Study abroad 2024-Laynee

      For my Vienna woman of choice, I decided to write about  Elisabeth “Sisi” of Austria. She was the an empress, and known for her beauty and tragic life. She married Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria when she was 16. He was known to be extremely smitten with her, though we do not fully know if she reciprocated it back. Elisabeth had a lot of social responsibilities as Empress. She frequently tried to flee the strict procedure of the Habsburg court, since she felt it to be burdensome. Sisi was well-known for her independent and rebellious personality traits—qualities that frequently caused her to defy the norms of her position.      Sisi was instrumental in the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, which created Austria-Hungary's dual monarchy. Tensions between the Hungarian nobles and the Austrian court were lessened in part due to her influence. Also, Sisi gained recognition as a fashion symbol thanks to her intricate hairs...

       Today I got to learn about Maria Theresa, an influential figure who reigned over Austria in the 18th century. During her  reign, several successful changes and reforms were implemented. Over 8 years, Maria successfully defended her right to the throne during the war of Austrian succession. She reorganized and modernized the army, promoted education, not limited to compulsory primary school for boys and girls. Maria Theresa has 16 children, including the infamous Marie Antoinette. Notably, her legacy includes modernizing the Habsburg monarchy. She was an effective ruler whose reforms created a better Austria and laid the groundwork for future prosperity.      Maria Theresa's contributions to Austin during her room were very important historically and culturally. To note, she transformed the Habsburg empire into a more united and modern state. Her financial, administrative, and educational reforms strengthened the governme...

      For my Vienna art of choice, I decided to write about the infamous "The Kiss," painted by Gustav Klimt. This piece is famous for a reason, it was breathtaking. I have always been a sucker for love, and this painting tugged at my heart strings, showcasing the beautiful moment that is a kiss from someone you love. The painting featured a man and woman tightly embraced in what appeared to be a meadow. Their bodies are covered by robes but their expressions of love and admiration are clear. The painting features elements of gold leaf, which really makes the piece pop!     This painting is important historically and culturally for a few reasons. Klimt, according to the informational plaque, was a prominent member of the Vienna secession, a movement that tried to break away from traditional art, and break some barriers.  "The Kiss" definitely is a creative piece that s...

      Today I had the opportunity to visit the  Quinta da Regaleira. I wanted to talk about the initiation well, as that is what captured my attention the most. The property is large and uphill. We had to walk upwards to reach the well, and waited in line for the popular viewing. The structure was worth the wait. I was led down a cylinder staircase, circling the well. The air was had a moist feeling and the ceiling of stone was dripping, but the well was tall and had an opening at the top that allowed for sunlight to seep through. At the bottom of the well, there are more tunnels that lead to other parts of the estate which I thought were neat.      The initiation well is important for a couple reasons and I was able to hear some history from the worker and Dr. Hegstrom! The well has been known to have been used for ceremonial purposes. Its design and structure appeared to have symbolism, almost as if the journey...

     For my Lisbon woman of choice, I have decided to write about Maria the second. I was able to hear about her from Dr. Hegstrom standing outside T he Queen Maria II National Theatre. Maria was the daughter of an emperor and born in Rio de Janeiro. Her father abdicated the Portuguese throne for her, and she became the Queen of Portugal at the young age of 7 years old. She did experience some turmoil growing up as her uncle challenged her position and people tried to take advantage of her. She was well educated though, and traveled around Europe studying.     Maria's contribution for Portugal was important. She was a strong advocate for education and health, specifically public health standards addressing Cholera. She pushed for educating her people and pushed for easy access to public schooling. Although there was political instability during her time, she strived to implement stability and positive change. She led...

     For my art choice, I decided to do something a bit more unconventional and write about the coin collection on the wall of the Calouste gulbenkian jardim museum. The coins were arranged in groups, separated by gold and silver. The coins were small and engraved. I noted that the coins were not were near as uniformed as our modern ones today, shaped in perfect circles. These coins had imperfections, all melted in circles of different sizes. The wall had a mosaic-like appearance, capturing my eye when I walked through. The surrounding tile wall contrasted the metallic coins, making you focus on the display.     These coins are historically important because coins have been used to trade throughout centuries. The coin wall is tangible evidence of the history linked back between civilizations and economic histories. It's very interesting to see these old coins because we still use coins in modern life. Their prese...

      Today we had the opportunity to visit the home of  Amalia Rodrigues. She was also referred to as the "Queen of Fado." Fado a traditional Portuguese music genre and Amalia began singing it in the 1930's. Amalia popularized the genre internationally and incorporated poetry. She is credited for taking Fado from local bars and homes to concerts globally. She decided to leave her home for tourists to come visits, she let it exactly how it was when she lived in it. I was able to see her expansive collection of gowns, jewelry, and makeup. Upon entrance to her home there is a portrait of her that, according to our guide, was directed to be put up by Amalia to welcome guests into her home.     Amelia Rodriguez made a very important contribution to Fado music, taking it from local Portuguese to across the world. She modernized Fado by including poetry, which was new at the time, and collaborating with other artists. These collabora...

    We had the very fortunate opportunity to visit the  Descubridores Monument in Lisbon, Portugal. The monument we saw was large in stature, and appeared to be made of white stone. The statue is shaped like the prow of a ship, and overlooks the Tagus river. This symbolizes the Portuguese explorers who took voyages into uncharted waters. The men displayed are seen walking up the side of the stairs, almost pushing each up. The men are precisely carved, though display solemn expressions and are larger than they would be standing up. The men are see wearing traditional clothing for explores: cloaks, hats, and armor.      The  Descubridores Monument in Lisbon, Portugal is historically important because it is a symbol of the Age of Discoveries. It is symbolic of the men that risked their lives to discover the world and uncover the unknown during the 15th and 16th centuries. These voyages helped establish trade routes and expand global knowledge of...

      For my Madrid woman of choice, I decided to write about  Emilia Pardo-Bazán. She is an amazing woman who I felt very inspired by. She was born in North West Spain abut eventually moved to Madrid. She was an author, feminist, and journalist. She had an immense impact on Spain! She fought for women's rights for education. As a professor, she was met with severe hostility from her male coworkers. They did not respect her credentials or the fact that she was a professor. Students who dared to go to her class risked receiving bad grades from their male teachers.     She was important for several reasons and is inspiring to me. She advocated for women's rights and broke barriers by becoming a woman professor. She fought for intellectual freedom, challenged social norms, inspired others to fight for their rights. She helped pave the way for future writers not only in Spain but around the world. She was an important woman figure,...

      For my Madrid art choice, I decided to write about the  Guernica de Picasso. Located in the Reina Sofia museum, it attracted several tourists. It is a massive painting, done in black, white, and grey shades. The painting wad abstract, and showed dramatic, nontraditional figures. It showcases the horrible events of the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War-including flames and a dead baby. The color scheme appeared to emphasize the horrible events occurring. I think it aims to focus on the events that are happening, rather than the art itself. The images overlap which causes confusion for the spectators, making them think about the images occurring.     This painting is extremely important. It was created in response to the bombing of Guernica by Fascist air forces. It  serves as a symbol of the tradegies committed during the war and the lives that were lost. It's one of the most famous anti-war paintings in existence. The pai...

      Today I was able to visit the Toledo Cathedral in Spain. The cathedral was a massive structure that captured my attention  immediately. It was white, though more cream/gray after years of wear, and had pointed arches and intricate designs, much like gothic style. There were a numerous amount of columns on the outside as well as spikes on the top of the tower. The inside was absolutely gorgeous. It was filled with artwork, decorations, and biblical references. It took awhile to walk around due to the massive size of the building, but the walk was worth it! I particularly loved the biblical paintings as it is a joy to see how other religions remember Christ, most of them were in alliance with what our church believes, so that made me happy to see our common belief.      In addition, the Toledo Cathedral is historically important because it is an example of the rich religious and artistic history of  Tole...

      Today we visited  Concepción Arenal's memorial. Concepción Arenal was Spanish feminist and social reformist and advocated for women. During her time, education for women was limited, so she attended law lectures at the University of Madrid disguised as a man. Arenal not only advocated for women, but for prisoners. She was an inspector of women's prisons and fought for better prisoner treatment and improvement in punishments. She was an excellent writer and even won a literary contest under her son's name. She was a great example of a woman fighting for her place in society and helping those who are in need.      Concepción Arenal left a huge impact on society. She advocated for women's rights in an era that did not value women or their role in contributing to society. She defied rules and snuck into university, showing just how much she cared about education. This helped lay the foundation for feminist work in Spain. Her pursuit of knowledge...

     For the Madrid Museum art choice, I decided to write about the idols and stelae that were carved into limestone slabs. These figurative art works were found in the M adrid Archaeological Museum and appeared on grey stone. These slabs can include different images such as humans or animals, and the one I observed depicted a human outline. This gave me an inside into the artistic depictions of humans during the Bronze Age. The image had view details, and like the informational description said, minimal details of the figurative art were normal for the time, and just enough detail was included to be identifiable.      Figurative art from the Bronze Age is important because like I mentioned before, it gives us an insight into the lives and  beliefs of Prehistoric people. It's amazing that thousands of years later we can analyze their depictions and begin to connect the pieces as to what their life looked like. These stone ...

       Alida Bosshardt was a Dutch Salvation Army officer. She was known for dedicating her efforts to the marginalized in society, fighting for their rights. She advocated for sex workers, the homeless, and more. In addition, her nickname, Major Bosshardt, was because of her rank in the Salvation Army. She had an amazing role in the army and influenced many. She worked tirelessly throughout her career to help the marginalized communities, offering a source of strength and support to those in need. She spoke out against discrimination and earned respect in the Netherlands for her status of helping those in need.     Her work had a direct and positive impact on the lives of many. She dedicated her life to helping those who couldn't help themselves. She provided countless individuals with resources, hope, and care. She helped work to humanize the homeless, addicts, and sex workers. She fought against common stereotypes and stigma...

     For Amsterdam's art choice I chose is nicknamed "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt van Rijn, located in Rijksmuseum. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I did not know much about the painting beforehand, but it was amazing to see in person. I was initially shocked at the size of the painting, it hung solely on the wall. The painting describes a militia group from Amsterdam. The painting depicts them in motion with guns loaded, finger pointing, and a drum in the right lower corner. The middle figures are painted lighter and contrast the shadowing of the outer figures. There is a little girl in the painting that is symbolic, although her meaning is subject to interpretation. She could either be a symbol for the militia itself or a symbol for the future of youth.     This painting is  historically and culturally important because it mainly shows the artistic achievements for the time period and Rembrandt's ability to use light and shadowing...

     Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank house. Anne Frank was a jewish girl born in Frankfurt, Germany. During world war 2, her and her family had to flee Germany and move to Amsterdam  to escape the Nazis. While there they had laws about what jews could do and where they could go. As the war progressed, her father decided it was safest if their family and others hid in the secret annex above his office. While Anne was in hiding, she kept a diary of her thoughts, experiences, and hopes. In 1944, the Nazis discovered her and her fellow hiders. They were sent to concentration camps and the only one to survive out of the 8 hiders was her father, Otto Frank.     After the war ended, her diary, which was kept by a secretary, was returned to Otto Frank and he decided to publish it. Her diary is famous all around the world because it humanizes the holocaust. It is a first hand account of a teenage girl whose ...

      Today I had the opportunity to eat Balinese food! We entered a dim lit restaurant with Balinese inspired decor and artwork . Metal heated pans were laid out in front of us, and different dishes were presented on them. The food selection consisted of chickens skewers, lamb, rice, and a vegetable, curry-like dish. The food had bold colors and flavors. There was an array of ingredients included in each dish, ranging from colorful vegetables to spicy spices. I loved the vegetable mixture, including boiled peas, cabbage, and carrots. The variety of tastes and ingredients found in Balinese cuisine was seen in these meals.     The history of Balinese food in Amsterdam stems back to the colonial era of the Netherlands. The Dust East Indies was a Dutch colony. The colony was influenced by different cultures and were introduced to new cuisines.  Balinese food, as well as other Indonesian cuisines, gained popularity in the Neth...

       The Ghent Altarpiece, a 15th-century work of art by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck, consist of 12 panels. It exhibits elaborate representations of biblical figures and the representation of the Lamb of God that skillfully combine vibrant colors with peaceful backgrounds. The story of different biblical themes is made visible in each panel, including the representation of the Lamb of God in the middle panel, which is surrounded by celestial-like figures and devoted worshipers, I believe the choir. The artwork has been relocated; originally, it was done to reflect the natural sunshine shining through the window. Even though I saw the characters' sullen expressions, the painting's realistic facial portrayal had a significant impact at the period.      Because of its profound theological meaning and its standing as the masterpiece of Belgian Renaissance art, the Ghent Altarpiece has enormous historical and cultural value. It is an important moment in the e...

      Today I saw the European Union Parliament building! I found it to be a crucial collaborative space of the European Union (EU) with important responsibilities. I learned from additional online research that the organization was called the, "The Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community. It was founded in 1952 and changed its name to the European Parliament in 1962. As additional member nations joined the EU, its membership grew, and it grew in both size and power over time. Several treaties, most notably the Lisbon Treaty of 2007 and the Maastricht Treaty of 1993, increased its legislative authority. Legislation, control of the budget, and advocating the interests of EU people are all part of the Parliament's responsibilities" ( European Parliament  2024). I saw a huge room with hundreds of seats that we were able to go in which I found really cool!       As the physical space for European collaboration and togetherness, t...

       I have gained knowledge about Marie Popelin's noteworthy achievements to the Belgian women's rights movement due to our talks today. Her pioneering achievements in the legal field are admirable and her support for women's access to education. Popelin is an inspiration to me because of her willingness to always try new things and persevere in the face of prejudice and social obstacles. While she was not allowed to take the "lawyer" exam, she insisted on attending law school which was rare for a woman at the time. Marie Popelin inspires women to keep fighting for their place in respective fields. When she spoke out for gender equality and challenged the established quo during a period when such ideas were frequently received with hostility and opposition, she showed incredible courage and perseverance. Even in the midst of hardship, her legacy serves as a reminder of how important it is to fight for justice and equality.       Marie Popelin's...

     Vigée Le Brun was a prominent portrait painter and one of the few women accepted into the French Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. Her portraits, characterized by their elegance and refinement, captured the personality of her subjects with sensitivity and skill. Vigée Le Brun's paintings, including her iconic self-portraits and portraits of French royalty and aristocracy, are celebrated for their technical mastery and depth. Her works offer insights into the glitz and glamour of the era. In the Louvre, Vigée Le Brun's paintings are showcased alongside those of her male co-artists, underscoring her significant contribution to the artistic landscape of her time and highlighting the importance of recognizing women artists in art history. Her presence in one of the world's most renowned museums serves as a testament to her talent and enduring legacy as a pioneering female painter.     In addition, infamous  Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun's cont...

     When I look at Monet's picture of water lilies, which was done in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, I see a serene landscape that was painted with rich color and brushstrokes. The painting shows a calm pond surrounded by lush greenery with water lilies floating gently on top of glistening waters. Monet's skill with light and mood sets up a dreamy aura that draws spectators into a peaceful, natural scene. An important aspect of Monet's Impressionist technique and his interest with capturing temporary moments is the way light and shadow interact on the water's surface, giving viewers a sense of depth and movement while also captivating them in the reflective beauty of nature.      As the masterpiece of Impressionist painting, Monet's depiction of water lilies has tremendous historical and cultural significance. Europe saw tremendous industrialization and societal transformation throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was founded....

     I've studied the works of novelist, philosopher, and trailblazing feminist Simone de Beauvoir during our trip. Her unwavering support for women's rights and her strong intelligence are remarkable. Her bravery in defying expectations and pushing limits fascinates me. The outstanding contributions made by Simone de Beauvoir have a lasting impact on existential philosophy and feminist debate that goes well beyond her lifetime. Her groundbreaking book, "The Second Sex," continues to be an essential piece of feminist writing and has sparked crucial discussions around gender freedom and equality. She continues to motivate generations to question, confront, and work toward a more just society through her words and actions.       The great influence Simone de Beauvoir had on society, especially in questioning long-standing gender stereotypes and fighting for women's rights, makes her contribution noteworthy. Her major essay, "The Second Sex," transformed ...

       After seeing Agnès Varda's burial site and mural, I heard about her influence on film and society. Her creative energy and profound impact was reflected on this sites, including fan tributes and gestures of praise. It draws back memories of her breakthrough films and career, serving as a bittersweet reminder of her legacy. Seeing her ultimate resting place also make me feel appreciative of her contributions to narrative and her daring filming style. It was an opportunity to consider her life's work and the legacy she left behind, making sure her memory lives on for many generations to come.      For a number of reasons, Agnès Varda's contribution to film is significant.  Filmmaking traditions were challenged by her daring experiments with narrative structure and her dedication to exploring a variety of issues. Varda brought attention to social concerns and supported underrepresented voices, especially those of women. Her honest and compassi...