Quick blurbs from students - more to come

We continue to travel at an incredibly rapid pace and as a result we apologize for the lack of chronological description and pictures.  But we hope, and trust, that the pictures we have posted reveal what an amazing experience we are all having.

To bring you up to date: upon docking from our amazing "cruise" of HaLong bay we returned to Hanoi to experience the intensity of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, an ancient Buddhist pagoda and the Temple of Literature built in 1070. Ultimately we returned to our hotel in the "old quarter" which was an endless stimulation of senses, culture and fun!  We were very sad to say goodbye to Vietnam and our wonderful tour guide, Nha, but after a 2-hour flight we quickly arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia to find a new haven of culture and senses. 

We escaped the 100+ temperatures of Vietnam to find monsoon downpours in commencing our tour of Angkor Wat - but this was well invited and did not stop the DA crew! Seeking refuge in the largest temple in the world (and UNESCO World Heritage Site,) the rain brought a majestic feel to the experience and students were not deterred from fully immersing themselves (literally) in the history. We then ventured to Ta Prohm, a neighboring temple site known for its tangled, ingrown Banyan tree roots and recent feature in National Geographic and films such as Tomb Raider. The beauty and energy of this place are unparalleled; words fail to appropriately describe the scene and experience, which we can only express as being on the same scale as Machu Picchu and the Great Pyramids…

Today we're switching gears and headed out to do some outdoor adventuring on 4-wheelers around Siem Reap. Local markets and rooftop swimming are on the agenda for the afternoon. More pictures and student reflections to come!
STUDENT BLURBS
 This trip has helped reopen my eyes to the world! I have gotten to know more people at DA and around the world! This is an amazing experience and I'm so glad that I was lucky enough to have this experience!  
-Emma Hansen
  
Angkor Wat or Angkor Wet as we called it today, was an awe inspiring place, standing in the hallway and looking up at the spiral towers and knowing what effort it took to build them was a feeling that we had to celebrate by dancing in the rain.
-Eden Anderson

 This trip has been amazing. I loved seeing Angkor Wat - it definitely is my favorite place I've been to on the trip. I am so happy to have gone on this trip.
-Trey Neagle

I have had an amazing time in Cambodia and Vietnam. This has changed my life.  We have seen spectacular temples and beautiful landscapes. My favorites so far have been Ha Long Bay and Angkor Wat.
- Carley Lockton

Board the bus and start to drive
Carry ID and you will thrive
Step up for your Angkor pass
Keep it with you and move fast
Pass through carvings and keystones
Documenting with cameras and phones
History taking root in the brain
Step outside into the pouring rain
Not to the top, stairs are closed
Take shelter or stay exposed
Soaked through clothes and jacket sleeves
Gather up and start to leave
Walk on, mud on boots
Insignificant to trees with massive roots
Find the bus, climb aboard
Off to lunch we drive toward

-Cassidy Wilson

This trip has been a life changer. All of the great experiences with the temples and the history have been greater to learn about than I thought. It was a long plane ride but totally worth it. - Zach Petrie

Cambodia has quickly become the highlight of the trip. The weather is cooler and the culture is more intact and less westernized than Vietnam. The temples were infinitely impressive and I wish I could relive every second of walking through them.

-Adam El Gammal

This trip was awe-inspiring. I was able to see a different perspective. I was able to see how different people live and interact with each other. I got to experience Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh's grave, and I was able to see Angkor Wat. I am so glad that I was able to come and experience these different places.
- Alden

I think this trip is one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. I'm so grateful I get to see these amazing places and experience the amazing culture. I am creating memories I'll never forget. 

- Crosby