Tyler's Time in Barcelona and Berlin Summer 2024

The Berlin Fernsethurm, German for television tower is a marvel of engineering within the city. Standing at 1,207 ft, it is the tallest structure in Germany and the 3rd tallest in all of Europe. The tower was built between 1965 and 1969 as the German Democratic Republic or more commonly known as East Germany wanted a landmark which could be the icon of East Germany during the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War especially in Berlin where the city was divided between the democratic West and the communist East. Something I thought of is that the tower represents the power over the people of East Berlin as it overlooks the city which then many tried to flee but were captured or killed in order to escape the horrors of communism. You can see the sphere on top of the tower, to me it remains me of an eyeball because it is round and when you connect the dots of East Germany's history and the tv tower, it's sort of interpreted as the tv tower being the mother of all watch towers in a...

1. What did you discover about yourself? I discovered that I am capable of going to places I never thought I would go to in my life along with a stronger sense of independence. Most of the time I would go to places on my own as everyone either didn't want to do anything or didn't want to join along. I was nervous at first because you are adventuring by yourself somewhere you have little to no familiarity of and the constant warnings about being aware of your surroundings. After the first day of walking around by myself, I felt more confident in doing this more during my time away from home. There were many places I went just by myself such as the Zoo, the F.C. Barcelona Museum, and just walking around the city. I really enjoyed it rather than being inside my room. 2. How can you extend these skills into a professional setting? From my time abroad I found the skills I have used such as patience and adapting to situations which can be used in my professional life. Patience is cru...

I went to this small pub just a few blocks from Brandenburg Gate. The interior consisted of old photographs and even an operating jukebox. It was busy whenever I went, and it was mostly middle-aged people and a few younger tourists. My table was surrounded by other tables, so it was a little loud which I didn't mind. From the tones of everyone's voices, they sounded like they were having a good time. Some of the customers seemed to know the staff as they talked to each other for a bit, probably regulars at the pub.  When it comes to comparing this to home, I see some similarities including a few people sitting together talking and having a good time. The big difference has to be the food as it consisted of traditional German dishes which you wouldn't find at a normal pub back in the U.S. When comparing it to verbal and nonverbal communication in Barcelona, there wasn't any difference especially in a restaurant or pub setting, you are either siting at a table or at the b...

 1. Identify significant events in your life and aspects of your environment that have defined your own cultural identity, values, and beliefs. I’ve actually traveled outside the U.S. a few times, so I sort of have an understanding of life outside the U.S. mostly in Europe. I like the culture in the U.S. with its smaller regional cultures such as New England with its seafood and history as the setting of many events during the American Revolution such as the Boston Tea Party, or the state of Louisiana with its past as a French colony and the descendants of those colonial residents, the Cajuns. Sometimes it’s near to see what other places are like even if they are similar or extremely different than the U.S. Also, what I learned not only in an educational setting, but at home or anywhere else has shaped me into the person who I am along with my values. 2. Reflect and list your social and cultural views and biases. My cultural views and biases are probably the average ones such a...

One day I went to a restaurant/bar not far from the hostel. It wasn’t crowded, but there were about 8 to 10 people, but it could probably hold 20 people. Behind me were a group of I want to say 5 people. They were talking a bit loud with a positive tone which meant they were probably just having a fun day together. I didn’t mind it being loud, in fact I can sometimes talk a little too loud, I think it’s a trait I get from my mom. They were also laughing about something, probably a funny story one of them was sharing with the rest. Another thing I noticed is that this group was of older age, probably mid 40s to early 50s. I assumed this was because of their appearance, they wore casual outfits, nothing too flashy, whereas people around my age here like to wear sneakers and graphic t-shirt. In relation to Hofstede’s six dimensions of cultural differences, I would say Spain is lower on the long-term orientation score than the U.S. Long-term orientation refers to individuals focusing on th...

The Arc de Triomf is a triumphal arch in Barcelona which was built for the 1888 World’s Fair in Barcelona. Unlike other triumphal arches which commemorated military victories, this arch was built as the entrance to the fair. What I noticed first was the color, it is made out of red brick and other triumphal arches such as in Paris and London are made out of a grey stone. It has this Moorish influence since the Moors, who were Muslims once lived in Spain during the Middle Ages. I can see the symbolism of the Arc de Trimof as being welcoming to visitors from all over the world and we can see this by observing people having their photos taken and the joy of seeing something magnificent up close, especially those who came for the World’s Fair in 1888 from all over the world. Along with the palm trees and old streetlights along the path, it is a sight to behold. The front frieze has the words “Barcelona rep les nacions” (Barcelona Welcomes the Nations) hence the theme of the World’s Fair. A...

 Political System Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with the current monarch being King Felipe IV since June 19, 2014, after the abdication of his father, Juan Carlos. Besides the King, there is also Queen Letizia, their daughters Leonor, Princess of Asturias, and Infante Sofia.  From left to right Felipe IV, Sofia, Leonor, and Letizia As a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, the King has limited powers thus more of a ceremonial role. The Prime Minister is the head of the Spanish Government. He or she is elected by members of the Congress of Deputies every 4 years and can be reappointed by the Monarch. The current Prime Minister of Spain is Pedro Sanchez. The national legislature in Spain is bicameral meaning it has 2 houses. The lower house is the Congress of Deputies which members are elected for 4-year terms through prepotential representation. The Congress can approve budgets and pass laws. The upper house is the Senate which comprises of senators represe...