Worth it?

It took an incredible amount of work to make this Cambodian experience happen. Beyond the initial conception, there was the fundraising, the recruitment of students, reassuring parents, trip logistics and school documentation work---and that was all BEFORE the trip. On the road and in the air student management issues were magnified, transportation coordination a challenge, logistical flexibility a necessity and health concerns attended. Through all the obstacles an underlying question begs to be answered, "Is it worth it?"

With the hardships and challenges recognized, my resounding answer to this question is, "YES, indeed!"

Half of the participating students had never been out of the U.S. None of them had ever experienced what life is truly like in a developing country. None of us had ever been so close to genocide, where scars remain. During our experience we stayed with common Cambodians both in the city and countryside; families that are on the brink of having their entire apartment building razed to rural families with no understanding of what is meant by "email" and have no address in which to receive a postcard.

We deeply connected with a country rich in the arts and full of tradition. Where music, dance, and symbols have been woven into daily life for over 1000 years. The long, long history and traditions is something unfathomable to most of Americans and certainly struck us that we are in the nascent stages of establishing our own "American" legacies.

I'm deeply appreciative of the parents of these students who entrusted Jeff and myself with their precious life extensions. Also, Northpoint Academy, led by Geneva Saint-Amour should be commended for supporting and promoting international travel. I appreciate our hosts in Cambodia, in particular the staff and families of Cambodian Living Arts, specifically Phloeun, Seng, Charley, and Arn. I'm indebted to my co-travel partner and instigator of this adventure Jeff Dyer. A phenomenal teacher, leader, musician and friend who's vision for future Cambodia and international travel burns brightly. Finally, I'm thankful for such a fantastic spouse and family that tolerates my penchant for this work and cheered the adventures throughout.

I hope more of you that read this blog can be a part, in some way, of making international student travel a reality for more young people. The experience is worth every dime raised, minute of sleep lost, and inconveniences tolerated. Who knows how much lives have been impacted, but there is no doubt that the trajectory for all twelve of us has been altered; skewed towards deeper understanding, appreciation, tolerance and love. Awkun charan!

-David DenHartog

P.S.

Stay tuned for a couple more blog posts. We are now all back home safe and sound with tales to tell.

School Visit

It was about 6:30 AM when our creaky bones rose off the paper-thin bamboo floor mat. Just a typical night sleeping in the Cambodian countryside! After getting some breakfast, we headed over to the local high school. Right when we walked into the school, I suddenly realized that everyone was staring at us. We have been stared at before, but by only one or two people at a time. There were about three thousand students who attend that school and at least half of them stopped what they were doing just to look at us.

After Dyer talked to the school, and after a few trips of people going back and forth to the district education office, we were finally let into an actual class. As we came in, all 50 students stood up and took a bow before we sat down. It showed how much respect they had for us. We took our seats and listened to what the teacher had to say just like any other student. It was very difficult because there was no English being spoken. The only thing I understood was her talking about different time periods. We were told that it was a history/economics class. The class seemed very similar to most traditional schools in the U.S., but the poverty level was clear: there were many students crammed into a small room with creaky, old desks. But, the students didn’t seem to mind what the room looked like, and they were very respectful to the teacher. I spoke to the teacher after the class and she expressed that she chose to teach here because she wanted to help these kids further their lives and maybe one day go abroad.

After leaving the school, we decided to get some lunch and head back to Phnom Penh. Half the students decided to go to the market while the other half headed to the hotel. I can feel that some students are ready to head back home and go back to their American lives. I believe that people were affected by Cambodia in a very positive way and will keep this experience close to them. I also think that they will be more appreciative of things they do have because they’ve seen people here who don’t have the things they consider essential.

We had dinner with many people from Cambodian Living Arts. They really tried to make us comfortable by putting on American music and letting a few people sing karaoke, which was a lot of fun! We got to hang out with people from our home stays, and Arn Chorn-Pond, the star of the documentary The Flute Player, joined us even though he had just arrived in Cambodia yesterday. To me, this shows how many Cambodians have great integrity.

Finally, it was time to go: United Sates, here we come! Goodbye Cambodia, or as you say in Khmer: “Chum riep lieu srok Khmer!”

~Stephen W.

Khmer Rouge Tribunal & Takeo Overnight

Yesterday, January 10, we woke up back here in Phnom Penh. All of us were exhausted and sun burnt and really wanted to climb back into our beds and bask in the gloriousness that is air conditioning. However, we all pushed through, and after a rushed breakfast, we went to the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC), where one of the Khmer Rouge leaders is on trial. Not all of us were able to get in because it was obvious they were not 18 years of age, but most of us were able to pass and we sat in the court and watched the trial. Nuon Chea, the man on trial, talked in circles, doing his best not to answer any questions. Although he was called Brother Number Two and was the most important Khmer Rouge leader next to Pol Pot (who is called Brother Number One), Nuon Chea denied being in the pictures shown as evidence, and also used his health and memory as an excuse to not answer questions. I honestly felt it was a bit ridiculous that this man was able to act the way he did in court and in some way be able to get away with everything. I felt a bit disturbed that there was really no justice. After about three hours of this, we left and returned to the city to quickly get on a bus to Takeo.

The bus ride was cramped, hot, and a little uncomfortable, but with some perseverance we pushed through the loud, cheesy Khmer music videos and arrived in the little village. Free from the bus, we took a quick walk over to Master Sok Duch’s house, where we were to do our home stay for the night. Tired as we were, we all circled up to watch Sok Duch and his students practice their instruments. As we listened, we began to relax, but that all went away when suddenly my chair decided to break and I fell straight through! Typical Lilly. After everybody had their laugh, we regained our composure and focused on the music once more. At the end of our private performance, we got to spend some quality time with the students and told them a bit about good ol’ Prescott. After a while, we said our goodbyes and headed down the street for dinner.

Dinner was rather fun. We all sat outside with the bugs, and because we had no menus, Dyer had the great honor of ordering for us. We all reverted our favorite noodles, but wonderful Mr. Dyer just had to get everybody’s favorite fish soup, which is called Prahok. Yuck! As soon as that bowl came towards the table half of us didn’t even wait for the stench to reach our noses. We booked it out of there and left Dyer to his soup. One by one, everybody else came out to the front of the restaurant, unable to deal with the smell. Adam realized it was a perfect time to get back at Dyer, and he somehow managed to put some of the rank soup into that red hair. It was only fair, I mean Dyer did do it to him last week. It was all out of love, of course!

Soon after, we headed back to Master Sok Duch’s house. The twelve of us all shared a room, and we quickly got under our mosquito nets. We talked and goofed around for a bit, like teenagers do, but before you knew it, we were all fast asleep! It was a good ending to a very interesting and eventful day.

~Lilly N.

Teacher Reflections

When I arrived in Cambodia for the first time, over seven years ago, I had only a small conception of what I would find or where the experience would lead. The first memories are all sensual: the smell, the heat, the relief of the afternoon monsoons. Most others are overwhelming: the poverty, the traffic, the overpowering sense of being a foreigner, a minority. Those first days were difficult, but over time they translated into a stronger knowledge of myself and of the world. For me, one of the most rewarding outcomes of this trip has been seeing my students struggle through the same first impressions I did and leave being similarly impacted.

At first, our group talked much about the traffic and the tuk-tuk rides, the oppressive humidity and the filthy streets. But, those conversations faded away as the students became accustomed to travel in Cambodia. In their place came conversations about Cambodia’s performing arts, the “living arts,” and contemporary culture’s connections with the ancient Ankorean temples.

Testifying to how the students have been affected, our group conversation last evening shed light on the new perspectives gained. We may have some funds left over at the end of the trip, and students discussed possibilities for how to use that money. The students’ hopes ranged from sponsoring scholarships for students to supporting a countryside family and a new class of classical wedding musicians. Even more impressive was that some students expressed a desire to keep fundraising to raise a significant amount of money to support this country and its performing arts. To me, this represents a new sense of international responsibility and connection, and it reflects the power of an experience of this magnitude. These typical American teenagers have been transformed into engaged world citizens with a deep appreciation of their own wealth and a desire to share their abundance with others.

Boat Ride & Interviews

Monday, January 9, 2012

Boat rides can be fun, but we might want to stock up on sunscreen. Lesson learned. After waking up with another early morning and crowded bus ride full of new goodies from yesterday’s shopping, we boarded a sleek, narrow, dynamic ferry bound for Phnom Penh. All too soon we managed to find our ways to the roof of our boat where we took on the wind, testing our endurance against it, maybe a little too much. We passed many floating villages, and I desperately wish we had another week here so we could venture to such places. Nevertheless, the view was spectacular, as I find it always is here in Cambodia. The striking clusters of houses suspended over the water between small, individual, overgrown island and trees growing straight out of the water made me feel like I was dropped into a Tolkien novel (I made sure to listen to the Lord of the Rings soundtrack for dramatic effect).

Five short hours later, we got off the boat with crazy hair and crazy sunburns (raccoon eyes and all). We then split our little group in half, as we set off to do interviews with many people from Cambodian Living Arts and the East-West Management Institute. My group met with Kavich, a dancer and filmmaker. It was very moving to receive such in-depth, sincere answers from someone who is so close to the issues we are studying. It really hit home for me and I just feel so proud to be taking part in this trip.

-Kessie

Last Day in Siem Reap

TODAY: Sunday, January 8

Our last day in Siem Reap was spent resting up, practicing our bartering skills, tuk-tuking around, and visiting a village. It was a pretty peaceful day: we got off to a much-needed late start and went to the local market (“Psaa Chas”) to finish up any shopping left over from our visit to the Russian Market in Phnom Penh. After exploring the local market for about an hour, we headed to Creuv Village to talk to the family of Sinat, a Cambodian musician whom we have been learning a lot about on this trip.

If you have been keeping track of this blog, you know that music is a major theme in this trip. One thing that continues to astound me is learning about the everyday lives of some of Cambodia's greatest musicians. In America, the musicians whom we consider to be “Masters” can make a very healthy living by playing music. In Cambodia, though, a large amount of master musicians live modestly in the countryside in small villages. Today’s example was Chreuv Village, where Sinat grew up. Sinat is one of Cambodia’s top performers and is considered to be one of the best of his generation. At just 25 years old, Sinat can play over twelve musical instruments at an expert level. Before today, I had assumed Sinat had grown up in an environment that allowed his creativity and passion for music to flow freely. In actuality, he grew up in a small village, where music lessons are unaffordable for the modest hard workers who live there. Had it not been for his taking a music class in the city and eventually receiving a scholarship to study in Phnom Penh, Sinat would most likely have grown up to live in his home village, leading a life similar to his sister, brother-in-law, and many of the others who grow up there. This makes me wonder, how many great musicians (or great performers of any genre) are not given a chance predominately because of their economic situation?

After experiencing a slight Tuk-Tuk adventure, we all headed to a “Barbecue” restaurant. I don’t know about most people, but to me barbecues don’t typically trigger memories of hot smoke burning my eyes while trying to figure out how to simultaneously boil clams and grill chicken on a large hot device with a chunk of pig fat on top. This was definitely a dinner filled with learning, like when our Tuk-Tuk driver and a lady we’ve never met started guiding us through our dinner. To be more specific, I broke a glass, couldn’t use the metal chop sticks to handle the slippery food and had to switch to bamboo, dropped a copious amount of raw chicken inside of my “soup”, and at one point tried to grill a slice of pineapple. I think that’s when the locals began to show pity on our clan of puzzled high schoolers. I have to admit though, once I began to get the hang of it, I was able to make some pretty good food!

~Maddie

Temples & Countryside Visit

ONE DAY AGO: Saturday, January 7, 2012

Waking up at 4:50 AM isn’t typically something I anticipate to be a good time, but when I heard the hard knock on my door this morning telling me that it was time to wake up, I was quick to jump into a new pair of clothes and race down to the van. When we arrived to our destination it was still dark, but the ground was flooded with small cell phone lights from hundreds of tourist looking to see the sun rise over the ancient temple of Angkor Wat. Spectacular would be an understatement when describing what we experienced today. We watched as the sun slowly lit up the jungle surrounding the ancient temples then spent the morning exploring Angkor Wat, The Bayon, and Ta Prohm.

Of the three temples, Ta Prohm was my favorite. About half of us took off barefoot exploring every crack and crevice of the temple, looking for the ideal place to do journaling. Seeing the tree’s roots wrap around giant blocks that used to hold up the ruins was not just beautiful or awe-inspiring; it gave me a tangible connection to this country’s history.

After spending a long morning exploring temples, we were all beginning to feel the consequences of waking up so early. I’m not going to lie: if you asked me at noon whether i’d like to go to the hotel and sleep or visit a small village to watch a music class, I would have chosen the first option. Nonetheless, when we arrived at the village and were swarmed with children saying hello and showering us with whatever flowers they found close by, our attitudes quickly changed from wanting to go sleep to never wanting to leave the village at all. It was fantastic to see such young children show so much skill and interest at playing the classical Cambodian wedding music. After watching the group rehearse a few songs and getting a quick lesson on how the instruments are made, Mia, Martel, and I played a quick game of volleyball with two of the boys living in the village....Those boys were good!

I think it’s safe to say that we were all expecting to do new things when in Cambodia, but I had no idea that would entail exploring temples barefoot and playing volleyball with village children. It’s these small experiences, however, that are making this trip as a whole have such a profound impact on me. The people and places we saw today are what make this country so unique and genuine. Of all the things we experienced today, I think that seeing how far back their history and culture go, and how it still relates so closely to everyday Cambodian life, has been one of the most mind-boggling.

~Maddie

Temple Sunset

TWO DAYS AGO: Friday, January 6, 2012

Today was insane. We woke up at 5:00 AM and inhaled our breakfast while slamming our clothes into our bags. We then jumped onto a bus for 6 hours until we arrived at the Siem Reap bus station. Even though we’re in a different country, and a much poorer country, traveling feels the same as in the US. It was just like getting in a car and driving to school, except longer.

Once we got off the bus, we got in some tuk-tuks and drove to the hotel on some roads that are worse than the ones you would find in Chino Valley. Even though this is a major city, it’s much different than Phnom Penh, since only the major roads are paved. It probably would be a huge pain to have to drive on these roads every day. 30 minutes and 2 headaches later, we arrived at our hotel, The Berlin Angkor.

We had just enough time at the hotel to drop off our bags and get in the bus. Then we rushed to Pre Rup, a major temple in Angkor Wat, to watch the sun set over Cambodia. It was beautiful! It would be easily comparable to the sunsets over Sedona. The sun was a brilliant pink and you could just barely see it as it sunk into the huge, majestic trees of the jungle. Amazing!

We then proceeded to a very Khmer dinner. Mia Manzanedo got fried frog, Matt Bray got fried quail, and Mr. Denhartog got some weird, whole local fish. I stuck with spring rolls.

~Adam S.

Angkor Wat & More Explorations

Saturday, January 7

Today started way too early--before five a.m.--as we headed off to go see the sun rise over Angkor Wat. The sun rising over the temple was an amazing sight and made it worth getting up before the sun. After sunrise and before food, we all stumbled off to explore, and what we saw was spectacular! The carvings in the walls told epic stories of battle and were so amazingly carved that they convinced Kessie that’s what she should do with her life.

Once we were all done exploring, we headed off to a morning filled with food, monkeys, and temples. After lunch, we piled in the van and headed off to observe a music rehearsal. Once we arrived, the first thing we saw was kids. They seemed so happy to see us that throughout the rehearsal they kept saying “hi” and bringing us flowers.

After we were forced to leave our new-found friends, we headed off to what turned out to be an eventful dinner. We split into two groups, six per table: all girls and Adam at one; all guys and me at the other. It started off slow, then the waiter of the mostly girls table took a liking to them, which led to Lilly and him dancing in the restaurant and much laughter coming from all tables. The day ended with the promise of more sleep and an easier day. We will see how that works out!

~Mia S.

Northpoint Featured in Phnom Penh Post

Check out the article in one of the major Phnom Penh newspapers on the Northpoint travelers!

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2012010653825/Lifestyle/us-students-get-a-cultured-learning.html

Bokor Mountain & Dance Performance 2nd perspectiveBo

Thursday, January 5, 2011

Today we went up in the mountains around Kampot, took a four hour bus ride back to Phnom Penh and from there we went to a performance created by the Cambodian Living Arts. I know what you think: “Into the mountains. That’s boring and pointless!” But it was amazing up there! The zig-zaggy road up to the top was completely surrounded with green trees the whole time until you reach the peak. Unfortunately, when you reach the top you learn that a casino is being built up there and that they are tearing down the forest around for this casino.

The bus from Kampot finally ended after four hours allowing us to go see the performance put on by the Cambodian Living Arts. The performance consisted of nine dances, all of which were unique. Several of the dances told a story about their culture or their lives. The dancers’ skill is amazing, and it is incredible that these kids could learn all that. I certainly couldn’t do that! Seeing these dances have impacted me in such a way that I now understand and respect the “living arts” more than I ever did before.

-Matt B.

Borkor Mountain & Dance Performance

1/5/12

This morning we woke up to the sounds of unidentifiable animals outside our rooms. There wasn’t time to do much but pack and get in a van, stopping only to grab a dozen baguettes and rolls before setting off to our destination. We made our way up Bokor Mountain, surrounded by thick foliage on either side. However, as we neared the top of the mountain, we began to notice more and more construction, repaving roads and building a casino. It was a bit sad, seeing the trash that littered much of the land and even the old buildings being rebuilt and turned into what looked like hotels.

After spending the morning exploring the cliffs and abandoned houses, we piled back in the car and made our way back down, stopping to have lunch at the same restaurant where we ate our first meal in Kampot. The bus ride back to Phnom Penh lasted about five hours, and everyone was relieved to get back to the hotel. We went to a performance by the Children of Bassac at the National Museum, which was amazing. The movements were so precise and seemed to take a lot of concentration, and it was amazing to see the people we had met during their class rehearsals and the home stays performing so beautifully. It was a wonderful thing to see--I sincerely hope that I can see something like that again in the future.

~Mia M.

January 4, 2012

An early bus picked us up at 7:00 and took us to the bus stop where we got on a big tourist bus for almost five hours. Our destination: Kampot, Cambodia. Kampot is much different from Phnom Penh. There are stunning mountains here, the food is much better, and everything is so green.

The first thing on our list after arriving was helping to teach English and drawing at the Chumkreil Language School. The kids didn’t know much English, but it was fun being there. After that, we picked up some traditional Cambodian swimsuits (a scarf-like towel called a “kroma” that is wrapped around your waist--only the teachers and Stephen wore them, and it wasn’t the most enjoyable experience for the rest of us to see). The villa where we are staying is paradise. Right up to the river, the cabanas are on stilts. The water was so refreshing; we went swimming/jumping/diving off of the deck, and then took rides on the paddle boats. I think I speak for everyone when I say today has been the best so far.

Later this evening, we had dinner on Cambodian time (eat your food when you get it; it could be five minutes, it could be an hour, depending on if they forget or not), then watched The Flute Player. It’s the story of a man who was involved in the Khmer Rouge, but has moved to the USA to teach classical Cambodian music. I think it is wonderful that somebody is making an effort to bring back Cambodian music in Cambodia and in the US. Shortly after that, we were off to bed.

--Martel

Flute Lesson & Market Shopping: Another Take

Today we took flute lessons and went to the Russian Market. As a musician, I was very excited to take the music class. I’ve had no experience playing woodwind instruments, and had no idea what to expect out of the lesson, especially it being a foreign instrument with an instructor who didn’t speak much English. We took off fairly early in the morning and headed for master flute player Yim Chanthy’s house. We started off by playing through the scale for several minutes. Initially, it seemed easy, but then we realized that the flute changes tones depending on how hard you blow air through it, which made it more difficult than I had anticipated. Once Yim Chanthy thought we were ready to start learning, she quickly took off into the lesson. It was a fascinating experience trying to learn a song through watching her play it, using little to no language to help guide me.

Overall it was a worthwhile experience, however, I can't say any of us will become master flute players anytime soon. Being able to play some of the music we’ve been learning about has helped us wrap our minds around just how much of an art these musicians have mastered, and how imperative it is that the classical Cambodian music stays alive.

After the flute lesson, we took a short tuk-tuk ride to the Russian Market, and I can confidently say it was like no “market” I had experienced before. Between the hot, thick air and the market vendors swarming you with cheap goods to buy, it was impossible to have a relaxing day of shopping. It was however a wonderful experience. We all had a blast bargaining down gifts for our families back home and wandering through aisles upon aisles of booths selling things like cloth, films, fish, and even car parts! It was a day full of new experiences for all of us, but it’s these experiences that are making this trip such a wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience.

~Maddie

The English School & Swimming!

Today, January fourth, started off way too early as we set off on a bus ride to Kampot. 7 a.m. marked the start of our four-hour bus adventure, which was comfy but uneventful. Once we arrived in Kampot we got a quick meal and headed to the Chumkriel Language School, which we arrived at a half hour early. Once all the teachers and students arrived, the manager gathered us around the bulletin board to explain about the school. Once that was done we split into two groups, one that went with little kids and drew pictures and one that had a conversation with the older kids.

I was lucky enough to be in the group that drew pictures with the little kids. They were all so cute and they didn't speak much English, but every now and then they would look up at me, smiling and giggling. I tried to talk with the girl sitting next to me, and when that failed I talked to one of the teachers. It was a sad time when we had to leave, but we were all very happy when we arrived at the hotel. We walked in, and it was paradise: wood and grass huts on stilts in what looks like a mini jungle. We walked up to the bar to get our room keys and got shown to our little huts. In my hut is Maddie, Lilly, and Kessie. It is small but amazing! It has a bunk bed and a double bed, a hammock out on the porch and the shower out back. Once we were done exploring and changing we went swimming in the river where some interesting events happened. We all got to see Dyer, Dave and Stephen wearing traditional Cambodian kromahs, which are essentially skirts for swimming in.

Once the sun started to set we went on these flat boats. At first it was hard to balance, but once you were on it for a little, it was great. As it started getting dark, we walked back to our hotel and ordered food. It was another amazing day here in Cambodia!

~Mia S~

Flute Lesson & Market Shopping

This morning, after a bit of a hectic breakfast, we climbed into our tuk-tuks and set off for our flute lesson. Although it was difficult to play with so many other people squeaking away on their own instruments at different times and speeds, most of us managed to learn at least half the song. The time afterwards was spent playing games and socializing with the several families living there. It was interesting to see the average living conditions here in Cambodia, which aren’t always great, but it seems the people who live here make the most of it. It’s amazing to me how, even though they may not have much themselves, the people we’ve met still go out of their way to make it comfortable for us.

We went for lunch and a shopping trip at the Russian Market, which was such a unique experience. All the heat from crowds and food stands was trapped inside, confined to the small paths that wound their way amongst numerous booths. The groups of twos and threes made their way around the mazes of stores and people on their own, eventually meeting back up again to head back to the guest house.

After a bit of work and rest time, we went to dinner and a short performance by Sinat, a master musician here in Cambodia. There was fantastic food and company, but eventually the tiredness took over and we all headed back to the guest house, only to do more packing and preparing for the early start the next day. Today was an adventure - and I’m sure tomorrow will be as well!

- Mia M

Countryside Day Trip

Today we woke up from the home stays in “the building,” said our goodbyes, and took an hour-long ride the countryside south of Phnom Penh. The bus ride was crowded, hot, and at times even smelly.

We finally arrived at some old temples that are said to be over a thousand years old. Waiting at the entrance was a group of maybe 15 young children ages 6-17, all of whom where trying to sell us their flowers that they had just picked.

This was extremely tough for us to deny their adorable faces but we learned that giving money to the kids that live on the streets makes them believe that they should always make money that way.

This is definitely very different than America in many, many ways, but we will just have to get used to this.

~Matt

Student Reflections--first part of the trip

Madisen shares her perspective on an early highlight.

Student Reflections--1st part of the trip

Listen to a short video of Kessie sharing her early trip perspectives.

Home Stay

Today we did the home stays. Matt, Piers, Adam and myself stayed with one family. The apartments we were in were located in a place called, “the building.” Just being at this place makes me think, “Maybe there’s some things Americans take for granted, such as a flushing toilet.” In this building live thousands of people and according to the hosts this how everyone lives. Earlier, when I asked them what they think America would be like, he said, “I think there would be nice houses and organized streets.” He is not too far off. This home stay was a powerful experience for me, something that shifted my perspective on my own needs and wants tremendously!

-Stephen

Performance Rehersal

Today we went to two classes where the students did dances that to me seem native to Cambodia. They were able to contort their bodies (particularly their hands) in very cool poses. It was very strange to me that these kids were not self-conscious or scared of us just dropping in on their rehearsal. Some of the acts they did consisted of moves and interaction that to Americans could seem extremely weird and awkward. The strangeness highlighted my (and maybe others’) lack of open mindedness about art of this nature. It was refreshing to be around people that were open to different ideas and perspectives. It is definitely not something I’m used to.

-Piers