the observatori: November 2009

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

To be honest, I'm not really a beach person. But, if I'm going to spend a weekend at the beach, it might as well be the one where they filmed the movie 'The Beach'. Apparently there are a lot of others that feel the same way. So, what started out as a small group heading to the beach for the weekend, exploded into a group of 75. Two groups chartering private speed boats and another renting a yacht for the weekend.

Long boats are essential transportation to take you from your hotel to dinner or to other parts of the island.

Without a doubt one of the most beautiful beach settings, there is a reason this place has become popular. Scuba and snorkeling opportunities galore, for those who can't sit still on the beach, like me.

Unfortunately, its popularity has led to the emergence of a cancun-style party area in the main part of the island. It's possible to escape, but something to be mindful of if you are considering visiting the island. This is a shot where we ventured into the touristy area. We discovered a pair of panties on the beach, which set of a little mystery game. Yair isn't looking so innocent.

Brunei

For my first trip to Borneo, I selected Brunei as the destination. The first country that I have been to where alcohol is prohibited, it was a nice break and offered a rather peaceful setting to catch up on some rest. It was also the first time that I have been on an airplane that was 'blessed' before it took off. Interesting weekend trip - not quite as exotic as it might sound - but a comfortable and safe feeling destination. Here are a few of the highlights.

Stilt communities and colourful houses, basically in the middle of town.

on a hike in the national park. these were basically glorified stairs and pathways at the top of the trees. not really the safest feeling things I have been on. This indian guy kept wanting us to take pictures of him - it was hilarious.

the coolest mosque I have ever seen.

the most clothing I have ever worn in 40 degree heat. not comfortable!

The DASH

What is the DASH? It is a race between INSEAD students...from our apartments to school, dressed in the wildest costumes that we can conceive of. I love my school.

Section A2!!

Only at INSEAD.

National Week Bids

To celebrate our diversity, we host national weeks about once each month. The national weeks feature food, music, dancing and other cultural treasures from the featured nation or region. This autumn, we have enjoyed a Lebanese week and an Eastern European week and, before the year is out, we will have Desi week (India) and Africa Week. Twice per year, students vote which weeks they would like to have. Voting is decided after a short campaign that features student-made presentations by students from each of the countries/regions. This week, we hosted one such campaign/vote.

Britain and Spain, getting along.

Israeli's do it religiously?

Italians do it with nutella

germans do it with...a bell?

the french do it with a kiss?

no comment

Possibly one of the most fun evenings during my time at INSEAD, it was a fantastic way to spend a night celebrating our diversity. Unfortunately, our NAFTA bid was unsuccessful; however, I'm looking forward to celebrating Dragon week (China & SEA), Latin America week, Vodka week (Russia, of course), Iberia week, Italy week, and Heart of Europe week (Germany, Switzerland, Sweden).

Sri Lanka

With exams for the first period finished and a few days to spare before the second period kicks off, I joined a small group to travel to Sri Lanka for the 'long weekend'. Some were prior travel mates, some new. Even after 2 months and a handful of trips, I'm still getting to know people.

Such a shame to spend only a few days in this place - but I suppose it is better than not seeing it at all. Sri Lanka is absolutely amazing. Rich with culture and history, there is something for everyone. We saw 2000 year old temples, tea plantations, rescued elephants, wild monkeys. We went for a hike and went to the beach. We also went to an orphanage/school for victims of the tsunami and dropped off some school supplies. This last bit is something that I think I will do more regularly on my holidays.

Because the war ended just a short while ago, it was a fantastic time to go. Great infrastructure (hotels) at a reasonable price. Service was outstanding. Nobody got sick. What else could you ask for! A few pictures maybe?

the beach near colombo

rescued elephants

awesome temple.

Sigiriya (ancient rock fortress and palace ruin)

cultural show

fire walkers!

outside the temple that holds Buddha's tooth (in a cool city called Kandy)

School kids.

The rest are on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/10684397@N05/sets/72157623022551714/), if you're interested in seeing more. I highly recommend Sri Lanka as a destination.

INSEAD Olympics

To celebrate the start of our second period of classes, we spent Saturday at the beach for the INSEAD Olympics. A combination of serious and not-so-serious events, it was a great way to spend time with my classmates. Despite my abhorrance for running, I was selected to lead the torch run from the school to the island of Sentosa (where the games took place). Kind of cool thing about living on an island is that you can run to whereever you want to go, if you have the patience to figure out how to get there.