R.A.T. Your Rodent Around-the-World Traveler (a.k.a. Raz)

Hi, My name is R.A.T., which stands for Rodent Around-the-World Traveler (I like to think it stands for Rodent Adventure Traveler), but everyone here calls me Raz for short. I would love to share my adventures with you. I left my rat family in early January to seek adventure. Everyone said "head west young rat," so that is what I did. I headed west to San Diego, California where I ran out of land and had to hop on a ship to continue my journey. It turns out that the ship I found was going west around the world--a dream come true! The MV Explorer is home to the famous Semester at Sea study abroad program. My shipmates include 629 college students and about 150 faculty, staff, lifelong learners, and family members. Things are really busy here on the ship and even busier when we are in port. Come follow me vicariously as I take this incredible journey. Yours, R.A.T.

P.S. I had such a great time on the voyage that the adventure continues!!!!



Saturday, February 28, 2015

Burma - Visit to a Village

When we were in Pagan we spent one morning visiting a traditional village. We saw lots of animals, including cows and sheep.

We also visited a school.

The children were very well behaved.

But they were excited to see me!


Friday, February 27, 2015

Burma - Pagoda, Cruising down the Irrawaddy and Elephants

Here I am at the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoom (a.k.a. Yangon). It has a huge doamond at the top of the main stupa.
One day we took a relaxing boat ride down the Irrawaddy River.

Found another elephant friend.

And some of the elephant's friends!



Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Burma - Ballooning over Pagan

Our next stop was Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar).One of my favorite place we went, especially going in a hot air balloon over the historic site of Pagan, where we had a bird's-eye view of lots of amazing temples.

Here's a rat's-eye view of the temple!

And another one of the 100s of temples in Pagan.

Some of the temples house huge statues of Buddha like this one which is all covered in gold!
Here I am at the first temple again.

And a close up!

Friday, February 20, 2015

Singapore - Me and a Merlion



Our next stop was Singapore. We visited the Raffles Hotel, but did not splurge for a Singapore Sling.

We made a stop at Ken Yeang's National Library, but could not go inside as it was Chinese New Years. We were able to go under the great atrium.

I found thees pencil benches to play on in the atrium. I'm working on my balance beam routine!

We found this gentleman at the entrance to a shop. He was not very talkative.

These guys are more like my kin,

Another strange Singaporean, They call him a merlion!



Thursday, February 19, 2015

Cambodia - Adventures and Relaxation in Phom Penh

This is how we usually traveled in Cambodia--via a Tuk Tuk. I liked having the breeze in my fur!
One of our first stops was to the beautiful art deco market building designed by Louis Chauchon in Phnom Penh. I thought the ceiling looked like a giant sun!

After a hard day of sightseeing we stopped at the Foreign Correspondents Club. They say it is the only one in the world that not just reporters but anyone can visit (even a rat!).


And then we relaxed a bit in our hotel room, which had its own private swimming pool!


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Cambodia - A Visit to the Palace

When we were in Phnom Penh we also visited the Royal Palace. This building is the Hor Samran Phirun.

The buildings were all very beautiful, Especially the throne hall.

Here I am with one of the multi-headed naga snakes on the railing.

I also met another elephant.

I need to remind myself not to stick my head in other animals mouths!


Monday, February 16, 2015

Cambodia - Angkor Wat & the National Museum

Our next stop was Cambodia. Here I am at Angkor Wat. It's the largest religious building in the world!


The towers were designed like lotus blossoms.
Our next stop was the National Museum in Phnom Penh. I found another lion.
I also made a friend with an elephant.

I even made friends with some students.
We then had a relaxing lunch!

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Vietnam - Visit to Tao Dan Park

One day we went to Tao Dan Park. It's almost Chinese New Years. 2015 is the year of the goat, so there were a lot of goats decorating the city to celebrate.

Here is the fish display in the park. The building holds small aquarium of different types of fish.

I stumbled upon one fish that was out of an aquarium.

One part of the park has miniature bonsai trees.
Here are a couple of people I met in the park. They were really nice.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Vietnam - Fun at School


One day we stopped by a school, but there were no students there as it was almost Chinese New Years. Can you find me in all of the pictures?

I found some of my kin here.

Can you find me with the ducks?

This little boy likes to read, but did take a moment to say "hi"!


Here I am with some fish.

And with one of their wonderful pictures.


Friday, February 13, 2015

Vietnam - Chu Chi Tunnels - Me and Ho Chi

On the shuttle bus

In one of the Chu Chi tunnels used during the Vietnam/American War
More tunnel


Room in the tunnel. Tea with Ho Chi Minh?