Author: BHay

This morning we woke in the Wangcome Hotel in the city of Chiang Rai, feeling refreshed after a long night sleep. At approximately 10am we journeyed by bus to Chiang Khong with multiple stops along the way. The first of our stops was a Buddhist temple near the golden triangle region. Part of the group went inside the temple and received blessings of holy water and a holy bracelet from a monk. Whilst there we observed the Buddhist holy tree that had great significance to the local buddhists, next to the temple was a clay pagoda that had a large gong outside which we each attempted to ring via rubbing it with our hands. Our guide told us that the louder the sound made the more good merit you had.
Returning to the bus in the heat of the sunny Thailand weather we ventured forward to the infamous golden triangle and the Opium Museum. We entered the museum and explore the variety of exhibits on display. From videos that explained the history of opium back to the ancient civilisations and how the opium wars corrupted local people near the golden triangle region and made them enslaved to the drug they had been using for medicine for centuries. There was also displays about how the effects of opium abuse changed human life and wellbeing and observed opium pipes displayed in the museum. We also learnt about the origins of the opium wars and how it began in China as Britain wanted free opium trade and how the emperor Lin Zexu declared war on opium as 15 million out of 400 million of China’s population were addicted. 
After the informative and confronting tour of the Opium Museum there was a room for reflection. This was used as a time to take in the lessons that we saw and learnt through our tour. Getting back upon the bus we all couldn’t wait for our promised buffet lunch, a five minute bus trip was needed before we could eat. After finishing lunch we journeyed up to a rather long and steep set of stairs that led to two beautiful lookouts to the Mekong river and an ancient temple. It was a great opportunity to take lots of photos with the view and the location we were in. We then went back on the bus for a delayed arrival in the peaceful township Chiang Khong. The bus was a great time for rest and emotional stories were told by the tour guides of their early lives and childhoods. It was a great experience that brought the group closer to the guides we are spending a long amount of time with and really bridged the gap between being a guide and student as they had they had the courage to share their past experiences.
Once arrived in Chiang Khong the group was suprised as it was the first real sign of heavy mosquito population we had encountered on the trip. After a heavy application of insect repellent the group travelled by foot to a local restaurant which had a buzzing atmosphere and great food. While waiting for the food to be prepared the group enjoyed some cultural change as we controlled the songs being played through the speakers and games of pool amongst each other to pass the time. All the food was delicious and some people chose to continue with their consumption of the Thai cuisine however others chose to feast upon western meals and refresh their taste buds to remind them of home. With full bellies, we returned back to our hotel for a short briefing about tomorrow’s activities. It was our last full day in Thailand and tomorrow we cross into Laos.
 Carl Clements and Jacob Beames

Roosters crowing, foggy mountain views and the scent of sweat and Aeroguard were what began our sixth day away from home. A quick breakfast at 6:45 and we were straight back to working on our building project, continuing the concrete floor which we began the previous day. We formed a chain so as to transport the buckets of concrete from the mixer to the house, while under careful watch of the giggly village children. Every once in a while, the family members we were building for would join us and lend a hand. One of the Polong men worked tirelessly inside the house to lay and smooth the concrete using a flat paddle and a long rectangular bar to level the ground. It felt quite unexpected when we finally finished the floor and everyone was able to take a much needed break.
The moment arrived to formally present the house to the family for which we were building. It was a fulfilling moment to meet eyes with the people we had been putting in so much effort for. To see their faces up close and their smiles gave us a sense of satisfaction and pride as we could tell how impactful this experience has been for them as well as us. In meeting the people we were able to truly understand how grateful they were to us and it was evident it meant a lot to them. From the house build we made a long lasting impact as the structure would be something to help for many generations longer and be used far into the future. We came to realise that in giving to others you are being rewarded just as they are through feelings like appreciation as opposed to tangible things. Being in the village also gave us a taste of how lucky we are for things like electricity and houses safe from the elements.
Time flew and before we knew it we were driving away from the village and its residents, taking with us the memories made during our three days there. It was sad to wave goodbye to the village children as some people had spent lots of time with them, and all of us were touched by their exuberant and compassionate outlook on life. Some lucky students carried handmade flower creations out of the village having been given them by the kids. After a stop for lunch we set off on a four hour bus journey to the bright, bustling city of Chiang Rai. This meant we had plenty of time to reflect on the last few days and catch up on some rest.
Despite the group being a bit tired, the daily excitement was not over yet. Everyone had the happy chance to get fresh and clean before heading out for a relaxing night in the town. It was interesting to compare the market in Chiang Rai to those in Chiang Mai, as both have many similar products as well as items unique to their city and part of Thailand. The markets in Chiang Mai seemed to have more tourist-based products and was full of noise and commotion, whilst in Chiang Rai there was an aura of calm and considerably more locals. We were also fortunate to see a visiting band from China perform and a large number of the group were able to engage in some traditional Thai dancing thanks to some instruction from some friendly locals. In the dimly-lit square of the marketplace we were also able to watch a Thai cabaret performance from local performers. We then wound our way back to the hotel for a night’s rest on some comfy (and gladly) elevated beds. It was definitely another day to remember.
Martha Sands and Bridget Valder

On day five we woke up at around 6:30 am to the sounds of crowing roosters. We started the day with a breakfast of toast and boiled eggs. After some competitive and boisterous games of UNO we made our way back to the work site. 
The work was very hard and exhausting. We started to complete the walls and windows in the house. Everyone work really hard to get all the work finished. There were few delays and everyone had their own jobs that were important to the building of the house. As each brick was placed we could slowly see the final finish line in the distance. This rose all of our spirts to see what all the work had created. The walls rose very quickly once we had gotten into the groove of the brick laying. This progress inspired us to keep working and the whole group functioned like a true team. The villagers watched as we created a house for them to live in for years to come. Some villagers also joined in and despite the language barriers their warmth of spirit and good humour was infectious. After a welcome and hard earned lunch break we returned to the work site to finish the walls. What began as a roof and timber frame was now transforming into a house. The only thing left to do was finish the floor and remaining walls.
Once the long hard work was nearly complete, we started to work on the floors. After concreting approximately one quarter of the floor it was time to down tools and head back to our rooms. We were rewarded by a strong rain shower as we were walking to where we were staying. We all relished the opportunity to get clean in the rain and rest after a hard days work. The rain cleansed our bodies and refreshed our minds and we were all looking forward to completing the house in the morning.
Before dinner we donated the villagers some much needed supplies. Each one of us provided a local with big baskets of cooking essentials and sleeping equipment. The villagers were very excited to see their new gifts. The smiles on their faces and appreciation in their eyes was enormously rewarding. The leader of the village also gave a speech to thank us for our hard work and the donations of supplies. After dinner we sat down to listen to the traditional songs of the village. We watched as the children performed many songs and dances of the village. We also participated in a group dance which was a lot of fun. We then also performed two songs for the children of the village. They were all delighted by our performance and it was a great end to an incredibly rewarding day.
By Max Ross and Matt Annable 

Day four, and already we know we will come back home with some of the most unforgettable experiences in our memories. Today was strenuous, but the work was emotionally rewarding. 
We were packed and ready to go by 8:30, a long bus ride ahead of us, and a sense of anticipation for arriving in the village where we would be building a house. After our last buffet breakfast at the hotel, we set off on our next adventure with full stomachs and tired eyes. Many slept on the bus only to be woken two hours later by a 20 minute market stop, and after a further half hour on the bus, we followed the long ride with of course – more food. We ate a lunch of the famous national dish, pad thai, then set off into the rural mountain ranges on an open truck. The view on the drive was spectacular, and from the first moment we arrived in the village, already we knew that these people were going to welcome us as if we were their very own, making the experience even more redeeming. 
After setting up our bedding and unpacking our things, the humid air of the new environment really began to hit us. Despite the intense heat, we remained smiling and excited, prepared to face a new challenge. We all worked as a team to enthuse each other, making sure everyone stayed in top shape, and had a good headspace whilst working towards such an important cause. As we built, a crowd of villagers slowly emerged to the workspace, and as we waved and said hello, it really began to sink in how much of an impact our then current actions really had. This newfound realisation helped us to work through the tough conditions and remain happy. Us as students were truly giving to a community, one of which we had never heard of or met before, yet, because of these actions- we felt connected to them, and knew that we had the ability to truly change another’s life. The beginning of our build not only brought us such joy, yet joined us with others, some closer to home than we expected. We found ourselves in unfamiliar groups, starting such a memorable project with fellow students who were previously strangers to us. We created these experiences, made new friendships, and gained so much from such a simple task. 
We really have begun to understand and embrace a new culture, diving into an unknown environment with hopeful aspirations. After only a short amount of time in a foreign country, we have begun to see how we can emotionally bond with others, regardless of different home environments, and of course, the language barrier. The emotions in their eyes cannot go unseen by us, as knowing that we are relating to another situated across the seas through purely a smile and laughter is honestly one of the most remarkable feats we have ever been able to achieve. Surrounded by such a natural environment, close knit communities who have been located here for centuries welcoming us into our homes- it really is such a huge contrast to the artificial and consumerist society of our own country, and the sincerity of it all truly allows a real taste of another home.
Amelia Gaskell, Bella Sewards and Jordynne Orb.

Today we all arrived in the village we will be staying in for the next 2 nights. Internet is poor so we can’t upload photos yet. It was an incredible day and this short post can’t do justice to the experience. Everyone is safe and happy and detailed updates will follow on Saturday.

On behalf of all the group members in the Pagoda group, it can be firmly agreed that we all needed a sleep in for the action packed and long day we had. Some of us decided to commit ourselves to gym training. Some did not, and preferred the comfort of the cosy hotel bed. At approximately 8:00, the majority of our group was greeted by a variety of dishes such as fried rice, curry, bacon and waffles for breakfast. Only 45 minutes later did the real adventure begin.
We were met by the beautiful scenery of Thailand’s exotic countryside, and the urban feeling slowly dissipated the closer we got to our destination. We had thought we had arrived at the eco-village, however instead were transferred into two smaller vans and transported down a steep slope to the village. Stepping out of the vans, the home of many of Thailand’s Kayan tribes awaited us. Yawan, our local tour guide for Thailand, briefed us on the four main legends of Thailand’s famous Long neck tribe. 
One such legend depicted the male Kayans placing rings on the female’s neck and legs to claim ownership of them, and to overt the prying eyes of other tribes. After being given the opportunity to walk around, we witnessed serene mountains, beautiful rice fields and unique architecture, quite unlike anything in Australia. Even though the village was a replica, it was able to open our minds to the lives of the citizens of the traditional “Free Land” in South-East Asia.
The lunch experience was something very special. Welcomed by an “all you can eat!” Buffet, our stomachs growled in agreement with what we were thinking after seeing the food. When exploring a little bit more about this particular location, beautiful orchids hung upon pots attached to ceilings. Butterflies fluttered through the exhibition, and sat upon the flowers we had been given. This experience was to only be the first step in the next 306 that awaited us.
Another bus ride followed and suddenly our legs were shaking at the site before us. Looking up, we saw an endless amount of stairs leading up to the Doi Su Thep Temple. The stairs were steep and slow, and the distance from the top made some question whether they could make it. The amount of stairs was worth it however, as we took off our shoes and entered the temple. As our eyes tried to calculate what we were witnessing, our breath was taken away when looking upon the Pagoda. 
The Stupa Pagoda towered over us, and the perimeter was surrounded by what seemed like thousands of intricately decorated Buddhas. The smell of incense circled the temple, and in the distance the sound of bells echoed through the mountain. People crowded through the doors with clicks and flashes of cameras filling the air. The locals had a very different approach, and passionately knelt down at the feet of the four Buddha’s in the corners. In their eyes, they did not just see a tourist attraction; they saw their ticket to enlightenment and rebirth into a better life.
The day was eventually coming to an end. The day’s long journey was rewarded with some time to relax and reflect by the pool. Some of us enjoyed the cool waters, others enjoyed a game of cards. At 7:00pm, we all sat down to eat dinner, and the day finished with a quick trip to the night markets. Today was completely unlike the first two days. It offered us insight into Thailand’s culture, and the people’s relationship with it. The experience we had today excites for what is still to come on our Big Experience.
Tomi Mitchell and Peter Caddaye
Note from Mr Hay: Tomorrow we will journey to a remote hill tribe village. I hope to update the blog tomorrow, however the internet may be temperamental. If the internet does not work in the village, our next post will be on Sat 11 Nov from Chiang Rai.