On Global Understanding and Compassion – Barcelona Part 2

On Thursday night, the 28^th of January, the mood of the group changed. We went from a funny and sarcastic attitude to a serious series of discussions between complete strangers from various parts of the globe. For about two hours, we passed around bottles of 1.25 Euro wine and had a deep discussion on humanity, life, the Holocaust and the state, future, and the survival of the human race.

Before this conversation, I saw, or rather, felt that members of humanity were ignorant to their actions and the state of the world’s welfare. In room 405, at Kabul Hostel, surrounded by people who I knew nothing about thirty-six hours prior, I was humbled by the compassion shared by so many. These people, my new friends, have learned to understand what it means to live, love, and learn through travel and experience. Every moment is valuable and each adventure brings a new outlook on how we view our histories and future.

We had come together, from different countries and continents, with different destinations planned. Our next map stop may have been different, but our current one was based off a shared desire. We craved knowledge, experience, growth, understanding and love in any shape, color, or form. We were learning from one another in this moment of discussion.

This conversation is what brought such a huge connection to Barcelona and this trip. Because of my experience with the Holocaust, I was able to share a lot and most everyone in the room and visited different camps throughout their travels before landing in Barcelona. We shared our stories and learned from the different perspectives of experience. It was humbling to be in a room where people, from all different walks of life could see the importance of love and evaluate the dangers of power and the capabilities of the human race.

We opened up about how we processed our emotions as well as how it changed our views on issues. My breaking point came when Halina, the survivor I traveled with, took my hand at Majdanek and explained what was in a mound that looked like dirt. It was unearthed ash that was memorialized. She looked at me and said, “My mother is in there.” I had to walk away at this point. I remember going back to the bus and putting my iPod on to Damien Rice.

Everyone was silent after sharing this story, and Joaquin, a guy from Argentina, told me that it broke his heart. His eyes showed his pain. He explained that he loved this earth and it saddens him to see so much hate, pain, and destruction. He couldn’t understand why we intentionally hurt one another without reason. I felt his words in my veins. They really hit home. It was beautiful to spend an evening seeing that there are good people in the world that can understand things on this level. This is way travel is so important.

But traveling is only one part of the puzzle in this growth. The people we meet along the way is what enriches the experience and allows people to see that there is so much diversity in not only race, religion, sexual orientation, and beliefs. Personality and experience comes in various shades. Taking the time to explore this and learn from the experience of complete strangers is the most important aspect of travel. This is where I think people really learn about what exits inside this world.

Through my journey, I have come to the conclusion that there are things that every person should do in their lives. Travel is the first thing that everyone should experience. It is impossible for everyone to see the world and make lengthy travels, but even small ones will give perspective. Traveling to another city, state, country, or even place in nature will offer something.

Taking the time to meet people outside of comfort and from different walks of life is also very important. Everyone is different and diverse and it necessary to realize this. Being aware of the rich diversity that exists in this world and learning form others who have different ideals, views, customs, beliefs and knowledge opens the mind to seeing mankind through a different lens. Love and compassion for every living human and creature that inhabits this earth can provide endless possibilities for healing.

Love and Peace – JP Popovich

p.s. goodnight Papa Tots. I wish I could have said goodbye. I love you very much and know that you are watching over me. We will meet again.