Terratribes Yunnan Adventure, Culture, and Service School Trip Nov 2011

 
Terratribes just finished an exciting, fast paced adventure trip in the Yunnan province, where students had the opportunity to participate in both adventure and service activities. We kicked off the adventurous week with a hike through the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, where students got to test their strength and stamina as well as observe local culture and the beautiful scenery.

We next took a trip to a rural village where students spent time performing service with students at the local school. English lessons, art and crafts, sports, and mural painting are just a few of the activities the students prepared for the school. The students had a great opportunity to be exposed to a more rural and Tibetan culture, and a great time was had by all.

While we stayed in the village, the students got the chance to camp out in the mountains and cook over a fire, which was a fun and new experience for many. They also had the chance to spend time in a Tibetan home with a family, enjoying the chance to warm up a bit and drink local Yunnan tea around the fire!

After we left the village, our group did an exciting biking trip through a mountain pass in the countryside, ending at a relaxing hot spring near the famous town of Shangri La. The scenery was beautiful, and the biking was challenging and exciting. We enjoyed our final evening of the trip by indulging in a feast of local, Nepalese, and Tibetan food, shopping, and Tibetan dancing in the Old Town Square.

Our final activity of the week was a tour of the Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Yunnan province. Students observed monks practicing their religion, and they also got the chance to learn about the history and practice of Tibetan Buddhism from a local guide.

It was a fun, action packed week, and students enjoyed the opportunity to learn about local culture, perform service, and participate in some fun outdoor adventures!