Burma/Myanmar Recap!

Myanmar is referred to as Burma by the US and UK as well as other European countries because we do not recognize the current government. The country has been undergoing political change and conflict for the last few decades where the military oppressive rule is being revolted against. Violent protests have arisen making certain areas of the country unsafe for visitors. It is one of the poorest countries in the world.

Day 1: Yangon

• ·         The first day I visited the Swedagon Pagoda. It is a huge complex of temples the largest of which has a 76 carat diamond in an orb at the top. I bought and wore a traditional floor length skirt called a longyi. Women must have knees and shoulders covered to be respectful, especially at temples.

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Day 2: In Transit

• ·         We took a 7 hour bus ride where we drove through the rural villages. The dimly lit bumpy dirt roads had small shacks with thatched roofs amidst the trees. It was incredible to see that people still live like this today with no running water, no plumbing, no electricity, etc. etc. It was a stark contrast to the Pagoda from yesterday.

• ·         We visited a local shop making parasols, traditional umbrellas. We saw them being hand crafted and pieced together.

• ·         We arrived at Ngwe Saung beach a beautiful seaside resort. I was blown away by the setting a large pool overlooking the expansive beach with lush sand and the sparkling blue ocean. We couldn't help but jump in the pool as we watched the sunset.

 

Day 3: Ngwe Saung Beach

• ·         We spent the day at the pool and beach just relaxing. We walked to the "downtown," just a few  shacks in a row, to buy some delicious banana chips and have some dinner at a local restaurant. We watched fireworks off the beach when the sun went down. The stars were bright and the half moon was rotated horizontal instead of vertical because of our location. It was a picture perfect vacation day.

 

Day 4: School Visit

• ·         The local trucks drove us to the school as we all sat crammed in the back bumping along with dust from the roads flying past us. This is the normal mode of transportation for the people here. Semester at Sea had previously donated a building and water purification system to the local school we visited. We brought a money donation that would be going to bring solar panels so they could have electricity. We were able to spend our time hanging out with the children. I met a 5 year old little girl who I played with the entire time which was very fun.

• ·       Then​ we spent the rest of the day back at the beach. I swam in the ocean, of course, and there were little stings that you would feel throughout though you could not see anything in the water.. We were told they are fish eggs. There was a bonfire on the beach to end the night.

Day 5: Elephant Camp

·         Our last day we rode elephants which was an absolutely amazing experience. I am so happy that I was able to be so close to these magnificent animals. First we fed them sugar cane. They would reach out with their trunks and take it right from your hand. (See the picture!)

·         Then we went for a 20 minute ride in a basket on their back through the jungle. We were able to see the area where they live and are able to roam free in the afternoons.  I asked if I could sit where the trainer did on the very front of the elephant and then said yes! The elephant knelt down and I climbed on his back. I felt his power as he lifted me up. SO AMAZING!

Singapore Recap!

Happy Chinese New Year! 
 

Singapore Day 1:

• ·         First, we took a cable car that went across the harbor and over the ship. A very unique view from above! Then we went on the Singapore Flyer, the largest observation wheel in the world.

• ·         We toured the city and went to a light show at the Marina Bay Sands waterside overlooking the city skyline. Water was sprayed creating a backdrop for lights and images to be displayed. The song "What a Wonderful World" started playing, which was so fitting for this amazing moment.

• ·         Then we took a river boat decorated in lanterns to a Chinese New Years Carnival which included a concert and tight rope walker. A very eventful way to end the evening! 

 

Day 2:

• ·         Singapore Zoo – We spent the day at the zoo admiring those animals that we cannot see at home. Incredible animals were there including a white tiger, orangutans, huge bats with a foot and a half wingspans and more!

• ·         My favorite moment was when an employee took out a bucket of fruit to feed the bats and lemurs. We were right nearby and actually were able to be right up and close with them. Check out the close encounter with a lemur in the picture!

Vietnam Day 3-6

Vietnam Day 3: Hanoi

 

• ·         Two of my friends and I flew up to Hanoi from Ho Chi Minh city, the complete other side of the country leaving the ship at 4am. We had a tour of Ho Chi Minh Complex, which included the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and House on Stilts. We also visited the outdoor flower market which was beautiful.

   

• ·         Next we went to the National Museum of Ethnology where we saw the different housing structures for the different cultures within Vietnam. Traditional Water Puppet Show – This was traditional… and a bit boring to be honest. But still interesting to see because of its cultural history.

   

• ·         We finished off our night with the best dinner I've had on the trip so far. Madame Hien restaurant a French and Vietnamese place. Highly recommended if you are ever in Vietnam!

   

 

 

Vietnam Day 4 & 5: Halong Bay à Valentine's Day

 

• ·         Halong bay was the highlight of the week! We boarded a wooden boat that was much bigger and fancier than we expected. We were given an itinerary for the two day trip and off we went.

   

• ·         The pouring rain had just stopped when we were hiking one of the islands to the top. Here we had a gorgeous view, and there were monkeys walking around us. We swam in Halong bay at the beach, we couldn't resist even though the temperature was now around 70 degrees F. We visited a bat cave and had a traditional ride on a small wooden rowing boat.

   

• ·         Then we went back to our larger boat where we had cocktails on the deck overlooking the other boats lit up with the beautiful scenery in the background. Then we had a 7 course dinner of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

   

--Day 5 –

 

·         We woke up early to do a Tai Chi class on the deck. See the picture below for one of the poses we learned. This was so peaceful and relaxing.

 

·         Then we visited a large cave inside one of the islands that was huge! 


 

Vietnam Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

 

·         We visited an orphanage and brought them toothbrushes and snacks. I bonded with a girl around 3 years old, who put sticks on my cheeks and played tag with me. She was adorable and happy despite her situation. 

 

 

 

Vietnam Day 1 & 2

Vietnam Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

 

• ·          Our first day in Vietnam was awesome. The temperature was 90 degrees F. What everyone says about the traffic and motorbikes is completely true. They are everywhere! We learned that to cross the street you actually have to walk very slowly and the bikes will turn to avoid you
• ·         I took a city orientation tour where we visited the museum of history, a temple, the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and an old Opera house.
• ·         When at the opera house we bought tickets to see the AO Show that night. It was a fantastic show with a mix of bamboo acrobatics, cultural scenes, and dance.
• ·         After dinner, we went to the outdoor market. The items are very inexpensive here so I managed to pick up some interesting souvenirs. The city is decorated for "Tet" their New Year, so the streets are decorated with lights creating a wonderful night view.

   

Vietnam Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels and War Museum

 

• ·         The Cu Chi Tunnels that were used in the Vietnam War were fascinating to see. They were only approximately 2 ft wide by 3 ft tall. Built in 3 layers of tunnels at different depths, if lined side by side they would span 135 miles. It is beyond imaginable to picture a war being fought within them.
• ·         The war remnants museum was eye opening and heartbreaking. It was very interesting to see the other perspective on the war, whether it be true or propaganda. It made you feel guilty to be an American as everything inside was about the American war crimes and horrors the Americans committed. 
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China Recap!

China Day 1: Shanghai

• ·         Spent the day on a city orientation tour through Semester at Sea. Explored the old towns, Shanghai Museum, a traditional market and went to an acrobatic show.

 

China Day 2-5: Beijing

I was on a huge trip with 40 people in my group to Beijing and 120 people total participating. But we were able to cover a lot of ground i

  --Day 2 --

• ·         Tea tasting

• ·         Trishaw pedicab ride through the back streets where people live. This was the first time I saw the dust layer, trash, and poor living conditions of some of the Chinese people.

• ·         We had dinner with a family who taught us how to make dumplings.

 

--Day 3 –

• ·         Tian'men Square – The largest public square in the world. Due to China's internet censorship many of the Chinese people have no knowledge of the massacre.

• ·         Forbidden City – Also known as the imperial palace, it was the home to 24 emperors.

• ·         Lama Temple – This is home to a huge Buddha! 26 meters tall.

• ·         Acrobatic Show

• ·         Dinner with traditional roasted duck.

 

--Day 4–

• ·         Kong Fu Show

• ·         Jade Factory – Real jade is made into beautiful jewelry and figurines here.

• ·         Great Wall of China – This is as beautiful as we could have imagined. The wall is bigger than I had imagined, and you can see it span off into the distance as far as the eye can see. It is amazing to think that it was built before the time of machinery and all of the materials had to be carried up to their current locations by hand. We took a cable car up and tobogganed down from the overlook area.

o   Successfully bargained for a quilt at the shops here!

 

 

China Day 6: Hong Kong

• ·         Spent the day with my modern world fiction class. We hiked for 4 hours up a mountain. The views from the top were spectacular overlooking the harbor. It was nice to be out of the city and to enjoy the nature that people tend to overlook when the think of Hong Kong.

·         Hong Kong's history is fascinating. Given back to China in 1997, after being a British Colony. Being here has made me much more interested to learn more about many parts of China's background.

Happy Birthday Mom!

I wanted to send an extra special early birthday shout out to my mom.Thank you for all of the support you give me and the amazing opportunity to travel the world. This is today from the back of the ship on this windy Monday. Tomorrow I will be arriving in China for my next adventure. Love you Mom! Hope you have a fantastic birthday!