2. Daily Postings Assignment Chiangmai Study Trip 2015/16 Tourism

University Scholars Programme

Day 1

I travelled to Chiang Rai today. My initial thoughts about going to Chiang rai was that it was simply about going along with what was on the itinerary. I admit that I did lack some form of anticipation towards Chiang Rai. However, on our way there, the tour guide explained several details that made my…

Day 5

The highlight of today would have to be the leadership race. One of the major instructions was that we could not bring any of our mobile devices such as our smart phones. Being someone who relies heavily on my smart phone, I initially dreaded the thought of not being able to have my phone for…

Day 3

On Day 3 we had the pleasure of visiting one of Chiang Mai’s most famous temples, Doi Suthep. This temple is apparently very popular amongst locals and tourists alike, where many go there to pay their respects and pray for blessings for their health or business. The popularity of the temple was evident based on…

Day 2

On Day 2 we had the chance to visit Warorot Market in Chiang Mai to conduct our interview and surveys The arrangement was that some members of my group would conduct surveys while others would conduct the interviews with the translator. It is through this activity that I fully understood the many challenges that came…

Day 6: Goodbyes

There was nothing much to document on this day. We said our goodbyes to the CMU students, and gave Fye the notebook we had prepared. Unfortunately, since some people had overslept, we could not take a final Youth Culture group photograph before we left. Even though some of us did take a picture with Fye before…

Day 5: Lacking Leadership

We did not know what to expect in the morning. All that was in the itinerary was a vague “Leadership: Amazing Race”. There was nothing to infer from three plain words. As soon as I stepped into the room, Professor Astrid and Zachary greeted me, and initiated some small talk. I was visibly uncomfortable, I…

Day 4: Parallels

Chiang Mai University was set in Chiang Mai, near notable places like Maya Mall and Nimmanhaemin Road. We went for the lecture on Chiang Mai and globalisation. The lecturer was well-informed, and my group jumped at the opportunity to interview her after the lecture. Just as I was about to ask for examples where the…

Day 3: A Nervous Nomad

It was a 12km climb for the bus on our way to Doi Suthep temple. There was a golden pagoda towering over everyone else situated in the middle of the temple. I donated a small sum and got a white lotus, which I proceeded to fold as I taught by my mother. I held it and…

Day 2: Minor Hiccups

On our ride back to Chiang Mai, we visited the White Temple. Originally doubtful of the tour guide’s excessive praises of the beauty of the architecture there, I was taken aback when I saw the white temple. No photograph would do that architectural masterpiece justice. Mirror pieces decorated the entire construct, allowing it to glisten…

Day 5: Ladyboys?!

A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes The last activity of the trip that was formally planned for us had significant meaning, as it was an amazing race designed to develop our leadership potential. During the race, our sub-group was tasked…