athens, overlooking the city. The Acropolis contains several ancient ruins, including the Parthenon, renowned for its grandeur and iconic status.

In addition to the Acropolis, there are several other significant sites to visit in Athens, such as the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Roman Agora, and the National Archaeological Museum. These sites offer visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history and how it has evolved over the years.

Athens also has a vibrant culture that is celebrated across the city. The city has an incredible food scene, with delicious dishes such as souvlaki, gyros, and moussaka being popular dishes for both locals and visitors. Athens also has a great nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs that stay open late into the night.

When visiting Athens, it is essential to explore the city's many neighbourhoods and explore its streets by foot. Monastiraki, Plaka, and Psyri are all great neighbourhoods to wander through and are home to many shops, cafes, and restaurants that serve delicious food and drinks.

Overall, Athens is a city that should be on every traveller's bucket list. It has a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a beautiful landscape that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. It is a city that will capture your heart and leave you longing to return.

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Last Sprint Part 1: Budapest

Before heading back to the US, I have to explore Budapest - a charming and vibrant destination that combines rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and a bustling nightlife scene. It is known as the "Paris of the East" due to its impressive landmarks and historic charm, attracting thousands of tourists every year.

One of the most notable features of Budapest is its thermal baths and spas, which are scattered throughout the city. These baths are a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the most famous and largest medicinal spas in Europe, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and a wide range of wellness treatments.

Budapest is also home to a variety of impressive landmarks and attractions that reflect the city's rich history and culture. The Hungarian Parliament Building, located on the banks of the Danube River, is one of the most iconic buildings in Budapest and an architectural masterpiece. St. Stephen's Basilica, a magnificent cathedral named after the first King of Hungary, is another must-see landmark in the city.

The city's culinary scene is also something to rave about. Hungarian cuisine is known for its hearty and delicious dishes, such as goulash, chimney cake, and strudel. For a traditional Hungarian dining experience, visit the Great Market Hall, a grand indoor market where vendors sell fresh produce, meats, and local specialties.

Budapest is also a city that never sleeps, with plenty of nightlife options for everyone. The city's "ruin bars," located in the old Jewish district, are a unique and popular attraction. These bars are located in abandoned buildings and courtyards, giving them a quirky and alternative vibe.

I even ran into someone's proposal! Awwww.

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French v.s. American Education

The education systems in both France and the United States have different approaches to delivering education to students. While both education systems have their strengths and weaknesses, it is essential to compare the two to gain a deeper understanding of the approaches to education in both countries.

Firstly, the French education system is centralized, with a strong focus on academic achievement and intellectualism. The French education system is known for its comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes the importance of mathematics, science, and language studies. The French education system is rigorously structured with a fixed curriculum, strict class schedules, and teacher-led instruction. The students are expected to perform well academically, and students who excel are identified and further encouraged to pursue higher academic studies.

In contrast, the American education system is decentralized, with decentralized access to education, and there is more emphasis on practical and liberal arts education. The American education system encourages creativity and offers diverse learning opportunities for students. Unlike French education, there is no general curriculum in the American education system, and each state has its own curriculum. Some American schools emphasize testing and grade comparison, while others focus on social and emotional learning.

Another significant difference between the French and American education systems is funding. In France, education is considered a public service, and it is funded by the government. In America, education is funded by the local and state government. This difference in funding has a significant impact on the quality of education that students receive. The American education system tends to have more funding issues since it is based on the state's income, which tends to fluctuate.

A significant contrast in the classroom dynamic is also evident. In the French education system, teacher-student relationships tend to be formal and respectful. Academic progress is based on performance in standardized tests, and intellectualism is valued over creativity or personal expression. In contrast, the American education system emphasizes building relationships between teachers and students, creating an open environment encouraging self-expression, free speech, and individuality.

While the formal, centralized French education system is seen as beneficial to academic performance, the American education system's open approach to education is known for its benefits to creativity and encouraging individuality.

In conclusion, while both systems seek to provide education to their citizens, differences in approaches, curriculum, and funding mechanisms preclude easy comparisons or broad conclusions. Both systems, however, have proven themselves proficient in their methods in producing well-educated and innovative students. Thus, the best course of action is to study both systems to adapt strengths to unify a more comprehensive approach to education.

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Week -1: Diky, Naschledanou

One week later… My post-study abroad adjustment has been slightly different than most. Since my mom came to visit, we decided to travel to Italy for an extra week before the start of my internship. Therefore, the fact that I am leaving Europe has not actually settled in yet. It has been weird leaving the routine of seeing the same people and walking the same paths every day but traveling has become a routine of its own.

We stored our luggage in the Prague airport and spent the week along the coast of southern Italy in Naples, Sorrento, and Rome. At heart, I am an ocean and beach person. My favorite source of protein is seafood and in my past time, I love swimming in the open waters. Therefore, finally not being landlocked felt amazing. I got to eat way too many bowls of seafood spaghetti.

The highlight of my trip was hiking the Path of Gods along the Amalfi coast. It was a great change of pace from all the other European cities I have been visiting. Instead of walking around for hours looking at historical monuments that all started to blend together, I got to take in the beautiful views of the mountains and water in Italy.

Toward the end of this trip, however, I was ready to go back to America. I was getting burnt out from traveling and knowing that I only have a day at home before going to California for my internship was becoming a stress factor for me. If I got to replan this last leg of my study abroad experience, I would have chosen to leave when the program ended and spent an extra week at home to recover. Studying abroad has been the best time of my life but it also has been more taxing than anticipated. There have been a lot of sleepless nights traveling and making the most of Prague but it did pile up. Starting my internship already exhausted is less than ideal but I am hoping that my day at home will be a good refresher. 

I hope you all have enjoyed reading my blogs this semester as I have enjoyed writing them. I initially took on this role with the intention of wanting to help out future U-M CoE students to decide on which study abroad program to choose or if they should even consider studying abroad (which is a definite YES from me). However, this blog has become a baby to me. I began to enjoy the process of looking back at what I have accomplished this week and even weeks before because I often forget. Luckily, these blogs will be here forever so I hope this can become a keepsake for myself and a resource for someone else out there. 

My last bit of Czech lesson: “Diky, Naschledanou” (which translates to thank you, good bye <3)

Janice Liu

Computer Science

Tech Career Accelerator in Prague

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Week 15: The Final Countdown

It’s finally here, the very last week… Honestly, it did not settle in until the last day. Most of the week was at a cafe grinding out my last few assignments and studying for finals. Not the ideal way to end off a study abroad experience but it is how most semesters go.

This week, food was my coping mechanism to get through all of the studying. At the end of each long study day, my friends and I would go try a new restaurant that has been on our bucket list. This was a great way for us to still bond throughout the last week while also not taking up too much time from our studies. We intentionally chose more international restaurants because we were all sick of meat and potatoes (the typical Czech diet). We ate at Matzip, Agave, and Yami Sushi, and to my surprise, they were all amazing! Although it was on the slightly pricer end, they were able to satisfy my craving for more culturally diverse foods.

IFSA also really kindly treated us to a graduation lunch. This was the last time our entire program got together and it started to hit me that this fever dream I have been living is actually coming to an end. I came into this study abroad experience with little to no expectations. I was just chasing something new and thought that going to Prague for a semester would do just that. Now, as it is ending, saying that this semester exceeded my expectations is an understatement. I have grown so much as a person through all the uncomfortable experiences I had to overcome, such as facing frustrating language barrier interactions or navigating a foreign country. I even built up the confidence to solo travel, which was a daunting task just months before. 

Being in such a small program and being forced to live, study, and travel together created a tight-knit community that I will forever be grateful for. Most of us were U-M computer science majors yet, I only knew a handful before coming into this program. Now, I can call them my close friends and know that I will be able to go back to campus with a group of people that make Ann Arbor feel more like home.

Okay, enough sappy stuff. I ended this program on my birthday, which was the best birthday I could ever ask for. It is now becoming a tradition that I do an escape room every year for my birthday and to our surprise, we were able to find one in Prague. It was all in English and we even managed to escape in time, which never happens! Then, we gathered with the rest of the program to celebrate the end of the semester and my birthday. Just having everyone there that night made it super special.

Even my mom was there! She came to visit me on the last few days of my program and for my birthday. It was super fun taking her around Prague since I finally had a good enough grasp of the city. I was able to show her the most touristy parts of the city and also how my day-to-day life has been for the past three months. She said her favorite part was the rows of colorful buildings each with its unique architecture. 

Overall, this has been the best semester of my college career and I will be forever grateful that it happened. We still have one more blog coming so not goodbye yet… I will see you all very soon for one last time. 

Janice Liu

Computer Science

Tech Career Accelerator in Prague

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Saying Na Shledanou

My last week came so much faster than I expected. As much as I knew it would suck saying goodbye to the friends I'd made these 3 months, I don't think I fully understood how tough it would be.

The beginning of the week consisted of hours and hours of studying. I had 2 presentations, an exam, and 3 reports due (yay exam season), and I'm not typically one to leave everything last minute but, you know, the joys of studying abroad :) Not all is bad though. I got to visit the Cubism cafe which we actually saw on our tour the first week in Prague. I'm really going to miss all the random cafe and study spots to discover; the Ugli and Kinesiology just can't compare

Grand Café Orient! (pretty cubism vibes)

I wanted to make the last of my time here, so I spent more time exploring too. I didn't know this place existed, but there are these gardens under the Prague Castle that are gorgeously maintained. (I don't think many other people know about them either since it was almost dead when I went) I made the decision this week that Prague is my favorite city visually. Even in the cloudy weather, the red roofs and pastel buildings are stunning.

Gardens under the castle & street strolls

And, of course, I had to spend some quality time with my friends <3 I can't express how much they mean to me and how much I'll miss them. It was so fun spending our last night going out together though. We got a whole group of us to our apartment to celebrate Janice's bday and it was a perfect way to close out the semester!

all crammed into our living room

(an extra big shoutout to my roommates and challenge project group)

I'll be back next week with my last post after a well deserved rest at home...

Catherine Jiang Computer Science Tech Career Accelerator in Prague

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Last Weekend :(

Sooo I am very late oops (be prepared for 2 blogs without the typical week break). This last week has been a whirlwind of emotions; I'll fill you guys in on the next post, but those feelings didn't really hit until I spent my last weekend in Prague.

One of my friends was leaving a week early too, so a lot of the week was leading up to a goodbye. Some of the girls and I went out to dinner together for her, there was one last sunset run (tbh I only went on 2... but our group had gone 4-5 times), and everyone spent her last night at a karaoke place. A bit of a full circle moment when the girls decided to sing an updated version of Galway Girl because we'd started the semester absolutely bombing the song ahahah

Go to Kro Kitchen the chicken is delicious, us on the karaoke stage, runns + views

As much as I was done with traveling, I was still super excited for a day trip a group of us had planned to Česky Krumlov. It's a town that's a couple hours outside of Prague which is known for essentially a big castle. And castle did not disappoint lol, honestly there wasn't too much to do besides wander the streets and explore the castle grounds, but it was one of those chill go with the flow trips. A perfect way to close out my traveling for good and just enjoy spending time with my friends :)

Main tower, city, and cool bridge to the castle

Would def recommend this town as a day trip. When it's warmer you can even kayak/tube on the river. Oh there's also some bears guarding the castle, from what idk, but they're pretty cute.

just some skipping through the field, friends!, and bear

I love Prague, I love my friends, it's going to be weird not having them around...

Catherine Jiang Computer Science Tech Career Accelerator in Prague

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Na shledanou, Prague!

Greetings from my bedroom Americká, in Vinohrady Prague 2. Today is my last day in Prague, and I’ve spent the entire week packing up and getting ready to head back to LA. 

This past weekend, I was on the Amalfi Coast with my friends from school. We had the most fantastic weekend; it was the perfect end to our time abroad. We spent the weekend enjoying the Italian beaches and reminiscing about our first-weekend trip, all the way to our last. It was a really bittersweet moment - I don’t know when the next time I will be able to travel the world with my best friends with the sole responsibility of school. Maybe never! Scary, scary thought.

When I got home on Sunday, I immediately began moving my clothes from my carry-on to my big suitcase. No need to unpack now! It took me about 2 hours to get all of my clothes, jackets, and shoes squared away into 2 suitcases. It was no easy feat, as I have most definitely taken part in the European thrift shopping scene. 

Throughout the week, I finished up all of my classes. I gave 2 final presentations, wrote my last final papers, and had time to reflect on my academic experiences over this semester. I am officially a senior!! 

My roommate, Caroline, and I have been trying to take advantage of all that Prague has to offer in our last week. We have been roommates since we were freshmen, so the fact that we have just completed our junior year together is really crazy.

Next time you hear from me, I will have just been back in the US for a week. I’m experiencing both sides of my emotions with this - on one hand, I am really excited to have dryers, ice, and my car. On the other hand, I am so grateful for this opportunity, and really don’t want it to end!!

All good things must come to an end, no matter how much you don’t want them to!

Special thanks to my roommates, friends, and Prague for the most AMAZING experience. 

Emily Walker

Computer Science & Engineering

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A Journey of Remembrance: Touring Auschwitz-Birkenau

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a solemn and powerful experience that holds immense historical significance. As one of the most notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camps during World War II, Auschwitz-Birkenau serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed against millions of innocent lives. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau and provide essential information to help you navigate this somber yet educational tour.

Historical Context

To truly grasp the magnitude of Auschwitz-Birkenau, it's crucial to understand its historical context. During the Holocaust, over a million Jews, along with Poles, Romani people, Soviet prisoners of war, and others, lost their lives in this camp. Auschwitz-Birkenau symbolizes the horrors of the Holocaust and stands as a testament to the resilience of those who suffered.

Here are some tips in planning a visit to Auschwitz.

1. Preparing Emotionally: A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau can be emotionally challenging. It is essential to mentally prepare yourself for the solemn atmosphere and reflect on the gravity of the place you are about to visit.

2. Reservations and Guided Tours: Due to its significance, Auschwitz-Birkenau requires advance reservations, particularly for guided tours. Booking a guided tour is highly recommended as it provides valuable insights and ensures you cover the essential areas of the camp.

3. Practical Information: The camp is located near the town of Oswiecim in Poland, and various transportation options are available to reach the site. Dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on gravel paths and uneven terrain.

The Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour Experience includes two parts.

The tour typically begins at Auschwitz I, the administrative and command center of the camp. Here, you will see original buildings, including the barracks, gas chambers, and crematoria. The exhibits within the buildings offer a chilling insight into the conditions endured by prisoners.

The tour then proceeds to Birkenau, the larger part of the complex where mass exterminations took place. The vastness of the camp is overwhelming, with rows of barracks and remnants of the gas chambers and crematoria. It is a poignant reminder of the scale of the Holocaust.

It is crucial to be respectful during your visit. Please maintain a respectful demeanor. Photography is allowed in designated areas, but it is important to exercise sensitivity and refrain from inappropriate behavior. Take the time to reflect, pay your respects at the memorials, and honor the memory of the victims.

Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is an emotional journey, but it is one that is profoundly significant and necessary. It serves as a reminder of the darkest chapters in human history and urges us to learn from the past to create a better future. Auschwitz-Birkenau serves as a profound educational tool to ensure that the atrocities committed during the Holocaust are never forgotten. The lessons learned here are vital in fostering empathy, promoting tolerance, and combating prejudice and discrimination in our society. By paying our respects at this solemn site, we honor the victims and work towards a world that embraces peace, understanding, and compassion.

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Two Sides of One: Warsaw

Warsaw, the capital city of Poland, is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers tourists a variety of attractions and experiences. Whether you want to explore the city's history and culture, enjoy its food, or simply relax and unwind, Warsaw has something for everyone.

One of the most popular attractions in Warsaw is the historic Old Town, which was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II. Here you can wander through narrow streets and admire colorful facades, visit the Royal Castle, and enjoy live music performances in the Market Square.

Other must-see landmarks in Warsaw include the Palace of Culture and Science, a towering building that offers fantastic views of the city, and the Wilanów Palace, which is known for its beautiful gardens and Baroque architecture. It is built by Stalin, but its beauty is undoubted and still adored by locals and tourists.

If you're interested in history, Warsaw has plenty to offer. The Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Museum of the History of Polish Jews are both fascinating places to learn about the city's past.

Food lovers won't be disappointed in Warsaw either. The city has a thriving food scene, with traditional Polish dishes like pierogi (dumplings) and kielbasa (sausage) available at many restaurants. There are also plenty of trendy cafes and bars where you can try modern takes on traditional dishes.

Finally, Warsaw is a great place to relax and unwind. The city has several beautiful parks, including the Lazienki Park, which is home to the stunning Palace on the Water, and the Pole Mokotowskie Park, which is perfect for jogging or cycling. The vibrant yet laid back atmosphere makes the city feel like a perfect place to raise a family. I even ran into a rollerblade night parade with kids and adults!

Warsaw is a fantastic city with something for everyone. From its history and culture to its food and natural beauty, there's no shortage of things to do and see in this magical city.

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Vilnius: Fighting For Freedom and Democracy

My hostel is right next to one of the main attractions in Vilnius - the magnificent Vilnius Cathedral and Square. The cathedral is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and is adorned with beautiful frescoes and paintings. The square it sits on is one of the most beautiful places in the city, offering stunning views of the cathedral and surrounding buildings. The morning view is magnificent.

During the stay at Vilnius, I made a one day detour to Kaunas. I visited a museum that used to be an atomic bunker during the USSR era. To be fair, it is more of a personal antique collection than a museum, but the guide’s stories definitely made everything came to life. After Lithuania broke away from the USSR, they almost immediately made any action supporting communism, especially the Russian government, illegal. Some may argue that this move is against freedom in politics, but I can totally understand those who suffered under an dictator disguised as “communist” would like to avoid it at all cost. The mentality is obvious; even as a tourist I can sense their support for Ukraine more than anywhere else in Europe.

The moment that touched me the most happened when looking through country badges before and after they left the USSR. When it came to Lithuania, the guide proudly said “See the Pine and Spruce? That is a large industry in Lithuania.” As someone who grew up in Taiwan, I know how insecure it is to be a small country next to a large, authoritarian government always looking to expand themselves. As of today, a lot in Taiwan beliefs that we got international support only because of the amount of high quality chips we produce; without that the international community will be more than willing to trade our freedom, democracy, and self-determination for the satisfaction of the government controlling one of the largest buying markets on Earth. Thus a question came to me naturally: how would a small country like Lithuania have the military defense strong enough to deter Russia from bugging them constantly? What is their “strong reason” for international support, if it’s not their strength or power in impacting the economy? I asked the guide about where do they get their military protection, and he gave me an answer so simple that I am mildly embarrassed to ask in the first place: NATO.

I cannot express how envious I felt afterwards. Imagine how much time and energy Taiwan could devote into areas other than military and semiconductors if there were some similar hard, law-binding support for us. Military service is still mandatory for boys of my age in Taiwan, and that is just recently extended from four months back to a year; all because of our nasty neighbor, their inherent overpower based on land and population, and the international community tolerating them bending rules in order to save their own economic interest.

Back to Vilnius. The Užupis District is my favorite spot in Vilnius.

This once run-down district has been transformed into one of the most eccentric and artistic neighborhoods in the city. Known as the Republic of Užupis, it has a bohemian vibe that’s infectious. You’ll find plenty of quaint cafés, shops, and galleries to explore. They even have their own constitution and country mascot – a cat!

The city also has a vibrant food scene, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to try out. Lithuanian cuisine is hearty, delicious, and affordable, and a meal at one of the local restaurants is an experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. There beer pubs are also one-of-a-kind!

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Embracing Hanami in the Heart of Paris 🌸🥪: Cherry Blossom Festival In The Parc de Seaux

Springtime in Paris is truly enchanting, and when the cherry blossoms grace the city with their ephemeral beauty, it's time to indulge in the timeless tradition of Hanami! 🌸✨ I ran into some French students who I’ve talked to in school, and they invited me to an outing to Hanami this weekend. I quickly said yes to the wonderful bonding opportunity.

One of the most delightful aspects of Hanami is the joyous tradition of picnicking under the cherry blossoms. Imagine finding the perfect spot in one of Paris's serene parks, laying out a cozy blanket, and basking in the warmth of the sun while being caressed by the fragrant breeze. As the cherry blossoms dance above us, we indulged in a delightful picnic lunch. Some brought sandwiches and fruit, and one of the students even made authentic Japanese rice balls! It's a sensory experience that perfectly combines the beauty of nature with the pleasures of good company and delicious food. 🥪🍓🥤

Whether as a local or a traveler, we enjoyed experiencing Hanami in Paris. It is a magical journey that awakens the senses and fills the heart with joy.I would definitely recommend packing your picnic essentials, and immerse yourself in this time-honored celebration of spring and nature's fleeting beauty. 🌸💕

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More Prague and Its Younger Treasures

Enough of history lectures? This post suggests a day of fun walking trip in Prague, from the old town area across Charles Bridge to the castle, and down south to the Petrin tower and Lennon wall.

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge is a historic landmark and one of Prague's most iconic symbols. The bridge connects the Old Town to the Lesser Town and is one of the oldest bridges in Europe, dating back to the 14th century. Walking across the bridge is an experience not to be missed. The bridge is lined with 30 baroque-style statues of saints, and the views of the Vltava River and Prague Castle are breathtaking.

Lennon Wall

The Lennon Wall is a colorful graffiti wall that pays tribute to John Lennon and his message of peace and love. The wall began as a small memorial following Lennon's death in 1980, and over the years, it has become a living work of art with messages of love, peace, and hope from people around the world. Today, the wall is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of freedom and democracy.

Park of Petrin Tower

Petrin Tower is a 63-meter-high tower that offers stunning views of Prague. The tower is located on Petrin Hill, which is a popular spot for picnics and walks. Visitors can climb the tower's 299 steps to the top, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as 100 kilometers away.

Next to the entrance to the trolley heading up to Petrin tower, sits the Memorial to the Victims of Communism.

It is a moving tribute to those who suffered and died under the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. The memorial consists of seven bronze figures descending a flight of stairs, each one gradually disintegrating to represent the gradual erosion of human rights. The memorial is a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and democracy.

Chimney Cake

No trip to Prague is complete without trying chimney cake, also known as Trdelník. Chimney cake is a traditional Czech pastry made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a wooden or metal rod and baked over charcoal. The result is a crispy, crunchy pastry that is delicious on its own or filled with ice cream, Nutella, or fruit. Chimney cake can be found in street vendors throughout the city, and it is the perfect treat to enjoy while exploring Prague.

Prague is a beautiful and vibrant city that has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, art, food, or nightlife, Prague has it all. It is definitely a place worth staying longer and not rush through, which I regret doing :(