BURMADukeALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Aboard the Road To MandalayMARCH 11 TO 21, 2013

Dear Duke Traveler:

Burma is a country of great fascination. Its ancient monuments and unbroken traditionsspeak of a rich culture and complex history. Deeply imbued with Buddhism, Burma has pursued aunique artistic path. Its temples have evolved their own singular shape, and its welcoming peoplehave not forgotten their traditions. Today still, there is much to see—antiquities, of course, but alsothe creations of local artisans.

Traveling with us to this captivating land will be award-winning author andhuman rights activist Robin Kirk, Program Director of the Duke Human RightsCenter at the Franklin Humanities Institute. Robin directs Undergraduate Studiesfor Duke’s International Comparative Studies major, where she teaches and lecturesin the Department of Cultural Anthropology. Also an essayist and poet, she haspublished widely on issues as diverse as the the politics of memory, family life and popculture. Robin’s lectures and insights are certain to enrich our journey.

Begin with an overnight in Bangkok before continuing to Yangon, Burma’slargest city, with a dynamic mix of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian influences. Visit colorfulChaukhtatkyi Pagoda and its colossal reclining Buddha; Sule Pagoda, said to have been built 2,000years ago to enshrine a single strand of the Buddha’s hair; and Shwedagon Pagoda, a gleaming stupathat dominates the city from its hilltop location.

Fly on to Bagan, known as the “City of Pagodas,” where more than 2,000 temples andpagodas are scattered over an awe-inspiring plain beside the Irrawaddy River. Visit local markets andsee Burma’s famous lacquerware being made. Then board the Road To Mandalay, a graceful riverboat,for a four-night cruise into the country’s cultural heart.

Set foot in the Burmese village of Shwe Kyet Yetand drive to Mandalay, capital of Burma from 1860 to 1885,for a guided tour of the key sights. Cruise to the town ofMingun for visits including the lovely white HsinbyumePagoda and the world’s largest uncracked bell. Discoverthe Sagaing Hills, considered to be the living center of theBuddhist faith in Burma, before returning to Yangon.

I hope you will join us for this exceptionalprogram combining ancient sites, Buddhist traditions andstunning natural beauty.

Forever Duke,

Beth Ray-SchroederDirector, Alumni Education & TravelDuke Alumni Association

NEW YORK11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Monday, March 11 Depart New York on a mid-day flight to

Bangkok, via Tokyo.

BANGKOK11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Tuesday, March 12 Arrive in Bangkok in the late evening and

transfer to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, where

rooms are reserved for the night.

BANGKOK 1 YANGON11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Wednesday, March 13 Following a leisurely morning, depart on

an afternoon flight to Yangon, Burma’s largest city, whose history

dates back 2,500 years. Originally a fishing village, it became a

significant trading port in the 18th century. An orientation tour

will introduce us to major landmarks, including the City Hall and

other impressive Colonial-era buildings. Check in at Kandawgyi

Hotel. Dinner is at the hotel.

YANGON11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Thursday, March 14 Begin today with a lecture and then visit the

colorful Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda, with its colossal reclining Buddha.

Continue to the ancient Sule Pagoda, housing a sacred strand of

BURMAAboard the Road To Mandalay

MARCH 11 TO 21, 2013

the Buddha’s hair. After lunch, see the Shwedagon Pagoda, a

golden stupa that overlooks the city from its hilltop location. The

scene of prayers and offerings, the pagoda is the spiritual heart of

Yangon. The evening is at leisure.

YANGON11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Friday, March 15 Following a morning lecture, browse the

Bogyoke Market, a lively place offering everything from straw

baskets and handicrafts to silk and rubies. Lunch and the after-

noon are at leisure. This evening, dinner is at a local restaurant.

Sunset over the pagodas of Bagan.

Pho

to b

y Jo

el S

trat

te-M

cClu

re

Reclining Buddha, Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda, Yangon.

YANGON 1 BAGAN 1BOARD ROAD TO MANDALAY

11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Saturday, March 16 Depart on a morning flight to Bagan,known as the “City of Pagodas.” On arrival, transfer to the RoadTo Mandalay berthed on the Irawaddy River. At Bagan over2,000 temples and pagodas are scattered over an awe-inspiringplain beside the river. Following lunch, visit some of the moresignificant pagodas. In the late afternoon, watch the sun settingover a field of glowing pagodas. Dinner and local entertainmentare on board.

BAGAN11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Sunday, March 17 This morning explore some of Bagan’s localmarkets selling wood carvings, fabrics, longyis (traditional wrap-around cloth worn like a skirt) and rattan goods, and see Burma’sfamous lacquerware being made. Alternatively, you can hire abicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this enchanting area onyour own. Mid-morning we begin our cruise north towardsMandalay. Relax on the top deck and watch the fascinating riverlife glide by. As the ship moors mid-river for the evening, gatherfor an onboard cocktail party followed by dinner.

MANDALAY11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Monday, March 18 Arrive at the village of Shwe Kyet Yet afterlunch. Enjoy a guided tour of the key sights of nearby Mandalay,regarded as the center of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning.Return to Road To Mandalay, stopping en route to admire sunsetover the river. This evening, enjoy dinner and local entertainmenton board.

MANDALAY11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Tuesday, March 19 After breakfast, cruise to Mingun to visit

the town’s most important sights, such as the pretty Hsinbyume

Pagoda and the world’s largest uncracked bell. Return by ferry

for a late lunch. In the afternoon visit the Sagaing Hills, considered

to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma. Sagaing

is also famous for its silver and the silversmiths who still work in

much the same way as their ancestors did. Gather for the farewell

dinner and local entertainment on board.

MANDALAY 1 YANGON 1BANGKOK 1 TOKYO

11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Wednesday, March 20 Disembark the ship in the morning for

the flights home. Arrive in the U.S. the morning of March 21. n

Scene along the Irawaddy River.

OPTIONAL PRELUDE

BANGKOKMarch 9 to 13, 2013

Discover Bangkok, Thailand’s mesmerizing capital, wheresoaring skyscrapers mix with colorful temples and shrines. SeeSuan Pakkard Palace, a complex of traditional Thai houses withcharming gardens, then board a private boat for a visit to theRoyal Barge Museum. Explore the residence of the kings of theChakri Dynasty at the Grand Palace, whose beautiful architectureand intricate detail demonstrate the creativity and craftsmanshipof the Thai people. At the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall atDusit Palace, a compound of royal residences built in Europeanstyle, admire an exhibition of rarely seen traditional Thai crafts.In the religious complex of Wat Phra Kaeo, view the EmeraldBuddha, the most sacred image for Buddhists in Thailand.Accommodations for three nights are arranged at the elegantShangri-La Hotel, overlooking the Chao Phraya River.

$865 per person, double occupancy. $345 single supplement.Includes three nights at the Shangri-La Hotel, touring as peritinerary; buffet breakfast daily and one dinner.

Wat Phra Kaeo temple (detail).

Pho

to b

y Jo

el S

trat

te-M

cClu

re

R O A D T O M A N D A L AY

Rate Includes

n Five nights hotel accommodations, as per itinerary

n Four nights deluxe cabin accommodations aboardRoad To Mandalay

n All meals during the cruise. One lunch and two dinners on land. Bottled water and coffee/tea with included meals; beer/wine at welcome and farewell dinners

n Escorted sightseeing by motorcoach; entrance fees for visitsn Economy Class group flights: Bangkok/Yangon/Bagan…

Mandalay/Yangon/Bangkok

n Airport/hotel/pier group transfers; porterage for onesuitcase per person

n Taxes and service charges; gratuities to guides and drivers

D U K E A LU M N I A S S O C I AT I O N 1 R E S E RVAT I O N A P P L I C AT I O N

To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of$2,000 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees)payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Academic ArrangementsAbroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.

_______________________________________________________________________NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT

_______________________________________________________________________NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT

_______________________________________________________________________ADDRESS

_______________________________________________________________________CITY STATE ZIP

_______________________________________________________________________TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS)

_______________________________________________________________________FAX E-MAIL

Accommodations Hotel Room Preference q Double q Twin q Single (limited availability)

I wish to share a room/cabin with _____________________________________

Optional Bangkok Preludeq I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Bangkok ($865 per person;

$345 single supplement).

Form of Payment q Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad).

q Credit card (for deposit only; final payment must be made by check).

________________________________________________________________________NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD 3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE

________________________________________________________________________CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE

Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read andagree to the Terms & Conditions of this program. I/We agree to full payment bycheck 120 days before departure.

________________________________________________________________________SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE

________________________________________________________________________SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE

BURMA ABOARD ROAD TO MANDALAY 1 MARCH 11 TO 21, 2013

For more information, please contact Academic Arrangements AbroadTelephone: 212.514.8921 or 800.221.1944 1 Fax: 212.344.7493 1 E-mail: trips@arrangementsabroad.com

Not Included in Rate International airfare; passport and visa fees; customary shipboard gratuities; alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine at welcomeand farewell dinners; personal items and expenses; airport transfers for those not on group flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; any other itemsnot specifically mentioned as included.

PROGRAM RATE PER PERSON $6,895 • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $3,425

Road To Mandalay on the Irawaddy (top) and docked at ShweKyet Yet (right); cabin aboard Road To Mandalay (above).

On the cover: Schwezagon Pagoda, Bagan. Photo by Joel Stratte-McClure.

T E R M S & C O N D I T I O N SAIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travelarrangements for this program, including specially negotiated group airfare when available,suggested group flights or your own individual requests, for a handling fee of $40.Complete details will be provided in your Confirmation Mailing.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $2,000 per person, payable to AcademicArrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is requiredwith the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 daysprior to departure.

HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensivewalking over uneven surfaces, climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handi-capped accessible and climbing in and out of various conveyances. Any condition that mayrequire assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. PLEASE NOTE: Road To Mandalay does not have an elevator.

INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION/EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION/BAGGAGE/ACCIDENT

AND SICKNESS INSURANCE PROTECTION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES

ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. Duke Alumni Association will send an insurance application uponreceipt of reservation and deposit, although you may select an insurer of your choice.

CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the Duke Alumni Association (DAA) and AAA. All prices quoted are basedon prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect at time of brochureprinting and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itineraryare at the expense of the individual.

RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of DAA is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only asan agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations and all otherservices, relating to The Program. AAA, DAA and/or their agents assume no responsibilityor liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularitythat 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 maybe used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of TheProgram. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participantand the carrier. Nor will AAA or DAA 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 TheProgram or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of timethat may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort orwell-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at anytime, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty toAAA or DAA. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage andpersonal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. AAA and DAAreserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to requireany participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an actionis determined by AAA or DAA 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 butare not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communicationexpenses; 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 officesof 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; DAA shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification ofcancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: for cancellations receivedbetween 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 perperson; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. Norefunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portionsof the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordancewith airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior todeparture. NOTE: Neither AAA nor DAA shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellationdue to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 daysprior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departurefor any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAAshall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a disputearises between a participant and AAA or DAA, the following conditions will apply: (a) thedispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American ArbitrationAssociation in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) themaximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and allcircumstances 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 anysort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, theparticipant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions.

Copyright © 2012 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST 2059789-40