How will I continue to increase my appreciation of other cultures as my
life continues?
Over the past three months in Aix, I have learned so much not only about
the French culture, but how to experience cultures in
general. As part of my program, all students are enrolled in a Cultural
Patterns course that focuses on the difficult questions of cultural
adaptation and integration. We’ve covered everything from how French and
American cultures regard time and careers, to how people dress in the springtime
and talk in the streets. While every conversation has been eye opening and
advanced my understanding of the two cultures, I found the courses in the past
two weeks to be the most enlightening.
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| A view of the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square. |
As the semester is winding down, we’ve taken time to reflect on our practice of Cultural Observations, and how this perception can continue to help us in the future. Throughout the semester, each student has been responsible to fill out one Cultural Observation per week. This includes a phrase explaining the observation, a detailed description of the event, and a possible analysis. (Some examples of Observations focus on meals, dressing, life in public spaces, etc.) At first I was very skeptical of this method, as I felt it too easily generalized the French culture, caused unnecessary barriers between myself and the world around me, and created needless friction, when I could very easily live in France without the need to pick apart every aspect. It was really only in the past couple of weeks that I realized the benefits of this method.
In our modern society, it is literally impossible to avoid coming into
contact with other cultures. In business, vacation, world news events, the Internet,
etc. one is always coming into contact with other cultures and their customs.
It is often easy to dismiss the differences, feeling that one’s own “values” are
undeniably correct and not taking time to think about why another culture’s
actions or way of life are different.
In order to avoid these judgements, which can often end up injuring our
experience or understanding (even more so if it’s a first-hand cultural
experience), the practice of the Cultural Observation comes into play. The
focus of the observation is to “transformer la blessure en fascination” (turn
the injury into fascination). Instead of making a judgment, one takes time to
think about why these events happened. The hard step comes in stepping away from our
own values and truths and realizing that our values are relative; there is no
absolute truth. We must set aside our personal beliefs to understand the
other culture. Putting these personal principles aside in no way diminishes
them or erases our own cultural background, but instead permits us to accept
the difference and enrich our own cultural understanding at large.
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| The gates to the Prague Castle. |
This practice can be very difficult in practice as I experienced at the
beginning of the semester. I didn’t want to notice these “arbitrary
differences,” and make separations between the French culture and myself. I
wanted to assimilate with ease, slip into the culture with no problem, and
accept everything as it was. This method is neither practical nor long-term
efficient. One must recognize these differences, because trying to hide them
will only result in alienation and suppression of one’s own beliefs. This
doesn’t mean that one has to be comfortable with everything, or adapt to all
cultural practices; it is the action of making the observation and trying to understand
that will avoid the possible injuries.
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| Tram lines in Prague. |
In reflecting on our own observations and our experiences living in
France, we were able to recognize how this practice has enriched our semesters
here. Noticing how we have come to live the Aixois lifestyle, one can see how
important it is to continue with this practice no matter where we go in life. Practicing
the act of Cultural Observations never ends. While this may lead to difficult
questions of identity and values, it allows one a level of communication and
flexibility in perspective that are irreplaceable.
While I could continue to go on with this theory and the many ways it
has applied here over the past 3 months, I think you get the picture.
Fortunately, I was able to take these thoughts into mind when I traveled to
Prague this past weekend and experienced an entirely different history and culture.
To say Prague was amazing is an understatement. After having so many people
tell me this was a MUST SEE destination in Europe, I knew I had to steal some
time to go up North. Luckily in France we have a Jour Férié the Monday after
Easter, making it an ideal 3-day weekend to get away. Even though it was a
rather cold time (it snowed on Easter!) the history and architecture we saw
were worth baring the cold winds, especially since we had some vin chaud to
help!
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| In the Old Town Square. |
Over the three days we made it to four different neighborhoods: Castle, Jewish,
New Town, and Old Town. The Castle neighborhood included the famous Prague
Castle, the St. Vitus Cathedral, Basilica, Old Palace, and Golden Row. The
cathedral was beautiful (as all seem to be!) and the palace had some beautifully
reconstructed rooms. However, I think the Golden Row was my favorite. It
literally looked like it was out of Beauty and the Beast it was so miniature
and charming. (Appreciate my Belle pose below!)
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| "Oh, isn't this amazing, it's my favorite part because, you'll see…" |
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| St. Vitus Cathedral |
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The Jewish neighborhood took a good few hours our Monday morning, and
was worth every moment (even if my entire body was incredibly sore and tired
after the two long days of travelling). Each synagogue we visited had been
renovated into a museum exhibit which detailed all aspects of the Prague
Jewish community, including some very harrowing Holocaust accounts and
anti-Semitic tendencies throughout the history of the town. Even though at
times it was hard to read and fathom, I still found it enriching. History
really makes you think about where we’re going as a global community, and how
much more we have to learn.
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| Old Jewish Cemetery |
The New Town was rather commercialized, although I caught some good
pictures. We also found a cute handicraft market on the way there, so that was
worth it! The Old Town Square was one of our go-to places over the three days
as we enjoyed a traditional Czech dance performance, hot wine, Trdnelik
(traditional Prague pastry), cappuccinos, and a picnic lunch there! The
Astronomical Clock was an amazing site, although sadly my camera died halfway
through the top-of-the-hour presentation. Hopefully you’ll get an idea of it
below.
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| Wenceslas Square |
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| Trdnelik |
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| Folk dance |
In addition to all of these amazing monuments and sites, I think one of
my favorite aspects was simply walking along the streets. It was such a warm
and welcoming city, with many families on the streets, and an overall
kindhearted atmosphere. Walking along the river every morning from our hostel
to the days’ destinations was a gorgeous path, and at night offered some
enchanting views as well. The architecture and color of the buildings never
failed to be breathtaking, and I took in the sights every day.
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| On the Charles Bridge. |
Being in this city, even for a little while, really intrigued me to
learn more about their history. Even though the Communism era has passed, the
memories of it are still very present. At almost every place we visited I
wanted to know more about the history and the government to get an overall
context of what I was experiencing and what had lead to that specific moment or
event. If anyone has a good memoir/historical fiction recommendation on the
Czech Republic, I’m game! I don’t think I could handle a dry non-fiction
account, but something with a little intrigue would be great!
While all of these amazing sights and cultural experiences continued to
change my understanding of different histories and societies, I also cherished
my girl-time with my two other voyage companions! We had some
deep-conversations and some fun girl-talk (all in French!) over the three days.
I loved making our dinners together in the hostel (I’m now a master at sautéing
all vegetables) and relaxing in our huge bed with wine. (I’m officially a fan
of Bordeaux, yay!). It was honestly the perfect time for a little get-away to
re-focus on my experience here, how far I’ve come, and how much more is still
out there for me to learn.
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| Making history by writing on the famous Lennon Wall. I quoted Le Petit Prince, of course! |
I know I will continue to hold on to my cultural outlook and practice no
matter where I travel or what people I encounter in life. I truly feel so
blessed to have undergone so much personal growth during this semester, and had
so many once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences. I can’t believe I’ll be going
to Italy in less than two weeks. Crazy! Hopefully my bank account can handle it
:)
Bisous,
SA
