Rizal’s First Sojourn in Europe

Sojourn Definition and Context

• "Sojourn" refers to a temporary stay in a specific location, often for travel, study, or leisure.
• Emphasizes that the stay is transient rather than permanent.

Rizal's Decision to Study Abroad

• Chose to study in Spain after completing four years in the medical course at the University of Santo Tomas.
• Approved by relatives and friends, including his brother Paciano and sister Saturnina.
• Parents and Leonor Rivera were not informed about his decision.

Travel to Spain (1882 – 1885)

• Secret mission to observe life and culture in Europe for future work towards liberation from Spanish rule.
• Departure kept hidden to evade the Spanish authorities and friars.
• Used the alias "Jose Mercado," based on his cousin from Biñan.

Journey Details

• Departed on May 3, 1882, aboard the Salvadora bound for Singapore.
• Captain Donato Lecha befriended Rizal and was noted for his refinement.
• Engaged in chess with older fellow passengers.

Arrival in Singapore

• Sighted Talim Island while approaching Singapore on May 8.
• Docked on May 9; registered at Hotel de la Paz and spent two days touring the city, an English colony.

From Singapore to Colombo

• Transferred to the Djemnah on May 11 for Europe.
• Reached Point Galle on May 17; described it as picturesque yet lonely.
• Enjoyed the beauty of Colombo, finding it more elegant than Singapore or Manila.
• Noted barren African coast and was amused by camels in Aden.
• Impressed by the moonlight in Suez, reminiscent of home.

Suez Canal and Port Terminus

• Suez Canal built by Ferdinand de Lesseps and inaugurated on November 17, 1869.
• Port Said serves as the Mediterranean terminal of the Suez Canal.

European Experience: Naples and Marseilles

• June 11, 1882: Reached Naples, appreciated its business activity and beauty.
• Night of June 12, docked in Marseilles; visited Chateau d'If from "The Count of Monte Cristo."
• Spent two and a half days exploring Marseilles.

Life in Barcelona

• Wrote "Amor Patrio" (Love of Country), a nationalistic essay, under the pen name Laong Laan.
• Published in both Spanish and Tagalog in Diariong Tagalog on August 20, 1882.
• Followed up with articles "Los Viajes" and "Revista de Madrid," though the latter was returned due to publication issues.
• Moved to Madrid in fall 1882.

Life in Madrid

• Enrolled on November 3, 1882, at the Universidad Central de Madrid for Medicine and Philosophy and Letters.
• Studied painting and sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando.
• Occasionally indulged in lottery tickets as a personal extravagance.

Explore the significant period of Dr. Jose Rizal's life during his first sojourn in Europe. This quiz examines his decision to study in Spain and the influences that shaped his experiences abroad. Test your knowledge of this pivotal phase in Rizal's life!