Insight from our study leader, Dr. Eric Tagliacozzo
For decades, Eastern Indonesia has held me captive. It started, as many great adventures do, with a stroke of incredible luck: a Thomas Watson Fellowship. Picture me, a young scholar, suddenly granted the freedom to chase the ghosts of the spice trade. I wasn’t just reading about the maritime routes of Asia; I was living them, immersing myself in the vibrant, chaotic world of trading diasporas that swirled around Southeast Asia. It was more than academic curiosity; it ignited a fire in me that’s burned ever since.
Now, as a Professor of History at Cornell, specializing in Southeast Asia, I’ve spent a career trying to piece together the extraordinary story of these islands. And I’m thrilled to invite you to join me on an expedition that goes far beyond your typical tourist experience. We’re not just skimming the surface; we’re diving deep into the historical heart of some of Indonesia’s most captivating, and least explored, regions.
Imagine this: we’ll stand on the volcanic shores of Ternate and Tidore. You’ll see the crumbling forts, silent witnesses to centuries of global trade. These are the Spice Islands, the only places on earth where nutmeg, mace, and cloves grew before modern times. These weren’t just spices; they were the engines of empires, the sparks that ignited global conflicts. We’ll walk the very ground where these precious commodities were born.
We won’t just stay on land. We’ll sail the waters once plied by the legendary Bugis traders of Makassar, whose mastery of the sea predates any Western presence. In Ambon, we’ll explore the fascinating collision of Christianity and Islam, witnessing how these global faiths intertwined in the remote corners of the archipelago. us to find out!
And then, there’s Bali. That “morning of the world,” as early European explorers called it. A place where beauty, spirituality, and history collide in the most breathtaking way.
This isn’t just a tour; it’s a personal expedition. It’s a chance to see the world through my eyes, to share the passion that’s driven my life’s work. It’s for those of you who crave more than a postcard picture. It’s for those who want to understand the intricate threads that connect our world.
If you’re curious about the forces that shaped global commerce, if you want to explore the hidden narratives of a truly extraordinary region, then join me. Let’s uncover the secrets of Eastern Indonesia together. It’ll be a journey you’ll never forget.
Visit our trip page to read the full itinerary, details, and to reserve your spot!
