A travel "guide" (more like journal) from a young girl's perspective. The blog will include preparations, vlogs, reviews and tips for the many destinations as I make my way around the globe.
"One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are." - Edith Wharton
While traveling, especially with a group, you encounter all different kinds of people. You are faced with those who you are traveling with, those you meet along the way, and those whose home you are visiting; all of whom are going to be blurred faces or long time friends. Either way, they have helped to make your visit unique. The people I met in Thailand are sincerely some of the greatest people I have ever met. From all different backgrounds, these people are what made my trip worth while. I am glad to call the my friends and acquaintances. Thank you, to all those who I encountered on my journey in Thailand, for helping me experience the Land of Smiles.
Look forward to my next post about International Student Volunteers, their service, the accommodations, the food and review of the actual activities I took part in. In the mean time, check out my Bucket Listto read about some of the activities ahead of time!
The people you meet abroad are the people who helped make your trip memorable,
"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." - Henry Miller
During the two weeks following my boyfriend's visit, I volunteered with International Student Volunteers. Watching my boyfriend get on an airplane was just as hard as leaving him behind in Canada for the first time. I was not in the mood to socialize with a whole new group of people again. However, ISV participants are, in my experience, very welcoming and easy to be around. That being said, I want to mention how much I loved my volunteer group.
Lauren, a tough girl from Jersey who really knows how to tell it like it is. Realistic and down to earth, she really helped the group. She was hard working, open minded but still knew how to express herself and not let what's on her mind bother her. I really appreciated her honesty, as it added a touch of realism and made me more comfortable to be uncomfortable with the position we were put in at the time.
Paige, my Colorado fun-loving co-volunteer. She was just so nice, but not too nice, like when it gets annoying. She took the time to always try to be optimistic and clearly had a smile on her face as often as possible. She often lifted the spirit of our situation when times were rough, seeing both sides of an argument and making the best out of most situations. Having her around helped me reflect and do the same. She added a sort of cohesiveness to the group dynamism. Well thought out ISV!
Samantha, a singer like there's no tomorrow! My fellow Canadian volunteer. She was often full of energy and just wanted to get the work done. Often trying to keep spirits up through song or socializing, she really helped keep us all from throwing the towel. On hard days, this girl right here, was a saviour. Although I wanted to shoot her sometimes, because I'm just not that musical, her spirit was whole-heartedly good, and I appreciated it.
Samantha, an optimist like no one could believe. A true Southern Sweetheart. Always seeing the bright side and refusing to complain, because after all, we were in Thailand. Smiley and full of spunk, she could keep me going. She helped the group through her optimism, but also through her curiosity. She isn't shy and was always full of questions. The group truly benefitted from her wandering mind. If you were every looking for a specific answer, Sam knew what question to ask!
Andrew, just about the nicest guy you'll ever meet. Although he looked like a serial killer sometimes, he was a good soul. Optimist, yet again, but showed it in another kind of way. He would often make parallels to home or tell analogies to make the time pass. He was also always willing to lend a helping hand, which I couldn't appreciate more. I had the opportunity to take-on Andrew has my teaching partner during the volunteering. To say the least, I'm bosy. So, I'm rather happy Andrew was so flexible and didn't let my controlling habits stand in his way or ruin his time!
Gillian, a girl with power. This girl didn't take anything from anyone. Tough, powerful and she knew how to voice her opinions. Unfortunately, she continuously was struck with misfortunes, but she kept working through them! I cannot believe how strong this girl is! Definitely part of the group muscle.
Behn, a man you is clearly misunderstood. Although I often gave him a hard time with the brutal truth and my harsh opinions, he was definitely needed in our group. He injured himself early on in the volunteering, but still wanted to participate and help out any way he could. This kind of show of determination help the group dynamism.
Kaptan! Our group leader. He was truly wonderful. He was full of worldly knowledge, beyond his years, and he was full of sarcasm. His dry humour always left the group will a good chuckle and lightened the mood. However, he was very straight forward and realistic. This is the kind of group leader we needed. Not one filled with blind optimism and fakeness. Kaptan had to be the best leader we could have asked for, really.
We volunteered at the DEPDC school, in Mae Sai, Thailand, teaching English to all levels and building a stone wall (more like the foundation of a stone wall) around the compound.
Teaching was an absolutely eye-opening experience. It was difficult, don't misread me, but it was beyond rewarding. The children at this center are children without passports, birth certificates and other essential documents. They, in other words, cannot venture beyond established checkpoints, where most of the state schools would be situated. They come from poor homes in North Thailand and Burma, with little to no opportunity to escape. Some of these children are even at risk of being sold to the human trafficking trade, and would eventually be untraceable. This center gives the children something to look forward to; an education, friends, family, activities, smiles, and mostly, a way out. Some children would come to school wearing the same thing every day, some can't talk, some have physical deformities and some have deep internal struggles. Yet, they come to school every day, with smiles and high hopes. These children were inspiring. They were a group of kids who truly wanted to learn, hanging on almost every word we said, and just wanted the chance to play. It was because of this experience that I want to teach English as a second language for the rest of my life. These are the children who taught me appreciation. These children showed me how to love life, no matter what hand it has dealt me.
We also helped to build a wall around the compound. Unfortunately, we were only able to establish one part of the foundation on a small part of one side while we were there. The work was rigorous and everything was made from scratch. We helped build the skeleton through bending wires with old-school tools. We also helped mix cement by hand and carry it in buckets to where we needed to fill. We experienced a life without advanced construction technology. I would have to say that this hard, hands-on work offered me a sense of appreciation for what I have at home. The workers are incredibly skilled and talented, not to mention determined. I am sincerely glad I had the opportunity to work with such a fantastic group of Thai and Burmese people.
I truly enjoyed my experience with ISV. That being said, when volunteering, one must always keep an open mind and leave a little wiggle room. Things aren't always going to go as expected, but you're in beautiful place, with lovely people who appreciate what you are doing beyond what you can comprehend. Keep smiling and don't let anything get you down. You're doing what is needed for people who actually need it, and that is worth every ounce of your work alone.
My eyes have seen what it's like to be on the other side. I'll thank the universe everyday for being blessed with the eyes I have, and not the eyes of another,
My favourite thing to do is go where I've never been.
-Diane Arbus
As a young woman, it's always difficult to take off on a new adventure. As I am sure this is true for all travelers, I think that much time is invested in deterring young females to travel alone which makes the planning more difficult. I'd love to say to take off without a plan is how I'd do it, but that's not in my personality and safety first, right?
With all this in mind, I knew I wanted to get away and see the world beyond my door step, but I was fearful about traveling alone. Thankfully, I found the great company Free and Easy Traveler. They were great for solo travelers because with the group, you never feel lonely but it's also possible to get out and experience the country (to an extent) on your own. All the worries of booking and planning are taken care of; in-country travel, hotels, some excursions and most drinking nights are all planned out for you, and you have the choice whether to participate or not.
Your leaders are less like babysitters and more like really awesome friends. I have to give props to Sean and Shaye for making the trip worth while. My leaders were young, fun, active people willing to go that extra mile to make the trip memorable for all and I couldn't thank them more. Mama Wolf and Papa Sean helped keep our FnEz family together.
Which brings me to another great point about my Free and Easy experience; my Thai Family. Usually when spending a rather fair duration of time with the same people in close proximity, feeling are developed. Now, I'm not talking love; I didn't meet the love of my life on this trip or anything like that, but I did meet some of the most amazing people. Because of all the time spent with these clearly-more-awesome-than-I-am folks, I was forced to get to know them on a more personal scale in a short period of time. Their perks are what made them different, but Free and Easy is what brought us together. I made some of the greatest friends from all over North America and I couldn't be more happy about it (except for when we re-entered real life, I realized they live so freaking far away). We shared an experience together and we will always have that to remember and to connect us as a group.
Accommodations: Bangkok - Wild Orchid Villa (***)
This hotel is steps away from the famous Khan San Road. With it's cute Thai decor, it's the home to many-a-backpacker. I stayed in an airconditioned room which had two single beds; totally worth every penny. And the bathroom? Can we say "MORE ROOM FOR ACTIVITIES!" A Thai shower is where it's at. Overall though, it was clean, bug-free and great for your dollar.
Railay- Diamond Cave Resort (***)
These little bungalows are extremely nice. The bathroom is a little less pleasant than those in Bangkok, but it's cheap, so I can't really complain. There was airconditioning and a nice comfy, clean bed. Sitting on East Beach, Railay, only moments away from the famous Last Bar. My only advice is: try not to get lost on the way home!
(This place was good enough that when I returned to Railay, I stayed here with my boyfriend.)
Koh Phi Phi- Tropical Garden Bungalows(**)
Ah, Tropical Garden. Let's just say my experience here was less than perfect. Basically, think of it as sleeping in a hot, muggy garden. There's no airconditioning (for that matter, the fan in our bungalow didn't even work), and bugs will be joining you for a solid night of not-sleeping. A bug net is provided, but they are old and have some holes. If you plan to stay here, keep an open mind and beware of bedbugs. I'm probably making it sound way scarier than it was, but be careful and don't fret too much; you're on beautiful and bustling Koh Phi Phi, so take the time to enjoy every minute of it!
Khao Sok- Smileys Bungalows (***)
This place is too cute to be real. Sitting in the middle of Khao Sok (there's not much going on here, so don't get too excited), these tree houses are absolutely fantastic. In these little houses connected by a bridge, sitting relatively high up off the ground, you can't help but feel like you're a monkey. Not to mention the amazing view! You're in Thailand's core and you can see the jungle all around. The people who run it are also extremely friendly and welcoming, ESPECIALLY to the Free and Easy family.
We also ventured to their "Smileys Bungalows Floating Bungalows" on the Lake in Khao Sok National Park. Can you say "AMAZING?" With no electricity during the day, these floating houses are quite the re-treat. Even though it rained the entire time I was there, the water is warm, the place is exotic and there is definitely fun to be had on this picturesque man-made lake.
Koh Phangan (Haad Yuan)- Barcelona Resort (***)
I cannot get over how beautiful the view was on this private little beach. Barcelona sits on the coast of Haad Yuan, with few other hotels and business along the beach, you feel as though you are in your own little paradise. The rooms are nothing special; no airconditioning, bug nets and cold showers (beware of centipedes), but the view and the beach make up for it all. You're also only a short boat ride away from the famous Haad Rin where the original Full Moon Party takes place. Oh, did I mention the only way to Haad Yuan is via taxi-boat? That's how paradise is meant to be accessed. Don't get me wrong though, you're not in Tom Hanks in Castaway here, you're still within civilization with lots to do; internet cafe, restaurants, bars, tattoo parlour, mini-general store etc. But nothing beats the beach.
Bangkok- Khao San Holiday Guest House (****)
Another one of my favourite accommodations! Situated in the heart of Khaosan Road, this place is a backpackers dream. First of all, I absolutely loved the staff; they were polite, kind and very accommodating. Every time I went, I received superior service. The rooms are super clean and really nice as well; comfy beds, airconditioning, nice showers and great english television (this was important for my sick boyfriend for two days of our trip). I think my best experience was here and it was pretty cheap! About the same I had paid at the Wild Orchid Villa or Diamond Cave, but I found this hotel nicer.
(I returned here with my boyfriend and then again when I was alone.)
***The stars are in relation to EACH OTHER, not in relation to western accommodations***
This, without the bar reviews (look forward to a post dedicated to my experience in Thai bars), is my Free and Easy experience. I don't think I would've changed a thing, the people, the travel and the time spent with FnEz showed me a Thailand that I could've have discovered on my own.
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