T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT. With Olivier Bernier KINGS, GODS & DRAGONS. New Year s in Cambodia & Vietnam. December 26, 2015 to January 8, 2016

Transcription

1 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT KINGS, GODS & DRAGONS New Year s in Cambodia & Vietnam With Olivier Bernier December 26, 2015 to January 8, 2016

2 T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Celebrating the New Year in balmy weather and a culturally rich destination what could be better? Cambodia and Vietnam have all this to offer, and much more! In Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital where our trip begins, we will discover masterpieces of Khmer art in the National Museum, where a special visit has been arranged to areas that are not open to the public. We will also see the Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda, as well as the fascinating Central Market. A short flight takes us to Siem Reap, where the overwhelmingly beautiful temples of Angkor offer a series of wonders. Enjoy a magical dinner in the setting of an ancient temple lit by torches. During our days of sightseeing, we will understand why, between 800 and 1400, the Khmer culture was one of the world s most dazzling. In Vietnam, there will be other splendid sights. The museums in Hanoi and Saigon will reveal a very different, partially China-infused culture, while the French colonial influence survives in handsome buildings and great cuisine. CHINA LAOS THAILAND Gulf of Thailand VIETNAM Hanoi Siem Reap CAMBODIA Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh City South China Sea The distinguished art historian and recognized specialist in Southeast Asia, Olivier Bernier, will travel with us throughout this journey. A frequent visitor to Cambodia, where he is deeply engaged in philanthropic activities on behalf of its students and scholars, his many personal contacts with colleagues will open doors for behind-the-scenes visits. Very much at home with the lingering French traditions in Vietnam, Mr. Bernier has specifically chosen visits to illuminate the old and the new in this fascinating nation. For those who would enjoy celebrating a Singapore Christmas, the optional prelude will be at the famed Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and orchids will figure largely in our activities. Please join us on what promises to be a memorable trip. Sincerely, Nina McN. Diefenbach Vice President for Institutional Advancement T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT 1000 F IFTH A VENUE N EW Y ORK, N EW Y ORK 10028

3 K INGS, G ODS & D RAGONS New Year s in Cambodia & Vietnam December 26, 2015 to January 8, 2016 PHNOM PENH SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Wednesday, December 30 Fly to Siem Reap, where morning visits begin at the Entry Tower of magnificent Angkor Wat, the most spectacular of the Khmer temples. Continue to the deluxe Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra, our base for exploring the monuments. Following check-in and lunch, discover Preah Khan, an impressive monastery commissioned by King Jayavarman VII, and the 12th-century island temple of Neak Pean. Tonight attend a magical dinner at a torch-lit temple. SIEM REAP Thursday, December 31 Royal Palace, Phnom Penh U.S.A. PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA Saturday & Sunday, December 26 & 27 Our focus this morning is the Roluos Group of temples: Preah Ko, Lolei, and Bakong. The Bakong, the earliest of the great state temples of Angkor, represents the cosmic Mount Meru, and its four levels leading to the Central Sanctuary correspond to the worlds of mythical beings. After lunch, explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. The majestic Bayon Temple, located within the city walls and surrounded by a dense jungle, has more than 200 faces carved into its 54 towers. We will also see the nearby Leper and Elephant Terraces. This evening a gala New Year s dinner is planned at the hotel. Depart the United States for Phnom Penh on Saturday, arriving Sunday evening. Upon arrival, transfer to the luxurious Raffles Le Royal Hotel. PHNOM PENH Monday, December 28 The morning and lunch are at leisure. An afternoon overview tour of this capital city will be followed by our welcome dinner at the hotel, with introductory remarks by Olivier Bernier. PHNOM PENH Tuesday, December 29 Begin the day at the National Museum, with its extraordinary collection of Khmer art and sculpture. Drive to the Royal Palace built in 1864 and its Silver Pagoda, whose floor is made of 5,329 silver tiles. After a lush buffet lunch at the hotel, walk in the picturesque Central Market. An optional visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum, with its tragic history of the Khmer Rouge period, is arranged. Dinner is at a local restaurant. Bas-relief, Angkor Wat (top), monk at Angkor Wat (above) Photo by Christian Hangen (below) and Joel Stratte-McClure (top) K INGS, G ODS & D RAGONS

4 SIEM REAP Friday, January 1 Return to Angkor Wat to see the Western and Southern Galleries. View their reliefs, which show us not only mythological scenes but also the court of King Suryavarman II and a bevy of alluring celestial dancers. After lunch, see Thommanon, a small Angkor Wat-period temple, before arriving at Ta Prohm, untouched by archaeologists aside from the clearing of paths. Experience the awe of early explorers when they first saw these spires entwined with roots and tree trunks, literally hidden in the jungle. The evening is at leisure. SIEM REAP Saturday, January 2 Today begins at the enchanting and remarkably preserved temple of Banteay Srei, with carvings that are among the most beautiful in Asia. See Banteay Samre, whose interior moat gives the temple an ethereal atmosphere. Then view Prasat Kravan, with its unique brick reliefs. Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon explore Pre Rup, the last real temple-mountain. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. SIEM REAP Sunday, January 3 City Hall, Ho Chi Minh City SIEM REAP HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Monday, January 4 Photo by Oat Eakachal Drive to Artisans d Angkor, whose mission is to train young people in silk, lacquer, and stone handicrafts. Following lunch at leisure, we are invited for a specially arranged visit to the Center for Khmer Studies or to the Conservation d Angkor. Dine together at a local restaurant. This morning, board a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (the former Saigon). This vibrant city blends charming colonial architecture with an expanding new district of skyscrapers and also offers the best shopping in Vietnam. After lunch, we will discover a thousand years of Khmer and Vietnamese culture at the Museum of Vietnamese History. The balance of the day is free, perhaps to shop, visit an art gallery, or sample the excellent Vietnamese cuisine. Accommodations for two nights are at the Park Hyatt Saigon. HO CHI MINH CITY Tuesday, Januar y 5 Today s visit to the Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence, will give us a vivid view of the Vietnam that was. We will then look at some of the firstrate colonial architecture of the city at the Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel), Notre Dame Cathedral, and City Hall. Dinner is at leisure. HO CHI MINH CITY HANOI, VIETNAM Wednesday, January 6 Ta Prohm Our short flight to Hanoi brings us to the capital of Vietnam, where we will stay at the landmark Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. In the afternoon, the History Museum will reveal Viet and Cham cultures at their best; the 3,000-yearold bronze drums are one of its highlights. Following a traditional water puppet show, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. N EW Y EAR S IN C AMBODIA & V IETNAM

5 Red Bridge in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi PROGRAM RATE $11,450 per person, double occupancy SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $2,285 RATE INCLUDES Twelve nights hotel accommodations, as per itinerary Breakfast daily, eight lunches, and seven dinners; bottled water and coffee / tea with meals; beer / wine with dinners Vietnamese water puppets HANOI U.S.A. Thursday & Friday, January 7 & 8 Begin the day with visits to Ba Dinh Square, site of Ho Chi Minh s tomb, his House on Stilts, and the One-Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the 18th-century Temple of Literature with its row of steles recording the names of its successful graduates. After lunch at leisure, there will be an optional visit to the Hoa Lo prison the famous Hanoi Hilton. This evening, gather for our farewell dinner at the hotel. Depart late tonight for return flights to the United States, arriving on Friday. Economy Class internal flights: Phnom Penh / Siem Reap / Ho Chi Minh City / Hanoi Escorted sightseeing and entrance fees Airport / hotel / airport group transfers; porterage for one suitcase per person Gratuities to local guides and drivers Taxes and service charges NOT INCLUDED IN RATE Airfare between home city and Asia; passport and visa fees; alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer at dinners; personal items and expenses; trip insurance; excess baggage charges; meals not specified; transfers for those not on suggested flights; any other items not specifically included. To reserve a place, please return this form along with your deposit of $2,000 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY Names in Full as on Passports. Please Print. T HE M ETROPOLITAN M USEUM OF A RT Kings, Gods & Dragons December 26, 2015 to January 8, 2016 RESERVATION APPLICATION OPTIONAL SINGAPORE PRELUDE I/we wish to join the optional prelude in Singapore FORM OF PAYMENT Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad) Credit card (may be used for deposit only) Address City State Zip Telephone (Home) (Business) Fax ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel Room Preference Double Twin Single I wish to share a room with Name on Credit Card Credit Card Number 3- or 4-Digit Security Code Expiration Date Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this Program. I/We agree to full payment by check or wire transfer 120 days prior to departure. Signature (Required) Date Signature (Required) Date For additional information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone: or Fax: met@arrangementsabroad.com

6 OPTIONAL SINGAPORE PRELUDE December 23 to 28, 2015 Christmas in Singapore will be both exotic and luxurious. Staying at the celebrated Mandarin Oriental Hotel with its spacious accommodations and excellent cuisine will be a wonderful beginning to our holiday trip. Visits will include the extraordinary Orchid Garden and a tour of restored shophouses and converted army barracks in Singapore s historic neighborhoods. Singapore skyline SINGAPORE PRELUDE $3,290 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement $845. Four nights at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel; breakfast daily, one lunch, and two dinners; flight from Singapore to Phnom Penh. Photo by Cristal Tan Photo by Titlezpix One-Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi

7 T ERMS & C ONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested flights, or individual requests for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete details will be provided in your confirmation mailing. PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $2,000 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check or wire transfer only, must be received 120 days prior to departure. HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible and climbing in and out of various conveyances. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. PHOTOGRAPHY Photographs or, in some cases, videotapes of participants of Travel with the Met trips may be used for educational and promotional purposes by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of deposit, although you may select any insurer of your choice. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares, and currency exchange rates in effect at time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of the Met is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations, and all other services, relating to The Program. AAA, the Met, and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or the Met and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages, or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or the Met. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and peronal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. The Met and AAA reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or the Met to be in the best interest of the participant s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development/promotional expenses; and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of AAA and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; the Met shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor the Met shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or the Met, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright 2015 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST Front and back cover: Standing Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion (detail). Vietnam or Cambodia, ca. 7th century. Gilt bronze. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Enid A. Haupt, 1993 ( ). Back cover, below: Banteay Srei, photo by Kara Van Woerden.

8 THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BURLINGTON, VT PERMIT NO. 601 K INGS, G ODS & D RAGONS New Year s in Cambodia & Vietnam December 26, 2015 to January 8,