Samantha Manning is a student at University of Northwestern – St. Paul and an ISA Featured Photo Blogger. She is studying abroad with ISA in Bangkok, Thailand.
What an amazing first week in Thailand. I can’t believe I am finally here, experiencing firsthand the beautiful scenery and rich culture of this country. For our first few days of the Bridging Cultures Program (our orientation), ISA took all of the Bangkok students on a trip to get acquainted with Thailand. I managed to capture a few moments, but this is just a glimpse of our crazy three days.
We hiked four out of the seven tiers that make up the Erawan Waterfall. We could slide down the rock formations, stand under waterfalls, and swim in the blue water (all while avoiding nibbling fish!). It was incredible.
I have dreamed of riding an elephant since the day I decided to come to Thailand. On the next stop of our trip, my dream came true! This is Molly feeding the elephant we rode.
After the elephant extravaganza, we visited a cave temple and a section of the Death Rail, built by prisoners of war in WWI. We even got to ride the train and see more of Thailand’s breathtaking scenery.
The Burma Railway is also known as the Bridge Over the Water Kwai.
After seeing the Death Rail in person the day before, we went to the Death Rail museum and cemetery to learn about the history of the rail, and visit the graves of the numerous PoWs who lost their lives building the railway.
Wat Phra Pathom Chedi is a local temple in Nakhonphathom. The ornate detail is amazing all around the temple.
Here is a photo one of the Buddha shrines at this temple, where people go to pray and gain merit as a part of Buddhist practice.
Although this trip as part of the Bridging Cultures Program was just a few days, we packed so much adventure, food, conversation, and experience into it. It only took 3 days for me to fall in love with Thailand!
After the Bridging Cultures Program has finished, ISA Bangkok students continue to learn outside the classroom on excursions. Take a look at the excursions available in Thailand.