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!
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