Soon we are off!
May 14, 2023 in the United States
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
May 22, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F
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
May 22, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F
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
May 22, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F
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
May 22, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F
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
May 22, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F
It's nice for students to experience places so different from home. Clearly, nothing reminds us of Virginia!
Dhow Boating
May 22, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ 🌙 91 °F
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
May 22, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ 🌙 91 °F
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...
May 22, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ 🌙 86 °F
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
May 22, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ 🌙 86 °F
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
May 22, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ 🌙 86 °F
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
May 23, 2023 in Qatar ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
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...
May 23, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 97 °F
What we thought of Doha with our wonderful hosts, Ellen and Rob (as interpreted by Thai and professor Brazier).
Street Food
May 23, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F
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
May 23, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F
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
May 23, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 95 °F
Forgot to post this yesterday. Ice cream is a fun experience in the market.
Royal Palace
May 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 97 °F
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.
TravelerPicture can not do the Palace justice with all the shimmer. My year it was cloudy and rainy, but it still shines.
Melanie MarksSo true. We had a sunny day and it was so shiny. But pics don't capture it well.
Wat Pho
May 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 95 °F
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
May 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 90 °F
We explored the Bangkok vegetable and flower markets. Both are huge and pick up starting at midnight.
TukTuks
May 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 90 °F
We rode tuk tuks to Chinatown, in lieu of the subway. It's a fun way to travel.
Chinatown
May 24, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ 🌧 90 °F
Great time exploring Chinatown. It would be very easy to get lost in the maze of alleyways.
Award Winning Pad Thai
May 24, 2023 in Thailand
This plate of pad Thai noodles will ruin you. Absolutely delicious and about $2.75.
Thai Fried Chicken
May 25, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F
This meal is always a hit and comes with cucumbers and Thai sweet chili sauce. Price is about $1.50!
Salt Farming
May 25, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 86 °F
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
May 25, 2023 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 90 °F
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.