Travels

About the Effects of Living in a Nice Country

About the Effects of Living in a Nice Country

The doctors were truly confused; they knew about my previous records, but could not explain what had happened to my body in the meantime. But I think I know why this is the case. My lifestyle did not change since seven years ago. Only one thing substantially changed.

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A Visit To Argentina

A Visit To Argentina

I recently took another excursion to South America, and more specifically to Córdoba in Argentina. I got to know the Argentine culture a bit more. For example, I visited bars where cougars hunt for young boys, bars for gays with beards only, bars with everyday drag queen shows… Literally all kinds of unusual nightclubs. However, despite the variety of places I had a chance to visit, this whole trip was a bit sad. Namely, daily life is really inconvenient here.

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Gaze or Timbre? On Non-verbal Communication in the Netherlands

Gaze or Timbre? On Non-verbal Communication in the Netherlands

In Polish culture, persistently staring at someone is seen as rude, pretentious and may be considered a taunt. While in the Netherlands, it has a completely different meaning. Admittedly, the locals here have mastered the use of their eyes as an exchange of information. The Dutch, flirting with each other, do not use any compliments or other verbal signals, do not turn red on their faces, do not use any specific facial expressions. They talk as usual. The only difference is that they look at each other in a different way.

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New Year's Eve Afterthoughts: Gay Life in Poland Still Isn't Easy

New Year’s Eve Afterthoughts: Gay Life in Poland Still Isn’t Easy…

I feel ashamed. I feel ashamed after the New Year’s party. It has never happened to me before to feel so ashamed after a party. More precisely, I am ashamed to see how unimportant my problems are compared to my new gay friends. I just learned a little bit about the gay community in Poland and its brutal rules… and I am shocked with what I heard.

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Postcard From the Mountains: What Hiking Taught Me About Science

Postcard From the Mountains: What Hiking Taught Me About Science

Academic life is not easy. “The closer to the sky, the closer to hell.” Well, so far, I manage somehow but it took me a long time to grow this skin. Hiking helped me get tougher and persevere. So, I created a list of 21 things that mountaineering has taught me about science so far. Some are obvious and cliché, but I hope some of them will be useful to you.

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A solo hiker on a foggy trail in the Andes mountains near Lake Potrerillos, Argentina

A Lonely Hike in the Andes

I embarked on a solo hike to Lake Potrerillos, seeking solitude in the Andes. The unmarked trail led me through dense bushes and fog, but I persevered and eventually reached the summit, despite challenging conditions. The fog was so thick that I couldn’t see the waterfall I aimed to find, yet I felt immense satisfaction knowing I had reached my goal. The eerie landscape and unexpected encounters added to the surreal experience. After my hike, I was invited to a barbecue by some locals, which ended my day with warmth and new culinary insights. Despite losing all my photos, the journey left me with a deep sense of fulfillment and joy.

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Coastal view and local scenery from a stay in Chile

Impressions and Memories From My Stay in Chile

I discovered some surprising habits among Chilean locals, like feeding seafood to chickens and unconventional practices at a university that left me astonished and amused. Chile’s approach to art is unique and unconventional, blurring the lines between reality and creativity. I was captivated by the vibrant and spontaneous artistic expressions that differ greatly from European norms. Living in Chile has made me realize I might have a Latin soul, which explains why I never felt fully at home in Europe. My experiences here are helping me find clarity and a renewed sense of purpose in life.

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Group photo from a neuroscience summer school in Chile

Summer School in Chile

My first visit to South America was eye-opening, where I experienced a mix of Americanized culture, high prices despite being a third-world region, and evident social inequalities, especially in places like Panama City. Living with a Chilean family taught me about resourcefulness and the warmth of the locals, who even renovated their home out of excitement for hosting a European guest. This experience sparked new ideas for my dream home. The summer school in Chile was transformative. I learned to focus on my own growth rather than comparing myself to others, which led to personal success, new connections, and a renewed belief in my ability to tackle challenging projects.

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Mountaineer on a rocky ridge in the High Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

My First Time in the High Tatra Mountains: Impressions from the Mountaineering Course

I recently discovered the rugged beauty of mountaineering and the sense of camaraderie it brings, especially in places like the Tatra Mountains and Chata Pri Zelenom Plese. Despite the challenges and discomforts, the experience was deeply fulfilling. The mountaineering course was tough, especially for a beginner like me, but it offered valuable lessons in climbing skills and mountain safety. The stories of dangerous expeditions, like the 2013 Nanga Parbat massacre, highlighted the seriousness of the sport. Reflecting on the course, I realized the importance of mental preparedness in mountaineering. I might have been too eager to challenge the Andes, and now I believe it’s wiser to build my fitness and skills before attempting such a demanding expedition.

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