My expectation is that this experience will challenge my perspective, expand my worldview, and help me think more critically about how politics and policy affect communities across borders. I also hope to make meaningful connections with my peers and gain insights that I can apply not only in the classroom but also in my efforts to advocate for equity and representation, especially for marginalized and under-supported student populations.

Ultimately, I aspire to return with a broader understanding of the world and a renewed sense of purpose that will guide me as I continue my studies in political science and work toward positive change.

We finally made it to Bucharest today and wow, this city already has me feeling all kinds of things. First stop was this little local restaurant where I ordered a falafel plate, expecting something small. Nope. They dropped off a whole feast falafel, rice, salad, bread, and a drink for just around $8 USD. And the flavor? Insane. Way better than anything I’ve had back home for triple the price.

But here’s where I fumbled: my cards didn’t work. None of them. Apparently, a lot of places here don’t take U.S. cards unless you’ve got a chip-and-PIN, so I had to learn real quick how to convert my cash into lei. Definitely a lesson in always having some local currency ready.

Right after eating, it started raining, and I thought I was done for the night no exploring, no vibes, just me and my assignments. So I got into work mode, knocked out a few tasks, and tried to be productive. But then the rain cleared up like magic. Streets still wet and shiny, but the sky opened up and I couldn’t resist getting out again.

I ended up walking into a supermarket just to see what it was like… and my jaw hit the floor. The food here is so cheap and not in a sketchy way. Everything looked fresh, real, and clean. I started checking labels and noticed how many ingredients that are normal in U.S. foods just don’t exist here. A lot of stuff we’re used to back home is straight-up banned or just not made here. It really made me question a lot about what we’re putting in our bodies every day in the States. Like… why is this normal for us?

The walk back to the hotel was the perfect way to end the day. The city at night is beautiful. The way the lights reflect off the rain-soaked streets, the casual energy of the people, the architecture that looks like a blend of old-world romance and urban grit it’s mesmerizing. Every building feels like it has history. Every corner feels like it’s waiting to show me something new.

It’s only Day 1 and I’m already obsessed. There’s a feeling in my chest that I can’t shake like this place is gonna change the way I see the world. I can’t wait to keep exploring.

I took a long, hot shower, then checked out the hotel gym. Definitely needed that. After being cramped up from travel, moving my body and shaking out the aches was everything. I left the gym feeling like I reset my whole nervous system.

Breakfast was next level legit felt luxurious. Not just the food (which was chef’s kiss), but the vibe. I ended up bonding with one of my professors and a few classmates over the spread. We had this deep, thoughtful conversation about capitalism, socialism, and communism. Everyone brought such solid points and personal examples, and for the first time in a while, I felt like I was in a space where people were really listening to each other instead of just trying to win a debate.

Later, I walked with one of my classmates back to the same grocery store from yesterday. We kept the convo going this time about how things are similar in Germany, how architecture reflects values, history, all of that. Honestly, I love how even the smallest moments here turn into opportunities to learn and connect.

The rest of the day was pure relaxation. We hit Therme the spa and it was everything I needed and more. Hot pools, steam rooms, just vibes. I ended up talking to people from all over, including a woman from Romania who now lives in Ireland. She mentioned how important it was for her to take a break from mom life and just enjoy Therme. I felt that in my soul. As a mom myself, that kind of self-care is rare and sacred.

To top it all off, we ended the night at a local pub. I had a Philly cheesesteak random, right? but it tasted so fresh, so real. The bread, the veggies, the meat there’s something about the quality of food here that’s just… different. Cleaner. Richer. I don’t even know how to describe it, but it makes me side-eye the U.S. food system even harder.

But the real highlight of the night was this intense, deep conversation some of us had including one of the professors about capitalism. It wasn’t comfortable, and I know some people probably felt weird overhearing it, but to me? That’s exactly the point of this trip. I didn’t come all the way to Romania to stay in my comfort zone. Professor Elliot always emphasizes the importance of thinking critically. And if I’m going to be doing political work for and with the people, I need to constantly push myself to see past my defaults and learn from other perspectives.

No, I’m probably not gonna leave this trip waving a pro-capitalism flag just because someone thinks I should. But what I am leaving with is a clearer, more expanded way of thinking. I’m grateful for conversations like the one we had tonight. It reminded me that true leadership and growth don’t come from echo chambers they come from being willing to sit with discomfort, ask real questions, and keep your mind open.

One thing that really stood out today was a conversation I had with one of my classmates. We talked about how easy it is to fall into the trap of seeing only what confirms your preexisting beliefs—either focusing too much on the negatives or idealizing the positives. But real leadership, the kind that drives progress, requires something more. A true leader has to be able to acknowledge both the good and the bad and still be willing to problem-solve and think critically about how to move forward.

Later, I got the chance to explore a local mall, and that was an experience in itself. I noticed so many differences in how businesses run here even something as simple as how fast food chains operate feels very different compared to what I’m used to in the U.S. It gave me a small but powerful look into Romania’s day-to-day culture and economic environment.

The highlight of my day was meeting a Romanian woman who was selling authentic food plates for just 10 lei. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it ended up being not only a delicious experience, but also one that felt genuinely connected to the heart of Romanian hospitality and entrepreneurship.

I wrapped up the night by hanging out with some of my classmates and getting a feel for Bucharest’s nightlife. It was fun and refreshing—just another layer to this complex, beautiful place.

I’ll admit, I’m feeling a little bit of pressure right now because I haven’t been able to lock down any interviews yet. That part’s stressing me a bit. But I’m hopeful that once we get to Brașov, I’ll be able to secure both interviews before we leave.

So far, this trip especially our time in Bucharest has taught me so much. Not just about Romania, but about perspective, leadership, and how to stay open-minded while holding onto what you stand for. And I know there’s still more to learn.

We checked into the hotel, dropped off our bags, and went straight into a group dinner. I’m not exaggerating when I say this dinner ended up being one of my favorite restaurant experiences from the whole trip so far. Great food, even better vibes. Something about breaking bread with the group just made us all click even more. Afterward, we headed back to the hotel, and I got to end my night with a sweet goodnight convo with my daughter which meant the world to me. Day two kicked off fast. We had to be packed and grab a quick breakfast before diving into a packed itinerary. First up: Dracula’s Castle. Listen, the walk up had my asthma fighting for its life, but I was determined not to miss out. I’m glad I powered through because the tour was actually dope. The castle itself was stunning mad informative, and the architecture had me in awe. So much history packed into one place. We wrapped up the evening and made our way toward Budapest. I don’t know exactly what’s coming next, but I’m ready for it. Each stop keeps unlocking something new in me. Let’s see what this next chapter has in store.

The first person I interviewed was a Romanian man I met at the train station as we were both leaving Bucharest for Brașov. Although I didn’t catch his name, he appeared to be in his mid-to-late 30s and was born during the last years of Romania’s communist era. When I asked him about that period, he shared that his father was a barber and that his family lived relatively well during communism. He explained that, from both his personal memory and his family’s stories, the era wasn’t as negative as many portray it to be. In fact, he said they “didn’t mind the system at all.” The one thing he did voice as a problem was the travel restrictions, which he described as frustrating. Still, he emphasized that he never shared the popular view that communism was entirely bad.

When the topic shifted to Romania’s current government and economy, he hesitated. He didn’t feel comfortable discussing politics in detail, which in itself speaks volumes about the lingering caution some citizens still carry. However, he did share concerns about the economy, saying it’s tough for everyday Romanian people. He specifically mentioned the country’s dependence on tourism and expressed frustration with how Western tech companies are recruiting Romania’s most talented workers especially in IT and engineering. He believed this “brain drain” was stunting the country’s long-term development. Our conversation was cut short when the train arrived, but his words stuck with me and offered a perspective that complicates the typical narrative of Romania’s political transformation.

The second interview was with a woman I met during independent exploration near the restaurant where our group dinner was held. Her name was Elena, a woman in her late 40s who works part-time as a server and sells handmade crafts at a local market. I asked her similar questions about life before and after communism. Unlike the man at the train station, Elena spoke about how difficult it was for her family during that era. Her parents were factory workers, and she recalled long lines for basic goods and a lack of personal freedoms. However, she also noted that there was a sense of stability back then that she sometimes misses. Now, she feels there’s more freedom, but less security. She described today’s economic system as “free but fragile,” and said the rising cost of living has made it harder for people like her to get ahead.

When I asked Elena about her hopes for Romania, she said she wants the country to find a middle ground something between state support and economic opportunity. She was proud of her heritage, especially the culture and traditions that are still alive in local communities, but felt that government corruption and lack of long-term planning are major barriers to progress. She told me, “Romania has smart people, but we need reasons to stay and grow here.”

These two interviews reminded me that there is no single Romanian experience or opinion. Even people who grew up under the same regime can hold very different memories and views of what’s best for their country. What struck me most was how both interviewees, despite their different backgrounds and perspectives, expressed concern about Romania’s future and a desire for improvement. Hearing their stories added depth to my understanding of Romania not as a case study in a textbook, but as a place full of real people navigating complex histories and uncertain futures.

We kicked things off with a river cruise that was not only super fun socially, but also packed with historical context. Floating down the Danube while learning about the city’s past hit differently it made all the lectures feel alive.

I decided to skip the vampire tour and instead went to a political demonstration where the energy was wild. Most of the crowd seemed to support a candidate they want to replace the current president. It was a moment that really brought our class discussions about government systems into the real world. Talking to people there, everything our professor taught lined up with what they were saying. It was kind of thrilling, like learning on the frontlines.

Later, I had lunch and hit the thermal baths with a classmate. We had langos, which quickly became my favorite food of the whole trip. Mine had a sour cream base with cheese, tomatoes, chicken, and onions. The cashier even shared a little history behind langos and its cultural roots in Hungary, which made it even more special.

The thermal baths were a little underwhelming if I’m being real. Bucharest’s Therme definitely had us spoiled. A lot of the Budapest bath facility was under construction, and it looked like there was dirt coming from the tiles in the pool. Plus, the bracelets were only for lockers, not purchases, so we kept having to run back and forth just to grab a drink. But hey, we got some great photos, so no regrets.

We wrapped up the trip with a Segway tour, and I surprised myself by picking it up super quickly. I ended up riding at the front with the tour guide most of the time. The views were insane, the historical insights were solid, and my favorite stop was the city’s oldest café. The architecture and woodwork were stunning, and I had the best cappuccino of my life there.

Overall, this leg of the trip was a powerful reminder that history isn’t just something you read sometimes, you get to live it.

I first spoke with Gábor, a 62-year-old retired mechanic. He had lived through Hungary’s communist era and told me life back then felt more stable basic needs like housing, healthcare, and education were covered, even if personal freedoms were limited. “You didn’t have choices, but you didn’t have to worry, either,” he said. Gábor doesn’t idealize the past, but he’s critical of what capitalism has turned into rising inequality, inflated housing prices, and a government that, in his words, “serves business, not people.” He’s hoping for a political shift toward more public investment and stronger social protections, especially for young people trying to build a future.

Later, I met Bence, a 29-year-old Bolt driver who picked me up after a long day of sightseeing. We ended up talking for most of the ride. He was pretty open about how tough things are working long hours just to afford rent, dealing with inflation, and seeing no real pathway to financial security. “The money comes in and goes right back out,” he said. He doesn’t want a return to communism, but he also doesn’t trust the current system. He described the government as corrupt and out of touch, more interested in keeping power than solving problems. Bence wants change he supports policies that would raise wages, regulate rent, and make it easier for working-class people to get ahead.

Both conversations stuck with me because neither person gave a black-and-white answer. They weren’t fighting over labels like “capitalism” or “socialism” they were focused on what actually works. Most people just want a system that gives them a fair shot at a decent life, not one that leaves them behind or traps them in survival mode. In a country like Hungary, where political wounds still run deep, finding that balance is a work in progress but people are clearly ready for something different.

Later that day, we finally got checked into the hotel and settled in, recovering from the travel.

The next morning hit hard. We had an early start for a full walking tour of Auschwitz. It was emotionally heavy, hard to take in, but one of those life-altering experiences that stays with you. I appreciated having the space to reflect after, so I skipped group dinner that night and just took some quiet time for myself.

That same day, we also visited the salt mines. More walking, but it was worth it. We got to lick the walls (yup, really—antiseptic salt) and explore the carved sculptures and an entire chapel made from salt. My favorite part was the animated story told underground. It gave the whole place so much life.

Our last day took us to Zakopane. We stopped at a little countryside cottage and tried traditional smoked cheese with jam. It was a taste I’ve never had before, but it was amazing. We toured a wooden village, watched a woodworker at his craft, and the intricate details blew my mind. Then we went up the mountain, had a pumpkin spice latte, checked out the local market, and ended with a mountain coaster ride that was just pure fun.

On the way back to Kraków, we stopped at the Therme Baths. It was cool, not gonna lie, though I still think Bucharest spoiled me. My professors even convinced me to try the cold plunge. Painful but worth the brag. I wrapped up the night dancing at a Latino club and honestly, we had the time of our lives.

We left for Warsaw the next morning, and I’m still carrying all the feels from this part of the trip.

Michał, who’s in his 60s, shared that he grew up during the communist era. He didn’t say he missed it exactly, but he talked about how there was more stability back then like jobs and housing were guaranteed, even if you didn’t have much freedom. He’s not a fan of how capitalism has played out in Poland. In his words, “Now it’s every person for themselves. If you can’t keep up, nobody helps you.” He seemed to support something more like democratic socialism, where people still have freedom but there’s also more protection for the working class. He’s hoping the next election brings in leadership that cares more about regular people, not just the rich or connected.

Zofia, on the other hand, is in her mid-20s and studying economics. She was super smart and had a lot to say. She sees capitalism as necessary and doesn’t want to go backward, but she also admitted it’s getting harder for young people. She talked about how expensive rent is and how competitive everything feels. She doesn’t trust the current government and mentioned how corrupt and controlling it’s become. She’s planning to vote for someone more progressive, probably pro-European Union, and hopes the new government brings more fairness and opportunities, especially for the younger generation.

What stuck with me from both convos is that even though they had different views on what the government should be doing, they both agreed that what’s happening now isn’t working for most people. They both want change just with different ideas on how to get there. It was a good reminder that people’s political beliefs usually come from real experiences, not just something they read or were told.

The next day after class we explored Old Town during our free time. We had some real traditional Polish food shoutout to the pierogies forever carrying and then made our way to the mall area to walk around and check out the shops. We closed out the evening with a group dinner which was such a good vibe. So many laughs good convos and just that kind of bonding that hits different near the end of a trip.

Day three was all about the Polish food tour and wow. We tried so many things it was a foodie dream. My favorite dish was this vegetarian wurst situation that was surprisingly fire. And of course we had to taste a few kinds of Polish vodka along the way. We wrapped the tour at a cozy pub where we had these unreal potato pancakes top tier comfort food.

On our last day in Warsaw me and my roommate were on it we had a whole itinerary even if we did go off-script a few times. First stop the Museum of Illusion. It was such a cool blend of education and fun and we got a ton of hilarious and trippy photos. After that we hit a really pretty café for cappuccinos on the patio and soaked in the good weather and the view. Warsaw’s architecture is just chef’s kiss.

Later we toured the Polish Vodka Museum yes another vodka stop lol and even got little diplomas for being vodka connoisseurs. The dopest part they had a bottle from before WWII that actually survived it gave such a powerful historical touch to everything. We wrapped up our day with dinner back at the hotel and then one last mini adventure a boat cruise on the river. It wasn’t as huge as the one in Budapest but it was still such a peaceful and interesting experience. We learned about the city’s riverside history passed by a little beach that used to be a dock and enjoyed music and good vibes all around us.

Now it’s time to pack up and get ready to head home. Warsaw really surprised me in the best way. Beautiful city good food even better memories

While in Warsaw, I ended up having two really eye-opening conversations that gave me some perspective on how people here feel about politics, the economy, and the upcoming elections. Both people had very different takes based on their age and life experiences, which honestly made me think deeper about how systems like communism, socialism, and capitalism actually play out in real life.

The first person I talked to was my Uber driver, Dawid. He looked to be in his late 20s, super friendly, and once he found out I was American, he opened up fast. I asked him what he thought about Poland’s current government and the economy, and he kind of laughed and said, “Everyone’s frustrated.” Dawid said he doesn’t really trust politicians from either side because they make big promises during elections and forget the people right after. He told me he works long hours just to keep up with rent and bills, and while he likes the freedom that comes with capitalism, he feels like it’s getting harder for regular people to live comfortably. He said he wouldn’t want communism back, but he does think Poland needs to move more toward a system with stronger social safety nets like better healthcare and help for small business owners. “Something between socialism and capitalism,” he said.

The second conversation I had was with a woman named Ewa, probably in her 60s. I met her while waiting outside a café near Old Town, and we started chatting about how the city has changed over the years. Ewa grew up under communism and told me that while things were strict, there was more stability for families back then. “You didn’t have much, but you had enough,” she said. Now, she feels like everything is fast, expensive, and unstable. Ewa supports more conservative politics and said she’s planning to vote for someone who can bring “order and tradition” back. She doesn’t like how Westernized everything feels now and is worried the younger generation doesn’t appreciate what it took to build the country back up after communism ended.

Both Dawid and Ewa made valid points, even though they see things so differently. It really showed me how people’s personal experiences with different systems shape how they see the future. In the U.S., we talk about capitalism like it’s the only option, but being here and hearing these stories reminded me that no system is perfect and most people just want something that works for their day-to-day lives.