Travels

Impressions from South Korea

Impressions from South Korea

During my time in South Korea, I discovered unique local preferences, such as a fascination with fair skin and double eyelids, which are believed to enhance attractiveness and success. Koreans also place importance on blood type traits in personality assessments. South Korea blends Western influence with its own traditions. Chain stores like Starbucks are common, yet Korean cuisine and fashion remain distinctly unique, reflecting a preference for functionality and creativity over Western trends. The Korean lifestyle and mentality impressed me with their emphasis on traditional values and emotional warmth. I found the cultural practices, such as eating with chopsticks and enjoying spicy cuisine, to be both enriching and eye-opening, enhancing my overall appreciation for global diversity.

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A Brief Letter From a Korean Temple

A Brief Letter From a Korean Temple

During my week in Seoul at the International Seon Center, I’ve noticed that Koreans and Poles share similarities in mentality, largely due to historical struggles with neighboring powers, which fostered a strong sense of national pride and traditional values. Koreans are both fascinated by Western features and cultures, admiring Hollywood stars, while also holding on to their traditional customs, which can sometimes make Westerners feel like outsiders, even if they are treated warmly as tourists. Korean family dynamics are influenced by traditional values, with elderly women (ajummas) holding significant power within families. Mixed marriages are sometimes met with resistance, and Korean men, while passionate, may lead to complex dynamics in such relationships.

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Once Upon a Time… Life

Once Upon a Time… Life

Two sources worth your time: the Polish series “Professions” and the French classic “Once Upon a Time… Life,” which taught me about abstract symbols at age seven. Then a question: why does traveling by Polish train leave me so drained, especially as a woman? And where did the 7%-38%-55% communication myth come from?

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Celebrating My Masters Diploma in Mathematics: A Short Vacation in Mikołajki

Celebrating My Masters Diploma in Mathematics: A Short Vacation in Mikołajki

To celebrate my math diploma I spent five book-free days in Mikołajki. Back home, reality returned: PhD applications going nowhere, a Physics thesis to untangle, a math discovery made by accident, and a neuromarketing internship. I’m juggling everything at once, and the cure for the chaos is Woodstock.

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I Was Just Packing For Vacation in Masuria When Suddenly...

I Was Just Packing For Vacation in Masuria When Suddenly…

Despite my excitement for a peaceful July and my plans to finally enjoy a vacation in Masuria, I was hit with the news of a major mathematical challenge at my department, throwing my plans into disarray. Even with the added stress and the possibility of disruption, I’ve promised myself to pack my backpack and head to Masuria next Thursday, regardless of the outcome of the challenge, to either celebrate or find solace. Reflecting on my high school literature class, I’m reminded that life often leaves us with unresolved matters, and true vacation is a state of mind. I remain determined to visit Masuria and make it a reality someday.

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Impressions From the Neuronus Conference

Impressions From the Neuronus Conference

At the 3rd Neuronus student conference, I found a far more welcoming atmosphere than at competitive physics seminars. I explore Ramachandran’s view that qualia help build a coherent perception of reality despite incomplete sensory input, and a surprise student sexology conference led me into alcohol-induced mental conditions and their impact on criminal responsibility.

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Crowd of concertgoers at Przystanek Woodstock festival

Impressions from the Woodstock Festival

Przystanek Woodstock and Madonna’s show deepened my interest in the psychology of crowds. Despite very different settings, one communal and one financially exclusive, the two audiences looked surprisingly alike in demographics and attire. Their behavior differed, though: Woodstock fostered community and mutual tolerance, which made me think about how concert settings shape crowd dynamics.

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European winter street scene with Christmas market lights

Impressions from Traveling Through Western Europe: Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden

I’ve recently been navigating through a period of uncertainty but managed to reengage with life by attending a vibrant science evening and exploring Europe. My travels took me through Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden, where I immersed myself in local atmospheres and cultures.

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California coastline and landscape from a road trip

A Trip to California, Part II

After a few weeks in California, I have noticed that Americans can be more conservative than Europeans, especially at the beach and at the doctor’s. The friendly atmosphere and strict laws sit alongside a subtle but evident racial segregation. On the bright side, Californian tourism is refreshingly affordable, and my first baseball game was a revelation.

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Airport scene at the start of a trip to California

A Trip To California, Part I

My American adventure starts with a canceled flight and a night at an $85 airport Marriott, but I am staying positive. Despite pushing the baggage limits and feeling unprepared for coding, I am excited to see whether California is a good fit for me. I also completed the mandatory NIH course on research with human subjects, so I am certified and ready for lab work.

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