"Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy"

"Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy" is one of the most intriguing books I've read recently.

In 1964, so just a few months after the assassination of President J.F. Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline sat with historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. and talked to him about her life. Those recorded conversations were kept secret for almost 50 years, as she wished. In 2011 Caroline Kennedy decided it was a proper time  to pubblish them.

This book is a great source of information about JFK. She mainly focus on their private life in White House. But while talking about their everyday life she mentions quite often some important historical facts.  She talks for example about the Cuban missle crissis or the cold war, which makes this book also an interesting description of those turbulent period of time. And what is more, there are shown from a very specific point of view. 

Another reason to read this book are anecdotes about well-known figures like Charles de Gaulle, Martin Luther King or Nikita Chruszczow. She also recounts her fears and challenges she had to meet while being the First Lady. It seems very personal, her opinions are honest, sometimes harsh. That's  probably one of the reasons why it was pubblished not until almost 20 years after her death.

In my opinion, this book will be a good read to not only anyone interested in history but also in politics. 

Off Cinema Festival

Yesterday I had an opportunity to see "Melody of the World" during the opening gala of the 18. International Documentary Film Festival "Off Cinema".  As the name of the festival suggests, it was a documentary movie from 1929 directed by Walther Ruttmann. The screening was accompanied by live orchestral music, which created a special atmosphere and made this whole experience even more magical.

"Melody of the World" was kind of diferent from what we nowadays consider a documentary. That film was divided into 3 acts. The main character was a young German sailor, who is going on the cruise. There wasn't any plot actually, it was more like a mix of pictures and short clips from his travel. It showed everyday situations from all different parts of the world, for example from England, India, Africa, Asia, presenting similarities and differences. And surprisingly, there were more similiarities! It was really interesting, because it proved that even though we are defined by cultures,  religions, habits ecc. in the end, we are actually all the same.

What really moved me was the fact, that this movie showed a world that doesn't exists anymore. I can assume that almost very person who appeared on the screen is dead right now. City streets of London or Beijing looks completely different nowadays. It was so amazing to be able to see all those old cars running down the Tower Bridge or the clothes that people were wearing then and just to see how much the world has changed. I have to admit that all those things combined with this november, cold evening gave me some nostalgic feelings and thoughts about the passing time. Anyways, I really enjoyed that screening.

Erasmus experience

Today I would like to talk about my experience with Erasmus. It's a programme of student exchange around the Europe. And for me, it was the time of my life. There were honestly the best 6 months of my life. I don't know if it is like that for everybody, but for me a chance to spend half of a year in my beloved Sicily was like a dream come true. 

In my opinion Sicily is the most beautiful region of Italy. I adore almost everything about it: architecture, food, wheather, landscapes, culture, literature, movies and obviously people, who are tremendously open and welcoming, always willing to help. The only 2 things which I dislike are the total lack of organisation and the dirt on the streets. And as long as I could get used to this complete disorganisation, I would never accept carelessness about ecology.

But coming back to the main topic, during this exchange you get to really know other culture and habits of citizens. It's also a good chance to see what it is like to study on foreign university. And of course you can really enjoy the Erasmus student status. At least once a week there were organised special parties for all of us, thanks to the ETU group. They also provided tutors for us, who helped us with accommodation and knowing the city. They often organised trips and other special events. People from ETU truly made this experience even more extraordinary.

I recommend this programme to everyone. I truly believe that everyone should spend at least one semester  abroad. It's not just enjoyable experience but also a true school of life. Because after all you end up living completely alone in other country. That really teaches you independence and responsability. It's just a good chance to prove yourself in other reality.