history’s lost cities - columbia alumni...
TRANSCRIPT
History’s Lost Cities
A p r i v A t e j e t e x p e d i t i o n • o c t o b e r 8 – 2 9 , 2 0 0 9 P e t r a , J o r d a n • U d a i P U r , i n d i a • a n g ko r , C a m b o d i a • V i e n t i a n e & LUa n g P r a b a n g ,
L ao s • k at h m a n d U, n e Pa L • Pa r o, b h U ta n • s a m a r q a n d, U z b e k i s ta n
b U t r i n t & g J i r o k a s t r a , a L b a n i a
travel with Columbia Professor Leigh Linden
L E T y O u R D R E A M S TA k E f L I G H T
i n s i d e : E x p E D I T I O N I T I N E R A R y M A p
PAG E S 10 - 11 PAG E S 12 - 17
Front cover: Petra, Jordan
Dear Columbian,
Have you ever stood in some timeless exotic place and wondered…What was this like hundreds of years ago? What were the thoughts of long-ago travelers as they passed through Angkor Wat and gazed at a sunset or breathed the richness of the Himalayan air? During this 22-day journey by private jet, your days will be filled with such questions. Were the feet that trod this cobbled path in Butrint clad in Roman sandals? Did the monks who first worshipped on this Nepalese mountain look out and envision a wider world? What occupied the ancient trader’s mind as his caravan approached Petra’s imposing Treasury? Can you still hear the bustle of Tamerlane’s marketplace in Samarqand? Will you be drawn to the 2,000 images of Buddha in Vientiane? We invite you to join Professor Leigh Linden of Columbia University’s Department of Economics and SIPA, its renowned School of International and Public Affairs, fellow alumni, family and friends for History’s Lost Cities, a remarkable October 2009 journey that will take you into worlds filled with echoes of the ancient past. Experience more of the world than is possible by any other means in the good company of like-minded travelers from Brown University, Emory University and the Harvard Museum of Natural History. We urge you to call soon as space is quite limited on this extraordinary program. Call 1-866-325-8664.
Sincerely,
Susan K. FeaginExecutive Vice President University Development and Alumni Relations
LUXURYOur programs are classified in three
categories: Value, Superior and Luxury
3H i s t o r y ’ s L o s t C i t i e s
u n c o v e r s e C r e t s o f t H e pa s t
Some are so remote that only the most intrepid travelers
can reach them. Others have been closed to Westerners
until very recently. Still others have been cloaked in
history’s shadows for thousands of years.
History’s Lost Cities open their walls and doors
to you now in one exceptional journey of 16,500 miles.
Come with us as we explore their hidden pasts
and examine their modern treasures aboard our newly
designed Boeing 757 private jet.
ExplorE anciEnt worlds in a nEw way.
Durbar square in patan, Nepal
rajasthani man, Udaipur
tiled mosaic, Uzbekistan
I m a g I n eH i s t o r y ’ s L o s t w o r L D s
“. . . events now long in the past were once in the future.”
— Fra n c i s M a i t l a n d B a l f o u r, B r i t i s h b i o l o g i s t
a p r i v at E J E t E x p E d i t i o n
4
this is whErE lEgEnds bEgan.
The hidden city of Petra. India’s
fabled “Land of the Kings.” The
jungle temples of Angkor. Ancient
cities of Laos. The last kingdom
of the Himalayas. The mythical
city of Kathmandu. Battlegrounds
of Genghis Khan and Tamerlane.
The ancient ruins of Butrint. They
link together a compelling chain of
human history.
They were crossroads of trade,
bustling with lively markets, the
murmurs of travelers, the energy
of commerce. They were quiet
sanctuaries, safeguarded from
intruders.
And now they are yours.
We will cross miles and span centuries for a
voyage into your own understanding — past,
present, and future.
Linked together by mystery, connected
exclusively by private jet, History’s Lost Cities
come brilliantly alive in this unparalleled
journey through time.
5
H I s t o r y ’ s L o s t c I t I e s
petra mosaic detail
swayambunath stupa, Kathmandu
aspara bas relief, angkor
temple, Jaipur
Kyichu Lhakhang, oldest temple in Bhutan
Laotian street vendor, Vientiane
a p r i v at E J E t E x p E d i t i o n
6
From the moment you’re escorted
by private car to our London hotel
until the day you return home filled
with memories, your comfort and
the depth of your experience are
our sole focus.
We will inspect each hotel
before you check in. We will meet
with the chefs to ensure your
meals meet our exacting standards.
And for months before you arrive,
our team will be at work in every
destination to guarantee the unique
access that distinguishes all of our
private jet expeditions.
This is the trip of your lifetime.
Entrust it only to the world leader
in private jet expeditions.
travEl with comfort & EasE.
travEl with plEasUrE
frustrated with airport
security? we’ll escort you
through private, expedited
checkpoints at most airports.
tired of juggling luggage?
we’ll take care of your bags
from the time you join us at
your check-in hotel until your
return flight home.
annoyed by travel delays?
our efficient itineraries take
you direct to the world’s most
amazing destinations.
e x p e r I e n c et H e D i f f e r e N C e
“ travel ing is a lmost l ike talk ing with those of other centuries.”
— R e n e D e s ca r t e s
H i s t o r y ’ s L o s t C i t i e s
7
e m B r a c et H e a D V e N t U r e
“ the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.“
— S a i n t A u g u s t i n e
a p r i v at E J E t E x p E d i t i o n
8
Come with us on a voyage to some of the
world’s most inspiring destinations and be
transformed.
The world is waiting for you.
H I s t o r y ’ s L o s t c I t I e s
e m B r a c e“ the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.“
— S a i n t A u g u s t i n e
a singlE Extraordinary ExpEdition.
Discover the wonder and beauty of
some of the world’s most remote
and hidden corners.
Travel in comfort and safety
by private jet, as we explore
remarkable Himalayan kingdoms,
ancient desert cities lost to history,
and regions nearly untouched by
modern times.
Connected by the mystery and
beauty of their art, architecture, and
religious rituals, these legendary
cities are yours in one remarkable
22-day journey.
Take this spectacular journey
through time and discover one
exotic destination to the next,
experiencing not one, but many
worlds.
DeDiCateD to exCeLLeNCe
in the world of private jet expeditionary travel, there’s
simply no such thing as “good enough.” there is only
extraordinary. your journey is designed for excellence at
every level. a private car meets your commercial flight in
London, charming local gifts grace your pillow at every
destination, and exclusive events and access punctuate
your entire experience. each detail has been orches-
trated with meticulous attention, just as you expect.
9
H I s t o r y ’ s L o s t c I t I e s
Generous all-leather cradle seats give you more leg room.
a p r i vat E J E t E x p E d i t i o n • o c t o b E r 8 — 2 9 , 2 0 0 9
Journey to ancient centers of commerce and culture in asia, africa, and the near East
on a 22-day expedition in remarkable comfort, safety, and ease.
HI s tory’s Lo s t c I t I e s
a p r i v at E J E t E x p E d i t i o n
10
GI_RF Laos_Vientiane Gi_rf Laos_Vientiane stupa aa038295_25_1.tifpetra & waDi rUm,
JorDaN october 10, 11 & 12
Lost to history for
centuries, the mysterious
desert city of Petra was
rediscovered in 1812 and
even today its stunning
remains can be approached
only on foot.
UDaipUr, iNDia october 13 & 14
Our time in this fabled
“City of Lakes” is spent
exploring its fascinating
history in the City Palace,
wandering through the old
town, and enjoying richly
varied folk art.
aNGKor, CamBoDia october 15 & 16
Sacked and abandoned
to the jungle in the
mid-15th century, Angkor ’s
spectacular temples —
among the world’s greatest
treasures — are revealed
again in all their glory.
VieNtiaNe & LUaNG praBaNG, Laos october 17, 18 & 19
These ancient cities along
the Mekong River have
retained their exotic
Southeast Asian essence
thanks to the sheltering
influence of strong
religious traditions.
a p r i v at E J E t E x p E d i t i o n
Lo N D o N , U K Days 1 & 2
p e t r a & wa D i r U m , J o r D a N Days 3, 4 & 5
B U t r i N t & G J i r o K a s t r a , a L B a N i a Days 19 & 20
r e t U r N to Lo N D o N a N D D e pa r t f o r H o m e Days 21 & 22
HI s tory’s Lo s t c I t I e s
11H i s t o r y ’ s L o s t C i t i e s
DanitaDelimont_RM_EU01_MME0017_LowRes.tifDanitaDelimont_rm_eU01_mme0017_Lowres.tif
KatHmaNDU, NepaL october 20 & 21
In the Kathmandu Valley,
explore Bodhnath —
Nepal’s largest stupa — as
well as the medieval city of
Bhaktapur and the intricate
woodcarvings of ancient
Patan.
paro, KiNGDom of BHUtaN october 22 & 23
The last independent
kingdom of the Himalayas,
the tiny monarchy of
Bhutan opened its doors
to visitors less than 30
years ago, making it one
of Asia’s most mysterious
countries.
samarqaND, UzBeKistaN october 24 & 25
Renowned for its beauty,
admired by Alexander the
Great and Marco Polo,
Samarqand was chosen by
Tamerlane to be the capital
of the world in 1369.
BUtriNt & GJiroKastra, aLBaNia october 26 & 27
Along forest paths in
Butrint National Park lie
2,500-year-old Greek and
Roman ruins. Gjirokastra’s
Ottoman architecture was
built around a 13th-century
hilltop castle perched
above a beautiful valley.
H i s t o r y ’ s L o s t C i t i e s
U Da i p U r , i N D i a Days 6 & 7
a N G Ko r , C a m B o D i a Days 8 & 9
V i e N t i a N e & LUa N G p r a B a N G , L ao s Days 10, 11 & 12
K at H m a N D U, N e pa L Days 13 & 14
pa r o, B H U ta N Days 15 & 16
s a m a r qa N D, U z B e K i s ta N Days 17 & 18
the oberoi Udaivi las, Udaipur
TCS_KK Samarqand tCs_KK samarqand 0023583-r7-077-37_38.58.tif
with views over Lake pichola to the City
palace, this hotel resembles a palace
itself with fountains and pavilions,
ornate carving and inlay, landscaped
gardens and private courtyards.
a p r i v at E J E t E x p E d i t i o n
itine r ary
12
e x p Lo r e t H e w o r L d
o C to B e r 8 & 9
Depart Home/LondonDepart on commercial flights to London. Meet fellow
travelers, lecturers, and expedition leaders at a festive
welcome dinner at our hotel.
The Dorchester, London
o C to B e r 10, 11 & 12
Petra & Wadi rum, Jordan In the morning light, pass through a narrow
passageway to experience the ancient power and glory
of this 2,000-year-old city’s hidden rock-carved tombs,
temples, and treasury. The next day, travel on a 4x4
expedition into the lunar landscape of Wadi Rum.
Petra Mövenpick Hotel and Intercontinental Hotel Aqaba
If you have previously visited Petra, we would be happy
to arrange an exploration of the beautifully preserved
Greco-Roman ruins in Jerash, with accommodations at
the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar.
o C to B e r 13 & 14
Udaipur, india In the far south of Rajasthan lies an oasis in the middle
of the Thar Desert. An opulent city, Udaipur’s majestic
13
H I s t o r y ’ s L o s t c I t I e s
waterside palaces are surrounded by desert
hills and distant vistas. Experience the regally
decorated Royal Barge before arriving at City
Palace for a luxurious private banquet in
magnificent Rajasthani style.
In the valley of Ranakpur, visit the beautiful
white marble Jain temple complex, featuring
1,444 intricately carved pillars, followed by lunch
at the hunting cabin of the maharaja of Jodhpur.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
o C to B e r 15 & 16
angkor, CambodiaWhile the French were laying the cornerstone
of Notre-Dame in Paris, the Khmer kings were
finishing the great temples of Angkor. This
complex of towers, carved murals, colonnades,
and courtyards ushered in the classic age of
Khmer art and architecture and continues to
draw countless monks and pilgrims.
Visit the Khmer empire’s greatest creations:
Angkor Wat, one of the wonders of the world;
the Bayon with its collection of enigmatic faces;
and Ta Prohm, where towering trees intertwine
with immense stones.
La Résidence d’Angkor, Siem Reap
If you have visited Angkor before, we would
be happy to arrange an excursion to Banteay
Srei — the citadel of women — or to the Rolos
Group of temples built 400 years before Angkor
Wat. As a third option, visit Tonlé Sap, the “great
lake” created when the Mekong River swells with
monsoon rains. Discover an entire floating village
of homes, shops, and deepwater rice paddies.
angkor covers some
248 square miles and
contains magnificent
remains of Khmer
empire’s different
capitals from the 9th to
the 15th century. sacked
and abandoned to the
jungle more than five
centuries ago, it remains
one of the world’s great
treasures.
Udaipur’s Lake palace
Bayon stone face, angkor
the hidden city of petra
a p r i v at E J E t E x p E d i t i o n
14
o C to B e r 17, 18 & 19
Vientiane & Luang Prabang, LaosWhile the rest of Southeast Asia bustles, Laos
welcomes travelers with quiet beauty, legendary
hospitality, and stunning temples adorned with fine
sculpture and priceless images of Buddha.
Pha That Luang, a gorgeous golden stupa, rises
above the Vientiane skyline, and the city’s oldest
temple, Wat Si Saket, draws worshippers with more
than 2,000 images of Buddha.
In Luang Prabang, historic Lao temples
mingle with French colonial buildings. Members
of Hmong, Mien, and Thai hill tribes converge to
trade at the colorful markets.
Lao Plaza Hotel, Vientiane and Pansea Phou Vao Hotel, Luang Prabang
o C to B e r 20 & 21
Kathmandu, nepal Kathmandu, the once-forbidden city tucked in a
Himalayan valley, is an exotic blend of Buddhist
and Hindu influences. Nepal’s largest stupa,
Bodhnath, has a huge white dome surrounded
by 108 sculptures of Buddha. Also visit
Swayambhunath, a remarkable stupa encircled by
dozens of smaller stupas, temples, and shrines. We
also explore medieval Bhaktapur to find extraor-
dinary Nepali architecture and art, including the
ornate Golden Gate, a centuries-old masterpiece of
metalworking.
We transfer by charter flight to Tiger Tops
Jungle Lodge in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park,
the former hunting lands of the maharajas. The tall
UNesCo worLD HeritaGe sites
History’s Lost Cities takes you to places of
extraordinary cultural value that have been
chosen for protection by UNesCo’s world
Heritage program.
• Petra, Jordan
• Angkor, Cambodia
• Town of Luang Prabang, Laos
• Samarqand — Crossroad of Cultures, Uzbekistan
• Butrint, Albania
• Museum-City of Gjirokastra, Albania
• Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
• Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Buddhist monk at Bodhnath stupa, Kathmandu
rhinoceros at Chitwan National park, Nepal
“ without new experiences, something inside of us s leeps. the s leeper must awaken.”
— Fra n k H e r b e r t , A m e r i ca n n o v e l i s t
grass and dense forest are home to deer,
rhinoceroses, crocodiles, and kingfishers. Following
ancient, royal traditions, we explore the area atop
elephants. Stay in comfortable tree houses constructed
of native materials.
Dwarika’s Shangri-la Village Resort or Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge; Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu
o C to B e r 22 & 23
Paro, Bhutan Board a charter flight for tiny Bhutan, where untouched
alpine vistas, pristine rivers, and fluttering prayer
flags all contribute to the quintessential Himalayan
experience. Encounter mountaintop Buddhist
monasteries, terraced rice fields, and massive white
dzongs (fortresses). Visit the National Museum, housed
in the 17th-century former watchtower of the Paro
Valley, to see excellent collections of historic thangka
paintings, textiles, ancient weapons, and artifacts.
We’ll take a mini-trek on foot or horseback from
the Paro Valley, through a boulder-strewn forest,
to the cliffside temple of Taktsang (“tiger’s nest”)
perched 3,000 feet above the valley.
Zhiwaling Hotel, Paro
H i s t o r y ’ s L o s t C i t i e s
15
We explore Registan Square, center of Samarqand
from the time the first religious school was built on
the banks of a river since swallowed by the sands.
The sacred Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum, Ulug Beg’s
world-famous 15th-century observatory, and the
Bibi Khanum mosque all provide insight into the fabled
history of this desert town. Our time here concludes
with a visit to Tamerlane’s tomb and the bustling
local market where we walk in the footsteps of the
great explorers of old.
President Hotel, Samarqand
o C to B e r 24 & 25
Samarqand, Uzbekistan Tales of the glory of Samarqand have drawn travelers
to this jewel of the Silk Road for centuries. Chinese
scholars traveled west towards India, in search of
enlightenment, while European diplomats arrived at
the court of the legendary Tamerlane after journeys
that took years. And today, Samarqand stands at the
crossroads of Asia, enticing contemporary explorers
with its alluring blend of ancient and modern.
“ i f you would understand anything, obser ve i ts beginning . . .”
— A r i s t o t l e
a p r i v at E J E t E x p E d i t i o n
16
CBrm Samarqand Man Blgds VW003294.tifCBrm samarqand man Blgds Vw003294.tif
o C to B e r 26 & 27
Butrint & Gjirokastra, albaniaOur jet carries us to Corfu, Greece, where we board
a ferry for a short ride to Albania’s seaside city of
Saranda. Embark upon the road less traveled to
Albania’s gorgeous southern coast where charming
towns are strung like pearls on a necklace. Saranda
offers a picturesque base for our exploration of
once-forbidden sites like the UNESCO World
Heritage hillside town of Gjirokastra and the fabulous,
untouched forested Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman
ruins of Butrint.
We explore the Castle of Gjirokastra and
Ethnographic Museum. In Butrint, atop a cliff
overlooking Corfu, archaeological wonders provide
insight into ancient Mediterranean civilization. Along
the way, relish the open hearts and warm hospitality of
Albanians, who are curious about the West and eager
to share their history and traditions.
Hotel Butrinti, Saranda
o C to B e r 28 & 29
London/Depart for HomeRelax at our London hotel, then transfer the next day to
the airport for regularly scheduled commercial flights
homeward.
The Dorchester, London
$59,950 USDper person, double occupancy3,300 USD per person single supplement itinerary and prices are subject to change
from the markets of
samarqand and the
archaeological wonders
of Butrint to Udaipur’s
glorious rajasthani
carvings, history comes
alive for you in eight
amazing countries,
including eight UNesCo
world Heritage sites.
17
H I s t o r y ’ s L o s t c I t I e s
6th-century Greek theater, Butrint
Uzbek man in registan square, samarqand
Uzbek woman
a p r i v at E J E t E x p E d i t i o n
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lE t Us sUrprisE yoU.lE t Us dElight yoU.
A treasured trademark of our journeys by private
jet is the concept of Surprise and Delight.
While our brilliant expedition staff members,
behind the scenes and on the jet, are carefully
orchestrating every detail of your extraordinary
journey, they’re also plotting behind your back.
As spectacular as the scheduled events and
experiences of your expedition already are, our
goal is to make them even better. We call these the
Surprise and Delight moments — and your private
jet expedition is studded with them.
They’re not listed in your brochure. They aren’t
mentioned in your trip documents.
They’re not on the schedule. And you will never
know when they’re coming. But be confident that
they are coming.
Without giving away too much, we can tell you
. . . we’ve produced baby elephants on command.
We’ve delivered brilliant dance performances in
the middle of public squares. We’ve transformed a
simple rest stop into a feast of homemade pastries
beside bubbling springs in a forest glen.
We take special pride in our ability to take your
breath away. In fact, we’re a little bit smug about
it. So come along and let us surprise you. Let us
delight you.
When you least expect it , you can
expect it .
YOUR PRIVATE BOEING 757 JET
t r a v e LB e y o N D t H e o r D i N a r y
travEl in comfort
Only a private jet can take you to History’s Lost Cities
in just 22 days — all in comfort, safety, and ease.
Just 19 rows of spacious leather seats — 52
inches wide with a pitch of 50-52 inches — and full
ergonomic support. Personable, professional jet staff
who welcome you back aboard after each stop. The
perfect place to relax, reflect on your experience, and
learn about the next exotic destination.
Dedicated advance staff paves the way for
hassle-free arrivals. Fly direct, bypass busy airports
and, at most stops, enjoy expedited boarding and
easy passage through Customs and Immigration.
JEt timings date dep/arr LengtH
10/10/09 London/Aqaba 5h 5m10/13/09 Aqaba/Udaipur 4h 30m10/15/09 Udaipur/Siem Reap 4h 30m 10/17/09 Siem Reap/Vientiane 1h 30m10/20/09 Vientiane/Kathmandu 3h 30m10/22/09 Kathmandu/Paro* 1h 15m10/24/09 Paro/Kathmandu* 1h 15m “ Kathmandu/Samarqand 6h10/26/09 Samarqand/Corfu 5h 45m10/28/09 Corfu/London 4h
*charter
ExpErts EnlightEn yoU
Travel with a team of expert lecturers:
Charles Doherty, a recognized authority on
Asian art history and a popular lecturer on TCS
Expeditions journeys, has traveled to more than 100
countries and lectured in more than 50. A Fulbright
Fellow at the University of London’s Courtauld
Institute of Art, he completed a Ph.D. in art history
at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Martha Sharp Joukowsky, educator and field
archaeologist, has been associated with field projects in
Lebanon, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and most recently as the
Director of Brown University’s Great Temple
Excavations project in Petra, Jordan. Dr. Joukowsky is
Professor Emerita at Brown University’s Institute for
Archaeology and the Ancient World as well as in the
Department of Anthropology.
Columbia professor Leigh Linden teaches in
the Department of Economics and the School of
International and Public Affairs, and specializes
in the field of development and labor economics,
exploring the microeconomic determinants of
income inequality and poverty. He completed
a Ph.D. in Economics at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, and has been a member
of Columbia University’s faculty since 2004.
19
H I s t o r y ’ s L o s t c I t I e s
Discover history’s great lost cities, hidden from the world or long closed to Westerners, on a 22-day odyssey by private jet through eight exotic countries.
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Columbia
The Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program offers an array of programs
to destinations around the world. Our programs are led by faculty eager
to share their expertise, making traveling with Columbia a truly unique
opportunity to learn and connect with other alumni, family, and friends.
For in-depth information about our 2008-2009 destinations, please
contact the Columbia Alumni Travel Study Program toll-free at
1-866-325-8664 or by e-mail at [email protected]
alumni.Columbia.edu/attend