As Big Experience comes to an end, we are all experiencing mixed emotions. We have grown to love the culture of both Laos and Cambodia, but can’t wait to get home and see our loved ones.
Today we embarked on our final adventure through the ancient town of Luang Prabang. In the morning we received a surprise itinerary, with checkpoints located throughout the city. We began at the wet market, and made our way through the hectic maze of goods. We were confronted with the local delicacies, including pig feet, pigs blood and buffalo skin. We then continued on our Tuk-tuks through the town’s stadium, a spectacular lily pond sanctuary, all the way to Mount Phousy, where we were faced with the treacherous white railed stairs. We finished our journey at a magnificent temple, where we raced in our vans to the finishing point. Our hard work was rewarded with a lovely meal.
Our final activity to conclude our amazing journey, was a heart-warming visit to a local secondary school. We were greeted by a long line of joyful students along the school entrance. After hearing about the school and its history, we were taken for a tour of the school’s classrooms. We were astounded to discover that some classes held 75 students. We exchanged songs, including our school hymn. We then mingled with the bubbly students, and were amazed to discover how many of them spoke English, when we could not speak a word of Laotian. We then donated a range of school supplies and equipment that was greatly appreciated by the staff.
We were all touched by how much our small donation could improve the lives of the students so greatly. Whilst they received a major benefit, we were also filled with a sense of pride and fulfilment. We realised how lucky we are to live in such a privileged society, and how much these simple gifts could go such a long way. It was the perfect way to conclude our adventurous journey filled with community service and new friendships. On our final stretch, we are looking forward to our families and our homes.
Alistair Fothergill, Olivia Glavis and Emily Dare