LYHENG SEAM, CAMBODIA

MPMA FIELD
TRIP-WINTERMPMA students (2022-2023)

The vacation is not only enlarged ourperspectives but also left a long-lasting
impression on our personal andintellectual life.

Otaru CanelCAMBODIAN FELLOW 2022-2023

Otaru CanelThe excitement was evident as we got ready for our classvacation to Hokkaido, the northern gem of Japan. A trip thatnone of us wanted to miss was what Hokkaido, known for its
stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and unique seasons, offered.
That excursion into a realm that promised to be extremely
different from our daily lives was more than a trip. The week
before our vacation started was filled with excitement and fullpreparation. Lists of necessities were created, with winterclothing topping the list due to Hokkaido's freezing weather.
Conversations moved around us, speculating on the places
we'd travel and the meals we'd try. Our professors prepared
the program, emphasizing both the educational value and theenjoyment.

Hachiko

Our travel from Chitose Airport to Otaru was full ofanticipation as snow-covered landscapes went by ourwindows. Upon arrival, the calm beauty of Otaru with a layerof snow welcomed us, setting the mood for our trip. The canal
was previously a vital component of the city's busy waterfront,
but it is now a lovely memory of Otaru's heritage. The snowcovered walks and quiet glow of gas lamps along the canalproduced an adorable environment right out of a fairytale.
The lovely background, surrounded by historical warehouses
that have been turned into restaurants and businesses,
provided several photo opportunities.
Beyond the beautiful gastronomic delights, the trip provided
an in-depth look at Hokkaido's geological history and cultural
significance. Participants and fun activities taught travelers
about the land's environment, its indigenous people, and how
seasonal changes affect life on the island. These experiences
increased the way we understood things, making the vacation
not only fun but also quite educational. As the days passed,
the vacation became more than simply a trip; it was anexperience of personal development. We learned how tonavigate new environments, appreciate different cultures,and see the world in a larger context. The connections thatwere built among classmates and professors in the beauty of
Hokkaido were unlike any classroom experience, full ofmoments of happiness, discovery, and mutual support.
1Our guides welcomed us with cheerful
smiles, instantly establishing the tone of theday. They took us through the fundamentals
of snow trekking, emphasizing safety andcare for the environment. Each of us got
snowshoes and gloves, which would assist
the team in the icy landscape.

Trekking challenge

The morning's challenges included steeper slopes
and deeper snow, which put our newly acquired
abilities and working together to challenge. It
showed our ability to persevere and theconnections we created as we encouraged eachother, shared laughter, and overcame difficulties
together.
Jozankei

Last but not least

Clock Tower

TV Tower

The final part of our field trip began with a visit toSapporo City, Sapporo Clock Tower, which is asymbol of the city's past and an indicator of its
growth. As we learned about its history, we couldn't
help but go back to when our journey began, which
seemed so long ago. The Sapporo TV Tower stands
out as an era despite the city's natural majesty. Next,the Sapporo Beer Museum surprised us with a deep
smell of brewing hops and stories going back to thenineteenth century. It was a lesson not just inbrewing, but also in the development of a brand thathas become a symbol of Sapporo. Last, The Sapporo
Old City Hall is evidence of the city's architecturaland civic past. Its red brickwork and Western-stylearchitecture recalled eras of transition andadaption. This visit was more than simply a historical
tour; it was a reminder of all of the layers of history
that created the basis of modern-day Sapporo.
Unfortunately, while we were there, there wasinstruction.

As our trip came to an end, we convened to reflect on our fullexperience. The intense, shared experiences of the previous twodays had not only brought us closer together but also increased
our awareness of Hokkaido's unique landscape and culture. We
left Hokkaido with much more than just memories and souvenirs,
but also a renewed feeling of interest and a commitment to study
far from the classroom. Throughout the trip, our schedule
included fun educational activities and team-building activities.
These experiences were more than simply enjoyable; they
provided opportunities to improve collaboration, critical thinking,and a greater respect for the environment and people around us.
The trip may have been short, but the impressions it left weredeep and lasting, inspiring a desire to learn more about andenjoy the world in more meaningful ways.

Sapporo Beer Museum

2Old City Hall