I will be doing the following "Faculty Directed Practica" on the trip:
Cachoeira, Brazil
Description:
This trip to Cachoeira is an opportunity to gain insight into the lives of a majority of Brazilians who live in small rural communities, far from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Your destination is the 16th-century colonial town of Cachoeira, built on the banks of the Paraguacu River. Set in the heart of the oldest farm land in Brazil, it was the center of the sugar and tobacco boom which were sources of the early wealth of the colony. The inhabitants used their immense wealth to build splendid homes and churches, and Cachoeira has some of the finest examples of baroque and rococco architecture in Brazil. In fact, UNESCO declared it a World Monument. In light of this status, Cachoeira was by-passed during expansion of the road network at the beginning of this century. Thus the town retained its charm, untouched by the 20th century.
Leave the city and travel through the oldest farmlands in Brazil. This is the land of plantations, peaceful colonial towns and busy country markets. Stop at an experimental cacao farm. Until recently, this farm was in private hands but was appropriated and handed over to the national popular movement for agrarian reform, one fo Brazil's most pressing social problems. Continue to Cachoeira for a late lunch at the Pousada Convento do Carmo, a 17th century monastery converted into a pousada (guest house). Enjoy a walking tour of this charming riverside town as it relaxes for the Carnival period, getting a feel for country town life. Return to Salvador. (PRICE: $65.00)
Making Movie Art
Description:
India has one of the largest film production industries in the world, and Chennai is India's second largest film-making center (after Mumbai's "Bollywood"). Here, movies are made in several languages. At one of the major film studios of Chennai, we shall tour the studio lots and, depending on the studio's schedule, visit various departments, including sound dubbing facilities, mixing rooms and editing facilities. If a film is being shot on the studio sets at the time of our visit, there is a possibility of observing some of the actors. (PRICE: $20.00)
Ho Chi Minh City Orientation
Description:
This orientation will introduce you to the contrasts of bustling Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly referred to as Saigon. Amongst the grand old buildings, you will see colorful markets selling everything from lemon grass to French bread and, of course, an endless stream of bicycles, cyclos (trishaws) and motorbikes. You will visit the History Museum, which documents the evolution of Vietnam's various cultures from the Dong Son Bronze Age civilization to the Chams and the Khmers. The History Museum also features a water puppet performance. Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese performing art that dates back to the 11th century. The stage is a pool of water upon which puppet masters who are hidden behind the set, maneuver brightly colored wooden puppets. You will also visit hte former Presidential Palace, where everything has been left much as it was on April 30, 1975 when North Vietnamese military tanks crashed through the front gates and overthrew the South Vietnamese government. In addition to touring the former palace rooms, you can view a video about the French and American Wars. If time permits, your orientation will include a brief stop at the ornate Thien Hau Pagoda which is known for its profusion of incense coils which burn for as long as one month. Photo stops will be made at Notre Dame Cathedral and City Hall (PRICE: $37.00)
Hong Kong Historic City Orientation
Description:
Although under British influence for the last several decades, Hong Kong still retains many traditional Chinese images. This practicum visits the gazetted monuments in Hong Kong as well as heritage and historical buildings with an interesting background. Visit the Museum of Tea War, St. John's Cathedral, Old French Mission Building, Legislative Council Building. Then take a tram ride to Victoria Peak for a spectacular view of the city. Also visit Cat Street, Man Mo Temple and Aberdeen, home of hundreds of people living on fishing junkets and juxtaposed against a modern high-rise community. (Box lunches from the ship will be provided) (PRICE: $29.00)
Kyoto, Japan
Description:
As an imperial capital for nearly 1000 years, some of the finest temples, palaces, villas and gardens are found in Kyoto. Culture and lifestyle are refined in this city, which is dotted with oases of tranquility and beauty exemplifying the best of Japan. You will first visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), which was constructed in the 1390s as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and features a three-story pavilion covered in gold leaf and topped with a bronze phoenix on its roof. Next, you will visit Nijo Castle. Built in 1603, this castle was the residence of the Tokugawa Shogun and is known for its contrast of solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors as well as its perfectly manicured garden. After lunch at Maruyama Park, you will visit Heian Shrine honoring the peaceful period from 794-1192. Your last stop will be Kiyomizu Temple where you will enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city from its terrace. The trip includes round trip transportation by motorcoach, admission fees to sites and an English-speaking guide. (Box lunches from the ship will be provided.) (PRICE: $60.00)
