By Melissa KnowltonIf you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? At Horizons Learning Adventures, we strive to take you to the most unique corners of the world. One of those corners we love to visit is Jordan, which is easily one of our most popular trips. Students love riding camels through the dessert, learning from the local guides, and trying the incredible food. Inés joined us on our spring 2018 Jordan trip, along with Liza and Ashley. Here is her incredible story (and some of her own pictures!):  It is also wildly important for students of all majors and interests to go on an adventure such as this one in order to broaden their perspectives on the world. What was your favorite part of the trip?My absolute favorite part of the trip was bonding with everyone in a foreign place. I was unaware of the community that existed at my college and it warmed my heart to know I made everlasting relationships on the trip. However, my absolute favorite memory was the nine hour camel ride we did in the Wadi Rum desert. We arrived at the camp in the Wadi Rum later in the evening when the sun had already set. We took jeep to our tents. (I say "tents" when they were actually polished, white tile floored tents with incredible beds and electricity. They were nicer than my bedroom!) When we awoke, we were bombarded with the most quaint and breathtaking view I have ever seen in my entire life. Sheer silence and isolation hit me, in the most positive way possible; detached from our previous world and responsibility (a privilege to say the least). On the camel ride, my camel Abu Shami and I bonded intensely. We both have some attitude. In Spanish, we call it 'chula' and let me tell you, Abu Shami and I are very chula. 
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By Melissa KnowltonWhen I was a junior, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad twice: the first semester in Italy, and the second in Ireland. However, this was not my first experience visiting Europe, and that is thanks to Professor Gary Scudder. When I was a sophomore, I signed up for his 2016 Thanksgiving break Spain and Portugal trip. The focus of the trip was art, which was something I was really excited about. The trip really changed my world view. He inspired me to keep traveling and never be afraid to step out of my comfort zone. In addition, it was just a lot of fun. Scudder came to lovingly call our group los reprobatos, which we still get referred to as now. Here is my experience traveling with HLA:  I can't imagine where my life would be right now if I hadn't gone on this trip. What was your favorite part of the trip?Without a doubt, my favorite part of the trip was visiting Sintra, Portugal. Before we had left for the trip, Scudder had told us that we would have one free day in Portugal, and if anyone had any suggestions to let him know. I had researched Portugal a bit, and Sintra had sounded really interesting. He ended up making that our side trip after I told him we should go there. Within Sintra, you can take a bus to the various spots in the village. My favorite place was the Quinta da Regaleira. It is this massive garden built on top of underground Templar tunnels. You can access the tunnels by traveling down a massive stairwell disguised as a well. It still ranks as one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. I can't forget to mention, however, what it was like seeing the works of El Greco, Goya, and Velazques in person. We had spent so much time in class learning about these painters that it felt surreal to view them with my own eyes.  By Melissa KnowltonIt is not uncommon for students to participate in more than one trip with us. In our last post, we learned about Liza's spring 2018 trip to Jordan, and about how she loved it so much that she is now signed up for our spring 2020 trip to Jordan. Ashley Lenze is currently a third year studying computer & digital forensics. For the spring of 2018, Ashley joined us (and Liza) on our trip to Jordan, and this spring (2019) she ventured with us to India. Both trips are centered on cultural immersion, getting out of your comfort zone, and embracing the new adventure. Here is Ashley's experience traveling with HLA twice:  Put your heart into this trip, because Scudder sure does. What was your favorite moment from the trips?In Jordan, Scudder and I broke off from the main group one night in Amman to get coffee. We stumbled upon a Jordanian film school that had a coffee shop. We sat there for a while with our coffee and watched the people film a movie. I loved this moment because it wasn't something that you could plan to see; it was something that just happened to us. Some of my favorite parts of travel are the moments where you feel like you're at home in the place that you are, and that was one of those moments.  By Melissa KnowltonHere at Horizons Learning Adventures, our students are our top priority. Traveling the world, experiencing new cultures, and stepping out of your comfort zone are just a few of the ways our students' lives change on these trips. Nothing quite compares to students telling you how much they loved the trip, whether it's the day we got home or years later. In the spring of 2018, we ventured to Jordan with a group of students. On this trip was Liza Ryan, who was a sophomore in college at the time. Liza will be returning to Jordan for our fall 2019 trip. Here is Liza's Jordan experience:  Professor Scudder, Liza, and another student pose with their camels. Probably one of the best decisions I have made in my time at school. What was your favorite part of the trip?Other than falling in love with our tour guide, Mahmoud, my favorite part of the trip was how much fun our class had while visiting some of the most beautiful places in the world/Jordan. I really can't think of another experience similar to this where I just had just pure and genuine fun for ten days. Some students definitely got sick or got tired from long days, but I was just so hyped every day to see what is next and where we were going. It's hard to pick one experience as the best, but if I really had to, then it would be sitting out in the desert all night with Mahmoud and a few other classmates, waiting until the sun rose the next morning. That was pretty epic.  |
AuthorProfessor Gary Scudder, PhD Archives
April 2019
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