Summer is almost here. To celebrate summer travel and cultural diversity, we asked students and college employees: “If you only had one day in your home country, what’s something you absolutely have to do?”
Students and employees from Afghanistan, United States, Mongolia and China shared their authentic experiences and favorite activities that reveal their country’s beauty and their presence in it. Answers are organized into three parts: must-try food or drink, top attractions and suggested one-day itineraries. This is more than a typical travel guide; it’s rather glimpses into the places students and employees call home. We hope you find it delightful to read, and who knows, maybe it will provide you with a bit of inspiration for your next travel plans.
Afghanistan
Itinerary
Morning: “ We would start the day early with a walk along the Kunar River. The cool breeze and sound of flowing water are very peaceful. Then we would visit the Darunta Dam, where the water is clear and the view of the hills is beautiful. After that, we’d enjoy a simple Afghan breakfast of naan, chai (tea), and maybe some shorwa (soup) at a local tea shop. Next, we would go to Jalalabad City, the capital of Nangarhar. It’s busy and full of life. We’d walk through the bazaar to see colorful fruits, spices, clothes, and handmade items. People are friendly, and you can hear many languages like Pashto and Dari. For lunch, we’d eat Kabuli pulao or chicken karahi with fresh salad and yogurt.”
Afternoon: “ In the afternoon, I’d take my guest to the Torkham border (if safe), where Afghanistan meets Pakistan. It’s interesting to see the border crossing and the mix of cultures. On the way, we’d pass farms and green fields. Nangarhar is known for its oranges and pomegranates, so we’d stop at a farm to taste some fresh fruit.”
Evening: “As the sun sets, we’d visit a quiet village nearby, maybe Behsud or Kama. The fields turn golden in the light, and children play outside. We’d join a family for a simple Afghan dinner with rice, meat and fresh vegetables. Maybe someone would play the rubab (a traditional instrument), and we’d enjoy music under the stars. At the end of the day, I’d hope my guest feels the warmth of our people and the natural beauty of Nangarhar. It’s a place full of history, love and a strong spirit.”
Recommended top attraction: “Bamiyan. The Bamiyan Valley is an outstanding example of a cultural landscape that illustrates a significant period in Buddhism.”
Must-try food or drinks: “Kabuli Palaw, Kabab, Mantu and Bolani for food and doogh for drinks.”
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Itinerary
Morning: “A drive to the Jersey shore for breakfast near the ocean.”
Afternoon: “A trip through the Italian market and a stop for an iconic Philly cheesesteak.”
Evening: “Visit the Philadelphia art museums.”
Recommended top attraction: “Hawaii”
Aloha! The unique and astonishing natural landscapes, along with their vibrant cultures, make Hawaii a dream destination for many. Treat yourself to some loco moco, watch a breathtaking sunset on a peaceful beach, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions that this paradise has to offer. Whether you are exploring lush rainforests, relaxing on pristine shores, or engaging with the warm and welcoming locals, Hawaii promises an unforgettable experience that will have you wanting to come back for more!
Must-try food or drinks: “Corn dog”
Countryside Mongolia – Anu Nyam
Itinerary
Morning: “Start your day with Mongolia’s endlessly vast territory, eternal blue sky and skyscraping mountains. For breakfast, Mongolian home-made bread with traditional dairy called urum, which is juicy and creamy. You don’t need a sink, and instead, we use our pure river for washing hands and face. It’s refreshing like ice.”
Afternoon: “You will be interested in Mongolian herders’ daily lifestyles, including pasturing and milking the main five livestock animals, riding a horse for herding and watching how Mongolians domesticate and train their horses. The process of making countless dairy products from only milk will be dazzling and entirely fresh to you. For lunch, you can have Mongolian tsuivan, a fried tasty and juicy Mongolian beef and soft pasta, which will make your stomach full of delight. After the meal, don’t forget to try Mongolian beer called airag, also derived from the milk of a mare. It’s quite sour but tasty.”
Evening: “The Mongolian herders’ lifestyle is one of the busiest jobs you can find. Bringing animals from the pasture to their home by riding a horse will be exciting. After busy work, you can taste one of the famous Mongolian soups called lavsha, a flourishing bone soup, and ripe meat. It will absolutely relieve your fatigue to fall into a tight sleep with purely refreshing air. Enjoy sunset and mountain views with relaxing sounds of birds, livestock and wind.”
Recommended top attraction: “Everywhere in the countryside. There are so many beautiful landscapes.”
Must-try food or drinks: “Mongolian brand bakery, real tasty beef included foods,. Airag (mare’s milk), milk/saam (cow’s milk), dairy products and much more.”
Xiamen, China – Joy Zhan
Itinerary
Morning: “Grab a quick breakfast at the renowned Shaxian Delicacies restaurant, followed by a leisurely meander through a lively morning market to see an array of the local fresh produce.”
Afternoon: “Hop on the sea-view metro of Xiamen and spend the afternoon exploring local malls and immersing yourself in the cultural charm of Zhongshan Road’s bustling streets.”
Evening: “For dinner, venture to the Jimei School Village area to relish local street food favorites like oyster omelets and four fruit soup. Conclude the night with a serene seaside stroll along the picturesque 10-mile-long dike beach.”
Recommended top attraction: “The ZhongShan Road area boasts abundant activities and culinary delights catering to various tastes, ensuring a fulfilling experience for everyone.”
Must-try food or drinks: “Scrambled eggs with tomatoes is my all-time favorite and it never fails to impress. Additionally, Shou Zhua Bing, the other popular Xiamen delicacy, is just as wonderful. It’s a crispy, flaky Chinese hand-grab pancake customizable with a selection of meats, vegetables and sauces. Always freshly made and served piping hot, it’s simply a delightful treat.”