The Story Of The Lions And The Chain Bridge

The story lions and the Chain Bridge begins with a celebration to unveil two massive lion sculptures that marked the bridgehead of the historic Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary. The sculptor Marschalko Janos was commissioned to create a grand work of art in keeping with the grand design of the bridge. On the day of the ceremony the story goes Janos proudly stood by his impressive creations and as the crowds assembled a young boy looked up and remarked that the lions were missing their tongues. The artist became so upset that he had overlooked such a key feature of his sculpture that he jumped off the bridge into The Danube River.


The moral of the story to me is that sometimes we get so caught up in the big issues of the day we overlook what can be obvious details and often just taking a look from a different angle can provide important insights. We all have issues that are important to us and we are passionate about, I think Global Issues: Austria & Czech Republic for me provided a different approach and a different angle. First and foremost just being in the different countries provided a unique perspective that only travel can provide. I think the format of the program worked well also with a research component, a travel component, and a reflection and comprehensive component. Also a unique feature of the program was the sharing of ideas through various mechanisms such as the blog, case reports, wiki, etc. The point I am making is that all of these diferent devices within the program assist us in not becoming the next Marschalko Janos standing by what we believe are great achievements whether they are arguements or ideas only to have missed the truely important details that make up the big picture.


One of the questions that was asked at our wrap up and debrief meeting was what was the impact of the experience on us and at the time I answered it was difficult to say, only time and reflection will provide the answer to the question. My answer came early one morning lying in bed a few days ago when I was half dreaming half going over issues important to me. My idea was that I would like to create an NGO that focuses on wildlife conservation and habitat destruction with my own unique perspective. An organization that will help preserve some of the great things about our planet, not only available for the next generation but also for many generations to come. I am not sure we are on the right path as a country or as a planet at the present time. I do not know how long it will take to launch this dream into a reality but I do know this is something I would very much like to dedicate my energy and enthusiasm towards for many years to come.