Post-trip Retrospection

Connect

Exchanging stories with my fellow batch mates, I learnt of the colourfulness of Chiang Mai and in a more humanistic way, the complexities of the human perspective. Although all of us were in the same city, our experiences were vastly different given not just our separate itineraries, but the differing group dynamics. It reminded me that the way we perceive things that happen around us is not just the circumstances themselves but the influence of those around us giving us insights. Traveling as a group during the trip, I’ve learnt to be so much more open-minded and forbearing of different views even if they were not what I agreed with. This really allowed me to learn so much more – more than just to “agree to disagree” but to empathise with others. There was an instance where I was having a discussion with a friend about the culture of Lady Boy clubs in Chiang Mai. I personally did not like the idea of it because it seemingly only sets to perpetuate the idea of transsexuals finding their identity only in their sexuality rather than who they are as people. My friend, on the other hand, thought that if they found fulfilment in expressing themselves through their sexuality, they should be supported. While I didn’t hold that view, that discussion really got me thinking about the issue deeper and taught me to momentarily step out of my own beliefs to take on someone else’s. In hindsight, the relationships that I built during the trip were far deeper and edifying than I could ever ask for, especially when placed in a setting where we were encouraged to think, question and reflect with one another.

Retrospection

Coming back to my pre-trip reflections, have I successfully taken on a humanistic world view cloaked with humility? I hope so. In retrospect, looking through each daily post, I find that it’s filled with introspection. I’ve gone through each day in Chiang Mai looking outwards and then ultimately inwards. I attempted to take each thought with careful inspection, and to question values and beliefs. I think I’ve came out of it more introspective than ever (which may not always be beneficial). Perhaps a drawback of all of this is that I missed out on more outward experience. A regret that I carry is probably the little immersion into the culture of Chiang Mai through the locals. There wasn’t much interaction with the locals which could be due to the nature of our project or perhaps I tended to shy away from all that (maybe because of a little social anxiety). Because of that I probably missed out on a rawer experience with the people of Chiang Mai. Nevertheless, I treasure the adventures of the past 7 days.

I

To wrap up all these up, I thought it will be fitting to put it all in context of my university education. As an (new) environmentalist, besides looking at just the scientific aspect of environmental issues, I think it’s crucial that I put these issues in the humanistic context as well. After all, it is the human race that is affecting and effecting environmental change. I think, I am more compelled to take on the societal aspect of environment and (echoing a past reflection) to take on this messy, messy world.