Travel - My first overseas volunteering experience

Yes, this is considered my FIRST ever overseas volunteering experience. I always envy my sister for having the opportunity to do that during her poly years and when I was in my previous workplace, there were occassions of such but I missed it due to many reasons. 往事不堪回首。

Therefore it has always been in my dream list to go for such trips. God hears the desires of my heart and I was presented with this lifetime experience opportunity at this (old) age. LOL. Thank God. 

One of my dreams fulfilled, and it was fulfilled with one bunch of awesome kids! =) 

Though I was not directing doing the things as the kids were supposed to be the ones doing it. I really tried so hard to control myself, tried so hard not to step in because this experience belongs to them. But other than that, I was glad to be part of this whole experience. Everyone contributes, small or big. =)

Here was how the day went:

Morning assembly. They even did a banner to welcome us.

This group of kids teaching English. 

The kids really give them face. LOL. I guess because we were NEW faces to them. >.<

She looked at me, and then returned to write the words that were taught. Aww...

Thank God we brought the giant story book!

The dance team, the kids went a little haywire but well! All had fun! hahaha

The Art&Craft team. Personally I love the photo frame our kids intended for the kids to learn. Very nice.

Look at how attentive and captivated they are!

Every kid gets to bring home what they have done. =))

While 3 teams were busy teaching, 2 other teams were involved in Mural painting. I think they were amazing, the vendor did not provide them with black paint and I was sooooo glad to see them making do with what they had and did an incredible job! =')

One of the walls. Sketches done by one student. As requested by the school, they wanted something "Singapore" and so they sketched this.

The other side.

The painting began.

End product. 

Since its outside the library, we decided on "Reading is fun"

I am truly proud of them for what they have done. Truly.

After all these were done, the kids served lunch to the local students then we did 2 home visits. Yes, we had language barriers and the kid is too young to make any "chim" interpretations for us. Nonetheless, we had fun and we gave some groceries to the families we visited.

I love this girl, she has a contagious laughter and she is really adorable. She is 11 years old.

When we went back and were getting ready to leave, all the kids stood around and waved goodbye.

I shall end this entry with this picture. This journey was so beautiful, even the flowers at the roadside were. I am grateful, grateful for this journey and all the beautiful moments I had. What more can I say, thank God for all these.

Purposeful Traveller - I will keep this experience close to my heart.

Travel - Elephant Trek, I did it again.

In 2011, I did an elephant trek in Phuket. I remembered clearly the feeling I had when I finished the trek and I made a decision not to do elephant trek ever again. It was not a pleasant feeling, I just felt that this shouldn't be what elephants do? I couldn't really explain that feeling. Just felt sad. 

Anyway, when I knew the itinerary for this trip included this activity, I really dreaded the day but I knew I did not really have a choice.

And so, the day came.

However, things were slightly different this time round? There were many thoughts running through my mind after some explanation by the guide.

Before I explain further, perhaps some pictures? =p

Feeding of elephants.

The start of performance.

They were trained to draw, yes this elephant painted that. (Tell your friend beside you, if the elephant can draw, so can you. Quick, say it!)

After performance was an oxcart ride before we went back to the base by elephant trek.

Snippet of the trek

And so the elephant trek ended.

Here are some of my thoughts after some "enlightenment" by the guide.

Elephants were roaming freely in Chiangmai long time ago and were destroying the crops because they eat a lot. Therefore to improve the situation, they were gathered in Elephant camps where they were trained to perform and do the "trek" for tourists in order to generate income to feed themselves, so in a way, they earned their own living. 

Well, this was what the guide told us and to me, it made some sense. Perhaps it is an excuse to make myself feel better but still it has its points. 

There was a reflection done at the end of the day and I shared what was the question I had in mind, my question was "How did the elephant feel?" I knew this question cannot be answered unless I have some super power or something, but one thing I learned from this experience was that.... isn't it good to earn your own living? 

Different people live their lives differently, they have their own ways of earning a living. If that was the way of survival, so be it unless someone else can provide a better option if not so be it. 

Well, it is just some thoughts I have in my mind. =)

Let me end this entry with an awesome view when I did the oxcart ride. hee

Purposeful Traveller - Make the best out of every situation.

Travel - Chiangmai, a dream trip comes true!

To go on a volunteering cum cultural exchange trip has always been one of my dream trip, not only I felt excited, I was also glad to fulfill it with a bunch of fun-loving people! They made the trip even more awesome and memorable! =D

There were loads of preparation BEFORE the trip but everyone played a part, indeed everyone is a giver and has something to contribute to the success of this trip.

Our journey to Mae Onn Vittayalai Secondary School

The entrance of the school

We arrived at the school just in time for their morning assembly, I really appreciated that awesome view for morning assembly men! hehehe. Though I don't understand Thai, they should have started off with their national anthem, followed by some prayers to the Buddha (explained to us by a local teacher) then they did 5 minutes of meditation (which turned out to be quite fast though, lol). 

The view I was talking about! Awesome right?!

The awkward moments when they were supposed to group with local students. hahaha.

Though it was a secondary school we visited, communication was one of the greatest barrier due to language differences. In Thailand, English is their second language, so you can imagine the difficulty the students had in order to communicate with the locals.

That's when what they prepared before the trip comes in handy, a scrapbook about themselves! Trust me, scrapbook saved the day!!

After seeing that they were more or less settled, a local teacher brought us around the school and shared with us more about the Thai's education system! =) 

Their library -_- I know, it's quite big.

One of the Thai culture, removing their shoes before entering the building.

We visited their classrooms and went into several classes to take a look. They have very similar classroom environment as us just that some of their furniture were made of wood. They too have notice board for cleaning schedule and information etc!

Something we don't see, a cat on the table. But I think it should be something common for them because during morning assembly there were already few dogs joining. lol.

Hall?

Favourite place I guess - CANTEEN!

Colourful drinks! They even have a minimart at one corner of the canteen! 

After 2 hour or so, all of them gathered in the "hall" for a time of games before lunch. Then the local students taught us how to make Loi Krathong.

Simple materials

Amazing results!

After the making of Loi Krathong, the students gathered again to learn a Thai song - Loi Krathong!

Then was another pre-trip preparation did by them - a dance performance for the locals. I was so proud of them when they finished performing because I think they did well!

They even got the local students to dance with them!

Followed by mass dance, dancing to the music of Loi Krathong.

Lastly, the students giving their buddies token of appreciation for hosting them. A moment I love the most.

I still remembered the moments of awkwardness in the beginning but they overcame all barriers to make friends with the locals and I could see friendships forged. =)

Ended our visit with a group photo!

Then we went to Ping river to release the Loi Krathong we made! The river will end in Bangkok (if I remember correctly) Hehehe.

Make a wish. Mine? PASS MY EXAMS LOR!

I shall end this entry with this picture I love!

Stay tune for another entry! =)

Purposeful Traveller - Dreams do come true!

Cafe - La Ristrettos

I visited this cafe a few days ago whereby I was in the midst of preparing for exams, blame it on the construction noise near my house. LOL. Okay, it is an excuse for me to get out (again).

Just did random googling wanting to find a place that's not too far and accessible by MRT. Lo and behold, I found this cafe in the least expected place - NOVENA MEDICAL CENTRE (like.. seriously?!!)

When I stepped out of the lift, it was that "hospital smell" but as I approached the cafe, stepped inside the cafe, the coffee smell comes. LOL. 

It wasn't crowded when I reached at about 2. Perfect for me to study. hehehe. A really nice place. =)) The prices for the stuff were reasonable and I got for myself a sandwich and a hot chocolate.

Hot chocolate for $5~

Chicken sandwich for $11. 

I will head down there again if I am around Novena!

Their opening hours is until 6pm only and closed on Sunday! I guess its more for the office crowd. It is located at #08-37 in Novena Medical Centre. =)

Purposeful Traveller - Coffee the next time?

An ending leads to a new chapter

3.5 years.

Finally this journey of fulfilling a dream has come to an end should I pass all the examinations for this semester. Too many heart stopping moments that almost kill my dream of completing it this semester. Thankful for supportive and encouraging people around me to keep me going. I am glad I finish this part of the race in my life.

This ending leads to a new beginning. I will be freed to try out more stuff, more dreams to fulfil. =)

Purposeful Traveller - Life is an amazing journey.