Fieldwork and Documentation

Day 2 [5 Jan]

Today, we still spent the morning at the Elephant Nature Park. My sub-group was especially fortunate to secure an interview with the amazing family of three who are the founders of an organization called the Blue Star of Hope that hopes to foster a sense of global understanding and compassion and to encourage youths to…

Day 1 [4 Jan]

On Day 1, our group set off for the Elephant Nature Park. The Elephant Nature Park (ENP) is a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants that is set in a highly natural environment with rivers and forested mountains. I was honestly impressed at and in awe of the peaceful and serene environment that the park…

Day 3 [Jan 6]

Wednesday was a great mid week break for us. Without any scheduled research, we took the opportunity to explore Chiangmai and enjoy the attractions it has to offer. For me, what was most appreciated was the opportunity to slow down the pace of an otherwise rather packed itinerary so far. The first stop for our…

Post-Trip Reflections

Here’s a video of the Sustainability Group’s trip in Chiang Mai! Cowtherine’s Elephants – Chiang Mai Trip In my pre-trip reflections, I said I wished to experience hands on research data gathering, learn from my friends who study different courses, and get a greater sense of a multidisciplinary education. With this scope in mind, here’s…

Day 5: Evolution Of Culture

I spent this day thinking of the evolution of cultural norms. Before anyone reading this jumps ahead, I’m talking about two cultural norms: the Thai culture, and the Western culture. Thai Culture I’ve come to learn that the Thais are a very polite nation. Their language is evidential of it, more so their…

Day 4: Beauty Of Moments

I spent this day appreciating the beauty of moments. On Thursday, after we spent the early part of the day wrapping up work, our interviews and etc, Pro, the CMU student attached to us brought us to the Sakura Gardens high up in the mountains. Through this journey I realized a couple things. I find…

Day 3: Religion

I spent this day thinking about religion. On Wednesday, we went to Doi Suthep. Everything about this place felt kind of therapeutic; from the touch of the cold stone to our feet, the smell of burning incense, and the various alters and shrines of worship for Buddha. The only thing I had a slight discontentment…

Day 2: Jen’s Purpose In Life

I spent this day understanding a person’s purpose in life. This day went about the same as Monday. We had a tour around the park again, exploring areas we hadn’t yesterday. But apart from the usual interview questions, we asked Jen about his life (Jen’s our tour guide). Jen studied tourism in a university in…

Day 1: Loving An Elephant

I spent this day learning to love another being. Before I arrived at the Elephant Nature Park (ENP), I did not care as much as I did for the elephants. During the prior months of anticipation for the trip, I always saw the elephant plight in Chiang Mai from a very emotionally detached light. My…

Post-Trip Reflection: A Learning Process

Somebody once said that “Life is a journey, with problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most of all, experiences to enjoy.” Though this 7D6N trip might seem a little short, I personally thought that I had benefitted from this journey thoroughly. It was indeed enlightening to gain exposure to a new environment and a…