Post trip- reflection- An indelible highlight

The trip to Chiang Mai was truly an enriching experience. I did not expect to learn so many new things and more than that, I did not expect to have so much fun with my group mates. In my pre trip reflection, I did not mention that I was a little nervous about going on the trip. I was nervous because I was afraid that we would not be able to have fun as a group. Very fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. Besides achieving what we planned to do in Chiang Mai, I truly had an enjoyable time along with my sub group and the Thai student who kindly accompanied us throughout the trip, May. In fact, I would say that the best part about the entire trip are the new friendships that I have been blessed with. I hope that our friendship with May will stay and that we will meet again.

As for the academic aspect of the trip, I definitely gained many amazing new insights. My sub group was focused on finding out the socio economic impact of the influx of Chinese tourists in Chiang Mai. I was a little ashamed of the negative stereotype that I had of mainland Chinese tourists. When I first got to Chiang Mai, I had the perception that the Thai people would be irritated with the influx of tourists from China as they are usually associated with being loud and inconsiderate. However, I was surprised that most of the shop keepers and local Thai residents showed no apparent irritation or anger towards the Chinese tourists. They told us that they understand that the Chinese have different practices and customs and while they appear to be loud and inconsiderate, it could just be how they live back home. They also added that they are a major contribution to the positive growth of the Thai tourism industry. They then told us that they welcome everyone and anyone into Thailand with a smile. After conducting those interviews, I reflected upon my own personal feelings and perceptions towards the Chinese tourists in Singapore and i have now decided that I would be more welcoming of everyone, regardless of any stereotypes that we might have of people.

The trip was also a trip where I did many things for the first time ever. It was the first time I went to Thailand, the first time I was involved in conducting street interviews in a whole different country and the first time I saw a real life sized waterfall. These experiences are priceless experiences and I definitely feel that my experiences were immensely fun only due to the amazing company that I had in the form of my sub group mates and May. Our professors were also extremely helpful and rendered assistance throughout the trip.

Visiting beautiful temples and chatting with monks was also a great highlight of my trip as I have never done such things in Singapore before. I have gained many new perspectives and information about Buddhism. My greatest highlight was visiting the breathtakingly beautiful White Temple in Chiang Rai.

I was also very pleased with the good service that we got in Chiang Mai. Right from the hotel staff to the stall vendors in the night market, everyone was very kind and greeted everyone with a smile. Thailand is truly a land of smiles.

Apart from all the good experiences that I gained, the one thing that I wished I could have done was to eat authentic Thai food. Food was definitely a challenge for me throughout the trip. However, I was really happy and touched that my sub group mates were extremely concerned about my food and were determined, in fact more determined than me, to find me halal food.

All in all, I truly believe that this trip would be one of the best highlights of my entire university life.