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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.