Free day

As this was our designated free day, we had the opportunity to plan for our next project - where we will be providing educational activities for young girls in Wiang Pa Pao. The project, Valuing Girls, aims to teach girls key life skills in a safe environment that they may not have the opportunity to learn elsewhere. We're really looking forward to it and we are sure that the activities we've planned will be beneficial.

Tonight, after some time swimming, reading or chilling outside, we visited a temple because it is a national Thai holiday which signifies the coming of the Rainy Season. We circled the temple three times holding flowers and incense to give good luck to the Buddah, the Tripitaka and the Monks. It was great to experience this celebration with the Thai community.

We're still having the trip of a lifetime and are seizing every opportunity possible! Love Lou, Lou and El 🙏🎉☔️

National Park trip

The day started with a trip to- as Gui put it- "Thailand's Grand Canyon". After walking what felt like a thousand stairs down we eventually reached the bottom, only to walk back up a few hundred more to reach the viewing point where we saw a famous actress having a photo shoot, holding up our chance for a group photo!!! But seeing the canyon was worth it as it was a site of natural beauty. 

On the way out Fiona convinced some of us to get a photo next to the sign for the park, which was unfortunately placed very close to a nest of fiery red ants, which Maisie soon discovered didn't half hurt when they bit you...but all was good no lasting effects !!!  Love, Charlotte, Grace and Anna :) 

After lunch, where there was a toilet in the shape of a windmill. We travelled up to the highest point in Thailand. 

This was where we faced with winds and rains of the British Isles! Safe to say we do not miss the British weather; regardless we traveled up the stairs and visisted the temples that were pretty magnificent, despite the vast looms of fog. Once we had got ourselves somewhat cold and wet, we all got ourselves warmed up with some hot chocolate! Love Maisie, Hannah & Flo :) 

After a long day traveling we arrived at our destination -the Doi Inthanon National Park- the scenery was lovely but reminded us of Europe, especially with the rain.

We were then designated new room buddies in our lodge in the woods and we had a bit of free time to settle in. We then went to eat our tea, where the crockery was all pink plastic but Abbi still managed to break it! To end the day we settled back into our cabin for an early night ( with some unexpected insect visitors) lots of love Maisy, Abbi and Beth🌳 x

Today, we went to Changthong School and met some lovely guides aged 14-15 to do lots of activities.

 After a brief introduction, they explained how to make Lanna Flags used to give good luck on traditional Buddhist festivals. 

Then we shared some activities, which we had planned before the trip, with the girls. Our activities were based around friendship as we thought this was important to us. One of the activities was making a people paper chain, by each girl decorating themselves on paper and then threading all the hands together so everyone was connected. This was then hung up in the library for the school to keep. Another activity we lead was making friendship bracelets which each girl got to finish making at home to remember their time with us. 

Since it was the National day of learning Thai we individually learnt some phrases with the girls we had paired up with. Many of us can now confidently count to 10!  

A wet day 💦 💧 ☔️

Today was a little bit of a chilled out day compared to the stressful market last night! It also felt like we were back in the UK because it rained, rained and rained some more! The only difference was it was still warm.

The day stated with domestic chores, tidying, sweeping and washing underware. 

After breakfast we headed up a very cloudy mountain. We stopped half way up and visited Wat Pra That Doi Suthep Temple. We had lots of fun jumping in puddles with our bare feet as we wandered round the temple.  It would have been a wonderful site looking down over Chaing Mai, if the cloud had lifted. 

We then headed further up the mountain to Boubing Palace, which is the King's home during the winter. 

After a lovely lunch we hit the newest shopping mall in town! At last there was coffee and cake, not much else was bought as it was too expensive 

The day was finished by a swim and planning our next session at a local school.

Love from Team Thailand x

Poo !!

The first activity of the day was making paper from elephant poo! We went to the Chiang Mai elephant poopoo paper park and had a tour around the different stages of making the paper from boiling the poo (nearly all of us had a go at stirring it), to spreading it and putting it out to dry. We had a little go at decorating various items made from the poo paper, and everyone's looked really good - Beth, Anna, Lou.

After playing with poo Guy took us to the princesses favourite resturant, after been vaguely told what the menu meant (it was all in Thai) we got are food which resulted in Hannah being served an extremely hot yellow curry! It was fun to eat real Thai food and they defiantly didn't hold out the stops when it came to spices.  Maisy, Hannah and Louise x

After poopoo paper and a hot & spicyspicyspicy Thai meal we boarded the Red Trucks and headed to a parasol paradise. This was where we were able to look at how they were made and see how they were decorated. We proceeded home and some of us had a fabulous swim in the cloudy pool.

At 6pm we wandered through night markets which were swarming with 'friendly,' tourists. Finally, heading home after coffees we got into Tuk Tuk's - very eventful!o Fiona has just given us the power to write this after commenting on the clean, organised utopia that is our room. (See picture below.) night babes, love the very hyper and caffeine filled Abbi, Charlotte & Florence.💙💙💙

PS: Eleanor has bought enough souvenirs and pressies to fill a cargo ship - pretty sure she has bought half of Thailand. We've managed to barter like pros thanks to El too though, it is very very cheap here if you're willing to battle with a market stall owner!! Lots of jewellery, lanterns, bags and mango flavoured food items have been purchased, and Louisa, Anna and El managed to grab a bargain of 3 skirts for 550 Baht altogether (about £3.50 each!!) - see picture 👗 Love Grace, Maisie and Eleanor X

What a messy room girls !!!

ELEPHANTS!

Today we were proper Eco-tourists and went to the Elephant Nature Park/sanctuary. We decided to go to this place because they pride themselves in rescuing and rehabilitating abused and exploited elephants. At 8am we were picked up and it took an hour to get there. Firstly we fed the elephants, then we wandered around the reserve and met some elephants, thirdly we had lunch, and afterwards we bathed the elephants in the river. Finally we observed a beautiful family during their meal time. 

I had an amazing time today, my favourite part was when we bathed the elephants, although even after the elephants left we carried on splashing each other!!! Took loads of photos for my elephant obsessed mum :) - Grace x

Today has been a huge highlight of our trip so far - to see and feed real elephants has been something so incredibly special, I never had imagined I would ever get the chance to do it. I had a couple of (very happy) teary moments because they are my most favourite animals and I felt so grateful to be able to care for these beautiful creatures for just one day! - Eleanor X

This has been an amazing, surreal day. My favourite bit was definitely towards the end. Most people remained on the viewing platform but myself, Abbi and Katharine went down towards the elephants. It began to rain - monsoon style!! - and so the elephants and the cute baby one began to move towards the shelter of the platform. We soon found ourselves surrounded by several of the biggest elephants in the park and we fed the ever hungry animals some more. It was a truly unforgetable moment. Maisie x

Today has been a once in a life time opportunity; I got to do something I never thought I would be able to do. I loved been so close to the elephants and to see them be happy in their natural environment. I couldn't believe how close I got to the elephants and the fact that I got to stroke and feed them we also got to wash the elephants in the river, however we all got rather wet as it ended up with us all having a water fight. Abbi x

The Elephant Nature Park was something everyone was excited for, once it came around we couldn't wait to be up at 6.30! Once we arrived, we fed, stroked and bathed the elephants. This was one moment that I will never forget. This once in a life time opportunity brought learning and history through out the day about some of natures most beautiful creatures. After this experience, it has inspired me to look into volunteering in the future. I'm very thankful for this experience and I thoughly enjoyed the day. - Florence 

Today was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life without a doubt. Personally, my favourite part was washing the elephants. They wagged their little tails, which meant they were happy... Especially when I poured a bucket over Abbi...😝 At the end of the day we all went to this bridge, (that reminded me a bit of hogwarts,) and watched all the elephants, including the baby ones, come out and just chill in the reserve! The view was beautiful, and when it began to rain it truly set the scene. Can't wait to show the Rainbows all my pictures of the Ellie's, as well as looking forward to our lie in in the morning!!- Charlotte 💙💙

 

The day was finally upon us when we could go and see the elephants! After the worth while early start we were soon feeding the elephants, their trunks were like giant hovers. My favorite part was washing the elephants as they seemed so happy and comfortable in their environment. There was a funny part when a baby elephant was chasing its handler for more bananas. Today was truely an unforgetable day and I am so glad I have been given this opportunity🐘😃- Maisy B

Having never seen an elephant in real life before, I didn't really know what they were like but I loved it, they were playing in the water and I enjoyed washing them the most because we could get so close to the animals. A brilliant experience I will remember for a long time!- Louise

Spending the day hanging out with elephants in a place they were safe was amazing! There is no way to comprehend the size of them until you can actually be up close to them. An utterly amazing day!! - Hannah

Today was absolutely amazing! It was so nice to see the elephants in a way that keeps them safe and happy. The stories behind the elephants in the sanctuary were often very sad but we all got so close to them, feeling so lucky ❤️ - Beth 😘

I absolutely loved seeing the elephants today! It was amazing to hear all the stories of the elephants lives and to see them up close in person. Meeting and bathing the elephants was so much fun and is something I'll never forget. It was definitely worth the early start as it meant we got to feed the elephants too. I am extremely grateful that I have been given the opportunity to come and see the elephants! 🐘🐘 Louisa 

Today was so so fab!! It was completely different to anything I'd ever seen before and I genuinely really enjoyed it. Love, Anna :) ps sorry about the short message I got this last and it's about 11:30pm- so from all of us- GOODNIGHT!! 😴

Lamphun Part 2

After a quick bus journey we jumped off at the institute of art, where we learnt all about the industry of weaving in Lamphun. It was all done by hand which means it was very (very) expensive, £240 per meter (no one got any, but Abbi found her Thai twin)!! From there, Guy surprised us with an open top/side bus around Lamphun to look at some temples. We watched some children chant in their prayer service and were reasonably impressed!  9 temples later we reached the market on the bridge, a few of us got outfits ( best buy goes to the Scarborough girls for their ethnic outfits) from there we returned back to base for a meal with red Thai curry, rice and a side of chicken! Yummy! Off for an early night because we are up bright and early tomorrow to see the elephants 🐘 goodbye for now from team Thailand 🌏 Maisy B & Anna B😄

Lamphun: Part one!

Hi team Thailand stalkers, so today we started off the day with eggs and sausage nom nom to break up the rice diet. We had a half an hour journey to the city of Lamphun where we went to go see the temple Hariphunchai. We were greeted by two local girl guides who were 18 years old and the English teacher from the local school and head of guiding in the area. 

At the temple we followed a Thai tradition and walked around Jaydee (stupa) 3 times to show respect to the Buddhist religion.

We then went to the primary school 'Anuban Lamphun' and experienced a warm welcome. They performed traditional Thai dances and got us involved too which was very fun. We had to wear peculiar nails called 'Nails of the Dancing Girl'.

They gave us a delicious snack of a dumpling and hot drink. Then it was our turn to do the activities. We started off by performing a few of our traditional songs such as, Thunderation (Classic) and Alice the Camel, before we moved outside. Where we sang the Hokey Cokey and ran activities with the girls including finger painting and duck duck goose.

We then enjoyed lunch at the school with teachers, guiders and the local girl guides we mentioned earlier- here we tried our hand at chopsticks, some were pros whilst others had to go back to using forks... Then all of us jumped onto the bus off to our next destination!

Love, Grace, Abbi, Anna, Louisa and Beth :) 

Cultural Exchanges 🌏

We kick-started the day with a very Thai breakfast of sticky rice in banana tree leaves, BBQ pork satays and pumpkin squares. Very different to what we're used to, especially eating with our hands, but we all tried it and mostly enjoyed!!

After brekkie we headed off to go to some Thai museums in central Chiang Mai where we were met by an enthusiastic host who showed us some cool stuff and then more, and more and more and more until we were all very museum-ed out (Big Lou's phrase) after visiting three separate sites. Fair to say we did learn some random bits and bobs although a lot may not have stuck!!

After lunch we headed to the Regina Coleli College (our first planned session) and were showered with gifts and a spectacular traditional performance from the Guides. Everybody was introduced and then we all got stuck in doing some Thai dancing which was great fun. The fun continued with us making some miniature fruit platters which we were able to bring home.  It was overwhelming how appreciative and excited the girls were to have us there - we loved getting to know all about the girls and their ambitions for the future. We sang some English Guide songs with the girls too featuring Alice the Camel and Thunderation 🐫➡️🐪➡️🐎

We're very excited to continue our adventure here in Thailand and are looking forward to meeting more inspirational young women tomorrow!

Love El, Louisa, Louise and Beth XXX

A spontaneous trip

En route back to the centre after the orchids and butterfly farm we stopped off at some temples. This was a surprise visit as we drove past. They were all very different to any buildings we have back home, with very ornate white statues with gold decoration outside. The insides we even better. They had amazing paintings which told the story of the founder of the site and other tales. We saw lots of monks around the place and then we all had an ice cream. Then it was back on to the bus, for a quick stop at some markets. We saw fruit stalls that sold every fruit you could ever want and we went to another with lots of beautiful fabric and clothes. It was nice to see where the locals shop, but we were all very happy to get back to bus with the air conditioning! 

Maisie x

Orchid Garden, butterflies and lunch!

From the waterfall we went straight to the orchid and butterflies farm, ignoring these at first we headed straight for an all you can eat at a Thai buffet sampling the foreign cuisine such as oven chips (of course) and fried banana. Somehow by asking for no ice, Louisa and El managed to order a hot iced lemon tea which was "lovely"... 

The orchid garden was next and we were very careful, after hearing about the £40 fine for picking the flowers,  especially when Fiona threatened to leave us if we did! We then moved onto the butterflies where Gaynor had to face her fear of flying things, in particular due to the moth-ish butterfly thingys that were bigger than our hands. 

From Louise and Anna :) 

Botanical Bonanza

Our day started with a bus journey to the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, with a quick stop off at the side of the road to see some elephants!  The center greeted us with cooler weather, spectacular colours and views. The gardens were split into greenhouses, each filled with varying Thai plants - our favourite, the cacti and lily greenhouses. Once we had finished taking photos of all of the beautiful plants, we hopped back onto our buses to a waterfall within the gardens to take some group photos before heading to lunch. 

Hannah & Louisa 

Some photos so far

12 Hours to Chiang Mai

Having had a little trouble sleeping due to our body clocks (!) we woke up at 5:30am to take the 12 hour train journey to Chiang Mai, where we will be staying for 8 nights. Surprisingly, the journey was comfy, had lots of legroom and we had great company!😃

On arrival, we were greeted with THE best transport ever - tuk tuks!!! We took a short ride through night time Chiang Mai which looked incredible, and we all got very excited to explore! Dinner was served when we got there (loving the food!!) and then we went to bed. The accommodation is fantastic, we have hot showers, air con and EXTRA PILLOWS!! Fair to say we all slept like babies.

You'll never guess what little visitor we found in our room... (El didn't realise they flew)... A cockroach!! Grace acted as Doctor Doolitlle and tamed the beast with a glass and then Fiona came to the rescue and transported it outside to its rightful home.

Having an amazing time, love to all at home! If you want to comment, please do!!

Love Grace, Flo and El X

1st Day in Chiang Mai

Refreshingly rested we all arrived down - some slightly late! - for breakfast at 8.00. For breakfast we didn't have rice, for the first meal ever here. We all enjoy the comfort of toast, egg, cereal, chips and ketchup. After we all went off for a wonder around the local area looking at all the shops and exploring the culture (Starbucks!!). Lunch was a fairly sweaty affair but we all then planned the activities for our first session at a school on Thursday. When we finished we all felt like a swim, but with only 2 swimming hats for 14 of us, it wasn't going to be too fun... But then Alison saved the day with a bag full of hats and you would think Christmas had come early! We were all so happy so spent about 40 minutes playing in the pool and on the small diving board 😄.

From Maisie x

Welcome Dinner

I am currently sat with a lovely Thail girl called Elle (pictures shown above with her mother.) After finishing our tea we proceeded to complete her science project from school, which consisted of small clear balls, that disappear into water, among other things, with frequent visits to get more juice (which btw is the best juice in the world; Thai juice is AMAZING!!) Theres now a massive puddle on the table, and bits of crushed jelly (which is unfortunately not edible,) that Elle has been crushing with a small fork.

 Also joining us for tea are the Philippine ambassador (with his daughter and wife), currently based in Thailand, member Girlguiding Thailand (Chiang Mai provinces,) and Gui (a Thailand native who has lived in America for the last 50 years,) who is here to translate.

 We had a lovely tea made by the guides at Chiang Mai; pumpkin soup, veg, salad, longan (which look like mini potatos on stalks, with a lychee like centre which taste like melon,) and rice (of course!) I'm slowly beginning to master the Thai way of eating, and adjusting to not having a knife to hand (with the help of Elle.) 

 After a good sing song with the Thai Guide leaders, including singing taps in both English and Thai, we are all ready for bed. The rain is pouring down and there's finally a breeze for the first time all day, which is a nice change in comparison to how humid it's been. 

Charlotte 💙💙 

Abbi's first flight!!

Hi, it's Abbi, after an eventful time of getting through Manchester airport we finally borded our flight to Amsterdam. The flight went surprisingly well as it was only 50 minutes, we are now currently waiting to board the long flight to Bangkok we have just had something to eat and drink. Love Abbi🐘✈️💙

We are here!

We arrived in Bangkok at 12.30pm, TODAY! (3 hours later than expected.) We were greeted by the most ever so fabulous bus (complete with tassles!!!) and taken to the Girlguiding centre in the city. The ladies here have made us feel so welcome, and we've tried loads of new food including the Mangodence! We've also been for a dip in the pool, which was fabulous after our long flight, but now we're all of to bed, (absolutely joe-jiggered.) Can't wait to get up at 5.30am tomorrow lol, to catch a train up to Chiang Mai. Love Florence and Charlotte ft. Gaynor :-) 

So we are stuck in an airport!

So there has been a problem with the aeroplane and we are stuck at Amsterdam airport! We are keeping ourselves entertained by playing card games! 

Meet the team - Katharine

My name is Katharine Grabham. I am a Guide Leader and Assistant Brownie Leader in Durham. I am also International Adviser for my County. I love travelling and have been to lots of exciting places both with Girlguiding and independently but Thailand is the first Asian country I have visited. I am looking forward to lots of adventures in a new culture.

Meet the team - Fiona

Hi I am Fiona Watson, and can't believe I was selected to be one of leaders on this amazing trip to Thailand. I am a Brownie leader with a unit in Harrogate and have travelled round Asia independently but never as a member of a guiding group. I am married with two children, Ben 18 and Emma 14,  and work as a Primary Teacher. 

Meet the team - Beth

Hi I'm beth, I'm a young leader for Scotter guides in North Lincolnshire. Very excited for the trip can't believe how lucky I've been to get on! I'm sure we'll have a fab time thanks to everyone who's supported me can't wait to get on the plane!

Just Setting Off✈️

All packed and sorted now with the charity bag! Just waiting for the gate to open and check our bags in! How exiting!  See you all soon! Team Thailand x By Maisy B

Countdown

Getting sooooo close! 

Less than 24 hours!!!?

Meet the team - Louise

Hi I'm Louise Reddy and very excited to go on this amazing adventure, I am a young leader at 46th Halifax Rainbows and Guides. I am currently taking Art, Biology, Chemistry and Psychology at As Level and plan on doing art in the future. The opportunity to travel to Thailand has already given me some great memories and friends and we haven't even been yet! I would like to thank all of or leaders and organisers for making this happen for us and the people we will meet out there!

Meet the team - Charlotte

My name is Charlotte Dickinson, I am currently a member of 1st Filey Senior Section and a young leader at 1st Filey Guides. I have been a member of Guiding for many years and this International Trip is something I am really looking forward to undertaking . I am also at York College studying History, Engineering and English, and I love cats. 

Meet the team - Gaynor

Hi, I am Gaynor Stewart, and I am lucky enough to be one of the other leaders on this amazing trip to Thailand. I am a Guide leader with a Guide unit in Bradford, and also international advisor for my county. I am also becoming a trainer. I have done a few international trips in Guiding but never as a leader so I am looking forward to the new challenge!

I am sure this trip will amazing, and I am sure the girls will never forget it! 

Meet the team - Alison (the one in charge)

Hi, my name is Alison Hartley and I am very proud to be leader of the North East England team trip to Thailand. I am a Brownie leader and run the same unit I attended many years ago, I am also assistant leader with Ossett District Senior Section and Division commissioner for Wakefield North. I am married and have four children two girls and two boys ( aged between 9 and 20)and am going to be a grandma in October!!!  This will be my third international trip with Girlguiding, I was a participant in the Adult trip to India in 2012 and then completed my travelling abroad license by taking 46 members of the division on the Big Brownie Birthday Euro hop in 2014 to France and Belgium. This trip is destined to be the trip of a lifetime, I am looking forward to working with a great team of leaders and girls.

Meet the team - Eleanor

Hi, I'm Eleanor Andrews and I feel extremely privileged to have been given this incredible opportunity to support and encourage the young people of Northern Thailand.

I am a Young Leader with 1st Darlington Guides, and I am studying French, Spanish and Geography at A Level. I also love dancing and water sports!

I am very excited to carry out our projects and proud to be a part of this great team! I'm sure that this trip will be rewarding for everyone involved, both here and in Thailand. I can't wait to travel and experience new cultures and would love to bring back many ideas to support my unit at home.

This trip will be my last major thing before turning 18 and I couldn't imagine of spending it with a better bunch of people!

Meet the team - Maisy

Hi my name is Maisy Bradbury and I am currently a young leader at thirsk 2nd brownies and working towards my adult leader ship. I have just finished my a levels and hopefully starting university in September!  This Thailand trip gives me such a great oppurtunity  working and volunteering with people less fortunate than myself and can give something to the community like guiding has done so many times for me! I am looking forward to making life long friends on this trip and to make the most off all the oppurtunities out there. Thank you to everyone who has allowed this trip to be possible! Addios Amigos, Thailand here we come!

Meet the team - Abbi

Hi, my name is Abbi McHale, I've been involved in guiding from a young age. I'm currently a member of a local ranger unit and I'm also a young leader at a local brownie unit. I'm so excited to be able to partake in this amazing adventure as it is giving me a chance to experience things I've never been able to do. I'm also very excited to meet the Thai guides and hopefully make fantastic memories with them.

Meet the team - Maisie

Hey, I'm Maisie Gleeson. I am a ranger with West Division Rangers and a young leader with 53rd Fulwood Rainbows. I have just done my AS-levels in Geography, Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Girlguiding is a big part of my life and I hope that the international trip to Thailand will a chance for me to experience a very different culture and do something worthwhile. I hope to share my experience with younger guides and inspire them to take up these opportunities.

Meet the team - Anna

Hiya, I'm Anna Bambrick, I'm 17 and a young leader with St Robert's 1st Morpeth Guides as well as being a Peer Educator with Girl guiding. I've just got to the end of my AS Level year where I studied History, Geography, Maths, Religious Studies and Product Design. I honestly cannot wait to get on the plane and go to Thailand- it is one of the many amazing opportunities guiding has given me and I know that it will be an unforgettable experience!

Meet the team - Hannah

Hello, I'm Hannah Stothard, i'm a young leader at 1st Wolviston Guides and also a member of 4th Billingham Rangers. I've just completed my GCSEs and am extremely excited to be taking part in the International Trip to Thailand, which i'm sure will be a life changing adventure for both the team of girls from the UK and the girls we will be working with in Thailand.

Meet the team - Louisa

Hi I'm Louisa Cole, I am a young leader at 1st Sowerby Bridge Guides and I'm currently training for my adult leadership. Guiding has been a very important part of my life and the Thailand trip is an amazing adventure I am so happy  I have been given the opportunity to go on it. At sixth form I study Biology, Pe and Psychology, and gymnastics is my hobby.

Meet the team - Florence

My name is Florence Hargreaves, I'm currently a member of 1st Filey Senior Section and a young leader at a local Brownie Unit in North Yorkshire. I am really excited about the this International Trip to Thailand and it is amazing how Girl Guiding offers such experiences. As a follow up in September, I will be undertaking my Foundation Art and Design Degree at Scarborough Sixth Form College.

Meet the team - Grace

I'm Grace Lelliott I am a young leader and currently training for my adult leadership at Elland Guides, Halifax. I am very excited about this international trip. It will be a fantastic experience to have before going to university at York St John in September. This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity I will never forget!

Countdown

So soon !!! 

Countdown!

Less than 2 weeks now 😀😀

Hello!!

Hello, and welcome to our first post!

A little information about us, we are a group of Senior Section members and leaders from Girlguiding North East England. Last year we were selected to take part in an International Trip to Thailand to work with the Thai Girl Guides. We will be heading to Thailand on the 18th July for over 3 weeks and we are starting to get very excited. 

Please follow our blog to find out exactly what we get up to. 

Thanks

Gaynor, Team Thailand