Thai trip of a lifetime

This summer saw a group of our students celebrate the end of their BVC journey – by making the trip of a lifetime to Thailand.

For the 19 former Year 11 students, the World Challenge expedition was the culmination of two years of planning and fundraising.

After flying into Bangkok, the students spent some time there experiencing the vibrant markets and Grand Palace before trekking in the Erawan National park which is home to the famous 7 tiered waterfalls and the infamous Hellfire pass, the name given to the largest of 1000m series of cuttings allied POWs were forced to work on during WW2.

During their project phase students worked with a local organisation which has been supporting local communities in Singbun since 2008. Based close to the village of Tha Tham, the students worked on a local community construction project.

Student Meg Hollidge summed up the trip in three words: “Sweat, tears and sunshine!

“For me the highlights were seeing the King of Thailand, snorkelling, the food, the beaches and building a temple. It was really exciting learning a about a new culture and meeting different people.”

Fellow traveller Ed Evans added:” What surprised me was that within a matter of days the entire team ceased being students, and became young, mature adults. We were no longer a group of teens, but a team of level headed explorers.

“My personal highlight of the trip was swimming with in Erawan falls, a cool off in the pools was just what we all needed after a hot and sweaty hike – and the pedicure from the local fish was an added bonus!

“I’m not sure what I expected from the trip, but I know it was a fantastic experience. The variety in what we completed was mind blowing. In only 16 days we managed to fly 12,000 miles, explore Bangkok, engage with the local communities in a project to build a monastery, trek through Thai jungle and much more; all whilst immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Thailand – a truly life changing experience.”