Thursday, July 28, 2011
Twincle Twincle Gobi Stars
In the Gobi Ger camp we were so far from any lights or pollution that you could see the stars twinkling-that’s not just a cute song. I usually need assistance to locate the big dipper, but it was nearly impossible to not look up and pick out the bright stars shaping the handle and bowl. The most incredible part was that there were no trees, so sitting in the middle of the dessert you felt like you were in a giant planetarium.
The Gandan
I have visited a lot of famous and amazing temples and monasteries in Asia and marveled at the tall Buddhas and intricate decorations. However, visiting the Gandan with the Mongolian students as guides was the most beautiful experience. A group of students showed me how to enter by spinning the golden wheels for good luck for the future, hold my hands in prayer to my heart in front of the giant Buddha, and walk counter clockwise around the monastery turning more gold wheels for good luck and offering prayers to Buddha. The girls showed me how to exit in front of the Buddha without turning my back on the statue, and then to walk in a circle turning the gold wheel on the opposite side of the entrance to complete our circular journey. This is the kind of insight into a culture you can only experience when you are with friends from that culture.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Meat and Milk
Like much of Mongolian culture, Mongolian food reflects the nomadic and herding lifestyle which is still common today. In terms of food this means mainly 2 things-meat and milk. Mongolians love meat-mutton and beef is the most common. I have been served mutton with rice mixed with mutton as a side dish and soup of potatoes and mutton. Milk curd, yogurt, fermented mares milk, milk tea, and milk candies were all offered to me in shows of overwhelming hospitality in my host family, the middle school I visited, and the herding families the students interviewed as part of the student newspaper.
There are also a few fire and ice type “Mongolian BBQ” restaurants where you put your meat, veggies, noodles, and sauce, in a bowl and bring it up to a big circular grill. I tried horse at one of these. I also literally screamed (not my proudest moment) when I lifted the top of a buffest tray to find an entire goat head staring at me.
When we stayed at the Nairmandal children’s camp we ate mainly Korean breakfast because we were with Korean teachers. This was mainly rice, kim chi, eggs, and cured meat. In a very kind effort to serve something the Americans would like they also served cocoa puffs-and this made me very happy.
That's the goat head!
There are also a few fire and ice type “Mongolian BBQ” restaurants where you put your meat, veggies, noodles, and sauce, in a bowl and bring it up to a big circular grill. I tried horse at one of these. I also literally screamed (not my proudest moment) when I lifted the top of a buffest tray to find an entire goat head staring at me.
When we stayed at the Nairmandal children’s camp we ate mainly Korean breakfast because we were with Korean teachers. This was mainly rice, kim chi, eggs, and cured meat. In a very kind effort to serve something the Americans would like they also served cocoa puffs-and this made me very happy.
That's the goat head!
Welcome!
We are here on the other side of the world. From smiling faces holding American and Mongolian flags greeting us as we stepped off the plane to drinking traditional mares milk from a bowl and blue cloth and meeting our host families, we can say we feel truly welcomed here in Mongolia.
This is me and my host sister and group leader Tsing Sig. She's the best!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Mongolia!!!
Next up-Mongolia! I will be leading a group of 11 Boston Public High school students along with 4 teachers. Updates to come :-)
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Ventura/Venice/LA
Hello Trip 4 Followers,
Upon arrival at our campground in Ventura Beach it was evident that Trip 4 members have become a true team, as working together we had those green tents up in no time. We enjoyed a game of kickball while waiting for dinner and later played “The Dating Game” around the campfire.
What is your idea of an ideal date? “We would go bowling, so I could bowl his heart away” said Bachelorette #1. If you could pick one song to play to your date what would it be? “I’d play My Boo, because it means soul mate in Russian” replied Bachelorette # 2. If you had a million dollars what would you buy? “I’d buy you a green dress, but not a real green dress that’s cruel” replied bachelor #3, quoting the song If I had a Million Dollars. After all eligible bachelors and bachelorettes answered a set of questions, the blind folded contestant was able to choose a winner, aided by audience applause. Sam B was our first contestant, and the lucky bachelorette he chose turned out to be Matt. Sorry Sam, we had to have a little fun with our first unknowing contestant. We’ve never laughed so much around the fire.
Trip 4 woke up to the smell of blueberry, banana, and chocolate chip pancakes on the grill. Matt and Deena were excellent pancake assistants. We then headed to the palm tree-lined beach where we watched the surfers and strolled the boardwalk. The night out was a trip to the movies where many Twilight fanatics were excited to see the third movie in the saga-Eclipse. However, we were very torn about who is on team Jacob and team Edward. While those viewing Toy Story Three in 3D said it was very touching, and some trip members both female and male may have let out a tear or two.
We spent our first day in Los Angeles at Universal Studios. As a group, we took the tram tour behind the scenes of the sets used by Universal. Trip members saw a very realistic interpretation of a New York Street where a commercial was being filmed as well as the actual set of Wysteria Lane form the show Desperate Housewives. A trip favorite was the Simpsons ride which took your group on a simulation of a roller coaster ride gone wild in “Krusty Land” with Krusty the clown on the prowl to get revenge on the Bart, Homer, Marge, Lisa, and even the little baby Maggie. “The technology and creativity of the Simpson’s ride made it really great, even if you’re not a Simpson’s fan” said Camille.
In the evening we had the chance to walk along the trendy shops which lit up Universal’s City Walk before enjoying a great dinner at the Hollywood Hard Rock Café. Ryan was pumped to visit the huge Hot Topic store, so he could stock up on t shirts of his favorite bands, which he can’t find in Canada. And our Floridians, Calin and Taylor, introduced us to the magic place of Yogurt Land where we tried free samples of frozen yogurt flavors like passion fruit, green tea, and coconut chocolate.
The Californian Adventure tour has an aim to educate students as well as to have fun. Our visit to the Museum of Tolerance allowed us to participate in a video exhibit about bullying which surveyed the group, viewed a video piece about genocide throughout the world, and walked through an exhibit which presented the progression of the Holocaust. “I liked the Museum of Tolerance more than I thought I would,” commented Jessi B, “it was interesting because it was interactive.” Trip members agreed that it is important to think about tough issues and how to prevent hatred in our world.
After reflecting on our museum experience, we continued onto shopping and lunch time at Venice Beach, where we saw some strange things including a skateboarding dog, dancing cowboy, and an aspiring rap artist named Lynez whom Jerry supported. However, Venice (or “Muscle”) Beach had no idea what it was in for with the arrival of Trip 4 when along the boardwalk ran excited Trip 4 teams eagerly questioning paserbys-“Does anyone have an outy?” “Are you wearing underwear?” “Would three of you please do the can-can for us? Yes 3 please.” “Do you have a truck driver’s license?” “Can you do 10 push ups?” “Do you have six pack abs?” “And can we take a picture of this-we need proof?” The first team to earn a point in our People Hunt competition-Emma, Judy, Anna, and Jessi R-amazingly found a person wearing a suit, tie, and carrying a briefcase. It was a Samuel L Jackson impersonator from Pulp Fiction, who also excellently quoted the Big Mac skit for trip leader Caitlin. Venice Beach will never be the same after the Trip 4 People Hunt Competition Venice Beach edition.
After our adventure in Venice (Beach not Italy for those of you skimming this email), we composed ourselves to walk among the rich and famous on Rodeo Drive. We felt very glamorous browsing Gucci, Versace, and Chanel and plaused that Bradangelina or George Clooney could have passed through the very spot we were standing in. Vito, Cami, Brenna, and Sam L visited the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and took a picture at the piano imaging they were Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, unfortunately Richard Gere was not stroking the keys. Ally H, Ali R, Brooke, Olivia, Camille, and Jessi B. impressively found bargains on bath products at Victoria Secret, while Sam K and Dan encountered pomegranate ice-cream, which they said was delicious.
Trip 4 continued on to dinner and show-a comedy show at the Improv Comedy Club. The brick walls of the Improv were adorned with photos of comedians such as Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, and Adam Sandler who have all performed at this Hollywood hot spot. As our group sat front and center and made up 90 percent of the audience, we were clearly the butt of nearly all jokes-which was to our absolute enjoyment. One of the comics hoped on stage donning a Yankees cap, and it was evident Matt’s beloved Met’s shirt was going to get him into trouble “Who thinks Matt is cute?” he asked, to which counselor Paige eagerly raised her hand and became the bright red-faced focus of the rest of the jokes. Our awesome bus driver Joe was deemed the very fertile father of all 28 Trip 4 members. And Taylor’s uncontrollable laughter directly in front of the mic had the comedians cracking up in spite of themselves.
We heard that laughing for 30 seconds burns 100 calories, so we figured laughing for an hour demanded ice-cream cookie sandwiches from the famous Diddy Reese ice-cream shop. These are no ordinary ice-cream sandwiches, which was evident by the line which laps down the block each night. You pick two fresh made cookies and the ice-cream flavor of your choice. Chocolate chip cookie + cookie dough ice cream + chocolate with white chocolate chip cookie = Alec’s delicious concoction. Josh’s classic genius sandwich was two chocolate chip cookies with cookie dough ice cream. MMMMMM!
Our next day was one we have all been waiting for-DISNEY!! We began with a Disney sing-a-long on the bus. The two favorite rides were definitely Space Mountain and the Indiana Jones Adventure. Space Mountain in California was officially deemed way better than Space Mountain in Florida. And Indiana Jones ended with the extremely realistic illusion of boulder rolling over your jeep. Trip 4 ended the night perfectly by watching the fabulous firework show above the Disney castle.
The last day in LA was spent volunteering at the LA food bank. We sorted, cleaned, and inspected some of the over one million lbs of food that the food bank will distribute to people in need in the LA area every year. Everyone worked together really well, and accomplished a lot in the few hours we gave. Group leaders said you would have thought Laura and Joni were full-time employees at the food bank, with the organization and ease they worked. “I could have stayed longer. It was a great way to help people,” said Olivia. Trip 4 was really proud to have worked so quickly and efficiently that our group sorted enough food to feed 100 families for a full day!! We are so proud of our trip 4 spirit!
The end of the Trip 4 LA experience was marked with a view of the Hollywood sign and trip to the Walk of Fame to view our favorite celebrity’s names and stars on the sidewalk. We learned that you actually have to meet certain qualifications, apply, and pay for a spot on the walkway. Trip 4 also visited Mann’s Chinese Theater, where we could place our hands and feet in celebrities’ prints. We also witnessed the set up for the movie premier of Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page. We were clearly a bit star-struck!
Here we come San Diego, sun, and surf! Again, let’s end this email with THE trip 4 cheer …
“I, 2, 3 … TRIP 4!”
Talk to you soon!
Your Trip 4 leaders
Jared, Jessica, Paige, Ditty, and Caitlin
Upon arrival at our campground in Ventura Beach it was evident that Trip 4 members have become a true team, as working together we had those green tents up in no time. We enjoyed a game of kickball while waiting for dinner and later played “The Dating Game” around the campfire.
What is your idea of an ideal date? “We would go bowling, so I could bowl his heart away” said Bachelorette #1. If you could pick one song to play to your date what would it be? “I’d play My Boo, because it means soul mate in Russian” replied Bachelorette # 2. If you had a million dollars what would you buy? “I’d buy you a green dress, but not a real green dress that’s cruel” replied bachelor #3, quoting the song If I had a Million Dollars. After all eligible bachelors and bachelorettes answered a set of questions, the blind folded contestant was able to choose a winner, aided by audience applause. Sam B was our first contestant, and the lucky bachelorette he chose turned out to be Matt. Sorry Sam, we had to have a little fun with our first unknowing contestant. We’ve never laughed so much around the fire.
Trip 4 woke up to the smell of blueberry, banana, and chocolate chip pancakes on the grill. Matt and Deena were excellent pancake assistants. We then headed to the palm tree-lined beach where we watched the surfers and strolled the boardwalk. The night out was a trip to the movies where many Twilight fanatics were excited to see the third movie in the saga-Eclipse. However, we were very torn about who is on team Jacob and team Edward. While those viewing Toy Story Three in 3D said it was very touching, and some trip members both female and male may have let out a tear or two.
We spent our first day in Los Angeles at Universal Studios. As a group, we took the tram tour behind the scenes of the sets used by Universal. Trip members saw a very realistic interpretation of a New York Street where a commercial was being filmed as well as the actual set of Wysteria Lane form the show Desperate Housewives. A trip favorite was the Simpsons ride which took your group on a simulation of a roller coaster ride gone wild in “Krusty Land” with Krusty the clown on the prowl to get revenge on the Bart, Homer, Marge, Lisa, and even the little baby Maggie. “The technology and creativity of the Simpson’s ride made it really great, even if you’re not a Simpson’s fan” said Camille.
In the evening we had the chance to walk along the trendy shops which lit up Universal’s City Walk before enjoying a great dinner at the Hollywood Hard Rock Café. Ryan was pumped to visit the huge Hot Topic store, so he could stock up on t shirts of his favorite bands, which he can’t find in Canada. And our Floridians, Calin and Taylor, introduced us to the magic place of Yogurt Land where we tried free samples of frozen yogurt flavors like passion fruit, green tea, and coconut chocolate.
The Californian Adventure tour has an aim to educate students as well as to have fun. Our visit to the Museum of Tolerance allowed us to participate in a video exhibit about bullying which surveyed the group, viewed a video piece about genocide throughout the world, and walked through an exhibit which presented the progression of the Holocaust. “I liked the Museum of Tolerance more than I thought I would,” commented Jessi B, “it was interesting because it was interactive.” Trip members agreed that it is important to think about tough issues and how to prevent hatred in our world.
After reflecting on our museum experience, we continued onto shopping and lunch time at Venice Beach, where we saw some strange things including a skateboarding dog, dancing cowboy, and an aspiring rap artist named Lynez whom Jerry supported. However, Venice (or “Muscle”) Beach had no idea what it was in for with the arrival of Trip 4 when along the boardwalk ran excited Trip 4 teams eagerly questioning paserbys-“Does anyone have an outy?” “Are you wearing underwear?” “Would three of you please do the can-can for us? Yes 3 please.” “Do you have a truck driver’s license?” “Can you do 10 push ups?” “Do you have six pack abs?” “And can we take a picture of this-we need proof?” The first team to earn a point in our People Hunt competition-Emma, Judy, Anna, and Jessi R-amazingly found a person wearing a suit, tie, and carrying a briefcase. It was a Samuel L Jackson impersonator from Pulp Fiction, who also excellently quoted the Big Mac skit for trip leader Caitlin. Venice Beach will never be the same after the Trip 4 People Hunt Competition Venice Beach edition.
After our adventure in Venice (Beach not Italy for those of you skimming this email), we composed ourselves to walk among the rich and famous on Rodeo Drive. We felt very glamorous browsing Gucci, Versace, and Chanel and plaused that Bradangelina or George Clooney could have passed through the very spot we were standing in. Vito, Cami, Brenna, and Sam L visited the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and took a picture at the piano imaging they were Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, unfortunately Richard Gere was not stroking the keys. Ally H, Ali R, Brooke, Olivia, Camille, and Jessi B. impressively found bargains on bath products at Victoria Secret, while Sam K and Dan encountered pomegranate ice-cream, which they said was delicious.
Trip 4 continued on to dinner and show-a comedy show at the Improv Comedy Club. The brick walls of the Improv were adorned with photos of comedians such as Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, and Adam Sandler who have all performed at this Hollywood hot spot. As our group sat front and center and made up 90 percent of the audience, we were clearly the butt of nearly all jokes-which was to our absolute enjoyment. One of the comics hoped on stage donning a Yankees cap, and it was evident Matt’s beloved Met’s shirt was going to get him into trouble “Who thinks Matt is cute?” he asked, to which counselor Paige eagerly raised her hand and became the bright red-faced focus of the rest of the jokes. Our awesome bus driver Joe was deemed the very fertile father of all 28 Trip 4 members. And Taylor’s uncontrollable laughter directly in front of the mic had the comedians cracking up in spite of themselves.
We heard that laughing for 30 seconds burns 100 calories, so we figured laughing for an hour demanded ice-cream cookie sandwiches from the famous Diddy Reese ice-cream shop. These are no ordinary ice-cream sandwiches, which was evident by the line which laps down the block each night. You pick two fresh made cookies and the ice-cream flavor of your choice. Chocolate chip cookie + cookie dough ice cream + chocolate with white chocolate chip cookie = Alec’s delicious concoction. Josh’s classic genius sandwich was two chocolate chip cookies with cookie dough ice cream. MMMMMM!
Our next day was one we have all been waiting for-DISNEY!! We began with a Disney sing-a-long on the bus. The two favorite rides were definitely Space Mountain and the Indiana Jones Adventure. Space Mountain in California was officially deemed way better than Space Mountain in Florida. And Indiana Jones ended with the extremely realistic illusion of boulder rolling over your jeep. Trip 4 ended the night perfectly by watching the fabulous firework show above the Disney castle.
The last day in LA was spent volunteering at the LA food bank. We sorted, cleaned, and inspected some of the over one million lbs of food that the food bank will distribute to people in need in the LA area every year. Everyone worked together really well, and accomplished a lot in the few hours we gave. Group leaders said you would have thought Laura and Joni were full-time employees at the food bank, with the organization and ease they worked. “I could have stayed longer. It was a great way to help people,” said Olivia. Trip 4 was really proud to have worked so quickly and efficiently that our group sorted enough food to feed 100 families for a full day!! We are so proud of our trip 4 spirit!
The end of the Trip 4 LA experience was marked with a view of the Hollywood sign and trip to the Walk of Fame to view our favorite celebrity’s names and stars on the sidewalk. We learned that you actually have to meet certain qualifications, apply, and pay for a spot on the walkway. Trip 4 also visited Mann’s Chinese Theater, where we could place our hands and feet in celebrities’ prints. We also witnessed the set up for the movie premier of Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page. We were clearly a bit star-struck!
Here we come San Diego, sun, and surf! Again, let’s end this email with THE trip 4 cheer …
“I, 2, 3 … TRIP 4!”
Talk to you soon!
Your Trip 4 leaders
Jared, Jessica, Paige, Ditty, and Caitlin
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