The Temples were asked to write a short comment/reflection/highlight of their Big Experience so far as we almost reach the halfway mark of the trip. Below are their responses:
Ben- I can certainly see why this is called the Big Experience. After our village stay I can now fully appreciate the comforts of home. New friends have been made and many of the local customs have been very intriguing.
Harry-Playing cards for six hours on the boat as we cruise along the Mekong River.
Matthew- Losing all my money in Pak Beng.
Laura- White water rafting was SO FUN.
Chris- we are a lot luckier than a lot of people and you don’t realise it until you experience how other people live.
Ruby- Mekong River cruise = heaven.
Cameron- The Big Experience so far has been great, with the white water rafting and the Thai boxing being the best so far. I can’t wait for the rest of the trip.
Murray- Thai boxing was painful.
Saskia- The highlight so far was giving the little kids clothes and visiting the night markets in Chiang Mai.
Cooper- Hanging out and playing cards on the boat has been relaxing after some busy days throughout Northern Thailand.
Alex- The whole trip has been a great experience and each activity and destination has been a highlight. Building the house felt amazing to be able to help people less fortunate.
Sarah- The Big Experience has been amazing so far and there has not been a day when I haven’t been inspired in one way or another.
Isabella- White water rafting was fun along with the Little Duck hotel.
Karla- Building the house, white water rafting, staying at the Imperial Hotel in Chiang Mai and the two days on the boat have been the highlights so far.
Arthur- It’s hard to believe that we have already been away for a week. Right now we are going down the Mekong River with lush forest on both sides, and the occasional village appearing. There is still so much to look forward to in the second half of this trip.
Jaeger- After picking up a considerable amount of grime in the village and sweating profusely throughout the trip, cleansing my putrid washing bag will be more than a godsend.
Sabre- I truly think that this trip so far has been a real eye-opener to the culture of Thailand and Laos. The fact that I have had the opportunity to witness a new world as well as assist those in need has changed my way of thinking. I have really enjoyed the journey so far.
Finn- Building the house and seeing how happy the kids were to receive gifts and have visitors in their village was the highlight so far.
Edie- The highlight so far was when the little kids in the village finished school and played with us for hours. It was incredible to be able to overcome the language barrier and communicate with the kids. It felt like an inspirational scene from a movie except everyone probably smelt a lot worse after building the house.
Morgan- The funniest moment was when Miss Werba fell out of the boat white water rafting.
Bass- Beautiful sights, ridden with history. Bright lights stunning with mystery.
Charlie- The trip so far has been amazing including the culture, the food and the way of life. The Thai boxing was fun, the stunning views have been great to admire and the Mekong amazing. I can’t wait for the second half of the trip.
Campbell- Experiencing the unique markets of Northern Thailand was amazing. Learning to haggle, dealing with the crowds and the bright lights has been a huge experience.
Claudia-Being immersed in the culture, food and landscape every minute of this journey has enabled us to grow and experience many breathtaking opportunities. This has helped us understand, relate and appreciate the world around us from a different perspective.
Sabrina- Thai boxing, getting stuck on a big rock during white water rafting, Harry screaming and the local leader laughing his head off.