Landscapes, Languages and Lessons: Reflections From The Summer of 2025

Abstract

While setting out the agenda for a new year, making the most of the summer holidays has always been one of my key priorities. The definition of seasons in Glasgow is often imprecise; however, the summer of 2025 has presented a notable departure from previous years. A combination of intermittent rainfall and periods of sustained sunshine had given Glasgow the weather reminiscent of a continental European summer; and at the time of publication, the MET Office even projected 2025 to be the warmest year on record.

Family tradition reminded me that summer has always been a time for experimenting, trying new things, pursuing side quests and most importantly, reflecting on past adventures to make the next one better. This year, I wanted a combination of experiences which could both provide opportunities for rest and renewal, while also positively contributing towards my professional development.

 I knew I had to act quickly if I wanted to make the best of it, and the summer of 2025 seemed to arrive sooner than expected. The morning after my final MBChB2 exam, I set off to join the Glasgow University Catholic Society’s week-long pilgrimage across Poland. Starting off in Krakow and then to Czestochowa, we visited countless churches while also weaving through museums, markets and sampling some authentic Polish cuisine.

Poland offered numerous highlights, but celebrating my friend Daniel Hirshorn’s birthday at the terrace of the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II, and biking through the quiet streets of Czestochowa at midnight were certainly a few of the best memories. Apart from being one of the first pilgrimages I could participate in, visiting Poland proved to be not only a source of spiritual renewal but also a meaningful cultural experience — one that set the tone for the rest of my summer. An aspect I could reflect on was the benefit pilgrimages could offer both for the health of mind and body.

For my next adventure, I turned East, making a spontaneous three-day stopover in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates before arriving in Chengdu, China. The fragile nature of global travel quickly became apparent, as my onward journey was disrupted by the Iran–US–Israel strikes taking place at the time. Nevertheless, thanks to the University of Glasgow’s GoAbroad Fund, along with an all-inclusive waiver from the University of Electronic Science and Technology (UESTC) in Chengdu, I was lucky to join their three-week Chinese Language and Culture Summer School.

Our days followed a full rhythm: 09:00 – lectures on the Chinese phonetic system (pinyin) 13:00 – lunch in one of the eleven vast UESTC canteens 15:00 – cultural excursions to museums, heritage sites, or blended activity classes 19:00 – dinners featuring a variety of local delicacies and Sichuan specialities 22:00 – games night (and pre-drinks) at one of our hotel rooms 02:00 – bedtime (or 04:00 on the nights we went clubbing).

On the weekends, we took trips to neighbouring cities such as Chongqing – a city that felt like a vast maze of skyscrapers rising from steep hillsides, neon bridges stretching across wide rivers, and monorails that disappear into the sides of buildings.

Immersing myself in Chinese culture alongside students from universities across the globe made this summer school one of the most memorable experiences of my holiday. What truly defined it, however, were the people I met along the way — many from countries I might never otherwise have had the chance to engage with. From Australia to Russia, each new friendship taught me that the key to meaningful connections lies not in dwelling on differences, but in celebrating shared experiences and finding common ground. It was a mindset that enriched every part of this trip.

Language barriers aside, visiting China was an incredible experience. From witnessing the country’s technological advancements to observing the discipline and work ethic of its people, my admiration for China only grew stronger. It was difficult to categorise the trip: on the one hand, it felt like a holiday, with 4* hotel accommodation, all meals, travel, and excursions fully covered; yet on the other, it was deeply educational, offering invaluable opportunities to learn about China and its culture. As for the highlights, eating a Sichuan-style frog hotpot and singing a Chinese song for the closing ceremony was a fascinating experience.

Each journey this summer seemed to build upon the last, drawing me deeper into new cultures, traditions, and communities. It felt only natural, then, that my travels would culminate in Italy – the heart of Roman Catholicism – for the Jubilee of Youth 2025, a once-in-a-generation gathering I had long anticipated. Together with one of my best friends, Matthew Donegan, we set out on a hybrid itinerary through Rome, Milan, and Bergamo, carefully balancing the pilgrim spirit of the trip with moments of sightseeing and spontaneous side quests.

Italy offered an experience unlike any other: a seamless blend of pilgrimage and holiday. Our initial focus for the first few days was attending events centred around the Jubilee of Youth, with a key highlight being participating in mass celebrated by the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. We then shifted gears, allowing us to wander more freely through Italy’s cities, history, and landscapes – savouring the country’s beauty at a gentler pace.

An aspect of this itinerary I was not prepared for was the evening vigil with Pope Leo XIV at Tor Vergata. Surrounded by herds of young Catholics, estimating to roughly 1 million – several aspects of the common belief, hope, and unity we all possessed were on display. Notably, some parts of this experience were truly remarkable – the feeling of being around a million Catholics, prayers offered for people in countries affected by conflicts, and most importantly the opportunity to attend the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The next phase of my Italian adventure took us northwest to Milan and Bergamo, where we immersed ourselves in the cities’ rich cultural and historical heritage. From exploring grand cathedrals and bustling piazzas to tracing the quieter rhythms of local life, each stop revealed a different facet of northern Italy. A touch of spontaneity also carried us further afield to Lake Como, where the serene waters and dramatic mountain backdrop provided a sharp contrast to the energy of our cities.

Returning to Glasgow, I knew there was still room to advance the professional development goals I had set before the summer began. Thanks to the generous support of Medical Research Scotland’s Undergraduate Vacation Scholarship, I began work on a novel project in collaboration with the General Practice & Primary Care team at the University of Glasgow’s School of Health and Wellbeing. Our research focused on exploring how access to parks – and the quality of those green spaces – can influence mental health outcomes, an area that felt both timely and deeply relevant. 

Looking back, the summer of 2025 became far more than a sequence of trips and projects – it was a season of growth, marked by faith, friendship, and discovery. From pilgrimages in Poland and Italy to cultural immersion in China, and finally to research back home in Glasgow, each experience added a new dimension to how I see the world and my place within it. What began as a desire to balance rest, renewal, and professional development evolved into a journey that challenged me, broadened my horizons, and left me eager to carry these lessons into the years ahead.