Past*Present*Future

"Have the courage to be happy." - Pope Francis

Last week was the first independent study travel trip. It was one of the most anticipated events in the program. Students get to organize their own trip with the designated locations. Each student has to pick at least two buildings to study. For our group we went to Berlin for 2 days, Amsterdam for 2 days, and Paris for 4.5 days. (below is a chart I made to compare airfares) 

The highlight of our 2-day visit in Berlin would be the Jewish Museum designed by Daniel Libeskind. It's a perfect example to demonstrate the possibility of architecture since the building is able to manipulate people's emotions with its space and materiality. In order to enter the new building designed by the architect, you first have to descend down to the basement level and then slowly follow the course of history with three main axes: The axis of Continuity, the axis of Emigration, and the axis of the Holocaust. Each axis leads you to a new destination to conclude the experience. The Museum's Voids refer to "that which can never be exhibited when it comes to Jewish Berlin history: Humanity reduced to ashes." (Daniel Libeskind, 2000) For me the use of voids delivers a very powerful statement. The space echos the deep sorrow of the history, and it establishes the connection between the past and the future.  ​​

Something very special happened in Paris. I'd even say it's my new favorite moment in life.

It was when we visited the Eiffel Tower at midnight during the light show. The past found its way back and haunted me. Once again, I found myself lost in a new country where people don't speak my language. I missed my family, my friends, my love ones in Heaven,  and it was such a shame that I could not experience this trip with any of them. But then I suddenly realized that I got these new friends whom are worth traveling the world with. It was a mix of sadness and joy in the tears. I saw the past, the present, and the future. I am extremely grateful to be alive. 

"Up there, the Lord is present. Up there, somebody is praying for me."