Jose Rizal's First Travel Abroad

Summary

In May 1882, Dr. Jose Rizal embarked on his first journey abroad from the Philippines to Spain to further his medical education and treat his mother's cataracts. Aboard the Salvadora, he befriended passengers and the captain, setting the tone for his travels. He stopped in Singapore, Sri Lanka, Italy, and France, learning languages and cultures. In Paris, he met fellow Filipino artists and intellectuals, enhancing his artistic and medical skills. Rizal's experiences and observations during this period significantly influenced his writings and revolutionary ideas, shaping his legacy as a national hero.

Takeaways

• 📚 Dr. Jose Rizal embarked on his first journey abroad in May 1882 to further his education in Spain, with the ultimate goal of performing eye surgery on his mother.
• 🚢 Rizal boarded the Salvadora, a Spanish steamer ship, and was the only Filipino among a diverse group of passengers including Spaniards, British, and Indian Negros.
• 🏆 He was well-received by his fellow passengers, even defeating them in chess games, and befriended the ship's captain, Captain Donato Lecha.
• 🌍 Rizal's voyage took him through several countries including Singapore, Sri Lanka, Italy, and France before reaching Madrid.
• 🏨 In Singapore, he stayed at the Hotel de la Paz and explored various cultural and historical sites during his two-day stopover.
• 🏛️ In Italy, Rizal was impressed by the economic activity, vibrant population, and scenic beauty, including Mount Vesuvius and the Castle of Saint Elmo.
• 🎨 In Paris, Rizal met fellow Filipino painter Juan Luna and became involved in the local art scene, even modeling for Luna's paintings.
• 📝 Rizal wrote essays promoting nationalism and love for the Philippines, which were published in Manila's first bilingual newspaper.
• 🎓 He pursued his medical degree in ophthalmology and philosophy, studying in Paris, Germany, and Spain, and became a member of various academic societies.
• 📖 Rizal's travels and studies were not just for personal enrichment but also to inspire his fellow Filipinos and contribute to the national awakening.

Q & A

Why did Rizal leave the Philippines in 1882?

Rizal left the Philippines in 1882 to complete his education in Spain, so he could perform eye surgery on his mother who was suffering from cataracts.

What was Rizal's secondary mission during his first trip abroad?

Rizal's secondary mission was to inspire his fellow revolutionaries through his writings.

Which ship did Rizal board for his journey to Spain, and what was its significance?

Rizal boarded the Salvadora, a Spanish steamer ship headed to Singapore. It was significant as it marked the start of his journey away from home.

What was the cultural composition of the passengers on the Salvadora?

The passengers on the Salvadora were mostly Spaniards, British, and Indian Negros, with Rizal being the only Philippine on the ship.

Which countries did Rizal travel through on his way to Madrid?

Rizal traveled through Singapore, Sri Lanka, Italy, and France on his way to Madrid.

What activities did Rizal engage in during his stopover in Singapore?

During his stopover in Singapore, Rizal visited store sites, temples, botanical gardens, art galleries, and the statue of Saint Thomas Stamford Raffles.

How did Rizal's French improve during his journey on the Gemna?

Rizal's French improved immensely by conversing with the French-speaking passengers on a daily basis during his journey on the Gemna.

What was Rizal's impression of Colombo, Sri Lanka?

Rizal found Colombo to be more beautiful, smart, and elegant than Singapore.

What significant event occurred during Rizal's stay in Naples, Italy?

In Naples, Italy, Rizal was impressed with the economic activity, vibrant population, and scenic expanses, including Mount Vesuvius and the Castle of Saint Elmo.

How did Rizal's first impression of Barcelona change over time?

Initially, Rizal found Barcelona unpleasant due to the filthy inn he stayed in. However, as he stayed longer, his impression changed, and he began to see the city as great, with brave, openhearted, and welcoming people, and a strong sense of freedom and liberalism.

What was the outcome of Rizal's studies in Germany?

In Germany, Rizal studied under Dr. Otto Becker, a renowned German ophthalmologist, and attended lectures by Professor Wilhelm Kuhne at the University of Heidelberg. He also spent weekends touring the sites of Heidelberg.