piątek, 12 grudnia 2014
Tuscan asylum
Majestic mountains, breathtaking views, delicious wines, crunchy pizza and italians singing 'Un Italiano Vero'. "Travel writers tend to deploy the word 'idyllic' far too often, devaluing it in the process. But here, in Tuscany, it really does apply. " (www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/tuscany)
Tuscany is a region in Italy, rich in natural beauty, historical value, artistic and culinary treasures. The enchanting atmosphere of it's cities surrounded by spectacular landscape makes it one of a kind. Florence, Piza, Vinci, Prato, Siena are just some of the most popular destinations.
Check out the websites about Tuscany, watch videos about it - you will surely fall in love with it!
poniedziałek, 8 grudnia 2014
Introduction and conclusion
Introduction:
Some people read a lot, some do sports, others analyse everything they see with an eye of philosopher. Those are well-known ways of creating your point of view but there is another one that mixes every other source, one that brings you fun and knowledge at the same time- trips. There is no better way to shape your personality than travelling.
Conclusion:
Among all other possibilities, travelling seems to be one of the best sources of getting to know your own character and working on self-improvement. As it teaches you critical thinking, tolerance, self-efficiency and gives you dozens unforgettable memories at the same time, there is no better source of wisdom.
Some people read a lot, some do sports, others analyse everything they see with an eye of philosopher. Those are well-known ways of creating your point of view but there is another one that mixes every other source, one that brings you fun and knowledge at the same time- trips. There is no better way to shape your personality than travelling.
Conclusion:
Among all other possibilities, travelling seems to be one of the best sources of getting to know your own character and working on self-improvement. As it teaches you critical thinking, tolerance, self-efficiency and gives you dozens unforgettable memories at the same time, there is no better source of wisdom.
Practica 2: outline
There's no better way to shape your personality than travelling
1) Travelling shapes your point of view
a) Getting to know other cultures and conditions of living teaches you empathy and understanding
b) Observing how different countries function and comparing standards of living can help you develop critical thinkning
2) Journey - a way to learn how to live with other people
a)Travelling with friends means taking into account an accepting the wishes and little annoyances of your companions
b) While being on a trip you have to forget anout your egoism and be ready to reach compromises
3) It makes you grow up
a) Turists face different, sometimes very stressful, situations. Then they have to know how not to panic, keep the cold bood and solve the problem (self-efficiency)
b) While travelling you have to take responsibility for yourself and people you travel with. This makes you learn how to look after others. There is no place fo childish egoism.
Conclusion: Travelling seems to be oone of the best sources of getting to know your own character and working on self-improvement.
1) Travelling shapes your point of view
a) Getting to know other cultures and conditions of living teaches you empathy and understanding
b) Observing how different countries function and comparing standards of living can help you develop critical thinkning
2) Journey - a way to learn how to live with other people
a)Travelling with friends means taking into account an accepting the wishes and little annoyances of your companions
b) While being on a trip you have to forget anout your egoism and be ready to reach compromises
3) It makes you grow up
a) Turists face different, sometimes very stressful, situations. Then they have to know how not to panic, keep the cold bood and solve the problem (self-efficiency)
b) While travelling you have to take responsibility for yourself and people you travel with. This makes you learn how to look after others. There is no place fo childish egoism.
Conclusion: Travelling seems to be oone of the best sources of getting to know your own character and working on self-improvement.
niedziela, 7 grudnia 2014
Human rights
The mankind have been dealing with many kinds of abuses for ages. Now, the list of Human Rights Issues is extensive and contains such matters as Disability and Human Rights, Rasism, Youth, Slavery, Freedom of Religion and Belief and many more. At daily basis one may face the problem of not treating people adequately and it does not only concern phisical harassments.
The main obstacle to enhance the situation seems to be the lack of awarness and indifferentism to human dignity. What is worth noticing is that not only those who are injurious to others appear oblivious, but also the victims frequently do not know their rights. This leads us to the position where abuses on every continent became a silent plague. They are so numerous that scientists and sociologists gave up preparing statistics.
All the solutions of the problem should begin not with taking legal actions but with increasing the status of knowlegde, as everyone is a potential victim. Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality sex, colour, religion, language, or any other feature is. We are all equally entitled to them without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible.
Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the forms of treaties, customary law, general principles. International human rights law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.
Unfortunately, as all abovementioned sources seemed not to be enough, new non-governmental organisations have been constituted. Among them Amnesty International, Helsinki Fundation of Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, International Court of Justice. These organisations are to publish various cases of human abuses in media forcing particular countries to act. Also, they take part in the process of decision making, they prepare reports, in example, for United Nations. The effectiveness is diversed but without their effort the mankind would be in even more difficult position.
Summing up, the war againt human rights violations seems to be endless. In spite of that, many sources are rightly used to protect us from suffering. The only way to, at least, mitigate the number of abuses is not to give up the persistent try to augment peoples awarness of how serious that matter is.
The main obstacle to enhance the situation seems to be the lack of awarness and indifferentism to human dignity. What is worth noticing is that not only those who are injurious to others appear oblivious, but also the victims frequently do not know their rights. This leads us to the position where abuses on every continent became a silent plague. They are so numerous that scientists and sociologists gave up preparing statistics.
All the solutions of the problem should begin not with taking legal actions but with increasing the status of knowlegde, as everyone is a potential victim. Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, whatever our nationality sex, colour, religion, language, or any other feature is. We are all equally entitled to them without discrimination. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent and indivisible.
Universal human rights are often expressed and guaranteed by law, in the forms of treaties, customary law, general principles. International human rights law lays down obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.
Unfortunately, as all abovementioned sources seemed not to be enough, new non-governmental organisations have been constituted. Among them Amnesty International, Helsinki Fundation of Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, International Court of Justice. These organisations are to publish various cases of human abuses in media forcing particular countries to act. Also, they take part in the process of decision making, they prepare reports, in example, for United Nations. The effectiveness is diversed but without their effort the mankind would be in even more difficult position.
Summing up, the war againt human rights violations seems to be endless. In spite of that, many sources are rightly used to protect us from suffering. The only way to, at least, mitigate the number of abuses is not to give up the persistent try to augment peoples awarness of how serious that matter is.
czwartek, 27 listopada 2014
How to travel
Traveling may be a one of a kind experience, full of unforgettable memories. It may give you wisdom, great relationships, help you form you character etc... but it also may be a complete disaster. There is hardly nothing more frustrating than a badly prepared trip. Here are some tips that may help you avoid any kind of bummer.
1. Accomodation
Although there are a lot of adventure lovers, going to a place without making a hotel reservation is not the best idea. Find accomodation earlier. There are dozens of websites that may help you find the most suitable one (tripadvisor.com, booking.com, infohostal.com). Be carefull though, check well WHERE the hostel is, because you may soon find out you've reserved a room in the other end of country (true story, that happens a lot). Hostels, dormitories, hotels, private rooms, campings all those give you a wide range off possibilities and prices.
2. Transport
Consider all means of transport possible in your destination. The prices of trains, buses, bike renting etc vary in different countries. There are also other possibilities like renting a car, or sharing a private car with BlaBlaCar. If you decide to go wild you can risk hitch-hiking. But remember never to do it alone and read a bit about the culture of the country you want to do it in. The fact that hitch-hiking is very popular in Poland, doesn't mean in Spain people are familiar with the idea. You can spend all day trying to catch a car and end up with failure just because it is not something widespread in the area. Also remember to be cautious. Don't try to stop a car in the middle of highway (also true story).
3. Packing
Are you also one of those people who always take to many things and have problems with packing it all? This is probably the most irritating part of traveling. Fortunately, there are some techniques to actually make this pretty easy. Check the forecast, and prepare things you thing will be useful. Be practical! Then, decide which things give you more options in case the weather changes and resign from the rest. When it comes to the packing itself, you don't have to sit on you bag to zip it anymore! Let the Master from this movie show you how it should be done:
4. People
Always travel in small group. It is not only safer but also more fun. Don't be affraid to be picky, choose those people with whom you really hit it off. If you go with random person it may soon appear to be the world's biggest ruiner.
5. Brace yourself!
Search the net for as much information you may need. Try to find out everything about the place you go to. You don't want to miss what's most interesting or look at something beautiful without any idea what it is.
6. Think outside the box
Prepare yourself to anything that may not go according to plan. Don't ever panic. Open your mind and thing outside the box, there's always a solution! Be flexible, opened to compromises and decisive. Remember, whatever may happen, you are having an adventure, making new memories, maybe in the one of the most amazing places in the world. Who cares about the luxury and childish complaints? Carpe diem!
czwartek, 20 listopada 2014
Appreciating the underestimated - Polish Christmas
Have you ever experienced the surprising feeling of homesickness? Surprising, because you never thought you would miss your motherland. When you lived there you never ceased to notice something annoying, something that "would never happen in other countries". However, when your dream comes true and you finally move to live among other nation, you suddenly start appreciating what you have been underestimating before. Living abroad makes you miss all traditions and customs you are used to, especially in the period of big, family celebrations, such as Christmas. In my case, it's longing for Poland. It is a country extremely experienced and rich historically. All the things it had been through has made it's inhabitants patriotic and dedicated to cultivating it's traditions. Since we're near the Christmas time, here is the description of Polish Christmas Beliefs and Traditions.
Christmas in Poland is the most elaborate holiday during the whole year, and Polish people prepare for it days before the actual celebration. Shopping for ingredients for homemade food, christmas presents for relatives (which they give each other not only on 6th of December but also on Christmas Eve), searching for decoration they put in and outside their houses is a typical fever of this time of year. However, one of he most important part for Poles is to have their house or apartment sparkling clean. When it comes to weather, only a white Christmas is considered a real Christmas; therefore, everybody is happy when there is fresh snow outside. Before Christmas Eve supper (known as Wigilia) Polish farmers bless their fields with holy water and place crosses made from straw into the four corners of a room. This is supposed to protect the household from evil powers and bad luck. The supper itself consists of twelve different dishes, that never include meat. There are typical salads, carp and other types of fish, cakes, soups... . Before sitting down at the table after all traditional foods are ready and brought to the table, everyone anxiously awaits the moment when the first star, known as the Gwiazdka, appears in the eastern sky. For that is when the feast to commemorate the birth of the Christ Child begins.
Now everybody breaks the traditional wafer, or Oplatek and exchanges good wishes for health, wealth and happiness in the New Year. This is such a deeply moving moment that often tears of love and joy are evoked from the family members who are breaking this symbolic bread. This is the moment, when people open their hearts and their deeply hidden emotions towards their relatives are revealed. The Oplatek is a thin, unleavened wafer similar to the altar bread in the Roman Catholic Church. It is stamped with the figures of the Godchild, the blessed Mary, and the holy angels. The wafer is known as the bread of love and is often sent by mail to the absent members of the family. The framgent of the Bible describing the birth of Jesus Christ is read by the oldest member of the family. Many people believe that additional plate on the table is a way to reunite with those who we cannot be with during Christmas supper. It can be for deceased relatives or friends who supposedly come during Christmas Eve to eat the food with us. On the other hand, this symbolic additional seat represents Polish hospitality. No one should be left alone at Christmas, so strangers and also the homeless are welcomed to join in the holy supper. This belief derives from the times when Mary and Joseph were looking for shelter and they couldn't find one.
Pooles also sing christmas carols. The children dress themselves like the figures from the Bible and sing christmas songs in different houses in hope to get some more sweets.
After supper, they pull out blades of straw from beneath the tablecloth. A green one foretells marriage; a withered one signifies waiting; a yellow one predicts spinsterhood; and a very short one foreshadows an early grave. Some people also put money under the white cloth, which symbolizes prosperity in the household. This is also the time of opening the presents that before were put under the christmas tree.
At midnight on Christmas Eve animals are believed to speak with a human voice. What is more, in the middle of the night the whole family goes together to the mass called Pasterka, in which they pray and give thanks for the rebirth of Christ and their families.
Christmas in Poland is the most elaborate holiday during the whole year, and Polish people prepare for it days before the actual celebration. Shopping for ingredients for homemade food, christmas presents for relatives (which they give each other not only on 6th of December but also on Christmas Eve), searching for decoration they put in and outside their houses is a typical fever of this time of year. However, one of he most important part for Poles is to have their house or apartment sparkling clean. When it comes to weather, only a white Christmas is considered a real Christmas; therefore, everybody is happy when there is fresh snow outside. Before Christmas Eve supper (known as Wigilia) Polish farmers bless their fields with holy water and place crosses made from straw into the four corners of a room. This is supposed to protect the household from evil powers and bad luck. The supper itself consists of twelve different dishes, that never include meat. There are typical salads, carp and other types of fish, cakes, soups... . Before sitting down at the table after all traditional foods are ready and brought to the table, everyone anxiously awaits the moment when the first star, known as the Gwiazdka, appears in the eastern sky. For that is when the feast to commemorate the birth of the Christ Child begins.
Now everybody breaks the traditional wafer, or Oplatek and exchanges good wishes for health, wealth and happiness in the New Year. This is such a deeply moving moment that often tears of love and joy are evoked from the family members who are breaking this symbolic bread. This is the moment, when people open their hearts and their deeply hidden emotions towards their relatives are revealed. The Oplatek is a thin, unleavened wafer similar to the altar bread in the Roman Catholic Church. It is stamped with the figures of the Godchild, the blessed Mary, and the holy angels. The wafer is known as the bread of love and is often sent by mail to the absent members of the family. The framgent of the Bible describing the birth of Jesus Christ is read by the oldest member of the family. Many people believe that additional plate on the table is a way to reunite with those who we cannot be with during Christmas supper. It can be for deceased relatives or friends who supposedly come during Christmas Eve to eat the food with us. On the other hand, this symbolic additional seat represents Polish hospitality. No one should be left alone at Christmas, so strangers and also the homeless are welcomed to join in the holy supper. This belief derives from the times when Mary and Joseph were looking for shelter and they couldn't find one.
Pooles also sing christmas carols. The children dress themselves like the figures from the Bible and sing christmas songs in different houses in hope to get some more sweets.
After supper, they pull out blades of straw from beneath the tablecloth. A green one foretells marriage; a withered one signifies waiting; a yellow one predicts spinsterhood; and a very short one foreshadows an early grave. Some people also put money under the white cloth, which symbolizes prosperity in the household. This is also the time of opening the presents that before were put under the christmas tree.
At midnight on Christmas Eve animals are believed to speak with a human voice. What is more, in the middle of the night the whole family goes together to the mass called Pasterka, in which they pray and give thanks for the rebirth of Christ and their families.
piątek, 14 listopada 2014
The world cannot exist without inequality of people
Imagine utopian society in which every single person is perfectly happy, any kind of need is always fulfilled and the life is just ideal. Then, let’s think about consequences. Some philosophers claim that this imaginary picture of mankind would simply lead to nowhere. “The light is needed to know what the darkness is” – the same rule may be used according to society. The world cannot exist without inequality of persons of whom, in a way, consists the reality.
Starting with politics, would it survive if everyone was equal? As we know, governments are up to take care of countries, international relationships and citizens. Their main aim is to provide denizens a high standard of life but if, in the imaginary, perfect society, there is no need to take care of anyone, there would be no the purpose of, for instance, electioneering, humanitarian projects or charity. Most of political plans are made on the basis of dealing with crime, poverty, spreading sicknesses or lack of education. It is also more than possible that a lot of nongovernmental organizations such as Amnesty International wouldn’t exist.
In fact, media and culture would sooner or later become extinct too. It takes just a quick glance on the newspaper to notice that press or television breathes with gossips about any kind of personal insulting or infringement of commonly acknowledged norms of behaviour. Plenty of great reportages, documentaries or any other sort of movies, book or plays were considering the problem of inequality. National Geographic is known for it’s adaptations of everyday situations, showing the variety of life and experience, making money, gaining knowledge. They capture poverty and famine in Africa, disobedience of human rights in Asia, the richest citizens of North America and poorer, less educated South Americans. That all could not have been done if everyone was equal.
Most certainly, it is not said that such an unfair situation, in which some groups in society have more money, opportunities, power should be supported but that is the way the life is and we have to perceive it as something, in some manner, necessary. Looking at the bright side of that statement, it may be observed that everyday social life makes us face the issue of not being the same and so we have an amazing opportunity of getting experience. In a good sense, people are learning how to treat others, behave in different situations and how the justice is important. By undergoing inequality we are becoming more aware of such values or virtues as family, kindness, empathy and being opened for unknown.
Coming to an end, it is worth noticing that the utopian world would not only be boring and not surprising or shocking but also would have no serious point to exist. Our full of differences reality is more interesting. It is not perfect and a lot should be done to improve it but instead of criticizing it we have to appreciate all the opportunities it gives us. Without inequality an enormous part of our life would not exist so it would not be our world anymore.
czwartek, 6 listopada 2014
American dream, worth it or not?
Imagine the country which is
a perfect example to follow for the rest of the world. The life there
is a dream, the incomes are high, all of the citizens are safe and
satisfied with the politics of their motherland. Such pespective is a
widespread vision of the USA. Unfortunately, we should ask ourselves
whether the States should be uncritically perceived as flawless. Many
contrarguments abolishing the American dream may be listed. Take
demonocracy.info, for instance, the website which by preparing
economic infographics shows the real financial situation of the
country. The USA, commonly perceived as wealthy, in fact has $17
trillion US debt. The whole economy is shown as a fiction, as
America's financial fund is based on virtual money. It has also been
proved that if this country was to pay out all the money it is said
to have, it would be impossible. The USA does not possess such amount
of gold. Another utopian, fictious vision is the perfect and safe
american life. People from all over the world take pictures like
ideal suburban life as true. The statistics showing the problem of
gunshot deaths that occur at daily basis are not usually taken into
consideration. The same is the case with the crime rate, riots of
immigrants or even the obesity.
Book version or screen version? Comparison
Nowadays
the cultural reality meets with a situation in which films are
remarkably more popular than books. Among young people it is common
to discuss the newest adaptations or even plays without awareness of
historical or autobiographical facts which made the story the way it
is. Knowing the source of the movie provides us more information to
understand the author.
Victor Hugo’s film adaptation of the book ‘Les
Miserables’ has recently been nominated in six categories to Oscar
Movie Awards and won three statues. But not many viewers were aware
of the fact that it was actually made on the basis of the book. What
drew attention of spectators was excellent production design and
costumes but the story of French Revolution was omitted in
discussions. It would probably be understood better if the knowledge
of life of the author, who was a political activist, and the plot of
the book was more commonly known.
Despite the fact that background information are
important, while reading the book it is possible to become attached
and pay more attention not only to characters but also to the plot.
In contrary to the film, written descriptions do not give us ready
pictures but leave the spaces for our imagination. We are the part of
creating the reality of the world described and that is why we want
to understand it and then remember it.
When it comes to the plot, film adaptations change
the story for the needs of the director. The sequence or even
presence of events is not the same as the author made it. The story
is supposed to be told in two hours and that is not enough to become
familiar with the whole plot. That often leads the viewers to the
situation in which they do not understand the film accurately. What
is more, the story is often made easier to make sure it is
appropriate for educated and uneducated people.
Movies are known as one of the best ways of
entertaining and the business of pictures starts to run our cultural
world what causes the decrease of popularity of books. Both films and
written texts are treasures. To understand them we should find this
cooperation between them and read the book as a source to comprehend
the movie.
Practica 1, opinion paragraph
It is not very fashionable to be a believer, attend the masses every Sunady, not even mentioning going to church more than once a week, praying or reading the Bible. Although it is a complete opposition to the mainstream idea of a lifestyle, it is more valuable and joyful than it may seem. Firts of all, forget all the stereotypes about priests or believers who scare everybody around them with threats of the devil or eternal damnation. Of course, there are some 'psycho believers' but the faith is mostly about happiness, love and hope. From the point of view of an 'ex-atheist', people that one can meet in the church are one of a kind. They live their lives to the fullest (in a very smart way), they have numerous families, they're not materialistic share everything they have and, above all, they laugh a lot. Being christian does not mean being a sad loner always with the Bible in hand, somebody who never drinks alcohol and does not speak to nonbelievers. On the contrary, it's all the way round! The faith is a source of happiness, internal peace and hope and although it may seem riddicoulous or old-fashioned, it is something I love with all my heart.
The culture of today. The age of technology
There is one invention that has taken control of
man’s life. It may be called a partner on every step we take and
it steals our independence so that we cannot imagine existence
without it. This silent king that governs present world is
technology. Computers and other high-tech gadgets are omnipresent and
it becomes impossible to perform even the simplest actions without
it’s help. Many claim that the relationship between the humanity
and technology is both a curse and a blessing. It surely is, but
unless we start being more self-efficient it may be just a curse
which will lead to the ‘suicide’ of mankind.
Nowadays it is almost beyond the bounds of
possibility to arrange a meeting without using telephone. While
studying most of the materials and information are sent by e-mail. A
lot of business talks or job interviews are on Skype and even
psychological help is more available via Internet. Technological
improvements make our life more facile but what would happen if all
those devices were crashed or taken away? Doubtlessly the world would
stop and panic. As people are so accustomed to everything being done
for them, they would simply be unable to act on their own.
Another thing is that technological improvements
lead to making money and gold only a virtual value. Even though many
think that online bank accounts are nothing but safety, they in
reality are deposits of digital currency. A lot of documentaries show
that amount of virtual gold (in which many ordinary and oblivious
people invest) is a few times bigger than the amount of real,
physical gold. In this case, automation is just a cover of
protection, time saving and facilitation but in fact may cause
serious economic problems in the future.
Employers who are supporters of mechanization are
introducing state-of-the-art tools claiming they are making the
production more efficient and quick. On the other hand, this process
leads to growing unemployment especially in manufactures. But also,
workers’ qualifications and tasks are less important. This results
in decreasing ambitions and laziness.
In conclusion, it is seen day by day that humankind is becoming more
dependent on technological improvements, which has its good and bad
sides. We should remember that every blessing may suddenly become a
curse which (in case of automation) deprives us of our nature and, if
not kept in balance, may cause more complications than intended.
sobota, 1 listopada 2014
Ghost People
Tanzania reminds us of beautiful
landscapes, turistical value, wild nature... but there is one dark
fact that is kept hidden nowadays, in the XXI century.
They're called Ghost People, they're believed to have been cursed. Their sickness is magical, their lives are „connected to dark magic” - that's why they are being hunted for. They are targeted to murder, to persecute, to disctiminate in everyday life. They are Albino People. The studies of Worldwide Health Organisation show that in Tanzania 1 person out of every 1000 is born with this disease. And this one person from the moment of being born has to suffer, fight and protect himself even from his own family.
Inhabitants of Tanzania believe that parts of a body that has no pigment bring luck and wealthiness. The attackers cut off their limbs and organs and sell them to dealers and Shamans. "Some even believe that the witchcraft ritual is more powerful if the victim screams during the amputation, so body parts are often cut from live victims, especially children," the report of National Geographic says. "The use of children is likely linked to the pursuit of innocence, which, it is believed, enhances the potency of the witchcraft ritual."
The issue has been revealed to public, trying to raise the awareness of the problem. Despite of that, weak Tanzanian government and superstitious nation was not influenced to change. Everyday, when we live our lifes in comfort and entertainment, innocent, suffering people are being murdered without reason.
Click here and here for more info.
They're called Ghost People, they're believed to have been cursed. Their sickness is magical, their lives are „connected to dark magic” - that's why they are being hunted for. They are targeted to murder, to persecute, to disctiminate in everyday life. They are Albino People. The studies of Worldwide Health Organisation show that in Tanzania 1 person out of every 1000 is born with this disease. And this one person from the moment of being born has to suffer, fight and protect himself even from his own family.
Inhabitants of Tanzania believe that parts of a body that has no pigment bring luck and wealthiness. The attackers cut off their limbs and organs and sell them to dealers and Shamans. "Some even believe that the witchcraft ritual is more powerful if the victim screams during the amputation, so body parts are often cut from live victims, especially children," the report of National Geographic says. "The use of children is likely linked to the pursuit of innocence, which, it is believed, enhances the potency of the witchcraft ritual."
The issue has been revealed to public, trying to raise the awareness of the problem. Despite of that, weak Tanzanian government and superstitious nation was not influenced to change. Everyday, when we live our lifes in comfort and entertainment, innocent, suffering people are being murdered without reason.
Click here and here for more info.
Youth against religion
Just a few decades ago belief in God’s existence
had a great influence on the youth’s virtues and gave sense to
their everyday hardship. As the time goes by, the reality changes,
and so are value systems of young generations. There are no more
people indifferent to religion. They are either strong believers or
they make a firm opposition to it. Sadly, the second way is the
commonly chosen one. Nowadays youth tends to give up believing and
there are different reasons and effects of it.
As mentioned, the spirit of the present era is one
of the main causes. The technological, fast and loud world is ramming
its ‘ideologies’ down teenagers throats. Fashion or artistic
trends deprive them of the feeling of acceptation. This hedonistic
and materialistic brainstorm makes youth constantly try to be better.
Everything is so rapid that there is no room for reflection and any
opposition to mainstream is ruthlessly criticized.
Moreover, the youngsters frequently have the
experience of torn houses or abuse in the family. They know a lot of
pain as their childhood has been stolen. The theodicy is spreading
among them and so the question ‘Where is God and why doesn’t he
react for my suffering?’ keeps coming back to their minds. The
thought of not being loved by the Almighty Father is so depressing
that the abandonment of religion is the result.
Religion, especially Christianity, is very
demanding. You have to put great effort to resist temptations. It is
definitely not a leisure but constant spiritual war. It may be very
demotivating for young person who is accustomed to things being done
for us.
What is the effect? Confusion. Youth tends to
laugh at faith and carelessly live according to new fashions but in
fact they lose the actual sense of living. They miss the beauty of
believing, praying and experiencing God in everyday life. The hope,
joy and love that religion offers is what they really need but
simultaneously reject. But do they actually know who they are and how
worthy they are?
There are plenty of reasons why youth gives up
faith as well as serious effects of that phenomenon. Twenty first
century has brought a severe crisis in spirituality of young people.
However, every present finally becomes past and the situation will
hopefully change.
Salvadorian Paradise
A
few years ago I had this amazing opportunity of visiting one of the
most beautiful places in the world - Latin America. Before my arrival
to the San Salvador’s airport I was full of fears. I was going to
face a completely new place, new climate, culture. But the moment I
stepped out of the plane, all of my concerns disappeared.
The airport as well as the city centre was teeming with life. It was a vivid mixture of colors, smells and sounds. After I took my luggage and went out on a street I felt like I was on the other, better, happier planet. The air was hot and humid so the atmosphere was very lazy but enjoyable. The palm trees which leaves were waving melancholically on the warm wind grew everywhere. Agaves, yuccas, cactuses and other tropical plants could be found on every square of the city. The vivid green color made my eyes more and more fascinated with the magic of the nature. The pavements were decorated with the motives of local culture, the aztecs’ and mayas’ gods or scenes from everyday life of a traditional latin family.
As I went through the capital of the small El Salvador I couldn’t believe that there was very few tourists and such a bewilderingly beautiful country is almost forgotten. On my way to the Old Town I was flooded with the mixture of different smells. One of the small bars situated close to the road was emitting a wonderful aroma of spices, fresh vegetables and hot, hand-made tortillas. Seduced by the charm of the fragrances I couldn’t stop myself from taking a look inside. There, again, I was deluged by colors and smells. There was a huge amount of food of all kinds: fresh octopuses and sea fruits, colorful vegetables, traditional fritters called ’pupusas’, flavored and spicy dishes.
Going through the Salvadorian streets one thing caught my attention – buses. Each and every one of them was completely different. They were masterpieces painted colorfully and awakening the imagination of their viewers. Each of them seemed to have it’s own character and story and looked like the ones shown in cartoons or tales. These buses were full of happy people who saw no problem in the extreme way of conducing of a bus driver.
On the Old Town the sounds and enthusiasm of people were playing the main role. The most staggering thing to observe were the inhabitants who didn’t feel ashamed to enjoy the omnipresent sounds of different salsa songs. The place was full of dancing people, laughter of kids and adults who were having fun with each other. Those who were not dancing, were talking loudly, drinking cold coca-cola or eating ice-cream. That view made my heart beat faster and faster from happiness.
The optimism of the atmosphere caused by a mixture of colors, characters, sounds and smells made the place devastatingly beautiful and one of a kind. The joy of life is there to be found on every street corner. The city of San Salvador surely is one of the most stunning and undamaged by tourism place in the world.
The airport as well as the city centre was teeming with life. It was a vivid mixture of colors, smells and sounds. After I took my luggage and went out on a street I felt like I was on the other, better, happier planet. The air was hot and humid so the atmosphere was very lazy but enjoyable. The palm trees which leaves were waving melancholically on the warm wind grew everywhere. Agaves, yuccas, cactuses and other tropical plants could be found on every square of the city. The vivid green color made my eyes more and more fascinated with the magic of the nature. The pavements were decorated with the motives of local culture, the aztecs’ and mayas’ gods or scenes from everyday life of a traditional latin family.
As I went through the capital of the small El Salvador I couldn’t believe that there was very few tourists and such a bewilderingly beautiful country is almost forgotten. On my way to the Old Town I was flooded with the mixture of different smells. One of the small bars situated close to the road was emitting a wonderful aroma of spices, fresh vegetables and hot, hand-made tortillas. Seduced by the charm of the fragrances I couldn’t stop myself from taking a look inside. There, again, I was deluged by colors and smells. There was a huge amount of food of all kinds: fresh octopuses and sea fruits, colorful vegetables, traditional fritters called ’pupusas’, flavored and spicy dishes.
Going through the Salvadorian streets one thing caught my attention – buses. Each and every one of them was completely different. They were masterpieces painted colorfully and awakening the imagination of their viewers. Each of them seemed to have it’s own character and story and looked like the ones shown in cartoons or tales. These buses were full of happy people who saw no problem in the extreme way of conducing of a bus driver.
On the Old Town the sounds and enthusiasm of people were playing the main role. The most staggering thing to observe were the inhabitants who didn’t feel ashamed to enjoy the omnipresent sounds of different salsa songs. The place was full of dancing people, laughter of kids and adults who were having fun with each other. Those who were not dancing, were talking loudly, drinking cold coca-cola or eating ice-cream. That view made my heart beat faster and faster from happiness.
The optimism of the atmosphere caused by a mixture of colors, characters, sounds and smells made the place devastatingly beautiful and one of a kind. The joy of life is there to be found on every street corner. The city of San Salvador surely is one of the most stunning and undamaged by tourism place in the world.
sobota, 25 października 2014
Bilbao and Lublin, differences and similiarities
Polish and Spanish cities are not frequently compared. They are considered to belong to two different worlds, east and west, which because of numerous dissimilarities are not worth being juxtaposed. In opposition to this statement, two cities has been found more similar to each other than it is commonly thought – Bilbao (Spain, Basque Country) and Lublin (Poland, Lublin Voivodeship). The strongest feature that binds them is the amount of citizens - in both cases it is more or less 350 thousand of inhabitants.
The number of population makes these two cities politically significant. Lublin is the city of major importance in the voivodship and the biggest city on the east side of the river Vistula. Bilbao is the capital city of the Basque Country. They both include social or political institutions that are able to influence the government (although Basque Country has more autonomy, in example it has it's own, independent from the rest of Spain Treasury).
Geographical point of resemblance is the access to river. In Bilbao it's the river called Nervión and in Lublin – Bystrzyca. The cities are situated on the ancient Trade Routes, what in the past made them both the cog in the trade machine. It is also worth being pointed out that Bilbao and Lublin have airports, locally known football clubs (Motor Lublin and Atheltic Bilbao), attractive cultural life, universities and religious intitutions such as catholic seminaries. Although, when it comes to the quality of all these similarities and taking a closer look at them when set aside, it must be said Bilbao is much more developed and modern.
A distinction should be drawn between traditions. The Basque Country is known for having it's own, quaint minority language called Euskera. Many Basques are bilingual and speak not only Spanish but also Euskera. This phenomena cannot be observed in Lublin, which simply does not stand out with such uniqueness.
As far as mentality and habits are concerned there is a wide range of differences. People from Bilbao tend to be very open-minded but in the same time they have a lot of self esteem. They are known for perceiving themselves as 'kings of the world' but this is most probably only a stereotype. One thing is certain – Basque people are very attached to their land, traditions and families. They are extremely patriotic, what is rare in today's reality. Inhabitants of Lublin, by contrast, do not seem to be devoted to their country. However, the sense of unity with the family cannot be perceived as non-existent. According to infrastructure Lublin is rather chaotic and seems not to be thought trough as there is a mixture of styles and epoques, Bilbao is carrefully planned and the transport is much better developed.
Although Spanish and Polish living conditions and traditions are very different, some similarities may be found such us political significance or number of population. Bilbao and Lublin are the best examples of how both resemblence and distinctness may be binding.
The number of population makes these two cities politically significant. Lublin is the city of major importance in the voivodship and the biggest city on the east side of the river Vistula. Bilbao is the capital city of the Basque Country. They both include social or political institutions that are able to influence the government (although Basque Country has more autonomy, in example it has it's own, independent from the rest of Spain Treasury).
Geographical point of resemblance is the access to river. In Bilbao it's the river called Nervión and in Lublin – Bystrzyca. The cities are situated on the ancient Trade Routes, what in the past made them both the cog in the trade machine. It is also worth being pointed out that Bilbao and Lublin have airports, locally known football clubs (Motor Lublin and Atheltic Bilbao), attractive cultural life, universities and religious intitutions such as catholic seminaries. Although, when it comes to the quality of all these similarities and taking a closer look at them when set aside, it must be said Bilbao is much more developed and modern.
A distinction should be drawn between traditions. The Basque Country is known for having it's own, quaint minority language called Euskera. Many Basques are bilingual and speak not only Spanish but also Euskera. This phenomena cannot be observed in Lublin, which simply does not stand out with such uniqueness.
As far as mentality and habits are concerned there is a wide range of differences. People from Bilbao tend to be very open-minded but in the same time they have a lot of self esteem. They are known for perceiving themselves as 'kings of the world' but this is most probably only a stereotype. One thing is certain – Basque people are very attached to their land, traditions and families. They are extremely patriotic, what is rare in today's reality. Inhabitants of Lublin, by contrast, do not seem to be devoted to their country. However, the sense of unity with the family cannot be perceived as non-existent. According to infrastructure Lublin is rather chaotic and seems not to be thought trough as there is a mixture of styles and epoques, Bilbao is carrefully planned and the transport is much better developed.
Although Spanish and Polish living conditions and traditions are very different, some similarities may be found such us political significance or number of population. Bilbao and Lublin are the best examples of how both resemblence and distinctness may be binding.
sobota, 18 października 2014
Do not be afraid!
While walking through the streets I like to observe people, their clothing, their relations, their behaviour. It's amazing how much one can read from other person's face, how much one can discover by trying to look under the mask they put on everyday. In most of cases underneath it there's fear and pain. The latest study of WHO shows that more than 350 milion people suffers from depression, among them a significant percentage is youth. How's that possible? We grow up in the civilisation of technology, where addictins, the cult of beauty and crisis of family values makes us, the youth, be constantly scared of rejection. Every boy and girl has to face the cruel reality, struggling with their own consciousness just to be accepted. It seems like natural vocation of every gender is not popular anymore. A woman is no longer a wife, a mother, a person who brings love to the family and a man is no longer the force, the fighter. It is like we lived in a matrix and our deadly error was keeping on living in comformist unity with it. Do not be scared of being yourself, pursue your aims, be a person YOU want to be, not people around you. Go further, go beyond the mediocrity, go find your heaven on earth and live your life to the fullest. The way to happiness apears to be easy, when you don't look at others and at what's being forced on you.
“True freedom is not advanced in the permissive society, which confuses freedom with license to do anything whatever and which in the name of freedom proclaims a kind of general amorality. It is a caricature of freedom to claim that people are free to organize their lives with no reference to moral values, and to say that society does not have to ensure the protection and advancement of ethical values. Such an attitude is destructive of freedom and peace.”
― Pope John Paul II
“Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
― Pope John Paul II
“True freedom is not advanced in the permissive society, which confuses freedom with license to do anything whatever and which in the name of freedom proclaims a kind of general amorality. It is a caricature of freedom to claim that people are free to organize their lives with no reference to moral values, and to say that society does not have to ensure the protection and advancement of ethical values. Such an attitude is destructive of freedom and peace.”
― Pope John Paul II
“Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
― Pope John Paul II
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