Shansi World Tour: A Photo (Essay) Dump
From the JET program to the Interac ATL program, a quick Google search reveals an endless array of post-graduate fellowships that send English speakers to Japan. So then, out of the alphabet soup of ESL teaching fellowships, why choose Shansi?
The Shansi Fellowship stood out to me for two reasons — 1) Shansi Fellows gain built-in travel buddies through the tight-nit cohort system, and 2) fellows are afforded a generous $1,500 travel stipend. When you couple these two factors together, once-in-a-lifetime group adventures are inevitable. During this past winter break, six other Shansi Fellows and I put these perks to the test and traveled together for 18 days. Despite the jet lag, sketchy party hostels, and stomach-related mishaps, the group trip reaffirmed my admiration and appreciation for the phenomenal Shansi community.
Before I jump into the photos, I want to introduce the Obies who agreed to embark on this insane trip (cue the Avengers theme song):
Ari Leandry, OC ‘23
Syiah Kuala University, Indonesia
Ari befriends an elephant at the Elefin Farm & Cafe in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Paris Mercurio, OC ‘23
Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia
Paris gives a thumbs up while poolside in Phuket, Thailand.
Dina Nouaime, OC ‘23
Shanxi Agricultural University, China
Dina writes her family a postcard at the historic Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Leo Hidy, OC ‘23
J.F. Obirin University, Japan
Dina snaps a photo of Leo recovering from a stomach bug in Bangkok, Thailand.
Donnie Harris, OC ‘23
American College, India
Donnie looks very cool on the back of a Grab motorbike in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Haley Sablay, OC ‘23
Shanxi Agricultural University, China
Haley (former OSCA chef) expertly cooks Pad Thai at a cooking class in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Tiffany Yuen, OC ‘23
Shanxi Agricultural University, China
Tiffany (right) enjoys coffee with her new friend (the cat) in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Special Guest: Emma Hart, OC ‘23
Watson Fellow
Emma joins the Shansi Fellows for the holiday weekend in Bangkok, Thailand.
*Note: Anokha (Keystone Foundation, India, OC ‘23) and Risa (J.F. Obirin University, Japan, OC ‘23) were unable to make it due to scheduling conflicts, but they were in our hearts! I also want to thank Nevaan Bawa (OC ‘23.5) who showed us around their favorite spots in Bangkok.
Day 0: Pre-Departure:
After a few WhatsApp messages in late October and one Zoom call in November, the 7 Shansi Fellows who could make it outlined the loose itinerary and budget plan above!
Dec. 23: Bangkok, Thailand 📍
After 4 months of working at our respective sites, the Shansi Fellows finally reunite in Bangkok!
Donnie, Haley, and Ari navigate us to our first group meal at the Phed Phed Cafe.
After dinner, the group explores the famous Chatuchak market. Tiffany snaps a photo of a coffee stand.
Dec. 24: Bangkok, Thailand 📍
Emma takes a photo of the Shansi ‘25 cohort enjoying their first morning together.
Tiffany, Donnie, Dina, and Ari admire the Buddhist temple, Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.
Paris and Haley enjoy mango sticky rice at the Chatuchak food market.
Dec. 25: Bangkok, Thailand 📍
Nevaan Bawa (OC ‘23.5) gives the Shansi fellows a tour of the Siam Mall.
Emma and the Shansi fellows embrace the holiday spirit with a surprise party van.
Green string lights decorate the Red Building (a multi-story vintage store). Very festive!
Dec. 26: Bangkok, Thailand 📍
Donnie enjoys an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA Bangkok).
Dina and Leo explore the Food Market on Sukhumvit Soi 1.
Tiffany, Dina, and Leo learn to cook green curry at the Sabieng Cooking School.
Dec. 27: Bangkok → Chaing Mai, Thailand ✈️
The first leg is complete! Next stop — Chiang Mai, Thailand.
*Not pictured: the Shansi Fellows attempting to bypass the AirAsia carry-on weight limit by stuffing tote bags.
Dina and Tiffany lead the group to our first lunch spot in Chiang Mai.
On the way to lunch, the group explores Wat Tung Yu, one of the 300+ temples in Chiang Mai.
Dec. 28: Chaing Mai, Thailand 📍
Dina snaps a photo of Tiffany and Leo working at My Secret Cafe in Town.
The fellows enjoy a very tasty group lunch at the Baan Buri Café and Restaurant.
After exploring the local music scene, Paris, Ari, Haley, and Leo end the night with a tuk-tuk ride back to the hostel.
Dec. 29: Chaing Mai, Thailand 📍
Tiffany and Haley prepare Khao Soi — a coconut curry soup popular in Northern Thailand — at the Smile Organic Farm Cooking School.
Paris and Tiffany swap torsos at the Kad Na Mor Vintage Market. Freaky.
Dina, Tiffany, Leo, and Paris sit in the back of a songthaew, an iconic red truck that can transport 8+ passengers at a time.
Dec. 30: Chaing Mai, Thailand 📍
Haley admires one of the elephants at the Elefin Farm & Cafe, a local elephant sanctuary.
Donnie enjoys the breathtaking mountain views in the garden of the Elefin Farm & Cafe.
Paris and Leo pretend to read while waiting for the live music set to begin at the Tong Bar Café.
Dec. 31: Chiang Mai → Phuket, Thailand ✈️
The fellows end their time in Chiang Mai with a tuk-tuk ride to the movie theater to watch the hit musical, Wonka, starring #TimothéeChalamet.
Happy New Year! The fellows celebrate the start of 2024 at the Phuket Airport.
*Not pictured: Donnie, on one knee, fake-proposes to Dina as other passengers look over in confusion.
Dina and Ari put on a brave face as we realize that the staff of the sketchy hostel we booked were out partying and could not check us in.
*Not pictured: Paris suggests that we, “Hunger Games it” — i.e., we sleep on the floor of the lobby in shifts and alternate who naps and who keeps watch. Much to Paris’s disappointment, Donnie secures rooms at a nearby hotel for us.
Jan 1: Phuket, Thailand 📍
After a hectic first night in Phuket, Tiffany admires the serene pool at the newly booked Nonnee Hostel.
Donnie frowns as he realizes that Leo purposefully copied his outfit.
The fellows admire their handsomeness as they explore the neighborhood.
Jan 2: Phuket, Thailand 📍
Tiffany reads All About Love by Bell Hooks in the pool.
The fellows enjoy a sunny day at Nui Beach.
Leo watches the sunset while enjoying the greatest mango smoothie he has ever had. 10/10 recommend.
Jan 3: Phuket, Thailand 📍
The Shansi Fellows spend the day snorkeling at the 3 Khai Islands.
The fellows refuel with coconut water and shrimp chips.
Leo attempts to fix Dina's life vests after coming in contact with a jellyfish.
Jan 4: Phuket, Thailand 📍
Leo takes a photo of a red truck parked beneath a canopy of foliage.
A lizard soaks up the residual heat from the fluorescent lighting of a gas station sign.
The fellows admire the rolling mountains near the hostel.
Jan 5: Phuket → Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam ✈️
After a 3-hour layover, the fellows stumble through the Kuala Lumpur Airport, struggling under the weight of our overweight bags.
Leo snaps a shot of the AirAsia flight soaring over Ho Chi Minh.
We made it! Please enjoy this blurry photo of the District 1 neighborhood.
Jan 6: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 📍
Ari leads the group to the first stop of the day, the Little HaNoi Egg Coffee Cafe.
After expertly dodging cars and motorbikes, Ari enjoys a well-deserved egg coffee.
The fellows explore the historic Saigon Central Post Office while on the way to Book Street, a pedestrian-only shopping street lined with bookstores.
Jan 7: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 📍
The fellows enjoy a rooftop dinner and admire the lively Bui Vien Street below.
Leo takes a photo of a vendor selling Mực Khô Nướng (grilled dried squid) to hungry customers.
What can I say? Shansi Fellows keep it #real.
Jan 8: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 📍
Leo swings by Lucky Tattoo to get some flash done.
The group successfully surprises Paris with a birthday dinner at Soul Ben Thanh Restaurant!
That's a wrap! The Shansi Fellows pose for one last family photo at Safari Karaoke Lounge.
Until next time 👋