If 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!):

When 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:

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.

It 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:

Here 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:

Naturally, one of the first questions that any traveler, looking at any possible destination, would ask would be: "where should I stay?"  

Happily, in Stone Town there are many options.  The picture above is of the central courtyard of the Dhow Palace Hotel in Stone Town.  The Dhow Palace has many advantages: it's right downtown, has lovely rooms, features a beautiful pool (greatly appreciated on those especially hot equatorial days), and also has a restaurant and bar. It's our first choice for this summer's trip, but there are other great options as well.

On Pemba, not surprisingly because it is the "quieter" island, has less options, although the Sea View Hotel and the Pemba Modern Hotel are perfectly fine.

On both Pemba and Unguja (where Stone Town is located) there are also the gated community options further afield, but they would certainly not be our first choice (or second or third).  They're lovely and quiet, but if your goal is to immerse yourself in community and culture we would suggest staying downtown in either Stone Town or Chake Chake.

The question of where to eat in Zanzibar is a complicated one, mainly because there are so many great options. So, expect me to revisit this topic many times.

Today I'd like to talk about Lukmaan's, which is a much-praised option and, more importantly, a restaurant that is worth all the praise. Lukmaan's is located in Stone Town on the island of Unguja. It's definitely off the beaten path, but, don't worry, we'll show you the longer but easy route (three left turns) as well as the shortcut through the delirious maze that is Stone Town.

You can either grab a tray and queue up in the buffet line or plop down at a table and order off the menu. They've recently expanded and there's now a lot more seating.  You'll definitely see some tourists, but it's also a restaurant frequented by locals so it has a lovely authentic feel.

My favorite is the octopus in coconut curry served over rice, but you'd better get there early because they usually run out of it by early afternoon.  Trust us, we'll get you there in time.

We've just returned from our latest trip to Zanzibar, and I miss it already.  It's difficult to describe, in a way that seems believable, how magical Zanzibar is on a daily basis.  

At HLA we are ever mindful that we're planning an educational tour and not just a tour, so in the months leading up to departure and during the trip itself we'll be devoting time to leading discussions about Zanzibar so that you have the context you need to better appreciate this extraordinary corner of the world.  At the same time we also keep in mind that Zanzibar is, well, Zanzibar, a place of almost unrivaled beauty.  So, while any day is likely to end with us visiting a local mosque or temple or engaging in a drumming and dancing workshop or experiencing a spirit possession ceremony, it might begin with a walk through a pristine forest or a visit to our old (and I do mean old) friends the giant tortoises on Changu Island or, as in the case of the photo below, swimming with dolphins in the open ocean.  

When you go on an educational tour, especially an educational tour to Zanzibar, it would be a great pity to lock yourself up in a gated resort.  In fact, would it even qualify as an educational tour?  At HLA our goal is not only to help you learn about the culture you're visiting, but also make it possible for you to experience it.  For example, no matter whether we spend time on Unguja, where Stone Town is located, or the more quiet Pemba (almost certainly we'll visit both), rest assured that you'll get to experience a traditional dance or drumming workshop.  In the picture below one of our students, resplendent in a lovely green kanga (a gift from the amazingly kind Pembans), learns, and clearly enjoys, the msewe dance.

Whenever we plan any educational trip, and this is certainly true for our educational trip to Zanzibar, we strive to create authentic experiences. We've been fortunate to travel quite a bit, and as we've put this company together we've talked to so many other travelers, and we all seem to agree: what makes a great trip is to, as much as possible, leave the pre-packaged behind and actually meet people, and in the process to get a sense of life in another part of the world.  We often joke among ourselves that we don't want to take people from one gated community at home to another gated community overseas.  Yes, we will do something that our "touristy" - I mean, who would go to Zanzibar and not swim with dolphins in the open ocean - but we also want to share with you a more authentic, and more intimate, experience.  One of our favorite activities, and one that our students love, is a traditional cooking class on Pemba.  Not only do you get to eat delicious food, but you get to help prepare it.  Don't you want to help prepare the octopus curry?