T H E a D R I a T I C T I M

October 2014 The Issue No. 18 Adriatic EUR 0.50 Times The Adriatic Times # 18 3.

THE EDITORIAL

A new year. A new team. An opportunity to say, the College was established in Duino reinvent the Adriatic Times, building on the precisely because it was on a border and at the talents of the new members of the activity to centre of an area of conflict. refresh and reinvigorate the magazine. We have The evidence and remembrance of conflict is all lostincredibletalentsintheformofValevLaube around us. If you go orienteering around the and Sibel Spahija, both of whom have moved to village, you will have to be careful not to fall into upstate New York, but we are confident that we the trenches cut by Austrian soldiers in the First can continue to make the Adriatic Times an World War. If you play ultimate Frisbee in essential part of life at the UWC of the Adriatic. Villagio Pescatore, you will pass a small The theme of this 18th Edition reflects the fact museum dedicated to the First World War in this thateventhoughweareinanewschoolyear,the region. However, you should also be aware that world is just as violent, mired in conflict and no Villagio Pescatore is a refugee settlement for nearer peace. We chose Peace and Conflict as people displaced from Istria after the Second our theme to build on the energy and optimism World War. of Peace One Day, to explore why conflicts arise There are a number of anniversaries being and how they can be resolved. remembered around us during this time. On 3rd We have international articles, including an November, there will be a ceremony in Trieste to interview with a Hong Kong student by Victoria mark the 96th Anniversary of the end of the First Salomon; thoughts on the student action in World War, when it became part of Italy. Last Hong Kong by a third year, Vishaal Singh; and Friday, 24th October, there was a short service reflections on the struggle for peace in opposite the Cartiere Burgo on the way to AfghanistanbyMassiFaqiri.Inaddition,wehave Monfalcone to mark the 50th Anniversary of the a travelogue by Anne Brearley about a peace unification of zones A and B, which effectively march from Vienna to Trieste and an article by returned this area to Italian jurisdiction. Ervin Smajič about Slovene/Italian relations in Duino looks a peaceful village on a beautiful Duino. wooded coast, but the history of recent and As reflected in these articles, the search for distant conflicts still resonates here. peace is a difficult one, and once attained it is often followed by conflict. As Ervin and Anne

Team: Giuliana De Polo Maria Landin Ervin Smajic Fatma Kadiri Ronald Garcia-Prieto Rosalie Valentiny Spencer Banwart Victoria Salomon Malcolm Price The Adriatic Times # 18 3.

THE EDITORIAL

Team: Giuliana De Polo Maria Landin Ervin Smajic Fatma Kadiri Ronald Garcia-Prieto Rosalie Valentiny Spencer Banwart Victoria Salomon Malcolm Price The Adriatic Times # 18 4. The Adriatic Times # 18 5. WHY DO PEOPLE CREATE CONFLICTS?

By Fatma Kadiri

If we look at the past, human history is filled with share the same values and beliefs, can lead to conflictandwar.Someoftheconflictstakeplace conflicts. on a small level and only involve a few people; But the main reason for most of the destructive while others take place on a worldwide scale. wars that have happened is human desire for Many of the historical conflicts destroyed resources and power. Countries get involved in people, communities, and countries. Over time, war when they think there is some sort of people have variously described war as a benefit. If there is no benefit, they won't get THE UWC – WORKING FOR PEACE glorious struggle and a pointless, violent and involved. Most of them use politics to justify the inhuman activity. real reason why they go to war. In countries like By Spencer Banwart So the question is, why do people create those Iraq for example, they might say they want to wars? end the dictatorship of the government but The United World Colleges have the mission condemnation’ limits cultural understanding. The answer we've been taught since primary what they really want is the resources of oil. statement that “UWC makes education a force In the same way a specific understanding of the school is to better the participant’s way of life or If we look at some countries of the world, wars to unite people, nations and cultures for peace term tolerance limits understanding, the even protect their way of life. And that is happen because of corruption and corrupt and a sustainable future.” This motto commonly accepted western definition of actually a really optimistic way of describing it, governments. People die every day because of establishes the belief in a strong academic peace is limiting. because the real reasons are often much more war, but we don't see independent countries platform as an integral part of achieving peace. The common western interpretation of peace is complicated. getting involved to help. WHY NOT? There is no The UWC definition of education, however, freedom from violent conflict. While this Some of them could be the way a society is benefit. All the resources have already been encompasses a wider sect of educational areas definition of peace helps outline a desired goal organized; if people are treated unequally or taken. as opposed to limiting education to academics. – to end violent conflict – it limits more unjustly, rebellions, violence and conflicts are I feel that countries get involved or create most The UWC ideal is to strive for a cultural and ambiguous interpretations that pertain to the more likely to happen. Moreover, human beings conflicts to benefit themselves, while the real globalizing education that expands beyond the emotional and physiological well being of have basic needs that have to be provided; for victims are none other than the civilians. Most borders of a formal classroom. To an extent this individuals. One student described peace as an example, everyone needs to be recognized as an worldgovernmentswanttogetmorepower.But is an inevitable result of creating a multi- “exemplification of the humanistic need to individual and everyone needs to feel safe. And the only way to get a more peaceful world is, as cultural community, but a question recently compartmentalize. The word is messy and until if those needs, that are actually human rights Jimmy Hendrix, a famous American musician of raised by some students is “Are we doing that is understood, no progress will be made.” too, are not provided, people protest which can the 20th century said, for "the power of love to enough to increase our understanding of other Understanding the complications surrounding lead to rebellion, violence and obviously overcome the love of power". cultures?” peace as an abstract concept, however, is conflicts. In addition, clashes between different To a great extent much of this cultural learning perhaps easier said than done, as a person cultural groups that live together, but don't is greatly dependent on the students and their would first have to understand exactly how motivation to engage in conversations over peace relates to their own life. The difficulty topics that have the potential to be deeply then lies in defining the kind of impact that the divisive. Some students have noticed a lack in UWC movement should have, devising a student initiative to engage in conversations method to achieve that aim and analyzing the that have the potential to be inflammatory, impact. citing the belief that some students believe Asserting a great philosophical change on the they are respecting another’s culture by world with a definite measurable impact accepting it without question. requires a certain level of financial status to Cultural education in many parts of the world is initiate such change. Perhaps UWC as an preaching tolerance, accepting other cultures institution does almost as much as it can to as they are. To many, the word ‘tolerance’ has a support ‘peace’, but it does not have the positive connotation. It means accepting others financial resources to make a huge impact, so and not condemning them for practices that perhaps the responsibility falls on the alumni to might not be understood or commonly do more in whatever way they can to enact the acceptable in other parts of the world. Yet the change they want to see. declaration that ‘tolerance’ is ‘anti- The Adriatic Times # 18 4. The Adriatic Times # 18 5. WHY DO PEOPLE CREATE CONFLICTS?

By Fatma Kadiri

HONG KONG’S BATTLE So what does this all mean? Will Hong Kong’s carry on? My answer is mixed. Yes, for two students be successful? What will the impact be reasons: first, because they get to prove a point By Vishaal Singh and should the protests go on? Let’s think about to Beijing and the world that it is still the people this rationally and leave emotions and bias that hold power. Secondly, because I feel that Chinese Flags can be seen everywhere on the Kong (I hope the Chinese government doesn’t aside.FromChina’spointofview,theseprotests this is also a fight for Hong Kong’s identity, even road, people are celebrating National Day, see this). The systematic and peaceful manner mayhindertheirplantoreunify.Thereisasense though, it is a part of China, and its identity is a another year since the ‘great’ Mao Zedong of protest that the Hong Kong students carried that China is not China without Hong Kong and blend of British and Chinese culture. ‘founded’ their great nation. Somewhere else in out is admirable, but the attack that the police what China considers to be a ‘runaway’ state, How is this going to change once China aims to Asia a little but mighty community is voicing carried out on the students was indeed Taiwan, and that the true unification of China have full control over Hong Kong? The people of their pro-democracy values. Probably one of shocking. It has been said that the police have will only take place once both states are truly a Hong Kong are ideologically and politically the greatest protests this century has seen so nearly always been on the side of the people part of “The Middle Kingdom”. The approach different from Mainlanders and this is far, the Umbrella Revolution plays an important andhavepridedthemselvesofprofessionalism, China takes towards Hong Kong will something that the Chinese government needs role in the future of Hong Kong and its but in this case… history is repeating itself. You undoubtedly affect its ties with Taiwan and this to understand fully. The other part of my relationship with Mainland China, my current see back in 1989, there was a protest for a could in the long run hinder China’s unification reasoning says no, mainly because from where I home. greater degree of democracy in Mainland China, plan. Currently, the Taiwanese are in solidarity see it, the Central Government is unlikely to Walking through the streets of Shanghai, all put together by students, in Tiananmen Square. with the Hong Kong people, and they find this an give in to the demands of the protesters. seems very normal, in fact it doesn’t seem like The protest went on for some time until the even greater reason for Taiwan to distance itself As it stands, the protest itself brings up the Hong Kong is on anyone’s mind and that’s Chinese government brought in the tanks. So fromBeijing.However,asitcurrentlystands,the question of who will control Hong Kong’s future. probably because of all the censorship. Ask an the question here is whether the government Chinese government, intent on their policy, is As the BBC News said, will it be the “Communist average Chinese if they know what’s will use further measures if the protests unlikely to change their mind over what they Party who is expected to choreograph all the happening, if they do, they would most likely intensify. term as “an illegal street protest”. political drama or will it be the demonstrators reiterate the Chinese media by saying that the For Hong Kong, these protests symbolize their who have a common voice and intend to define problem is just a nuisance, an illegal nuisance. fight for their vision of Hong Kong. Should they their own destiny?” Now, to some of you, the protest is symbolic of a be successful, it will show that even the fight for freedom and democracy, but the roots toughest politically aligned administrations lie much deeper than that. can be swayed, which obviously is something So a quick summary (Eunice, and my beloved that Mainland China does not want to happen. Hong Kong prime, forgive me for any mistakes): So back to the question, should the protests Hong Kong was leased to Britain for 99 years, then in 1997 it returned to China, after all Hong Kong is fundamentally Chinese. China HONG KONG INTERVIEW promised to give Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy in terms of its administration except By Victoria Salomon for foreign affairs and defence, but, and here’s In the agreement for the transfer of the ruling about the situation and this is what she told me: the important part, only for 50 years. China power in Hong Kong (which holds a key Pepper spray, tear gas: what do you think would also be appointing the Chief Executive. influence on this area’s population) it was about this? Is it ethical to use these? So in the context of today, something decided by the British and the Chinese Chloe: Most of the time police forces do not use extraordinary occurred, China said it would governments that, among many other things, these; this is because the protests are usually allow Hong Kong’s citizens to choose their next universal suffrage would be implemented in peaceful. In any case, if they do use these it’s executive in 2017… fantastic right? Uh, not thecity.ArageofdiscontentaroseinHongKong only to contain protestors if they get violent or exactly, the problem lies in the fact that the after the recent decision of the government to threaten somebody’s life or even their own. The Chinese Central Government will choose the implement universal suffrage with one only problem is that it has happened before that candidates that the Hong Kong people can vote condition: No civil nomination, the candidates police abuse or overuse these gasses or sprays for. Those who started the protest felt that a will be chosen by a special commission of the and even recently, there was a case of a fuller democratic vote was what the people government. Now several parts of the civil policeman that engaged in the use of these deserved. society have engaged in protesting against this without carrying the proper police I must admit that I am in full support of Hong decision, hoping the government changes its identification, which is a felony. decision. I had the lovely opportunity to interview Chloe my co-year from Hong Kong The Adriatic Times # 18 6. The Adriatic Times # 18 7.

What about the “barricades” the occupation weareasentitledastherestoftheworldtohave AFGHANISTAN – STRUGGLE FOR PEACE element of the movement, do you agree with the right of civil nomination and we did not it? agree to have different standards rather than By Massi Faqiri Chloe: Well it is illegal to occupy public spaces, international ones, and that’s the reason for the Peace is the most beautiful natural right of justify the present situation but they resisted but for me I just agree with the final goal. So far, protests. I think that this is happening now human beings but sometimes we have to fight to this wrong and still struggled for unity and the movement has been very responsible and because my generation has had a good quality achieve this beauty. The only reason could be peace which resulted in nearly half-a-million has remained peaceful from the beginning, and of life and we want it to remain like this. That’s human being’s stupidity. In different eras and lives lost. Eventually, this selfishness of the as long as it does that, I will support it and agree the reason why young people feel more generations, holy warriors struggled for peace warlords did not allow them to meet a common with its methods. compelled to protest, because by doing so they in their countries or regions and were rewarded resolution point and led to the invasion by the What do you think about the government are participating in the process and choosing with success, their legacy for future United States. position towards the protests? Have they how they want to work with people. Another generations. One of the evident examples is Meanwhile, the people, who were not in favor of been fair to the citizens? important point is that nowadays the Chief Afghanistan, where its people have been any party started to strive more for their Chloe: In my opinion, the government has Executive is not liked by the “hong-kongnese” fighting for decades to achieve peace because survival. Anticipating their death in any neglected the citizen’s right to participate in population. So, by imposing on the people the they believe that peace means everything in a moment, they resisted any situation and went the process; from the beginning, they didn’t limitation of only having two or three country and in its nation’s life. on struggling for peace until they emptied their hold any honest attempt to reach an agreement candidates previously selected by a special The story of the “Struggle for Peace” in country of most of the terrorists and formed with the Protestors. government committee, not only would the Afghanistan started with the invasion by the their new government in 2004 with the Do you believe that the Protestors have been veracity of the selection of these candidates be Soviet Union in 1979 when the people, Afghans, cooperation of many countries. They were tired violent in any way? questionable, but this could also lead to the re- felt that their country was going to be occupied. but determined enough to accept any challenge Chloe: Honestly, no. As I said before this people selection of the existing Chief Executive. This Every individual felt the need for resistance foropeningthisnewera.Everysinglefamilyhad are representing a peaceful movement so they could mean a perpetuating candidature in the againstthepowertheywerefacing.Theydidnot their members lost in the past decades of war remain consistent with that principle. governmental power, which is something that care about how but they believed in why, which but they were happy for their achievement for at What about the police and the cases of power many people would like to prevent. was the liberation of their mother land. least it was better than before. abuse? Do you think the government is What about Joshua Wong? He was named by Everyone was armed with their determination to However,theyhavenotyetachievedpeaceinits dealing appropriately with this problem? Time Magazine as one of the most influential fight for their motherland and to sell their lives entire meaning. They need to struggle more to Chloe: The police have certain guidelines that teenagers in the world, is he a good for buying liberty and peace in their country. inherit a more secure country for their children. they have to follow in order to control the representative for the movement? Eventually, Mikhail Gorbachev, President of the Theyaredoingitandtheywillnevergettired.No citizens without abusing the tools and training Chloe: He is a part of the movement, but I think Soviet Union ordered the withdrawal of their one has gotten tired of fighting for peace as long that they have, this is part of the police “code”, he is more of a representative of the youth. For troops from Afghanistan after a decade of war as peace is our ultimate objective in life. We but yes, we have seen in the media quite he is both an excellent representative, to me he with no achievement. Afghans celebrated the share this objective as human beings and we are recently of course, cases of police abusing their seems very inclusive, and he is an example to accomplishment of their goal; however, they more civilized when we approach this objective authority in some of the manifestations. Many raise awareness towards politics and social lost one million of their dear lives. together as we are doing it. people do not trust them because they think participation, engaging in the development of a As a newly liberated country, Afghans were they are working in pro or favor of the country. dreaming of a prosperous and developed government, but the truth is that they are just Will the protests stop even if the government country not knowing the extent of the doing their jobs, and these cases are definitely doesn’t change its policy? selfishness of human beings which played with isolated and very strange. Now whether the Chloe:Theprotestsmaystop,butthemovement their dreams. The competition to take control of government has tried to solve it properly or not, won’t. We may not achieve our goal right away. this country between foreign interventions and all I can say is that they have stated that they will Maybe it’s too early, but as long as there’s any national parties led to chaos throughout the investigate these cases. disposition towards dialogue, there’s always country.Thepeace,whichwasachievedwiththe Why is this happening? Why now? hope for change. cost of a million lives, faded away with the Chloe: The principle or the final goal of this selfishness of human beings. movement has been present for a long time; the Afghanistan divided into pieces which were conversation about making “it” a movement controlled by different and opposing warlords started sometime last year, so it has been going supported by different countries. They were on for a while. This happened simply because fighting each other and the only victims were we as a society do not agree with the imposition the people. People who fought for liberty got of laws that we think are unfair. We believe that rewarded with a life of terror. They could not The Adriatic Times # 18 8. The Adriatic Times # 18 9.

“Camino Senza Confine” - European Peace Walk 2014 Even by the second day, we were in conflict Felsőcsatár,certainproblemshademerged.The By Anne Brearley regardingtheway.Wehadbriefinstructionsbut challenges were greater than a traditional with little detail. Although Grattan and his Camino,sincewehadfixedstagesandwehadto Inthespringofthisyear,Iwasexcitedtolearnof barriers that inspires the EPW. team of collaborators had sign posted the route act effectively as a group. We were after all the the European Peace Walk, (EPW) which would I recognised that EPW and UWC have a shared with red arrows, we walked more kilometres “guinea-pigs”. In the Felsőcsatár Iron Curtain take place during the summer of 2014. This mission, that of uniting people, nations and than anticipated - reasons included our Museum, we confronted a harder reality: for 41 project was the initiative of an Irishman, cultures, fostering international misinterpretation of the signs, doubt at years, the Iron Curtain was the border between Grattan Lynch, seeking to put across a message understanding and peace. When I first arrived junctions with no arrow, markers pointing the Hungary and Austria, with its manned guard of peace and unity between peoples. He chose in Duino some 30 years ago, there was the wrong way and deviations to see a point of towers, multiple barbed wire fences and to launch this inaugural Peace Walk on the border with Yugoslavia a few kilometres from interest ('committee meetings' were common landmines to discourage Hungarians crossing Centenary of the First World War, with a route the College – and Hungary and Czechoslovakia and the dominant voice was not always the no man’s land to freedom. starting from Vienna and ending in Trieste. The were behind the Iron Curtain. correct!). Although some of us had GPS or Before leaving Hungary, the mayor of routewouldpassfromAustriathroughSlovakia, In the EPW project of 2014, groups of walkers Google maps, reading the map often led to Szentpéterfa hosted us, on behalf of the town’s Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, traversing would start out daily during the two weeks from different interpretations. Croatian community. Croats fleeing from the about 600 kilometres, a good part of the old July 28 to August 11. The first group of Onthethirdday,wereachedVárbalog,thehome conqueringOttomanEmpireinthe16thcentury Mitteleuropa, including almost all the Peacewalkers would be pioneers, helping to co- of Peter, the Hungarian organiser. He and his settled in Western Hungary on both sides of the countriesoftheex-Austro-HungarianEmpire.It create the route. The walk would take 23 days, family had kindly prepared mattresses and present Austro-Hungarian border. The culture, would reflect the desire for a new peace not with arranged Camino-style accommodation showers, as well as cooking an excellent identity and mother tongue of the ‘Gradisce- only in Europe, but also throughout the world. (minimal but comfortable) at low cost, which goulash and a large breakfast for us. They Croats’ has been preserved by the Catholic The walkers aimed to connect with the people would include hostels, schools, a mountain hut, would be doing this for the next two weeks. The Church for centuries. A colourful lay artistic of the area through which the walk was passing a horse ranch, a fish farm and a brewery. The following day we had two Hungarian guides to tradition is characteristic of this region, as to engage and promote the interests of local route from Vienna would start with a train ride lead us to Sopronkövesd, where the mayor and almost every community has its own theatre, people. to Wolfsthal, Austria and a short ten-kilometre histeamgaveusagreatwelcome.Alocaldoctor dance group, music ensemble and choir. In Grattan Lynch had the idea for the walk some walk into the centre of Bratislava, followed by was available to treat our blisters and other Szentpéterfa, the only minority language seven years ago, while trekking Spain’s well- some days along the Danube and into the injuries.Theforestwasdenserthenextday,and taught is Croatian. There are minority known ‘Camino de Santiago’ pilgrimage route. forests of Hungary. Grattan had chosen the even our guides did not always know the way. A kindergartens in Felsőcsatár and Szentpéterfa. Meeting hikers from diverse nations led him to route to follow national borders and to visit group of local supporters turned out to reflect how 100 years ago, many of these same historically and culturally important sites. It accompany us through the difficult terrain all nations were in violent conflict. The four-year would pass through the Hungarian Örségi the way to Kőszeg. As we left the flattish WW1 ravaged Europe, killing what was, at the National Park, and into Croatia, before moving Danube plain, the scenery changed with time, more people (soldiers and civilians) than on through quaint towns to Slovenia’s wine undulating hills and picturesque valleys any other war in history, laying waste to region and forests. On the final day, the walkers appearing on the horizon. thousands of kilometres of land and destroying would arrive in Italy, ending at the Adriatic Sea Nevertheless, by the time we reached to four once-powerful empires. Yet today here in Trieste. they were, these same nationalities, sitting My plan for the summer had included walking together, sharing food, stories and cultural the Tour of Mont Blanc with my brother. Whilst differences. Lynch saw the benefits of he agreed with the proposal of the EPW, he developing a route that treated friendship and pointed out that we could not do both, at least social interaction as its main purpose – rather not this year, so we settled on the EPW as being than a mere consequence. The lesson following something special. We met at Vienna’s two World Wars within a period of twenty years, Praterstern Station on the 28th July, where it should be that after one hundred years, now is was relatively easy to pick out fellow the time to put aside differences. The only way Peacewalkers – laden with heavy packs, coming to get over fear of people from another country from many different countries (Norway, is by meeting and getting to know them. The Holland, England, Ireland, Wales, Austria, Italy, walk’s concept of crossing borders was Malta, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, USA, paramount. On one of the days, the walkers Israel, Honduras and Japan). Jim, a key would have breakfast in Hungary, lunch in supporter of the EPW, gave a symbolic white Slovenia and sleep that night in a Croatian feather to each one of us, 35 in total. Then the brewery. It is that concept of overcoming walking began. The Adriatic Times # 18 10. The Adriatic Times # 18 11.

After nine nights in Hungary, we briefly crossed storageofproduceandothergoodsfromaround into Slovenia (lunching at the Irish Pub in the turn of the 18th century. As one of the main Lendova), before crossing the river Mura to types of produce stored was turnips - or repa in Mursko Središće, Croatia, where we located the Slovene -, the cellars became known as repnice. Cimper tourist complex. Cimper is a local name It was only in the early 1990s that they began to in Medimurje for a pillar in a mining shaft; in fact, be used as wine cellars. With a constant this location was, until 1972, an active temperature of between 5-10°C and humidity coalmine. The opening of the "Cimper" brewery that reaches 96%, the cellars are ideal for and cellars at the end of 2006 was the key for storing wine. The EPW itinerary included a further development of tourist, catering and special Dègustation at the Repnica Najgar, recreational activities. The owners aim to where we were able to explore the impressive preserve and promote the historical, cultural, patterned flint stone walls and ceilings of the industrial and gastronomic heritage of interconnected subterranean chambers, as well Medimurje. Other highlights in Croatia included astotastesomeexcellentredandwhitewinesof the castles of Varaždin, Čakovec and Trakošćan, the region. and the ascent through a forest to the Unfortunately, our Dègustation left us unable to spectacular Filićev Dom at Ravna Gora. Before locate our next target, a lake, but some reaching Krapina we were surprised by a group additional road walking led us to more forest of local ‘Neanderthals’ emerging from the forest where Max and his wife ran out to greet us, to escort us to the museum located near the carrying mirtilli in grappa and freshly baked world famous site of the Krapina Neanderthals. dessert putica. Max assured us that the forest We then crossed the border into Slovenia, but ahead was well sign posted. But again, we lost not before visiting the House of Tito Museum at any semblance of path, finally resorting to a The following evening we were given a big massacre of 1945. That evening at Kočevje, a Kumrovec. Today Marshall Tito’s home is just compass bearing through thick undergrowth to welcome at the Vodopivec Horse Ranch, journalist, Sergio, interviewed us, and the one of 20 houses in an open-air Ethnographic reach the nearest road. Somehow, Max heard of Kostanjevica na Krki. In spite of abundant mayor, gave us a short presentation on the Museum, which shows what life was like in a our dilemma, arrived by car, and was able to goulash and wine, we were awoken in the night history of Kočevje. Continuing through the Croatian village in the late 19th and early 20th direct us on to Brežice. On entering the town (3 by water dripping onto the floor of the barn and forest the next day we came to the small village centuries. hours late), we were welcomed by TV Ljubljana, our mattresses. The next day in pelting rain, of Grčarice, where a group of Loški Potok Posavje is one of Slovenia’s premier wine- and, at the castle, by the mayor and museum seven of us set off walking. More than once, we pensioners who had prepared food, wine and growingregions,withtherepnicewinecellarsof guide. were wading through deep water cascading grappa gave us an enthusiastic reception. That the Bizeljsko area being of particular interest. over the road. We heard that the Otočec Golf evening they came to the Hrib-Loški Potok The flint sand formed thick layers of flint stone, Course was impassable. We decided that, given hostel to give us a traditional concert of ‘singing which locals dug into and used as cellars for the the rain, walking along the heavily trafficked and spinning’, whereupon we responded with main road was not wise, so we headed by taxi for Donal’s well-rehearsed Irish jig. Novo Mesto station. We took the next train to On the last but one day, I was thrilled to glimpse Rožni Dol, where we were welcomed by Denis, the profile of Nanos whilst walking towards the owner of a trout farm. Since his big marquee Postojna. On the 23rd day, we crossed the last offered little shelter from the weather, he border,whichisnolongeraborder,atBottazzoin allowed us to change from our wet clothes in his Val Rosandra. We were then guided down the restaurant, to drape wet clothes, shoes and pista ciclabile "Giordano Cottur" by friends and backpacks all around the place - and finally to supporters who had come to welcome us, finally sleep on the padded benches of the restaurant. arriving in the Piazza Unità, Trieste. His evening meal, based on trout, was one of the I hope that others will be inspired to follow our trip’s highlights, as well as the sumptuous tracks, crossing borders that are no longer breakfast, and the hot coffee in the forest the borders, returning as enriched and humbled as next day. we were by our experiences. It was in the great Kočevje forest that we came across Partisan symbols and memorials to the thousands who died in the Kočevski Rog The Adriatic Times # 18 12. The Adriatic Times # 18 13.

SLOVENE-ITALIAN RELATIONS By Rosalie Valentiny (with the help of Ronald Garcia-Prieto)

By Ervin Smajič We have now been here for more than a month, roommate. startedsettlingin.Andaswesettlein,oneofthe Ples aka “Plesbitches” As we all know, Region Friuli Venezia Giulia and we can see that from changing names, natural processes of life is that we start making After a long year of being nicknamed founded the United World College of the surnames and customs, e.g. Jozica instead of habits. Waking up at a certain time, having a “Plesbians”, Ples girls are rebelling, choosing Adriatic in 1982 with support of the Italian Jožica, our dear director of admissions – Matej certain type of breakfast, how we interact with the more outgoing, and kinky name of government and Italian Ministry of Foreign Rolich instead of Matej Rolič. our roommates. All of these define us Plesbitches. As always, Ples girls are a very Affairs, who remain the biggest donors even Since the time that the college was founded, individually. But funnily enough it seems that tightly knit group living together in harmony today. But have we ever asked ourselves, why many things have changed, although Duinese each residence also developed certain habits of and peace. But how long will it last? did the UWC International Board want to open a people admit it with a heavy heart. During how they work as a community, how they are Lucchese aka “the Bakery” UWC school in Italy? Well, although I live coffee with my Slovene teacher, who lives in perceivedbyothers.Sohereitis,the“Residence Although you might think that the bakery and relativelyclosetoDuino(IamSlovenian)Ididn't Duino and is married to an Italian, and an Italian Guide 14-15”. Who are they? How do they the eating club end up being the same thing, know the right answer until I researched the lady Signora Alasia from Villagio Pescatore, work? I shall try to enlighten you. there is a very significant difference. Pala situation a little bit. they both agreed that the foundation of this Let’s start with the two biggies: people cook to eat, Lucchese people cook to One of the reasons why our lovely Duino was institution has played a vital role in improving Pala aka “the eating club” bake. If you ever find the time to go down there chosen to host us was that this village was relations between these two nations. They No matter what time, what day someone will be (yes, I know it’s very far) I’m pretty sure they’re literallyontheborderoftheIronCurtaintwenty- emphasized that diversity in nationalities of eating in Pala dayroom. Pala’s kitchen is more in will be some kind of baked good waiting for you five years ago. What's the Iron Curtain? It was a students was extremely important in use than ever constantly harassed by Pala inthekitchen.Anewmemberofroyaltyhasalso border between the capitalist West and understanding multiculturalism. As Duinese habitants (the microwave is asking for a raise). joined Lucchese this year. Jakub aka the queen communist East from 1945 to 1991, when the weren'tusedtoothernationsintheirtown,their Moreover, Pala people this year seem to be of Lucchese. Hope his princess doesn’t mind last communist regimes collapsed. hatred tended to be based on stereotypes and closer than ever a family of 50. No matter what walking too much. Duino today consists of many nations, not just prejudices. time, what day, you can go to Pala dayroom and Scholz aka “the crib” people from the college, but the local Most of us, students in UWC Adriatic found our find a friend or even more… Scholz, which is famous for its ridiculously cool population is also very diverse. With a small place beneath the sun in Duino. We have Fore aka... “Fore” upstairs room, has once again welcomed male majority of Slovenes, a big percent of Italians established good friendships with neighbours Fore seems to have been known as quite a loud habitants this year. Boy band style bonds and a small percent of Istrians (native people and we have become a core part of this village, fun the place to be residence. It has Mensa, fore haven’t completely formed yet, but give it from the peninsula of Istria, Croatia) Duino whetherwelikeitornot.Wearethereason,why lawn,bigroomsabeautifulviewwhatisn’tthere sometime and Scholz boys will be inseparable doesn’t have a boring history. Our village is full Tybein, Devin or Duino lives with the spirit of to like? Yet Fore people this year seem to be again. For the moment, if you are looking for a of history and the castle, other monuments and youth, which is fighting for a better and everywhere but in Fore. A fire alarm rang two quiet study time, Scholz should do (maybe). trenches show us that this place was at the sustainable future through the mechanism of weeks ago chasing out the three people left Casa Carsica aka “the nameless” intersection of many migrations, wars and education. We have to realize how important is inside. Funnily enough, Fore kitchen on the The nameless simply because Casa will be Casa. historical events. the part of our mission called community other hand seems to be a black hole gulping any You don’t go there if you have nothing to do. But let's focus on today and the role of the service, as it enables us to develop a sense of food you would dare to leave for more than 10 Casa actually feels like an actual house. If you college in creating peace and prosperity in this social responsibility and can actively involve us minutes (the dishes on the other hand stay of aren’t there to see someone who lives in Casa part of Italy. Slovene-Italian relations were in creating a new, better Duino. course). How did Fore loose its appeal of the you might as well be entering random houses in particularly bad after World War II as Slovenia We can make it! beginning? Is it the loss of the yogurts and fruits Duino. But as with every rule, there is an didn't get Trieste, and Slovenes felt excluded in Mensa extension? exception. It seems that a certain American and endangered in society, as they were afraid Old Offices aka “the A-mob” primo decided to adopt Casa as his second that the history of fascism might repeat itself. This year, Old Offices has been taken over. More home. Will he manage to transform Casa into an On the other side, Italians were afraid that in the ready than ever, UWCAD got their own Asian all boys residence? I guess we’ll have to wait communist state of South Slavs (Yugoslavia), Mafia. What do they do in those supposedly another year. their rights might be highly decreased. Duino ‘Asian dinners’ in OO? Exchanging the test became part of Italy by the London Treaty in answers, planning how to blackmail Mike into 1954.Inthenextfewyears,bothcountriestried replacing Mensa pasta with Chinese noodles? I to integrate non-native nations into their guess we will have to wait and see. For the society, by Italianization and Balkanization. In moment, I am keeping a close eye on my Duino, Italianization was particularly strong The Adriatic Times # 18 14. The Adriatic Times # 18 15. THE COLLEGE AS A THIRD PARTY IN IMPROVING RESIDENCE GUIDE

SLOVENE-ITALIAN RELATIONS By Rosalie Valentiny (with the help of Ronald Garcia-Prieto)

The Adriatic Times # 18 16. First Thoughts – September 2014

Osmica was great! I could feel the spirit of UWC!

Cheap thrills and expensive living.

I’m still waiting for the moment where I really feel like I have nothing to do.

Some stereotypes are broken but some are reinforced. Yet you learn from every single conversation.

Extremely disappointing. I’m stressed with IB!! But, it’s not that bad. I like it. It makes me grow more mature. Besides, I could sing and dance with my friends!

I just figured out what it really means to be busy this year.

I have so many plans for this year! It’s just the first week and I’m already really busy…luckily. Because I really enjoy all the activities, I have the possibility to do.

I never thought it would be possible to learn the crazy amount of names in two weeks.

Before my first dinner mensa, while waiting, we created a song about waiting for the mensa to open.

A blank state, filling with new names.

Meeting some amazing and kind people.

The school isn’t in the castle!

Running around Duino barefeet ?.

It is really nice to be able to find my way and shape my life, as I want it to be … I feel like coming back home.

Lot of nice girls.

These are some of the thoughts of students gathered at Mensa in the second week of term.

Thanks are due to Alberto Pisani for the Peace One Day graphics, to Rosalie Valentiny for the drawings, to Ronald Garcia-Prieto, Rosalie Valentiny and Anne Brearley for the photographs.