Experimental blog #6

While in London I observed different ways of speaking. The English culture, I feel, is so much more sophisticated than American culture. They have a polite way of life, it seems like it is against their culture to be rude to people. The American culture is not much like that, we don't really have boundaries when it comes to speaking our mind and acting the way we do. The language here is different and I have concluded that life in England has a calm aspect to it, and it is a very enjoyable country.

Experimental blog #5

Emotions
-Note the emotions you are feeling as you experience your study abroad program. Pay attention to how you react to new situations as well as the other people in your group. Notice how emotions are expressed in your American group and in groups of people in Vienna and Prague.·

I am a very out ward person emotionally, so I express my emotions pretty freely. But when traveling to foreign countries, with different cultures we have to remember to be couscous of the people around us and try not to offend them with the way we express ourselves normally in the U.S.. I think after seeing how people conduct themselves in different countries, gives me a better respect and understanding for their way of life. After complying and attending to my emotions appropriately, I have come to the conclusion that I truly enjoy the culture and how people act over here. Not more than the U.S. obviously, but I really enjoy the customs of Europe. 

Experimental Blog #4

Prague
-Describe buildings and landscape

The buildings and landscape in Prague are very quaint, the cute little buildings with all the different colors give the city it's character. Also the landscape especially by the river is quite beautiful.

-Compare what I was to what I expected to see.

Beginning this trip I imagined Prague to be a cute little European town, I wasn't sure what specifically to expect but while we were in Vienna I met a man who told me That Prague would be much cuter than Vienna. This interested me because I was so in love with Vienna. But he was so right <3. 

-What insights did I learn doing this exercise about Czech people?

I learned about how content the Czech people are here, so far I haven't experienced much rudeness except when it comes to splitting the bill at restaurants. I have heard One cop car this whole time as opposed to Vienna I heard them multiple times a day. 

Experimental Blog #3

Vienna
Buildings and landscape explain how they influence and reflect the culture and compare.
My insights 
The buildings here have a very imperial look, the architecture is beautiful and grand.  The Landscape is very particular with all the gardens on the outskirts and the stone walls, the statues and fountains In the city. Those have a representation of power and officiality. 
I think that these things reflect upon the locals in a good way, they seem like they have a lot of respect for their culture and history that comes with living here. 
I definitely have a greater outlook on the culture in Vienna after staying here a few days I have come to appreciate their way of living, Cincinnati is nothing compared to this grand city.  
We don't have the palaces and the historical significance. These European city's astonish me. The US doesn't have the imperial side like they do here, the fancy ballrooms, dining rooms and such are so exclusive to this side of the world.

Kafka and Empire

Franz Kafka is known as one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. He was born, and lived in Prague. His works consisted of the most utterly gothic stories. He betters my understanding of Empire because he is so widely know around the world. There are so many people out there with such respect for the famous man that his name is used and studied in so many classrooms around the globe.

Kutna Hora

Kutna Hora is where the bone church is located. An old monk had dug up over 400,000 dead bodies from a grave yard to make room for more bodies. It is said that the bones called out to him during the night, and in order to silence these voices he put the bones and skulls up for decoration around an old chapel.
This church is very gothic and sublime. As we walked into the musty church we were instantly surrounded by death and decay, which was very creepy. There were piles and piles of bones as well as little decorations created with bones. I think it can be sublime in the way that one person can feel so small surrounded by those masses of bones. The bones represent so many different people, that one person can look at the piles and be in total awe of the whole church.

Konopiste

Konopiste is a hunting lodge where Franz Ferdinand used to retreat. He hunted all types of game there, and shot and killed over 300,000 animals. Franz mounted and numbered every single one of them. Doing this made him feel empowered, and made others around him kind of weary of him. This Lodge is truly a symbol of empire, Franz made it that way by displaying all of his trophies for his guests to see as well as for his own enjoyment. I think having 6-10 trophies on the wall is enough to feel proud, but no, this man went above and beyond.