• The 2025 Educational Travel Roster
• Paul Muldoon’s Ireland of Poets and Peacekeepers
• An Insider’s View of Peru
• India Immersion: Yoga and Mindfulness ... and more
Celebrating 20 Years of PRINCETON JOURNEYS: A Milestone of Education and Exploration
The week following Reunions in 1970 was a significant one. While most alumni returned to their homes on Sunday morning after an undoubtedly festive few days, a small group gathered at the Princeton Inn College, now known as Forbes, for the inaugural Alumni College. This on-campus gathering featured faculty lectures, seminar discussions, field trips, and recreational activities. It was a chance for alumni to engage with one another both intellectually and socially, and it set the stage for what would become PRINCETON JOURNEYS some 34 years later.
In response to alumni demand, subsequent Alumni Colleges were organized, ranging from two to 14 days, at various destinations outside of Princeton. Among these were “The Yankee Spirit” at Martha’s Vineyard and “New York: Profile of a City,” held at the Princeton Club of New York. The summer of 1976 marked another milestone: the first international Alumni College in Rouen, France. This program brought together 35 travelers from the classes of 1925 to 1965 to study modern France under the guidance of two Princeton faculty members and two local alumni professionals — an architect and a lawyer.
For the next two decades, Alumni Colleges remained a beloved feature of the Alumni Council’s annual programming. By the mid-’90s, however, operations waned, creating a noticeable void. Former participants approached the Alumni Council in 1998 requesting that the University offer an educational travel program of a caliber befitting Princeton and comparable to those of peer institutions.
With the support of the Board of Trustees and the University's president and provost, the Alumni Association drew up a proposal in 2002 for the expansion of Alumni Colleges. The result? PRINCETON JOURNEYS — a 2004 pilot program intended to run for just a few years. And yet, 20 years since its founding, PRINCETON JOURNEYS is more popular than ever. Embodying a commitment to education and engagement through small-group travel experiences, the program has expanded from four to 20 trips per year and has cumulatively toured more than 95 countries.
Now, as we celebrate PRINCETON JOURNEYS’ anniversary, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Princeton alumni, faculty, and friends who have joined us on these trips. Your enthusiasm and intellectual interests have been the driving force behind this remarkable tradition of experiential learning.
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to crafting uniquely Princeton travel experiences that not only explore the wonders of our world but also foster a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of human knowledge and culture. Here’s to the next 20 years of PRINCETON JOURNEYS — may they be filled with Tiger camaraderie, continued curiosity, and shared adventures.
My very best,
Bridget St. Clair Director, Alumni Education and Travel
Vanessa Austin-Davis ’76 and Bridget St. Clair standing at the fortress of Ollantaytambo in Peru.
Star Treatment Graduate School alumni create a sense of camaraderie based on a common enthusiasm for lifelong learning.
An Insider’s View from Peru
PRINCETON JOURNEYS travelers helped conceive a master class trip to Peru that explored Machu Picchu and pre-Columbian culture.
Produced by Alumni Engagement and Advancement Communications, Office of Advancement, Princeton University
DESIGN: art270, inc.
EDITOR: Jeff Labrecque
MANAGING EDITOR: Charlie Werner
PHOTOGRAPHY: PRINCETON JOURNEYS staff, Malte Moeser *22; photos for India story courtesy of Angela Quinn. For questions, email journeys@princeton.edu or call 609-258-8686. Visit alumni.princeton.edu/journeys for more information about PRINCETON JOURNEYS
Copyright © 2024 by The Trustees of Princeton University
India Immersion A holistic, one-of-a-kind mindfulness and yoga excursion will whisk alumni into the spirit and energy of the subcontinent.
8 | Paul Muldoon Shares the Ireland of Poets and Peacekeepers
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon’s unique understanding of Ireland is born out of his fascination with the languages spoken there and his personal connection to Northern Ireland.
14 | 2025 Educational Travel Roster
24 | Shared Journeys Link the Past to the Present Travel partners Randle Seymour ’93 and his mother, Marshall, deepen their interests in art and history.
25 | From Our Travelers
Alumni submit their PRINCETON JOURNEYS photos from around the world.
Nondiscrimination Statement: In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other federal, state, and local laws, Princeton University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status in any phase of its employment process, in any phase of its admission or financial aid programs, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities. The vice provost for institutional equity and diversity is the individual designated by the University to coordinate its efforts to comply with Title IX, Section 504 and other equal opportunity and affi rmative action regulations and laws. Questions or concerns regarding Title IX, Section 504 or other aspects of Princeton’s equal opportunity or affi rmative action programs should be directed to the Office of the Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity, Princeton University, 205 Nassau Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544 or 609-258-6110.
MONGOLIA
COSTA RICA
JAPAN
CAMBODIA
Graduate School alumni, who comprise roughly 30 percent of Princeton’s alumni population, lend more than their expertise as PRINCETON JOURNEYS study leaders — they instill a sense of camaraderie based on a shared enthusiasm for lifelong learning.
Treatment
By Patti Zielinski
When Julian Dierkes *03 was invited to lead the “Discover Mongolia” PRINCETON JOURNEYS trip last summer, he placed a call to the U.S. Embassy in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. As an associate professor in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia, Dierkes knew the ambassador from traveling to Mongolia for two decades. “Ambassador Richard Buangan hosted our group for breakfast, where I gave my introductory lecture,” says Dierkes. “He spent a lot of time with us.”
Dierkes is also considered a “Star.” In 2022, the Association of Princeton Graduate Alumni undertook an effort with a new hashtag to celebrate the more than 29,000 graduate alumni: #PrincetonStar recognizes the asterisk denoting graduate alumni affiliation and promotes their “Star” status to reflect pride and belonging. Beyond the unparalleled access and expertise that PRINCETON JOURNEYS afford, trips led by “Star” study leaders bring the singular experience of camaraderie with fellow Princetonians.
“These trips give an opportunity for alumni to connect and talk about shared memories of Princeton, even across decades,” says Christina Riehl *11, associate professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Princeton. “These alumni — often decades removed from their undergraduate careers — have spent the rest of their lives building on what they learned at Princeton.”
Riehl, like other Princeton “Star” study leaders, is honored to extend the Princeton educational experience for alumni through research and travel. Riehl’s journey to
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal in 2023 and her upcoming 2025 exploration of the Galápagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II are informed by her dissertation focus — the evolution of animal behavior, especially tropical birds — field site expertise and current research on the evolution of breeding behaviors in birds.
“I love passing on my knowledge and enthusiasm of being in a place I enjoy,” she says. “The last journey was enriched by my research: I knew a lot about the plants, animals, environment, climate, resources and what had shaped the behaviors of the animals we saw. Plus, I’m a pretty good bird-watcher and nature guide: I could identify species and give context. For example, when we saw male frigate birds inflating their huge balloon-like throat sacs to attract females, I discussed how those crazy conspicuous signals evolved.”
JULIAN DIERKES *03
CHRISTINA RIEHL *11
Dora Ching *11 made her first journey as a “Star” study leader in 2016. For “Classical China and the Dunhuang Caves,” she guided travelers through the cave complex in northwestern China, a site rarely open to the public. “We saw Buddhist cave temples from the fifth and sixth centuries, including one that had unusual architecture and exquisite murals that exemplified the mixing of indigenous Chinese beliefs with Buddhism,” says Ching, executive director of the Tang Center for East Asian Art at Princeton and an expert on the art of Dunhuang. She subsequently led Journeys to Vietnam and Cambodia (2018) and Japan (2022). This fall, she will lead “Seeking Happiness: The Kingdom of Bhutan.”
Johnson is also eager to dispel myths. “One myth is that Jane Austen was genteel, well-mannered and observant of social conventions; however, she had an impatience with the politeness of social life,” she says. “We will trace Austen’s development as a person whose feelings about life and manners change over time. Later in her life, she yearns for a wild landscape, frank and open relationships and interactions that are unrestricted, open, less polite — and at times even rude.”
In addition to opportunities for immersive learning and engagement, some alumni leaders contribute personal history. Sophal Ear *97, who escaped the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia as an infant and is currently an associate
Claudia Johnson *81, the Murray Professor of English Literature at Princeton, is excited to share her love for Jane Austen in June 2025 while leading “Jane Austen’s England,” an immersive experience that will allow travelers to walk in the footsteps of the English novelist on the 250th anniversary of her birth.
“We feel we know Jane Austen — she is one of the few novelists people call by their first name — but there are a lot of myths,” says Johnson, the author of “Jane Austen’s Cults and Cultures,” “Jane Austen’s The Beautifull Cassandra” and “30 Great Myths about Jane Austen.” “When alumni see these places with their own eyes, they will understand her novels in new, powerful ways.”
The trip will bring visitors to formative locations in Austen’s short life, including Lyme Regis, Bath, Chawton House (her brother’s manor) and the cottage where she spent the last eight years of her life. “A great question is: With her brother’s grand estate just steps away, why did she live in this small cottage in the little village?” Johnson says. “I am looking forward to a discussion about Austen’s desire for independence, her wanting a distance between the high society represented by her brother’s life and the privacy she experienced in this much more modest, but more agreeable place.”
professor at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, will blend academic content with personal history in the “Mekong River Cruise” he will lead in 2025. As an expert on Cambodia and Southeast Asia, Ear will offer insights drawn from his research on economic development, public policy, governance and public health in post-conflict societies as well as his lived experiences. “My personal journey informs my deep understanding of resilience and survival in the face of adversity,” says Ear, who has dedicated his career to studying and advocating for the region.
Princeton “Star” study leaders bring a signature enthusiasm to the trips. For example, Ching’s ongoing interest in Buddhist sites and art has informed all of her PRINCETON JOURNEYS. “There’s one group of alumni who have been on all three trips with me,” she says. “After the first, they said, ‘Whatever trip you do, we’re going to have to go on it.’” She especially enjoys curating itineraries for memorable experiences. “When we traveled to the Angkor region in Cambodia, I knew the alumni would want to see major temples, but for perspective, I also wanted them to see two smaller-scale temples farther away that are precursors to Angkor Wat,” she says.
DORA CHING *11
CLAUDIA JOHNSON *81
CHINA
Traveling with a study leader who is well-versed in the country also provides a gateway for conversation with local people who provide authentic perspectives. As Dierkes led alumni across Mongolia’s vast grassland and desert steppe, they encountered the yurt of a nomadic herder. “I knew these people rarely see foreigners, so they have a strong history of hospitability,” he says. “We walked up and asked how big the herd was and what their life was like. This could be awkward because you’re barging in but they were great and answered questions. Moments like this give travelers insight beyond just checking off the important sites.”
The Princeton “Star” study leaders agree. Joining a group of enthusiastic fellow Princeton Tigers who bring diverse perspectives enhances the experience for everyone, including the leaders. “PRINCETON JOURNEYS is not just about travel; it’s about becoming part of a community that values lifelong learning and cultural exploration,” Ear says. “It is a privilege to guide such a dynamic group and witness the meaningful connections and insights that emerge during these adventures.”
“There’s one group of alumni who have been on all three trips with me. After the first, they said, ‘Whatever trip you do, we’re going to have to go on it.’”
—Dora Ching *11
India
yoga excursion will whisk alumni into the spirit and energy of the subcontinent.
Breathe in. Look around. You’re seated on a mat, perched on a cliff, overlooking the Ganges River. More than half a century ago, four longhairs from Liverpool were right here in Rishikesh, too, seeking spiritual exploration and creative rejuvenation at Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s sacred secluded dwelling, or ashram.
Breathe out. The grounds are now a nature preserve, colloquially called the Beatles ashram. But this ancient town at the foot of the Himalayas, known as the yoga capital of the world, still thrums with the energy of those who have come before for centuries, hoping for enlightenment. Gathered with your fellow travelers on your own mats, it’s time for a chat about philosophy.
PRINCETON JOURNEYS is going to India on a trip with a unique twist. In December 2025, the program will offer a one-of-a-kind visit where participants can immerse themselves in the energy and spirit of the land.
“This is something a little bit different — something that’s much more experiential, that goes beyond just encountering the places we visit, but actually has more to do with — at the risk of sounding like a cliché — the journey within as well,” says Vineet Chander, assistant dean, Hindu Life, in Princeton’s Office of Religious Life, who will co-lead the trip with Angela Quinn, an administrator with PRINCETON JOURNEYS. The itinerary will include visits to temples, wellness centers and sacred grounds, as well as conversations with yogis and spiritual leaders, daily yoga and meditation practice, and philosophy discussions.
While this will be Chander and Quinn’s first PRINCETON JOURNEYS excursion to India, it won’t be the first time the pair has led Princetonians on the subcontinent. The two are also co-leaders of the University’s Yoga and Meditation Fellowship program, which has taken two cohorts of undergraduate and graduate students on learning and service experiences to India, with plans underway for a third trip this winter.
The idea for the fellowship program formed over time. Chander, an American-born Hindu priest, arrived at Princeton in 2008 as the University’s first Hindu chaplain and noticed a growing interest among students, faculty and staff in Indian-centered meditation and yoga culture. He explains that while the most well-known aspect of yoga culture in the West is asana — the physical postures — yoga, which means “union,” is more expansive and holistic, including
“systems of metaphysics, of theology, of philosophy, of what we might call today ‘mindful practices.’”
Chander met Quinn in 2016 when she started studying yogic scripture with him off-campus. He learned she had been teaching asana in the Princeton community for almost 10 years. A teaching partnership was formed. Working together, the two mapped out plans for the Yoga and Meditation Fellowship program.
The two have taken Princeton students from the crowded streets of Mumbai to remote villages in the countryside. Their robust itinerary incorporates time and space for discussions and practice sessions that are sometimes impromptu, inspired by exceptional settings.
Joanna Zhang ’19 was in the first fellowship cohort, which went to India in December 2017. Already an asana practitioner, she was drawn to the fellowship for several reasons. “I think there’s just something sacred about getting together with people with this intention of grounding yourself. I also have this intellectual curiosity about learning about different philosophies and religions,” she says, adding that she was intrigued by the potential benefits for her mental health and sense of well-being and connectedness with other people.
A trip to the Govardhan Ecovillage particularly resonated with the ecology and evolutionary biology major, who now works on environmental policy for a nonprofit. The popular wellness ashram in the countryside north of Mumbai is a self-sustaining role-model village. “Philosophically, it was super interesting,” Zhang says. “One of the monks explained how Eastern religion is circular — you come back — and how that circular versus linear way of thinking about life affects consumer cycles as well.”
While the PRINCETON JOURNEYS trip is still being planned, Quinn says travelers can expect some time at Govardhan. “It’s a very beautiful and sacred setting where people go specifically for the purpose of studying yoga,” she says. “It’s a really transformational place to spend time. We’ll have vegetarian cooking lessons while we’re there and meet the lead teacher, who is Vineet’s teacher.”
Quinn and Chander note that many of the essential elements of the fellowship trips will be echoed in the Journeys excursion, including daily philosophy discussions with Chander and daily asana and meditation practice with Quinn.
Sinem Uysal *21 was a graduate student in the Operations Research & Financial Engineering department when she became a fellow in the second cohort in 2019. For her, these daily personal interactions helped make the experience magical. She appreciates how the trip broadened her understanding of yoga culture, and she credits the experience with giving her tools she uses daily in her job in finance: “I think yoga really teaches you how to be comfortable in uncomfortable positions.” It was also grounding, she says, to “take that time just to sit, and think about how I want to be, in this world — who I want to be, and how I want to carry myself.”
Chander is thrilled to reframe the fellowship experience as a PRINCETON JOURNEYS opportunity. “I’m so excited about the model of a trip structured around an experience for alumni, particularly alumni spanning different generations and backgrounds,” he says. “No two days will be alike. An experience like this, so much of it is a matter of being in different spaces, sacred spaces.”
For her part, Quinn retains a vivid memory of Chander’s impromptu philosophy session on the cliff at the Beatles ashram. “I’ve spent time at that ashram before, and I’ve never seen that happen there. We’re really creating these very unique experiences and lasting memories for the fellowship.
“I think this is going to be epic for our Journeys travelers as well.”
Meet the trip’s co-leaders
Dr. Vineet Chander, Princeton University’s Hindu chaplain, is an American-born Hindu priest and educator. His areas of specialty include Bhakti, the Bhagavad-Gita and models of pastoral counseling. Chander has studied the theology and praxis of Hinduism’s Chaitanya Vaishnava tradition in both the United States and India. He earned his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School; his M.A. in religious studies at Rutgers University; and his doctorate in education from New York University. He co-leads Princeton University’s Yoga and Meditation Fellowship.
Angela Quinn began studying the science of yoga in India in 2011, where she also began the practices of pranayama, pratyahara, kriya and meditation. Two additional trips to India furthered her yogic studies. She has a B.A. in international relations and affairs and a master’s in education. Before joining the University staff as lead yoga instructor for campus recreation, she taught yoga in the Princeton community for more than a decade. In 2022, she joined the University’s Advancement team as an administrator for PRINCETON JOURNEYS She co-leads Princeton University’s Yoga and Meditation Fellowship.
Paul Muldoon shares the Ireland of poets and peacekeepers
By Sean C. Downey
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon’s unique understanding of Ireland is born out of his fascination with the languages spoken there and his personal connection to Northern Ireland. He shares a bit of both in “Laoithe is Lirici (A Life in Lyrics),” the 2024 documentary that chronicles Muldoon’s life through performances of his poems and song lyrics by the likes of Paul Simon, Ruth Negga, Bono, PJ Harvey and Paul McCartney. “We, of course, wanted to make an interesting film, which is the reason why one would do anything, including experiencing a Princeton Journey,” Muldoon says. “You want it to be something that’s out of the ordinary, that’s memorable, special in its way.”
Muldoon, the Howard G.B. Clark ’21 University Professor in the Humanities, will be retiring from teaching in the next few years. But he will lead a PRINCETON JOURNEYS trip to Dublin and Belfast, June 19-25, 2025, which is certain to be just as out of the ordinary and memorable as his poetry.
What can you tell me about growing up in Northern Ireland?
I was born in the parish of Loughgall, in County Armagh, which is about halfway across Northern Ireland, and grew up in an area called College Lands, so named because it was owned at one point by Trinity College, Dublin. The tenants there were Catholic farmers and many of their descendants still lived there. It was a little Catholic area in a probably predominantly Protestant zone, though we didn’t sit up nights thinking about that. But everywhere in Ireland, the landscape is charged and the place names are charged, and everything is fretted and fraught with meaning.
Such as Loughgall, which means the “Lough of the foreigners.” Now, it’s hard to know which foreigners these would’ve been. There were quite a few foreigners coming through. It most likely refers to the Vikings, who ran Ireland between 900 and 1100, roughly speaking. And they were followed then by the Normans or Norsemen who’d settled in France. It was in Loughgall that the Orange Order was founded, which as Princetonians should know, was named after Prince William, who would eventually become King William of Orange and Nassau.
What was it like being in Belfast at the height of the Troubles?
I arrived there as a student in 1969, and from then through the early to mid-’70s was the worst part of it. Of course, ’72 being the worst year of all, notable for what were known as tit-for-tat murders. One night a Protestant was shot. The next night a Catholic was shot, and so on. It was a nasty time.
Will there be an aspect of next year’s journey that addresses that?
There will be an element of it that will have to do with the politics of the place. So we’ll be covering quite a lot of ground, literally and metaphorically. We will be introducing the travelers to some of the context of what was happening in Northern Ireland. And then, of course, there’ll be a literary component. The two are not unrelated because, of course, poets, for as long as there have been poets in Ireland, have been engaged by what’s happening in public life and this most recent period is no exception. By trying to make sense of their own lives, poets helped other people to make sense
of theirs, including what’s happening on the political and social front.
Can you tell me about your first encounter with poetry and how you came to love it? Wasn’t your first book of poetry published when you were 21?
There’s an Irish poet, Patrick Kavanagh, who said, “A man” — a person, he probably meant — “dabbles in verses and
Travel as a force for peace
they become his life.” So, when you’re writing a poem at the age of 18 or 19, you don’t necessarily think that that’s what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life. I just got into it and I never got out of it, as it were.
Writing poetry is a habit in the sense that doing drugs is a habit, exercise is a habit, and the two things are connected. There is a feel-good aspect to finding connections in the world, which is basically what art-making is about. And when we make those connections, our brains experience a high. Basically, most artists are drug addicts in that respect, and they go back for more. And it’s just the way it is. And that’s the story of my life.
How did you get into songwriting? Was it just a natural extension of your poetry?
The two activities are certainly connected, which may be why I’ve always been fascinated by song lyrics. And in the Irish tradition, songs and poems are indistinguishable in many cases. Patrick Kavanagh is almost as well known for his song “Raglan Road” as he is for anything else. And so, in Ireland, it doesn’t seem odd that someone interested in writing poems might write a song, or someone interested in writing songs might write a poem.
Has the focus of your teaching at Princeton mainly been creative writing?
Yes, mostly poetry writing, but also translation. And we’ll probably be bringing that into the Princeton Journey also. A certain percentage of what we’ll be looking at, and thinking about, will be coming through the Irish language and the history of the Irish language and Irish literature — in Irish as well as English.
As someone who’s been teaching for 37 years, what do you love about it?
The students — it’s great to see what they come up with. And Princeton in particular, one of the remarkable things about the students is that they tend to be multitalented. Most of my poetry students come from a wide range of interests and majors. So, for instance, one might bring an anthropologist’s or engineer’s viewpoint to writing a poem. It’s quite fascinating and can be a lot of fun. I’m going to miss it.
Aziz Abu Sarah co-founded Mejdi Tours in 2009 with a bold vision of tourism as a vehicle of peacemaking. “[Medji co-founder] Scott Cooper and I saw travel as a sustainable way to build bridges between people, to bring down stereotypes and to create connections,” he says.
When developing the PRINCETON JOURNEYS Dublin/Belfast tour, Mejdi consulted with local Irish politicians, journalists and storytellers, as well as people who fought against each other in Northern Ireland and those who worked on the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, a major development in the Northern Ireland peace process. Abu Sarah says the seven-day trip will split its time between Dublin and Belfast, touching on each city’s history and culture. “In Dublin, we’ll see Trinity College and Book of Kells; the Irish Emigration Museum; and the Dublin Post Office, where the Irish Revolution began, so we can explore the history of the conflict.”
In Belfast, the tour will switch to a dual-narrative format, Abu Sarah says, with former IRA member Anne Walker and Belfast-based Methodist minister Gary Mason offering their perspectives. Along with seeing the Titanic Museum and C.S. Lewis Square, travelers will have plenty of opportunities to dine, drink and converse with Walker, Mason and many musicians, artists and community leaders.
“Northern Ireland is a land of a lot of literature, a lot of music, a lot of culture, but also conflict, and the history of conflict there has played a big part in that music and that literature,” Abu Sarah says. “So, you can’t detach one from the other.”
AN INSIDER’S VIEW
A close-knit crew of PRINCETON JOURNEYS travelers helped conceive a master class trip to Peru that explored Machu Picchu and pre-Columbian culture.
By Christopher Hann
The 18 PRINCETON JOURNEYS travelers who ventured to Peru for eight days in September 2023 had abundant motivations for making the trip. Kent Smith ’76 and Sybil Cartmell Smith had long wanted to visit the 15th-century royal mountaintop retreat at Machu Picchu. Vanessa Austin-Davis ’76 wanted not just to see Machu Picchu but to meditate there. For Bill Harwood ’79 and Nancy Harwood ’79, the trip meant an opportunity to travel with family — their son and his fiancée, along with Bill’s brother, Ned Harwood ’72 *85. Joanne Pillsbury, chief curator of ancient American art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and Ned’s wife, made the trip to Peru as study leader, a role normally filled by Princeton faculty.
The idea to invite Pillsbury to serve that role in Peru was hatched two years earlier during a PRINCETON JOURNEYS trip to Bhutan. Bill and Nancy Harwood were on that trip, as were Ned Harwood and Pillsbury, and during the closing-night dinner, they engaged in a conversation with Bridget St. Clair, Princeton’s director of alumni education and travel, about where to go next with PRINCETON JOURNEYS. The Harwoods, of course, were well aware of Pillsbury’s status as one of the world’s leading authorities in the art and archaeology of the ancient Americas. They suggested a trip to Peru, with Pillsbury as study leader.
Like the Harwoods, St. Clair recognized the value of Pillsbury’s expertise. Throughout her career, Pillsbury has served as associate director of the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles and director of pre-Columbian studies at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C. A book she edited, “Past Presented: Archaeological Illustration and the Ancient Americas,” received the Association for Latin American Art Book
The Princetonians who trekked to Peru and traveled by rail from Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley) to Machu Picchu were a close-knit group. Bill and Nancy Harwood (above, middle) joined other members of their family, including their son, Ned, and his fiancée, Merritt, on a memorable climb above Machu Picchu. For Sybil Cartmell Smith and Kent Smith (above, bottom), visiting the remote mountaintop retreat was a lifelong travel goal.
FROM PERU
Award in 2014. She co-edited a 2017 exhibition catalog, “Golden Kingdoms: Luxury Arts in the Ancient Americas,” that earned a PROSE Award for Excellence. The Princeton travelers reaped ample benefits from Pillsbury’s research history in Peru. “Wherever we went, doors opened,” Nancy Harwood says, “because everyone in Peru knows Joanne.”
Pillsbury had first traveled to Peru while a doctoral student at Columbia, having received a Fulbright scholarship to work on her thesis, and she’s returned repeatedly. “Peru,” she says, “is a country I have loved for years.”
The PRINCETON JOURNEYS trip was designed to explore Peru as it existed before 1532 when the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro embarked on his conquest of the Inca Empire. Pillsbury is particularly struck by the speed and breadth of the Incan rule — it extended along the Pacific Coast and the Andes Mountains, from the northern border of modern-day Ecuador to central Chile — which she describes as the Southern Hemisphere’s most
successful pre-Columbian empire. “They conquered most of southwestern South America lightning fast,” she says, while noting their rule lasted for less than a century. “The general public has a limited idea about the complexities and fascinating way the Incas were and were not like other great civilizations we know of elsewhere in the world. I’m fascinated by those differences.”
As a study leader, Pillsbury delivered two formal lectures — one on the Incas and another on cultural development prior to Incan rule — and engaged daily with her fellow travelers on matters of Peruvian history, art and architecture.
“She was constantly engaging with people,” Bill Harwood recalls. “I know that made it special for a lot of people, that they could have that much access to her.”
The trip’s itinerary reflected the diversity of Peru’s landscapes, ecosystems and food supplies.
Joanne Pillsbury (top), chief curator of ancient American art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, shared her expertise on Incan art, culture and history throughout the journey. In Lima, the group met with a curator of the Museo Larco (middle, right), who gave a tour of the visible storage section holding pre-Columbian pottery artifacts. Far from the lights of the cities, the travel group stopped for outdoor picnics at places like Huaypo Lagoon (middle, left) northeast of Cusco. Not far were the ruins of the Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo (right) in the Sacred Valley.
Over eight days, the Princetonians traveled by air, rail, bus and foot, their overnight accommodations ranging from a luxury hotel in Lima overlooking the Pacific Ocean — sea level — to a 16th-century former monastery in Cusco, the Incan capital that sits more than 11,000 feet high in the Andes Mountains. At the Traditional Textile Center of Cusco, they viewed a collection of authentic Andean textiles with the center’s founder and director. In nearby Chinchero, they toured a 17th-century colonial church built atop the remains of an Incan palace and the Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva, where local artisans use traditional Andean techniques to create works using textiles, adobe, clay and silver. They traveled to the rugged landscape of the Sacred Valley, the heart of the Inca Empire.
There, they visited an archaeological site at Ollantaytambo, an Incan fortress with massive stone terraces etched into a hillside, the site of one of the few battles in which the Incas prevailed over the Spanish.
For Vanessa Austin-Davis (above), seeing the ruins at Machu Picchu was an emotional and spiritual experience that included touring the Temple of the Three Windows (right). In nearby Cusco, the group met a local Quispicanchi woman, her daughter and their alpaca (middle).
Along the way, the Princeton travelers were aided by local guides who exhibited a mastery of both Peruvian history and architecture and Peruvian transportation logistics. “It was a great trip on every level,” Cartmell Smith says. “The local guides were all excellent. Our guide in the Sacred Valley spoke five languages.”
On a Thursday morning, under a bright blue sky, the group boarded a train toward Machu Picchu, a journey completed by hiking up a steep trail marked by a series of sharp switchbacks. The trail led, ultimately, to a mountainous perch from which they could peer down on the nearly 600-year-old city built 8,000 feet high in a tropical forest. “There’s nothing you can say that prepares you for that sight,” recalls Nancy Harwood. “As you round that corner and you start to see that huge civilization, surrounded by these majestic mountains, it really takes your breath away.”
Even Pillsbury, who had trekked to Machu Picchu a dozen times before, was moved. “When you’re there, you feel like you’re the emperor of the world,” she says. “You look in one direction and see the snow-capped mountains of the Andes. You look in the other direction and see the Amazon rain forest. It never fails to thrill me, and I always discover something new while I’m there.”
Machu Picchu’s very existence was known only by surrounding villages until American explorer Hiram Bingham was guided there by a local farmer in 1911. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. For Austin-Davis, as for many of the travelers from Princeton, it was the trip’s highlight. Initially, she had trouble adjusting to the altitude, but as a Spanish speaker, she was able to engage with the
“There’s nothing you can say that prepares you for that sight. As you round that corner and you start to see that huge civilization, surrounded by these majestic mountains, it really takes your breath away.”
—Nancy Harwood ’79
Peruvian people everywhere she went, including the restaurant waiter who told her to suck on coca leaves to alleviate her altitude sickness. She did, and they worked.
Later in the week, as she had long dreamed, upon her arrival at Machu Picchu she turned to meditation. “When you’ve meditated for many years, you feel the energy of the place,” Austin-Davis says. “And the energy there was very different. It’s something that I felt very deeply, down to every cell in my body. It wasn’t an intellectual trip — it was emotional and spiritual for me.”
Christopher Hann is a freelance writer and the executive editor of River Towns Magazine.
2025 Travel Roster
We are pleased to present the PRINCETON JOURNEYS 2025 Travel Roster. In our 20-year history, PRINCETON JOURNEYS has embodied a commitment to education and engagement through small-group travel experiences. The 2025 slate offers one-of-a-kind trips to destinations around the world combining lifelong learning with Tiger camaraderie.
Whether this is your first time traveling with PRINCETON JOURNEYS or you’re a repeat adventurer, our staff is here to assist you. Feel free to contact us at 609-258-8686 or journeys@princeton.edu with questions.
Types of Travel Experiences
PRINCETON JOURNEYS presents a boutique collection of travel experiences, meticulously crafted to be as unique as the individuals who embark on them. Our educational travel programs span multiple journey styles and activity levels. While most of our adventures are exclusively tailored for Princeton travelers, from time to time we also embrace collaborations with other universities and like-minded organizations, cultivating a community of passionate explorers.
To help you select the program that best aligns with your travel aspirations, consult the following key.
Journey Style
Land Programs: Our signature overland tours are designed exclusively for small groups of 12 to 26 Princeton travelers. To ensure the utmost comfort and convenience, we select outstanding accommodations that strike the perfect balance between location, quality, value and ambiance. Travel between destinations is mostly in climate-controlled vehicles, ensuring a smooth and pleasant transition from one captivating place to the next.
Small Ship River: River cruise journeys provide an opportunity to unpack once and wake up each day in a new spectacular location. With capacities ranging from 40 to 150 guests, these programs are often co-sponsored with like-minded organizations. Participants enjoy luxurious amenities, excellent cuisine and an informal yet sophisticated sensibility onboard, while the ever-changing scenery along the banks of the waterways captivates the senses.
Small Ship Sea: Small ship sea cruising is where comfort, style and adventure converge to offer an extraordinary maritime experience. As on river cruises, our small ship sea programs combine exploration and relaxation, allowing Princeton travelers to unpack once and experience new destinations each day of the voyage. Our partner vessels range from 36 to 180 passengers and are often co-sponsored with peer universities, fostering friendships among travelers.
Activity Level
PRINCETON JOURNEYS understands that each traveler's desire for physical engagement varies, which is why we carefully categorize our programs based on activity levels.
Moderate: Programs falling under this category may require walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs that do not have railings. Participants can anticipate walking up to three miles per day and being on their feet for up to two hours at a time.
Active–Pace: If you opt for an Active-Pace program, be prepared for long periods of standing and walking (more than three hours) over rugged terrain. These programs may also include activities such as kayaking, hiking or bicycling.
Active–Environment: We designate journeys that may feature extremes of heat, cold, humidity, air quality or elevation (up to 9,000 feet above sea level) as Active-Environment.
For further guidance in selecting your journey, please contact our dedicated team via email at journeys@princeton.edu or phone at 609-258-8686.
CUBA: LITERATURE, ART AND CULTURE
DATES: January 4-10, 2025
STUDY LEADER: Lizabel Mónica *22, Transdisciplinary Writer and Educator, The Pennington School
PRINCETON EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
On this people-to-people adventure, discover aspects of contemporary Cuban life that few visitors get to see and learn about this rapidly evolving nation through the lens of its warm and hospitable people.
● Go behind the scenes at Cuba’s most prestigious literary institutions, including the Casa de las Américas.
● Enjoy a private rehearsal at a famous dance company and a festive evening of art and music at Havana’s Fábrica de Arte Cubano.
● Explore the lush tobacco plantations, spectacular caves and underground rivers of the countryside.
● Discover the interwoven influences of Indigenous, European and African cultures on contemporary Cuban society.
GALÁPAGOS ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDEAVOUR II
DATES: January 17-26, 2025
STUDY LEADER: Christina Riehl *11, Associate Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Discover why the Galápagos Islands are one of our most popular destinations. Here, prehistoric-looking marine iguanas bask on stark volcanic landscapes, barking sea lions loll about on pristine white beaches and magnificent frigate birds nest in the silvery palo santo trees. Witness the iconic creatures and habitats for yourself on an incredible voyage aboard the National Geographic Endeavour II
● Walk among wildlife unfazed by your presence, from giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies to marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
● Experience the waters of the Galápagos by kayak, glass-bottom boat, Zodiac or paddleboard.
● Snorkel with shimmering fish, sea turtles, penguins and playful sea lions.
● Travel with an expert team of local naturalists and a photo instructor.
CUBA
GALÁPAGOS
TÜRKIYE TO GREECE ABOARD EMERALD AZZURRA
DATES: April 16-26, 2025
STUDY LEADER: Denis Feeney, Giger Professor of Latin; Professor of Classics, Emeritus
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Cruise the Aegean Sea on an epic voyage from Izmir, Türkiye, to Athens, Greece, tracing the legends of the Greek heroes, the treasures of the Byzantine Empire and the footsteps of St. Paul. Along the way, learn from an extraordinary lineup of world-renowned scholars spanning classics, religion, archaeology and art.
● Accompany an expert on a private tour of fabled Troy, the archaeological site immortalized by Homer.
● Explore the city of Philippi and its layered history steeped in Greek, Roman and early Christian influences, and arrive at the captivating island of Samothráki, the first European land St. Paul visited.
● Marvel at the Byzantine walls of Thessaloníki — stretching 2.5 miles — and the otherworldly pinnacles of Meteora’s monasteries built atop towering sandstone pillars.
MEKONG RIVER CRUISE: VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA ABOARD THE MEKONG PRINCESS
DATES: January 20–February 2, 2025
STUDY LEADER: Sophal Ear *97, Associate Professor, Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University
PRINCETON EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
This program begins in bustling Ho Chi Minh City and ends with two full days to explore the remarkable Khmer temples and monuments of legendary Angkor. In between, the Mekong River takes you into the fascinating but seldom-visited world of one of Asia’s great waterways.
● Enjoy seven nights aboard the 14-cabin Mekong Princess. Her small size and shallow draft allow for visits to villages not accessible to larger boats.
● Interact with local people and witness traditional music and dance performances.
● Behold the temples of Angkor, including sunrise views of Angkor Wat from the peaceful surroundings of Bakheng Temple.
● Travel with Sophal Ear *97 and hear his family’s remarkable story of escape from the Khmer Rouge.
GREECE
VIETNAM
NETHERLANDS
JANE AUSTEN’S ENGLAND
DATES: June 2025
STUDY LEADER: Claudia L. Johnson *81, Murray Professor of English Literature
PRINCETON EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Join preeminent Jane Austen scholar Claudia L. Johnson *81 and celebrate the 250th birthday of the beloved novelist in the south of England. Explore the places associated with her life and work, and along the way, discover Georgian architectural gems, beautiful mansions and charming medieval towns.
● Enjoy an in-depth visit to Chawton, where Austen spent the last eight years of her life, and visit Jane Austen’s House museum.
● Take an Austen-themed walking tour of Bath and Lyme Regis, seeing the highlights that feature in so much of her writing.
● Visit Winchester Cathedral, where Austen is buried, and take a private tour of Salisbury Cathedral.
● Explore architectural masterpieces such as Wilton House and Bowood House, which you’ll visit before it is open to the public.
DUTCH WATERWAYS BY PRIVATE RIVER BARGE
DATES: April 22–May 1, 2025
STUDY LEADER: Emmanuel Kreike, Norman B. Tomlinson ’16 and ’48 Professor of War and Society; Professor of History
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Cruise the canals of the Netherlands and Belgium, where art and architecture take center stage against the picturesque backdrop of historic waterways. Visit renowned museums showcasing masterpieces from artists of the Dutch Golden Age and explore beautifully manicured gardens during the height of blooming season.
● Visit the historic windmills of Kinderdijk, stroll among the fragrant blooms at Keukenhof gardens and marvel at the masterpieces of the Rijksmuseum, home of the Dutch masters.
● Explore medieval Bruges, where art, architecture and history combine in one of Europe’s best-preserved cities.
● The 18-cabin Magnifique IV will dock overnight in town centers with easy walk-off access — ideal for independent dining and exploration.
BATH, ENGLAND
POETS AND PEACEKEEPERS: DUBLIN AND BELFAST WITH PAUL MULDOON
DATES: June 19-25, 2025
STUDY LEADER: Paul Muldoon, Howard G.B. Clark ’21 University Professor in the Humanities; Professor of Creative Writing in the Lewis Center for the Arts
PRINCETON EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Spend a week in the company of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon, who was born and raised in Northern Ireland. On a literaryand history-focused journey, you’ll have an unparalleled opportunity to learn about this country through the lens of local people, including a dual-narrative tour of Belfast.
● Explore the literary highlights of Dublin, including Trinity College, the Yeats exhibition at the National Library of Ireland, the James Joyce Centre and the Museum of Literature Ireland.
● Learn about Northern Ireland’s complex history from an innovative dual-narrative perspective: Catholic and Protestant tour guides will share their community histories and stories, and you will meet with members of the Unionist and Nationalist parties.
● Come home with a deeper understanding of both sides of the conflict and an appreciation for Ireland’s literary legacy.
AFRICA’S WILDLIFE: SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, ZAMBIA AND VICTORIA FALLS
DATES: July 16-29, 2025
PRINCETON EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Experience a paradise of pristine natural habitats on this safari through some of Southern Africa’s great wildlife sanctuaries.
● Begin in Johannesburg’s renowned Soweto district with a visit to Nelson Mandela’s home.
● In Zimbabwe, witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and search for elusive black rhino.
● Encounter one of Africa’s largest concentrations of wildlife on game drives and unique boat safaris in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.
● Experience unparalleled game viewing in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, where you’ll stay at the intimate, award-winning Mfuwe Lodge.
BOTSWANA
IRELAND
CANADIAN ROCKIES BY RAIL
DATES: July 23-29, 2025
STUDY LEADER: Michael Littman, Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering PRINCETON EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Travel through otherwise inaccessible terrain to unlock the unparalleled beauty of British Columbia, Alberta
and the Canadian Rockies. On board Rocky Mountaineer’s custom-designed, all-dome rail fleet, you’ll enjoy delicious cuisine, world-class hospitality and an outdoor viewing area.
● Journey through breathtaking prairies and revel in the grand landscapes of some of Canada’s most mesmerizing mountain vistas.
● Look out for wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk and eagles.
● Off the train, explore Vancouver’s must-see gems, including Gastown and Granville Island, and spend three nights in iconic Banff.
WILD ICELAND ESCAPE ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
DATES: August 12-17, 2025
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Discover the land of fire and ice on a six-day voyage to the remote shores and volcanic isles of Northwest Iceland.
● Hike along rugged fjords and discover stunning waterfalls and nature-filled landscapes.
● Set out by Zodiac to navigate dramatic shorelines, from the extraordinary Westfjords to the storied Skagafjörður region.
● Explore the legacy of Viking explorers and intrepid fishermen during visits to historic villages.
● Travel with an expert team of local naturalists and a photo instructor.
ICELAND
CANADA
DORDOGNE: FLAVORS OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE
DATES: September 19-27, 2025
PRINCETON EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Join this culinary adventure to Southwest France, where medieval charm meets modern sophistication. From your idyllic home base, Château de Mercuès, a 13th-century castle overlooking the Lot Valley and Cahors vineyards, enjoy the cultural and gastronomic experiences this enchanting region has to offer.
● Meet the esteemed vintners at Château de Haute-Serre and Château de Cayx wineries for vineyard tours and tastings.
● Delight in extraordinary French dishes at Michelin-starred Château de la Treyne, Les Glycines and Le Duèze.
● Embrace the region’s dynamic history during guided tours of Pech Merle, Rocamadour and Château de Beynac.
● Join an expert chef for an inspirational cooking class to learn recipe secrets, tips and tricks.
● Immerse yourself in the magnificent and seemingly endless beauty of Southwest France.
ALPINE SPLENDOR: SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA
DATES: August 18-31, 2025
STUDY LEADER: Sara Poor, Associate Professor of German
PRINCETON EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Discover mountain villages and European cities, cruise on glassine lakes and ascend snowcapped summits on this enchanting Swiss and Austrian adventure.
● Begin with lovely Lucerne, its namesake lake and a ride up Mount Pilatus on the world’s steepest cogwheel train.
● Take the legendary Glacier Express to Zermatt, gateway to the Swiss Alps, and ride the Gornergrat Bahn for spectacular views of the Matterhorn.
● Spend three nights in lakeside Lugano, and see medieval Bellinzona’s iconic Castelgrande.
● In Salzburg, enjoy an intimate classical music performance in the famed Mirabell Palace.
FRANCE
SWITZERLAND
MADAGASCAR AND THE SEYCHELLES ABOARD ISLAND SKY
DATES: November 6-22, 2025
STUDY LEADER: Daniel Rubenstein, Class of 1977 Professor of Zoology, Emeritus
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
This extraordinary cruise celebrates the natural world and all its wonders. More than 100 islands of the Seychelles offer crystal-clear waters with vibrant marine life, endless stretches of powdery white-sand beaches, and a range of unique plant and animal species. Madagascar boasts spectacular landscapes from vibrant coral reefs to Baobab tree groves — and, of course, lemurs.
● See lemurs up close in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts to save these incredible animals.
● Snorkel through a wonderland of diverse marine life.
● Discover Madagascar’s remarkable flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world.
● Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Vallée de Mai, the last remnant of the original high-canopied Seychelles palm forest.
MOROCCO TO THE CANARY ISLANDS ABOARD SEA CLOUD SPIRIT
DATES: October 30-November 10, 2025
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Dazzling royal palaces and ancient medinas in Marrakech; Berber villages of the High Atlas Mountains; black- and white-sand beaches lining the isles of a Spanish archipelago: experience them all on a grand voyage from Morocco to the Canary Islands aboard the elegant Sea Cloud Spirit
● Explore the top museums, architectural gems and breathtaking gardens of Marrakech.
● Wander the winding alleyways and hidden quarters of the Marrakech medina, and venture into the Berber countryside.
● Experience a 1,001 Nights-themed gala dinner in a deluxe private tented camp.
● Cruise seven nights aboard the Sea Cloud Spirit, an incomparable 69-cabin sailing ship launched in 2021.
● In Spain’s Canary Islands, discover dramatic lunar-like landscapes created by centuries of volcanic activity, and visit beautifully preserved medieval towns.
MOROCCO
MADAGASCAR
INDIA IMMERSION: YOGA AND MEDITATION
DATES: December 5-18, 2025
STUDY LEADER: Vineet Chander, Assistant Dean, Hindu Life, Office of Religious Life
PRINCETON EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Embark on PRINCETON JOURNEYS’ India Immersion, a unique program designed to replicate the University’s Yoga and Meditation fellowship for students.
● Begin in the vibrant capital city of Delhi, and discover the rich cultural tapestry of India.
● Explore Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas.
● Spend four nights at a renowned wellness ashram practicing yoga amidst nature and learning from esteemed guest presenters. These sessions can illuminate the profound connections between inner work and impactful change in the world.
AFRO-CUBAN ARTS & CULTURE IN HAVANA
DATES: December 28, 2025-January 3, 2026
STUDY LEADER: Reena Goldthree, Assistant Professor of African American Studies
PRINCETON EXCLUSIVE
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
Accompany Professor Reena Goldthree on a fascinating exploration of Cuba’s history, culture, art, music and
current affairs through the lens of the country’s rich Afro-Cuban heritage.
● Join a curator-led tour of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana featuring its impressive collection of Afro-Cuban art.
● Enjoy a private rehearsal at a famous dance company and a festive evening of art and music at Havana’s Fábrica de Arte Cubano.
● Visit the home of a Babalawo (Santería high priest) to learn about his faith’s traditions and origins.
● Explore Old Havana with a celebrated Cuban social activist and writer.
INDIA
CUBA
Shared Journeys Link the Past to the Present
TRAVEL PARTNERS RANDLE SEYMOUR ’93 AND HIS MOTHER, MARSHALL, DEEPEN THEIR INTERESTS IN ART AND HISTORY.
By Maria LoBiondo
On the deck of the Sea Cloud II, Randle Seymour ’93 watched the ship’s masts dip under a bridge near the Dardanelles Strait en route to Istanbul. He imagined the Mediterranean traders who plied these same waters in the time of Homer and Herodotus, bringing grain from what is modern-day Ukraine and other supplies from the surrounding countries to the great city. With the sun sparkling off the waters, his readings in the ancient Greek he studied as an undergraduate came to new life.
“As the sails are unfurling and you’re going under the bridge, you’re imagining what it was like back in ancient times,” Seymour says. “It links the past to the present and makes the past more real.”
Asia. He speaks French fluently and has some proficiency in five other languages, plus knowledge of Old English and Old Norse that he learned for his Princeton senior thesis on Anglo-Saxon poetry. His international background is a plus for his career as a teacher at the Awty International School in Houston, a college preparatory day school enrolling 1,700 students who represent more than 50 different nationalities.
Seymour, who earned a master’s in medieval and Renaissance studies before launching his teaching career, first invited his mother to join him for a 2018 Princeton Journey that explored the libraries and literature of England. Emeritus English professor John Fleming *63, who graded Seymour’s Princeton senior thesis, added commentary while touring London, Oxford, Cambridge and Canterbury. “At the Bodleian Library, being able to actually be incredibly close and trying not to breathe on precious manuscripts — that was very, very special,” says Marshall.
After that first Princeton Journey, they were hooked. The two recently completed another sailing excursion through Croatia and the islands dotting the Dalmatian Coast. The trip was a return to where Marshall, her husband and Seymour’s older brother lived for two years before Seymour was born. It was a first for Seymour, seeing the sites that are intertwined with so many family stories.
This impression from the 2022 “Alluring Aegean” excursion was just one remarkable memory of the three PRINCETON JOURNEYS trips Seymour has taken with his mother, Marshall, each one reinforcing the duo’s love of language, literature, art and history. Both have lived on foreign shores since Seymour’s late father, Jack, was stationed overseas with the U.S. State Department. Marshall earned a bachelor’s degree in French medieval literature from Stanford and taught art history for more than 20 years. The Aegean Princeton Journey was “a recap in ancient civilization,” she says.
In addition to living in Germany, Belgium and Poland as a youngster, Seymour also lived in Macau after college and traveled in that part of the world through Princeton in
But this was more than a memory trip.
“There’s a historical element,” Seymour says. “We were looking at the history of the places and trying to understand how old these places are and how civilization has moved.”
Strengthening each of the duo’s PRINCETON JOURNEYS: the pre-trip suggested readings and the lectures and guided tours that enhance site visits. “I think the name ‘journey’ makes a lot of sense because it’s not just traveling, but also the academic preparation and the academic information that we receive on the journeys,” Seymour says.
On the Croatia cruise, Marshall delighted in touring the palace of Roman emperor Diocletian during an afternoon in Split, an attraction she had not been able to visit as a young mother with a toddler in tow. The travel partners kept their eyes open for works by famed Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović and searched out his studio. An agrotourism excursion to savor a traditional peka, meat and potatoes slowly roasted over coals under an iron bell, came with a surprise — music and dancing followed the meal, and a group of Latvian travelers encouraged the Princeton group to join in the 1950s classic, the twist. “It reminded me a little bit of Reunions,” Seymour says.
From Our Travelers
PHOTOS TAKEN ON PRINCETON JOURNEYS AROUND THE WORLD
View more traveler photos here.
ALASKA
AUSTRALIA
SPAIN
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
EGYPT
JAPAN
BOTSWANA
BAJA CALIFORNIA
SVALBARD
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