First day of Exploring Backpacker

My official first day of an exploring backpacker in Thailand started off with a cruise on the ``hop on hop off`` ferry. Early morning fresh air, beautiful sunrise and surroundings and I am on my way to see the infamous Grand Palace. I am filled with excitement beyond measure; a natural high I want to savour for a lifetime. After taking heaps of pictures...did I mention I bought a new camera encouraged by my darling sister and I am so thankful I listened to her...My idea was that I was going to wing this journey of a lifetime with my camera phone. Yes, I know that would have been an epic fail and I would have regretted missing all the magical opportunities. So I bit the bullet and bought a stunning camera in the UK. I love photos and it is a real passion of mine I am now starting to explore again especially figuring out this camera and all the special settings.

Anyway so after taking heaps of pictures I arrived at pier 9 to go to The Grand Palace. I wasnt quite sure which direction to walk in so I kind of went with it (in the wrong direction obviously). After floating around for a while and observing all the little stalls on the side of the road and absorbing everything around me I decided to change direction only to be intercepted along the way by an enthusiastic Thai tuk-tuk driver who informed me that The Grand Palace was closed until 14h00 (two hours away). I wasnt quite sure if it was due to language barrier or what that I didnt quite get the reason it was closed (maybe for prayer) but I agreed for him to take me to three sights until it opened again. Call me blonde, naive, head in the clouds...all of the above AND I totally forgot I had read about this scam in the Lonely Planet book my darling sister had bought for me. In the back of my head I did think if it didnt work out I would still see another sight and get back to the Palace anyway so I went with it for 30 Baht.

Our first stop was the big Budda or so he called it this. It literally is a gigantic Budda hundreds of meters into the sky alongside a temple. It was magnificent, not to mention the first temple I could explore. The architecture, design, attention to detail, images inside the temple, atmosphere and all blew my mind. I took time to absorb the details before going back to the ``generous`` tuk-tuk driver.

Within 10 minutes I realised what was going on as he took me to a tailor that I needed to go into and wait for around 15 minutes, something to do with fuel money, and then we could move on. After five minutes I thought no ways this is not happening. I walked out of the shop and told him I didnt need anything and asked him to take me back.  We had a little debate and neither of us was happy. It was an experience I learnt from and wanted to kick myself too. I lost so much time with that escapade, but I got to see the big Budda so it wasnt too bad afterall.

By the time I reached The Grand Palace (which was VERY open to the public) I took a breathe and collected myself. Girls please note you need to be cover from wrist to ankle. I was only covered to my wrist and wasted yet another hour or so going back and forth from the entrance to the area where you rent clothes. So finally after an entire morning spent trying to get to the Palace..I was here. I cannot begin to describe the beauty, abundance of temples and structures so I hope my pictures can do some justice...I highly recommend going there if you have time in Bangkok. I loved every minute of it, even being fully clothed in scorching heat condition. I just absorbed every detail around me and tried to imagine what life was like then and there, attempting to get a better understanding of the country I was in. It gave me a real feel that I was an exploring backpacker in Thailand and it all felt so surreal...

I must admit that I did find it rather difficult to navigate myself around this area of Bangkok and it took me a decent amount of hours to get back to the BTS Train without spending a small fortune on a taxi. In saying that I somehow ended up at the Flower Market and walked along the river, observed raw areas, small alleys and the life of the city.

All in all with the snags I had an amazing first day exploring. The people are friendly, some helpful, the streets are busy day and night, the air is warm, the environment is new and exciting and I cant be happier...And it can only get better each day!

I am in Thailand!!!

Thailand and travelling around south east Asia has been on my `bucket list`so to speak for almost five years. I have been dreaming about simply backpacking, experiencing the culture, the people, exploring the countries and most of all my inner self. It has been a dream of mine that I constantly postponed for a great new job, invaluable experience, my relationship and other things that presented themselves and were a part of my life.

At the end of 2014 almost every element of my environment fell apart and I gave up around me...my job, my relationship, the place I called home for three years (Tanzania) and my friends. It was an abrupt decision of note but I had to take the risk. It was a now or never moment...I literally resigned two weeks before my flight out to the UK.

Fast forward three and a half months spent in the UK with my sister, brother-in-law and their beautiful little dumplings and I find myself standing in the queue to board the plane to Thailand. After months of planning and researching I was finally on my way..yet I am thinking what the fudge are you doing? Keeping in mind I am a person quick to panic out of my comfort zone and when security in all forms is not 100% guaranteed. So yes, my body was experiencing a small panic moment filled with fear. But I just kept reminding myself that this was happening and I needed to do it. And of course I was not the only person on earth who ever did backpacking in Asia...it was quite normal and everything would work out!

After 14 hours of travelling and losing 7 hours due to time difference the plane touched down and my world changed. I AM IN THAILAND!!! After five years I am finally here. I just couldn't grasp my new reality. It felt beyond surreal. My probably looked like a star  and I could not keep the grin off my face...I had a little giggle too about how ridiculous I felt the day before having a little freak out.

After a few hours I arrived at my friends place just outside Bangkok and regrouped..something I love to do just to make sure I am still a touch in control of my situation, environment and life.I felt amazing. I felt so happy and just could not believe I had done it....after all these years I AM IN THAILAND!!!

My first night out in Bangkok with my friend was incredible. We took the BTS Sky Train, used motorbike taxis, I learnt how to say our address in Thai, I took loads of pictures of the area (my delight) and explored some of the city. We had dinner at a restaurant called Condoms and Cabbages...yes true story. I was expecting a slightly porno vibe with a name like that and was almost proven right when we walked in and I saw people made out of condoms. From head to toe all the features are created using condoms. But It was quite arty and very creative.

The restaurant is actually tied in with a NGO and educating on safe sex. It is in a beautiful setting with an abundance of stunning coloured lights, a Thai woman playing music creating a soft ambiance and dont get me started on the food. My first exposure to genuine Thai food was explosive...and I decided right then and there I love it. I love all of this around me.

My first day was brilliant, and I even though by the end of dinner and being awake for 35 hours I could barely keep my eyes open, and I felt in awe with so much gratitude that this was my new reality.

I AM IN THAILAND!!!

Last day at Help2kids

Today has been my final full day at Help2kids in Malawi and I was able to spend it with heaps of kiddies starting at the nursery school. It definitely was an interesting morning with 30 plus kiddies between 3 to 6 years. We started off by singing some songs and then moved onto the focus of today which was counting. One of the long term volunteers brought sheets with each number in different forms such as the number spelt out in English and Chichewa, the numeral and an object to count which was different to the usual way of teaching the numbers. And therefore the kiddies were full of enthusiasm shouting out what was being pointed to after the teacher first went through it with them. It took quite a few attempts and a lot of repetition before they started catching on obviously but was a fun way of learning.

 During break time I had a group of various aged kids and we were playing with a ball and counting as it moved from person to person. It was heaps of fun although it had a few challenges too as the kids can be quite competitive and reached out for the ball when it was being thrown to the child next to them…and then you can imagine how the scenario turned out…So after trying to put them into a circle spaced apart we finally got it right, at least for a while. Some of the older kids were hanging around too; I have no idea why they weren’t in school but be that as it may…we all played together. I think that break time is the best time for volunteers to be interactive with the children as we can come up with our own ideas and games with them. So there is definitely a bit more freedom during that time and we can either play games with them or try teaching them what they have been learning in our own way…or merge both.

 In saying that, my favourite part of the day has been Kids Corner, which takes place every day after school at around 14:30. Kids Corner involves the kiddies between 3 and 13 years and includes arts and crafts, games and activities. It is during this time that we, the volunteers, can do whatever we like and get to know the kids. I have had the opportunity to be involved in Kids Corner for the last three days and it has been amazing. Yesterday we had sports day so we were playing cards, ten pin bowling and football in rotation and the kids had a blast. 

Today was arts and craft so we had a few objects to identify at first including the colour, which was kept in a bag. The kids had to remember all seven objects because the other volunteer would only reveal six at a time and surprisingly their memory was pretty sharp with all the details. We then moved onto drawing these seven objects and the kids did so well in remembering them in their drawing, even some with spelling.

It was such a fun day and as it came to an end with the kiddies I said my goodbyes. However the hardest was visiting the Anna family and saying goodbye to them. I first spent some time with them chatting and taking heaps of pictures. But the time came nevertheless and the hugs were big squeezes and a few words. It was really sad saying goodbye to them! I really will miss their beautiful faces, energy and playfulness. They are such a wonderful family and they are one of my greatest memories in this journey, amongst many others.

My last day has arrived with Help2kids…and it has come at a lightning pace. I cannot believe I have already spent four weeks in this incredible village overlooking Lake Malawi and all the memories and experience I have built. There are many things that I have learnt whilst being here but most of all that as long as you have love and support, life is a beautiful story…no matter how much or little you have it’s about the small beauties in life…appreciate what you have and not what you missing…take your time and enjoy the journey and not only focus on the destination…share your compassion and kindness with others and take time to notice them…

I have packed my bags with hesitation but it is sadly time for me to go back to “my world” where a new journey will begin. Malawi will always be a great part of my soul and it has been an unbelievable journey…I am eternally grateful!!!

Exciting Daily Runnings at Help2kids

This morning the energy and excitement was somewhat bursting out of a few of us because the school term began and the normal routine would once again be in place. Since I arrived in December the schools have been on holiday and therefore the routine hasn’t been as productive. So I was looking forward to seeing the daily runnings. Even more so because my days are unfortunately coming to an end and I only have three full days, including today, remaining in Lifuwu. So three of us started off with the outreach program this morning, to a village we had not yet visited. When we arrived and setup the scale the Mama’s came flowing in, which was a pleasant surprise as most of the community in this area are currently farming due to the rainy season. There were over 40 little dumplings between one month and up to five years.

After the Mama’s sang songs joyously, clapping their hands with big smiles they listened to a small speech on health issues and the methods to take as precaution, such as malaria which is more aggressive now with the heavy rains, from the Medical Assistant. Thereafter, us three girls had our pens ready for jotting down the weight of the kiddies, who were standing in a long queue with the Mama’s waiting to be weighed. In the distance we saw a huge group of children at their school sitting with their bright orange uniforms, and soon enough a few started making their way over to see what was happening under the gigantic tree. The Mama’s and kids was one of the largest groups in total I have yet seen on the outreach program.

It took us some time to get through all the children being weighed and jotting down the figures before the Medical Assistant moved over to the area where he gave vaccinations to the babies. However, I was happy to see a few more babies coming towards us on their Mama’s backs to be weighed because it meant that I could do the honours. And as this would be my last outreach day I was able to have a shot taken of weighing a baby the “African Way”.

One of the highlights for us today, in this little village, was the huge group of children that had come over from the school, of all ages. We started singing songs and dancing like crazy people, jumping around, hands in the air, turning around and carrying on. It was one of those moments that completely took us away and we embraced the incredible interaction with these children. It really was a lot of fun!!! I even managed to take a video of all these kiddies singing and doing a little dance for us. In saying that this outreach day was probably the best and heaps of fun and I am so blessed to leave it on a high note.

Next up on today’s program was the after-school activities and the new volunteer, who arrived over the weekend, and I were assigned to the younger children and nursery kids. So we put our thinking caps on (sorry I mean Google) and found a few activities. This was my first experience doing Arts and Crafts so I didn’t really know what to expect and was a touch nervous to be honest due to language barrier and the fact that not all of these kiddies knew us. BUT to my pleasant surprise it instilled new hope in me about teaching. Along the way we collected a few kiddies playing games and they followed us to the primary school, where the activities are held. We had about 15 children of ALL ages…from three years up to ten years. We started off with introductions and then moved on to our first activity, which was creating a chicken / hen from outlines of your hands and foot and then drawing a face.

After I explained the task and handed out the materials, the kiddies got stuck right in it and the other volunteer and I helped in outlining their feet and guiding them along the way. The smile that I saw from each child after telling them “well done” or “that looks great” was priceless and really sunk into my heart. This was totally worth all the stressing! We then moved into a circle and played with flash cards that had animals on it with music playing in the background; we were playing “pass the parcel” with the flashcard and when the music stopped the child had to guess the animal…and then came the sound effects. It was such a joyous moment, heaps of laughter and we all had so much fun together. The kids of all ages helped each other and learnt the English animal names and sounds. Eventually we even had young adults as our audience, sitting and watching us play the games.

That lead into us singing Old Mac Donald (had a farm) and used the flash cards to prompt them and then the hilarious sounds that came with it. Soon enough all the kiddies were singing and dancing various songs in Chichewa and English. IT WAS FREAKING AWESOME!!!

Today was such an incredible success and super productive, and a day I loved from the word go. AND I believe that these are the normal daily runnings…including nursery / primary school in the mornings which is SO exciting. I have two more full days of this and cannot wait…I won’t think of leaving and all the beautiful faces I will miss right now, but embrace the next 48 hours with all I have!

Gifts of the Heart

A few years ago I read a book called The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, which was an excellent read and I learnt a few important elements of relationships. We all speak different love languages better known as “Words of Affirmation, Deeds of Action, Quality Time, Gifts and Affection”. My love languages, which make absolute sense to me, are primarily words of affirmation and quality time. However, I tend to speak the love language of gifts to others which I find a bit odd as I don’t necessarily need that language spoken to me.

I absolutely LOVE buying things, the endorphins seriously give me a kick and I feel completely on top of things and explode with joy and all the fuzzy stuff. But what I love more and what really does it for me is buying things / presents for others. I have noticed over the years, especially when I was younger, I would typically buy presents for my family when I went away and not really buy anything for myself. Strange, I know BUT I have definitely gotten over that, as my means have improved, and now buy for everyone including myself. But this is not the point of my story today. My story is about gifts of the heart…

After spending heaps of time with the Anna family, with my eyes blessed to see and hear, and learning that they pretty much only have one outfit EACH I decided that my gift would be clothes. We all went to Salima, the town about 30 minutes away at the beginning of the week, and I bought two outfits for each child. I was in my element choosing clothes for them and spent at least 30 to 40 minutes shopping around in ONE store for them. The joy that burst out my heart was exhilarating, not because of the action I did, but that it was within my means to help this family ever so slightly. I was so excited to give their outfits to them.

So I arranged to go over to the Anna family today at noon, hoping all her kiddies would be there. When I arrived, Marcy gave me a huge hug and walked me up to the house. I just prayed for my heart to be strong for the moment that awaited me. There were four of the younger kiddies and Anna at the house and we went inside to chat. After a while I looked at all their beautiful faces and tried to explain what I had brought and that my heart had been so touched by their family. I STRUGGLED getting the words out…There was simply so much emotion in the room; it was overwhelming. I explained in the best possible way what a privilege it has been to spend time with them and get to know each of them. I told Anna what amazing children she has raised and that she is an incredible mother…that I know that things are hard for them and hope that the small token would make it a touch easier for them…

It was not about me but purely a gift of the heart to this incredible family.

I handed out the outfits to each child and their faces lit up to say the least. They had such a stunning smile from ear to ear as they had a look at each piece of clothing. Anna thanked me with so much passion, that’s not even the right word but you know what I mean. It was SO genuine; she said that she is happy with her life and kept saying “May God bless you, thank you so much.” I was on the brink of tears…it was so overwhelming!!!

However, the kiddies and their excitement helped me pull myself together as they quickly undressed to try on their new clothes. We were all so happy and smiling and laughing. They were so grateful…

This is definitely a family I am going to miss and their big smiles. They truly are beautiful Malawian Souls. They have made this journey so memorable and have really opened up my eyes to the hardships and joys in their life. Believe me when I say this family doesn’t have much… Yet their smiles never seem to escape their face and I believe it all comes down to love. They are definitely RICH in LOVE.

In saying that…they have changed my perspective on a few things but most of all on the GREATER importance of the small things in life…

*Names have been changed