CAU > Seminars and Study Tours > East Asia: The Power of Nature and the Nature of Power

East Asia: The Power of Nature and the Nature of Power

August 18-September 5, 2007

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Overview

Exploring the islands and coasts of Asia is an expedition to be remembered. Here, from the variegated western shores of Japan to the coast of the Asian continent, in the amazing ports of China (Shanghai and Hong Kong), and in Halong Bay and Hanoi, Vietnam, we'll encounter the impact of the earth's geological formation and evolution, and the compelling record of classical and contemporary Asian culture, politics, and relations with the West.

Study tour leaders Frank H.T. Rhodes and Chen Jian will bring the insights of a lifetime of study and teaching to the expedition. In this memorable—but comfortable —adventure of discovery, we will sail the Asian seas in fine style and warm company. We hope you will join us!

A separate print brochure for this program is available for download. The print brochure contains all of the information on this page, and more.

Itinerary

Our home for the voyage, the privately chartered Clipper Odyssey, a deluxe 128-passenger vessel dedicated to passenger comfort. All cabins are outside, and feature a separate seating area, abundant storage space, twin or queen beds, and private bathrooms. The vessel is fitted with the latest telecommunications and stabilization systems. On-board amenities include a vast sun deck, pool, gym, hairdresser and clinic with full-time physician, as well as a dining room large enough to accommodate all guests at a single, unassigned seating. With a master chef and well-stocked wine cellar aboard, cuisine and service are exceptional, yet the style is informal, accommodating the casual atmosphere and dress suitable for adventure cruising.

LOS ANGELES/TOKYO, JAPAN

Saturday & Sunday, August 18 & 19 (Days 1 & 2)
Fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo. Check in to the Imperial Hotel, located on the edge of the famous Ginza district and adjacent to the Imperial Palace grounds.
Lodging: Imperial Hotel (Meals Aloft)

TOKYO

Monday, August 20 (Day 3)
Explore aspects of Japanese culture prior to a special welcome reception this evening.
Lodging: Imperial Hotel (B,L,R)

TOKYO / HAKODATE / EMBARK THE CLIPPER ODYSSEY

Tuesday, August 21 (Day 4)
This morning visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum, with notable exhibits on the history of Tokyo. Then transfer to the Tokyo domestic airport at midday for a flight to Hakodate, and embark the Clipper Odyssey, our home for the next fourteen nights
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

AT SEA

Wednesday, August 22 (Day 5)
Enjoy a full day of cruising along the Sea of Japan coast, with lectures on board and time to relax and settle in.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

KANAZAWA

Thursday, August 23 (Day 6)
Take a morning stroll through the exquisite Kenrokuen Garden, or "Garden of Six Qualities." See the Seison-kaku mansion and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and an authentic Japanese lunch, followed by a walk through the Omicho local market.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

MATSUE

Friday, August 24 (Day 7)
From the port of Sakai Ko, transfer by coach to Matsue, stopping en route for a demonstration of the art of making washi, traditional Japanese paper, as well as an opportunity to make your own paper. In Matsue, visit one of the few surviving ancient castles in Japan, and enjoy leisure time to explore the old samurai quarter.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

HAGI

Saturday, August 25 (Day 8)
In Hagi, view the lovely merchant house of the Kikuya family, built in 1604, and visit Toko-ji Temple, with its striking display of 500 stone lanterns. Meet a local ceramicist, learn about the internationally known hagi-yaki pottery, and watch the workings of a centuries-old kiln.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

MT. UNZEN AND NAGASAKI

Sunday, August 26 and Monday, August 27 (Days 9 and 10)
Visit Mt. Unzen, an impressive volcano that became active again in 1990 after 198 years of inactivity. The next morning, tour Nagasaki's Dejima district, where a tiny enclave of Dutch merchants once provided one of Japan's only links to the outside world, and pay a call at the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

AT SEA

Tuesday, August 28 (Day 11)
Enjoy a full day of cruising en route to Shanghai, with time for lecture presentations and relaxing on board.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

SHANGHAI

Wednesday, August 29 (Day 12)
Arrive in cosmopolitan Shanghai, located at the mouth of the mighty Yangtze River. See the Yuyuan Garden, built in 1577 and featuring a magnificent zigzag bridge, the world-renowned Shanghai museum, and the wide, tree-lined Bund—heart of the city's Old World waterfront financial district.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (BLD)

AT SEA

Thursday & Friday, August 30 & 31 (Days 13 & 14)
Enjoy two full days of cruising en route to Hong Kong, with time for lecture presentations and relaxing on board.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B, L, D)

HONG KONG

Saturday, September 1 (Day 15)
The former British colony of Hong Kong—returned to Chinese rule in 1997—stands out for its multicultural influences, dynamic economy, and its stunning setting. We'll visit city sites and meet with Hong Kong Cornellians.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

AT SEA

Sunday, September 2 (Day 16)
Enjoy a full day of cruising en route to Vietnam, with time for lecture presentations and relaxing on board.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

HALONG BAY AND CAT BA ISLAND, VIETNAM

Monday, September 3 (Day 17)
Arrive today in Vietnam, and anchor at Halong Bay for a cruise among its dramatic limestone karst formations. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise to nearby Cat Ba Island, home to a charming fishing village.
Lodging: Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

HANOI

Tuesday, September 4 (Day 18)
Arrive in the port of Haiphong and disembark the Clipper Odyssey. Transfer by coach to Hanoi. Visit sites important to Vietnam's independence movement, and see Hanoi's Old Quarter. After a cyclo ride through the streets of Hanoi, attend a water puppet theater performance—a colorful and entertaining Vietnamese art. Afterward enjoy a private farewell dinner at a special venue.
Lodging: SOFITEL METROPOLE HOTEL (B,L,D)

HANOI/HOME

Wednesday, September 5 (Day 19)
This morning, transfer to the Hanoi airport for flights home to the U.S., or join an optional post-tour excursion to the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Lodging: (B; meals aloft)

Faculty

Frank H.T. Rhodes

A geologist and the President Emeritus of Cornell, Frank Rhodes brings a lifetime of study and teaching to this expedition. He received a PhD in geology from the University of Birmingham, and went on to teach and serve in leadership roles at universities in the U.K. as well as the U.S. During his tenure as president, Rhodes invigorated faculty recruitment, created alliances with industry and government, and strengthened the international presence and stature of Cornell. In addition to his academic work, Rhodes was appointed a member of the National Science Board under President Ronald Reagan, and a member of the President's Educational Policy Advisory Committee by President George H.W. Bush. As he has done on so many CAU study tours, Frank will help us read the earth's geological history and record, focusing lectures and site visits on the tectonic and volcanic underbracing of the western Pacific, the world's great "Ring of Fire," whose geological processes and forces are still molding, shaping, and changing the land masses we'll see.

Chen Jian

An internationally respected professor of history and director of Cornell's new Asia-Pacific Area Studies program and the Cornell in Asia Initiative, Chen Jian will provide perspective on the cultural and historical patterns that have shaped Eastern Asia. The Michael J. Zak Chair of History for U.S. China Relations, Chen Jian holds a PhD from Southern Illinois University. He recently shared an Emmy award for a documentary called "Declassified: Nixon in China," for extraordinary research that uncovered previously unknown information about how, in the 1960s' Chinese leaders decided to make an opening to the West. Chen Jian will be our mentor as we examine relations past and present among the nations of Asia and between Asia's governments and the West.

Program Cost and Travel Arrangements

The program costs for each person range between $10,990 - $16,990 for double occupancy, and $16,990 - $19,990 for single occupancy*, depending on which accomodations you choose. See the print brochure for more information, including a map of the itinerary and a diagram of the ship's decks and rooms.

Airfare: International airfare from home to Tokyo and return from Hanoi is not included in the program rates. Group air will be offered from both New York and Los Angeles. Prices TBD.

Optional Post-Trip Extension to Angkor Wat

September 5-8, 2007

This fascinating extension includes a visit to the magnificent pyramid complex of Angkor Wat, built between the 9th and 14th centuries, when Khmer civilization was at its height. The complex is acknowledged as the most exquisite example of ancient architecture in Southeast Asia and has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. See the city of Angkor Thom, with its exquisitely carved Terraces of the Leper King and the Elephants, and Ta Prohm, an ancient Buddhist monastery set amongst encroaching jungle vegetation. Enjoy a sumptuous meal with traditional music and dance. Visit Preah Khan, then fly to Bangkok. Overnight in a Bangkok airport hotel before departing for flights home to the U.S.

Extension price: From $1985 per person, double occupancy.

* Single accommodations are limited and cannot be guaranteed.