Study Abroad with UNA
adventure
One Final Note
Traveling is not easy. Snaffoos and snags such as airlines losing luggage, missed flights, and severe jet lag are all very real downsides of traveling (and we experienced them all). However, the desire and determination to overcome these temporary ailments gets you through and delivers you safely home to relay endless stories and gift wonderful souvenirs– equipped with an incredible and unrivaled experience. I could compose a generic and uninteresting post about the conclusion of our UNA Tanzania study abroad and make an obvious connection to the end of our African adventure to a sunset picture of Zanzibar. BUT, that … // Read more
Tan (Zan) ia
For the last three days, our group has transitioned from the urban setting of Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar– the island counterpart of mainland Tanzania. In the 1960s when then Tanganyika gained independence from the U.K., the island of Zanzibar began experiencing some internal fighting and eventually joined with Tanganyika to become Tanzania (luckily for us, since no comprehension study of the country of Tanzania would be complete without a stop at its island counterpart, we are enjoying the spoils of this island in the Indian Ocean). Zanzibar has a fascinating history as we have discovered through 2 detailed guided tours. … // Read more
The Legend of Hambati
He stands at little over 5 feet tall, but his smile and laughter make him the tallest man in any room. At 44 years old, he has the perfect combination of youthful exuberance and overflowing fountain of knowledge. He captivates a room with stories so masterfully communicated and knee-slapping hilarious. He yells to hippopotamuses and lions on safaris saying, “HEY MAHNNN! WAKE UP! We pay too much money to watch you sleep, hippo!” or “HEY SIMBA! Roll ova, mahn! You are lazy, lion!” He jumps in to sing and dance with Masai (nomadic, cattle herding group in Kenya and Tanzania) … // Read more
Homecoming
Arriving at the Dallas airport in America was such a wonderful feeling. I had never been so proud to be an American or so proud to be back home. I had missed the freedom and the food more than words could express. After waiting in line for over an hour to recheck our bags, a few of us sat down and had a phenomenal Mexican meal. I followed that meal with Starbucks, and it was filled with sugar and love. I was so happy. The plane ride to Huntsville was short and sweet. I loved flying at night! … // Read more
Silk Market Hagglin’
The silk market was beyond what I even imagined it to be. There were thousands of shops on the many floors of the huge mall/market. There were clothes, bags, scarves, jewelry, accessories, and so much more. I was on a mission for purses, along with several other girls. We haggled and argued with some very rude ladies, and some very kind ones, before we got our prizes. I got some fabulous purses and they were at a price I was pleased with. The women and men in the stores would yell, “Hey lady! Hey pretty lady! Come get … // Read more
The Great Wall
The Great Wall absolutely lived up to its name. It was the most gorgeous piece of work I have ever seen. The history, the beauty, and the spirit of China were all surrounding the entire wall. Our tour guide told us, “You are a hero in China if you climb the Great Wall.” I was beaming the entire climb. It was a difficult climb and it took me back to the fond memory of Mt. Tai. I climbed the wall with Will and stopped for many pictures along the way. It was so incredible just to be there. … // Read more
Midnight Massages
Massages in China are absolutely nothing like massages in America. Nothing at all. There is no soothing music or lotion and hot rocks, there is hardcore massaging. When we arrived to the sketchiest place I’ve ever been, we were all escorted to six beds laying side by side. We climbed in and had our pictures taken multiple times. Our first task was to put our feet in extremely hot water. Then, each person was matched with a female to perform the massage. They started with our feet and worked up. They literally beat on my body, pushed on … // Read more
Famous
Port of Tianjin “Made in China” is written on a majority of things we buy in America. Getting to see where all those items are shipped from was very fascinating. However, I did not get to sit down and see the boats for quite a while. As I made my way to the top of the boat with all of my UNA friends, I literally got swarmed by about 25 Chinese people asking to take my picture. (Non verbally asking, obviously). I stood there for about 30 minutes taking pictures with them, getting my pictures taken alone, and … // Read more
Host Family Stay
On our second Saturday in China, we got to sleep late and pack to go stay with our host family. I was like a child on Christmas day. I was bouncing off the walls with excitement! Dustin compared it to sorority bid day–Chinese host family style. We cheered as we heard our friends’ names called to meet their match. When my name got called, everyone cheered and I grabbed my luggage and ran over to meet Hannah, my host! She was so adorable and I was thrilled to take a look inside her life. Hannah took me along … // Read more
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