Sunday, March 24th, 2013

Santa Barbara Schools - Day Two

By Pierce Our first morning in Saigon (Ho Chi Min City) began with a trip to the Reunification Palace. Previously known as the Presidential Palace because the president of South Vietnam lived there, the Palace is full of interesting stratagems, maps, exhibits, and other former government rooms used for speeches and media addresses. I was very intrigued by the myriad of intelligence's and… [Read Full Article]

Sunday, March 24th, 2013

Santa Barbara Schools - Vietnam - Day One

Are we really here?Palace Hotel, Saigon District One, 1:36 p.m. March 22ndTwenty-seven hours after hopping on the Airbus in Santa Barbara, we have arrived in Vietnam. Our bellies are full of Pho from "Pho 24" down the street from our hotel, and we have settled in for a quick nap before exploring some authentic Vietnamese cuisine with our guide, Mr. Hau,… [Read Full Article]

Thursday, March 29th, 2012

Summer Travel: Thailand Discovery

With lush rainforest, jungle-entwined mountains, legendary beaches and a wealth of culture and history, it is no wonder the Thai people are proud of their country and heritage. Taking the title, “land of the free,” Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that escaped western imperial rule, and its dynamic urban centers, beautiful countryside and smiling peoples are a… [Read Full Article]

Monday, March 26th, 2012

Legacies of the Vietnam War: Learning from Living History

Santa Barbara students in VietnamHi everyone,Just a quick update to let you know that the group is doing fantastic! The kids are great and their enthusiasm is inspiring!Yesterday was a full day of unprecedented educational opportunities. Nick Ut and Chris Wain gave the group an exclusive conference room for an eyewitness play-by-play of the fateful napalming that burned Kim Phuc… [Read Full Article]

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

South to Saigon

Francis Parker School - North to South - Day SevenOur group awoke Sunday morning on our beloved night train around 5:35, and quickly exited. Everyone seemed very tired after so much traveling in a short time. Us students were excited to hear that we would be returning to our Hanoi hotel where we would meet up with the South to… [Read Full Article]