Jose Rizal's Journey Abroad: A Tale of Exploration and Challenges

Rizal's first trip abroad took place from May to August 1887. He did not inform his parents, except for Elionor Rivera, Pashano, Atis Pornina, and Tio Antonio Rivera. Antonio Rivera helped Rizal secure a passport under the name Jose Marcado to travel to Europe. Rizal obtained recommendation letters from his former teachers at Ateneo to assist him in Barcelona, showing the importance of connections in his journey.

On May 2, 1882, Rizal left the Philippines using the alias Jose Marcado. He received recommendation letters from his Ateneo teachers for assistance in Barcelona. Rizal's departure marked his first journey to Europe, filled with uncertainty about his future. The assistance he received, like the recommendation letters, was crucial for his voyage.

After attending mass at Santo Domingo Church in Intramuros, Rizal left Manila for Singapore on the ship Salvadoran. During the voyage, he heard about the exploitation of the Philippines by fellow passengers, who visited the country solely for personal gain. This experience further fueled Rizal's resolve to fight against the injustices in his homeland.

Rizal's personal experiences of mistreatment, imprisonment, and forced exile from the Philippines deeply affected him. He sacrificed leaving behind his family, wealth, and country, hearing firsthand accounts of how the Philippines was being exploited. These experiences fueled Rizal's determination to seek justice and inspire change.

Rizal left the Philippines without saying goodbye to his parents, causing him great sadness. He arrived in Singapore and stayed at the luxurious Hotel De La Paz, where he stood out as he did not stay in ordinary lodgings. During his time in Singapore, he visited various places.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens boasts one of the largest collections of plant species globally, with over a million types of plants. This prestigious site is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the beauty and diversity of botanical life.

Singapore today is known for its cleanliness, orderliness, and high standard of living. Despite its small size, the city-state impresses with its organized urban planning and modern amenities, albeit at a high cost of living.

Rizal's travels took him to various destinations, including Buddhist temples and iconic statues like Stamford Raffles. His journeys provided him solace and opportunities to observe and learn about different cultures and landmarks.

Rizal sailed on the Bapor Gemla, a French steamer, from Singapore to Colombo, now known as Sri Lanka. Despite attempting to converse in French, Rizal found himself misunderstood by the European passengers. His impressions of Colombo were of a quiet and melancholic city.

From Colombo, Rizal's journey took him to Cape Guardafui in Africa, passing through the Horn of Africa, known for piracy. He then reached Aden, part of Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula, where he encountered camels and witnessed their unique adaptations to desert life.

The opening of the Suez Canal played a significant role in reshaping global relations between Europe and Asia. This vital waterway facilitated easier trade and communication between the two continents, marking a pivotal moment in history.

The Suez Canal was constructed by Ferdinando Licef, connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It reduced the travel time from Europe to Asia or the Philippines from 3 months to just 1 month. The longest journey through the canal took 32 days.

The Suez Canal remains one of the most important waterways, facilitating trade and travel between Africa, Asia (specifically Arabian Asia), and Europe. Rizal observed the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines at the canal, making it an ideal place for cultural studies.

Rizal encountered a multilingual environment at the Suez Canal, hearing various languages spoken by people from different continents. This exposure influenced his understanding of the importance of language diversity for business and cultural interactions.

On June 11, 1882, Rizal visited Naples in Italy and marveled at the city's strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea. He appreciated the bustling commerce in Naples and enjoyed exploring landmarks like Mount Vesuvius and Castel Nuovo.

On June 12, Rizal arrived at the port of Marsilles in Southern France. He visited Chateau d'If, the setting of 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' one of his favorite books. Seeing familiar places from literature firsthand left a profound impression on him.

Upon reaching Barcelona, Rizal found the city somewhat disorderly and chaotic, especially near the French-Spanish border. He noted the stark contrast between the French and Spanish sides, observing a bustling atmosphere on the French side and a different ambiance on the Spanish side.

Rizal initially had a negative impression of Barcelona due to his experiences on the Spanish side of the border in Portobelo. However, his perception changed when he noticed the friendly people in Barcelona, particularly at Plaza de Cataluña, a favorite spot for Filipinos. He was delighted to see many of his former classmates from Ateneo there.

Rizal's first work outside the Philippines, 'Amor Patrio,' was published in June 1882. Using the pen name Laong Laan, he wrote this piece in the Tagalog newspaper Diyaryong Tagalo. The work was translated into Tagalog by Marcelo Del Pilar as 'Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa.'

Jose Cecilio provided updates to Rizal about Leonor Rivera's condition and situation since leaving the Philippines. This was crucial due to the cholera epidemic spreading at the time, which had previously claimed the life of Rizal's sibling in 1885.

In November of a certain year, Rizal enrolled at the Central University of Madrid to continue his studies. Despite not completing his thesis or obtaining his diploma, he acquired a license in Philology and Letters from the university.

While in Europe, Rizal engaged in writing, painting, and enriching his skills. He had a background in sculpture, which he further developed during his time in Europe. Rizal also socialized with fellow Filipinos, including visits to Pablo Ortega Eray's house.

Despite having feelings for Consuelo Ortiga, Rizal prioritized his mission and focused on his goals. He faced internal struggles but remained committed to his purpose, even when tempted by romantic interests.

Rizal decided to temporarily leave Spain, particularly Madrid, and visit Paris to forget about his affection for Consuelo. This decision was influenced by his loyalty to Leonora Rivera and his friend Eduardo Delete, who also showed interest in Consuelo. Rizal left for Paris in 1882 at the age of 21 to distract himself from romantic entanglements.

From June 17 to August 20, 1882, Rizal visited Paris for the first time. He described Paris as an intellectual haven and a city that set standards in various aspects like architecture. Despite the high cost of living, Rizal enjoyed his time in Paris and expressed a desire to learn the French language and culture.

Rizal celebrated his birthday in Paris on June 19, 1883, during his visit to the city. This marked a significant moment in his stay in Paris, where he immersed himself in the culture and surroundings of the French capital.

Rizal marveled at the architectural wonders of Paris, including the Paris Opera House and the monumental views of the city. The intricate details and grandeur of the architecture in Paris left a lasting impression on Rizal, showcasing the European style that fascinated him during his visit.

During Rizal's visit to Paris, he explored various significant landmarks such as the famous cathedral and the Louvre Museum. These locations, including the Orphila Museum and the Louvre, were interconnected and essential to visit while in Paris. Rizal, known as a mason, returned to Paris and joined the liberal Masonic group, using the masonic name Dimasalang. This affiliation aimed to garner support in his fight against the friars in the Philippines who opposed the Masons due to their progressive thinking.

Rizal became a member of the Masonic group Lohia de Acacia, using the masonic name Dimasalang. His involvement in Masonry was crucial as it provided him with a network of support during challenging times in Europe when he had no other backing. This affiliation also served as a platform for Rizal to resist the influence of the friars in the Philippines, who viewed Masonry as a threat to their power.

Rizal faced financial hardships in Madrid, where he struggled to receive his budget allocation on time. To support himself, he even sold his pet dog for 200 pesos to send money to Jose. Despite financial difficulties, Rizal continued his studies at the Central University of Madrid, passing exams in subjects like Greek, showcasing his determination and resilience.

Rizal believed that hardship should not be an excuse for not succeeding in life. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and hard work, stating that being poor should be a motivation to strive harder. He obtained his medical license on June 21, 1884, highlighting his dedication and achievement.

After obtaining his medical license, Rizal attended a celebration following the victory of Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo. Rizal was chosen to give a speech honoring the two artists, showcasing his ability to inspire and uplift his fellow countrymen.

Rizal delivered an impromptu speech during the celebration, despite facing financial difficulties. His speech was well-received, urging his compatriots to strive for change in the Philippines. Despite some skepticism from his peers, Rizal's speech left a lasting impression on the audience.

Rizal continued his studies in medicine and philosophy at the Central University, eventually completing his medical degree. However, he did not finish his thesis, pay the required fees, or receive his diploma. This led him to seek further education in Paris and Germany, focusing on ophthalmology under renowned doctors.

Rizal, a member of the Masons, established connections with influential individuals in Europe. He trained under Dr. Luis de Wecker in Paris, where he also interacted with prominent Filipinos like Juan Luna. Rizal's exposure to European society and medicine broadened his knowledge and skills.

Rizal underwent training at Dr. de Wecker's clinic in Paris, which he found more advanced than those in Madrid. He admired Dr. de Wecker's expertise in ophthalmology and learned valuable skills from him. Rizal also interacted with Juan Luna and other Filipino artists, serving as a model for Luna's paintings.

Rizal served as a model for Juan Luna's painting 'Sanduguan,' showcasing their close relationship in the art world.

Rizal created the intricate 'Matsing at Pagong' drawing, one of 34 plates in Paz Pardo de Tavera's album, where he collaborated with Juan Luna.

Rizal resided in Germany from February 1, 1886, to May 1887, spending time in Heidelberg from February 3 to August 8. He engaged with notable individuals and institutions during his stay.

While in Germany, Rizal played chess and even became a member of a chess club at the University of Heidelberg, showcasing his diverse interests beyond academics.

Rizal's correspondence with Ferdinand Blumentritt, a professor interested in Philippinology, highlighted his admiration for Europeans who appreciated and studied Philippine culture, contrasting with apathy among some Filipinos towards their own heritage.

Rizal interacted with prominent figures like Prof. Bridget Wetzel and Adolf Mayer in Germany, engaging in historical research and academic pursuits, showcasing his intellectual curiosity and networking skills.

During his time in Berlin, Rizal deepened his knowledge and skills, befriending authors and intellectuals, participating in interviews, and showcasing his proficiency in various fields beyond medicine, such as literature and linguistics.

Despite facing financial difficulties and harsh living conditions in Berlin, Jose Rizal managed to excel in various activities such as lip-syncing and dressing. His time in Germany was crucial for his development, even though he struggled with lack of money and health issues, almost contracting tuberculosis.

During his time in Berlin, Rizal experienced deep emotional turmoil and depression, feeling weak and broken due to hunger and hardship. He expressed thoughts of despair and even contemplated death, highlighting the severity of his mental state during that period.

Dr. Maximo Viola, a friend from the Philippines, provided financial assistance to Rizal while he was in Berlin. Viola sent money to Rizal, enabling him to publish his novel 'Noli Me Tangere' and travel around Europe. Viola's support was instrumental in Rizal's literary endeavors.

With financial help from Dr. Maximo Viola, Jose Rizal was able to publish the first 2,000 copies of 'Noli Me Tangere.' Viola loaned Rizal money for the publication, which Rizal promptly repaid upon receiving funds from his brother, Paciano. This marked the beginning of Rizal's literary success and influence.

Viola arrived in Berlin, relieving Rizal from the need to worry about printing expenses as Viola was already financing it. Rizal needed to relax and refresh his mind through leisure travels, which greatly helped during the limited experiences due to the pandemic.

Rizal sent a self-portrait to Professor Ferdinand Lumintrit with a background in the painting related to Ferdinand Lumintrit. The plan was to surprise Ferdinand Lumintrit during their European travels, but friends advised against it due to Ferdinand's heart condition. The self-portrait was sent on December 9, 1896, to help Ferdinand recognize Rizal in case they met for the first time.

Rizal and Viola met Ferdinand Lumintrit for the first time on May 13, 1887, at the train station in Limeritz, Czech Republic. This meeting was significant as it was the first time they encountered each other in person after Rizal had sent his self-portrait to Ferdinand.

During their stay in Germany, Rizal and Viola visited notable places such as the Cathedral of Rome, the Bohemia map, and the town of Limeritz in the Usti and Lavem region. They also stayed at Kotel Krebs in Bohemia, where Rizal lost the diamond ring given to him by Saturnina, a significant item from his first trip abroad.

Jose Rizal was advised to have a diamond ring for emergency use, which he received upon reaching Vienna after leaving Prague.

Jose Rizal and Viola arrived in Austria on May 20, 1887, after visiting various places in Prague, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.

Dr. Adolf Mayer, a renowned doctor from Germany, particularly Dresden, influenced Rizal to join scientific organizations in Berlin.

Dr. Hagor, a correspondent of Rizal, wrote 'Horizon and Philippine Travels in the Philippines,' showcasing their intellectual exchanges.

Ferdinand Dumitri, a close friend of Rizal, was known for their extensive correspondence and friendship, contributing to Rizal's intellectual circle.

Rizal and Viola parted ways in Geneva, Switzerland, with Rizal heading to Italy and Viola returning to Barcelona, settling their financial matters.

Rizal explored various cities in Italy, including Turin, Milan, Benins, Rome, and Naples, marveling at the architectural beauty and historical significance of these places.

Rizal's admiration for Rome, particularly the Roman Forum, led him to spend a significant amount of time exploring the city, visiting landmarks like the Vatican and the churches of San Pedro and San Pablo.

Rizal prepared to return to Marseille, France, where he would depart for the Philippines aboard the Vapore Gem on July 3.

Rizal's return to the Philippines was motivated by several reasons. Firstly, he went to Europe to seek treatment for his mother's eye ailment. Secondly, Jose Cecilio informed Rizal about Leonor Rivera's sadness upon his departure, highlighting the importance of their relationship. Lastly, the impact of Rizal's novel 'Noli Me Tangere' in the Philippines was a significant factor in his decision to return.

The novel 'Noli Me Tangere' was smuggled into the Philippines with the help of individuals like Jose Maria Basa. Basa played a crucial role in smuggling illegal reading materials into the country, despite the risks involved. This act of smuggling was a response to the oppressive colonial rule and government censorship, allowing Filipinos access to banned literature.

Rizal's journey from Marseille, France, to the Philippines in 1887 lasted from July 3 to August 5. Although the exact route depicted may not be precise due to modern mapping discrepancies, the significance of his travel through ports like the Suez Canal and his eventual arrival in Manila and Calamba showcases the historical importance of his voyage.

Rizal's initial return to the Philippines from July 3 to August 7 marked a significant chapter in his life. This journey, which will be further discussed in the next meeting, provided Rizal with valuable experiences, learnings, and impressions from the countries and places he visited for the first time.