In Xi’an we visited a beautiful mosque that is over 1000 years old!
-Olivea Martin, China center, class of 2014
Last Thursday the Costa Rica Center held the fourth annual Festival del Sur, an end-of-the-year talent show in which the freshmen, some host families, and some parents showcased their talents. The night included dance performances, poetry readings, circus arts, belly dancing, singing performances, and more. It was the perfect send-off for our students, who have now left Costa Rica for summer break and will soon embark on new adventures in our program!
A few students went to Xi’an to see the terracotta soldiers! They have been preserved for so long, dating from around the late third century BC!
-Olivea Martin, China center, class of 2014
This was the view at the top of the mountain we climbed in Wuyishan. It was absolutely stunning! I don’t have words to fully describe this place.
-Olivea Martin, Center, class of 2014
This is a map of an area in Wuyishan that we were hiking in. Some of the
translations to English are so great!
-Olivea Martin, China center, class of 2014
We went on a bamboo raft along the famous Nine Bend River in Wuyishan. At the end of the journey we got this picture to remember our trip!
-Olivea Martin China Center, class of 2014
The last leg of CRC in Istanbul. Sydney Boles holds up an Istanbul balloon excited for our last stop in Turkey, where we would visit the Eye of Sophia, the Blue Mosque, a dervish ceremony and take a ride down the Bosphorus.
Paloma Starr, Class 2015, Comparative Religion and Culture Program
Katy Giguere looks up into the grand Eye of Sophia, originally a historic church that was converted into a mosque and is now a museum. That day, the topic of discussion in class was Turkey’s ancient history regarding the wars of empires: Constantinople and the Ottoman Empire and how the Eye of Sophia has played a major role in Turkey’s identity.
Paloma Starr, Class 2015, Comparative Religion and Culture Program
Lily Vail takes notes as we tour and attend class in the ancient Chora Church in Istanbul. We discussed the ancient Christian iconography that the mosaics displayed. I have to say, all the little pieces of painted glass that make up these depictions of the New Testament were an unforgettable sight.
Paloma Starr, Class 2015, Comparative Religion and Culture Program
Inside the main hallway of the Chora Church
Paloma Starr, Class of 2015, Comparative Religion and Culture Program
A boat ride down the Bosphorus! If we looked to the left we would see Asia and to the right Europe! It was a truly a unique experience.
Paloma Starr, Class of 2015, Comparative Religion and Culture Program
It’s hard to pass by the stores selling Turkish Delights! The varieties seem endless! I encourage future CRC students to try and taste a piece of Turkish culture. For future CRC students, Ottoman Place, located in Taxim, is our group’s favorite.
Paloma Starr, Class of 2015, Comparative Religion and Culture Program
Whirling Dervish ceremony in Istanbul! Spinning on one foot, eyes closed, heads tilted and hands up whirling for almost an hour, with breaks, this was a truly an unforgettable experience.
Paloma Starr, Class of 2015, Comparative Religion and Culture Program
As we close our studies of religions and cultures, we attend the last supper. What an incredible journey it has been. The Comparative Religion and Culture Program is truly a unique, rewarding program. Personally, I feel as though this year I will constantly reflect on and learn from it for the rest of my life. On behalf of the class, from the bottom of our hearts we want to thank our teachers and everyone who made this possible for us. I’m so proud of my fellow CRC 2012-2013 classmates!
Paloma Starr, Class of 2015, Comparative Religion and Culture Program
A friend and I arrived in Wuyishan in Fujian province on May day. We went
there for a little vacation after Chinese exams. We were surprised by a
colorful festival, filled with people dressed in all kinds of costumes!
Here is an example.
-Olivea Martin, China center, class of 2014
