Hello from Myanmar!
The MV World Odyssey docked Sunday in Myanmar, the fifth port of the Fall 2017 Voyage. With just a four days between leaving India and making land in Yangon, the shipboard community has been extremely busy studying for midterms, celebrating Halloween with a costume party and trick-or-treating, and preparing for the upcoming Sea Olympics events.
Upon arrival, the shipboard community welcomed a member of the U.S. State Department onboard for a brief presentation on the current political climate and social unrest in Myanmar, followed by a opportunity for voyagers to ask questions.
In-port, Voyagers will get to explore a mix of bustling cities, local villages, and the beautiful Myanmar countryside. Many students will be traveling to Bagan in order to get an excellent view of the pagodas from a hot air balloon. Other voyagers will be learning about the spiritual side of life in Myanmar through explorations of Buddhism and through meditation retreats.
The MV World Odyssey will depart from Yangon at 2000 hours on November 8 to begin the sail to Vietnam.
Let’s hear it from Voyagers!
Blake Welch, a post-grad student from St. Louis, MO, will be joining the field program Bago, the Ancient Capital of Mon and exploring a Buddhist temple, Hinthagone Pagoda, and visiting a traditional Mon village to observe weaving and cigar rolling demonstrations.
“I am excited to learn some more about Buddhist teachings and ideologies. It’s much different than the western Christian society that I grew up in. I think that before you make a decision spiritually, you should learn more about other religions and beliefs.”
