Study Abroad with UNA
Destinations
On a Mission- Chelsea Hughes
We have spent the last couple of days truly soaking in the Chinese culture. We had a class on the development, food, language, and art of Tianjin. During the class, I fell in love with all the different types of artwork, especially the ones made out of CANDY! I was now on a mission to find this beautiful art, so the next day we ventured out to Culture Street again. While on my hunt for candy art, I came across a man who was hand painting calligraphy on to a scroll. It was so amazing to watch him effortlessly create … // Read more
Nazca lines
Today we started the day with our flyover of the Nazca lines. It was so incredible to see. The way they were so perfectly placed and symmetrical yet the people never had an aerial view to work with. It really makes you wonder about their techniques and how they could make something so perfect. It’s mind blowing that they have been there so long due to the lack of rain to change the landscape. After leaving the Nazca lines we made our way to the Chauchilla cemetery. This cemetery was made up of 12 grave sites in the Atacama desert. … // Read more
Fine China
After arriving in Beijing, we took a bus to Tian Jin Foreign Studies University (TFSU). As the bus drove through the city of Tian Jin, we were all in amazement. It is like nothing I have ever seen. I immediately fell in love with the city. The university is its own little town. It is absolutely beautiful, and I felt right at home. The dorm rooms are incredibly nice, and there is even a television with a few American channels that I never even wanted to turn on and watch. There was too much fun to be had … // Read more
Tokyo Drift
After many hours of traveling, we made it to Tokyo, Japan for our 22-hour layover. We went on a bus tour of the city and got to explore some of the most popular streets. One of the most fascinating sites was the busiest pedestrian walkway in the world. There were hundreds and hundreds of people crossing the walkway when we pulled up to it. Tokyo was very similar to America’s New York–very busy and lots of shopping. It was, however, rather quiet to be such a big city. Our stay there was short-lived, but very worth it. I am … // Read more
Is Anyone Going to Dallas?!
I’m writing this while on a 13 hour flight to Tokyo where we have a 24 hour layover. We will get to go on a bus tour of Tokyo and fly out for Beijing the next morning. While all that sounds grand and simple, it was a real struggle to get here. Remember when I mentioned that stupid things like having a virus would happen to me? Well some more fun things have been happening to me all day, and all before it was even 8 am. I don’t even get up that early. Ever. After the kiosk … // Read more
Twas the Night Before China
Packing, trying to stay awake so I can sleep on the plane, and fighting off a virus: that’s what I am doing as I prepare to leave America and travel to China. I am a terrible packer because I bring way more than I will ever need, but I used vacuum pack bags in order to bring plenty of clothes. I am apparently a very high maintenance traveler, but I’m okay with that. I woke up this morning with a terrible stomach virus. That’s just my luck, by the way. I hope it isn’t an omen of how the trip … // Read more
Confucius says…-Chelsea Hughes
Well I am back, so YES, I survived Mt. Tai! I am not going to lie though, there were some definite touch and go moments! But once we all reached the top, the view made every exhausting step worth it. Yesterday, we took a tour of the home and temple of Confucius. We had a lovely tour guide, John, who spent the day sharing his knowledge of Confucius and love for China with us. These past two days have been amazing. We have soaked up so much Chinese culture and even walked the same grounds as ancient Chinese philosophers. I … // Read more
First day in Peru
First day on our journey through Peru! We have already seen so much. Today we took a tour along the Pacific coast and into colonial Lima. We got to take a tour through the amazing and ornate 16th century cathedral and walked underground to the catacombs beneath it. The bones of the people were stacked 10 meters high and arranged in a decorative fashion. It was very chilling, yet amazing to see. From there we joined up for some very popular local Peruvian cuisine of raw fish marinated in lime juice called ‘ceviche’ which was very good. We also learned … // Read more
Welcome to China-Chelsea Hughes
Ni Hao, ya”ll! We have officially been in China for three days now and are having an amazing time! On Tuesday, Tianjin University welcomed us with open arms and presented us with a feast fit for a Chinese emperor. Yesterday, we spent the day touring the Economic Museum and CultureStreet. Culture Street is a great little market where you can use all your bargaining skills. Today was our first official day of class, which, for us theatre kids, is rehearsal. Our rehearsal space is outside in the University courtyard, so we had plenty Chinese students stopping to watch us perform. Tomorrow, … // Read more
Ready or not here I come!-Chelsea Hughes
Ni Hao, ya’ll! So I have gathered all my things needed for my newest adventure: Clothes-check, Shoes-check, Toiletries-check, Hair stuff-check, Camera-check, Essentials to Chinese Travel-check, Script-check, Lines memorized-well…that’s what the 13 hour plane ride is for, right? Ready or not China, HERE I COME!
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