Soon we are off!

In just a few days, a group of 11 students and two professors will be making their way to Southeast Asia for an intensive and culturally immersive study abroad program. Students are now hard at workRead more
Breakfast in Doha

Our first real stop in Doha was for an authentic breakfast at a very popular spot. The owner greeted us warmly and we ate all kinds of interesting things, including a special milk tea.
Sheik's Camels

These camels are famous camel racing winners and now they belong to the Sheik. He has bought them and now they are on display where people can walk right up to them.
Falcon Culture

Falcons are a big part of the Qatari culture. This country used to be poor prior to finding natural gas and oil in the 1930s. At that point, there were two classes of people, and one was the betterRead more
Mosque Visit

We visited a mosque and were able to enter the prayer room during one of the calls to prayer. Of course, the women had to be appropriately dressed and we received a little help. The guide alsoRead more
Architecture in Qatar

It's nice for students to experience places so different from home. Clearly, nothing reminds us of Virginia!
Dhow Boating

Almost surprise activity number one from my friend Ellen was a ride on a wooden junk boat and it has been amazing. We are learning about all of the different buildings.
World Cup

This statute is on an island in the water and represents the world cup symbol. It looks very different from each angle and at one point it looks like a whale's mouth and eventually the symbol.
When in Rome...

We went to a fantastic Syrian restaurant tonight and use of a hookah pipe is common. You can literally order one and smoke it while you eat dinner in the restaurant. Fortunately, it is tobacco minusRead more
Syrian Dinner

Dinner in the souk was fantastic, but I forgot to take pictures of the food. We had hummus and homemade pita, baba ghanouj, eggplant roasted with peppers, roasted lamb, chicken Shawarma, tabouli,Read more
Souk Waqif

We gave students time to explore this historic souk and it is not just a place for tourists. The fabrics and spices were incredible.
Part 2

We had the most amazing time with our host and hostess, Rob and Ellen. They put together an amazing itinerary for us. We are now on our way to Doha airport for part two of this adventure… Off toRead more
What We Thought...

What we thought of Doha with our wonderful hosts, Ellen and Rob (as interpreted by Thai and professor Brazier).
Street Food

By the time we went out for food, it was relatively late. But we found one street restaurant open and the staff were so wonderful. Everyone had delicious food that cost very little. The owner wasRead more
Spirit Houses

Students have studied Buddhism in preparation for our travels. And tonight they saw two spirit houses, a house for the spirits that is outside of your home or business. They can be ornate or simple,Read more
Turkish Ice Cream

Forgot to post this yesterday. Ice cream is a fun experience in the market.
Royal Palace

At first stop of the day was the royal palace and it does not disappoint. The structures reflect lots of different cultures, including Burmese and Cambodian.
Wat Pho

This temple houses one of the most beautiful reclining Buddha's in Thailand. You see James putting coins in individual pots which will bring us good luck in our travels.
Flower and Vegetable Market

We explored the Bangkok vegetable and flower markets. Both are huge and pick up starting at midnight.
TukTuks

We rode tuk tuks to Chinatown, in lieu of the subway. It's a fun way to travel.
Chinatown

Great time exploring Chinatown. It would be very easy to get lost in the maze of alleyways.
Award Winning Pad Thai

This plate of pad Thai noodles will ruin you. Absolutely delicious and about $2.75.
Thai Fried Chicken

This meal is always a hit and comes with cucumbers and Thai sweet chili sauce. Price is about $1.50!
Salt Farming

Our first stop today was at a salt farm outside of Bangkok. We are not that far from the sea and so they are harvesting salt water and making different kinds of salt, from commercial salt like we useRead more
Popsicle Maker & Coconuts

This gentleman is making Popsicles in a special machine. The students were treated to one and flavors were amazing… Blue Hawaiian, coconut, mango, pineapple, Fanta, etc. Then they tried freshRead more
TravelerSo excited to live vicariously through my student!! Thanks for allowing us to follow your adventures through this forum.