(photo ) With the tie-dye women in their working space where they sold their bags & created their sowing space. This is also where Christina found the leech that latched onto her leg from their garden! :0!
(photo) With the batik women, the batik leader, and her brother in their batik clothing store. They sold items like handbags, women's shirts, and even baby clothes! This is also where we congregated to eat together, laugh together, and learn more about them.
Academic Gains: I feel more enriched and educated about Environmental Science after participating in this program this past summer. I feel more natural around field work and community based work, and feel prepared to implement these skills in the real working force. Specifically to our research project with the women's handicraft groups, we were able to apply the assessment tools Michael and Rebecca taught us throughout the course and implement them in order to gain as much information from them in the limited time.
Cultural Gains: One of the first things we did upon arrival in Bangkok, other than taste their food, was a tour to the Temples. Being under the scorching sun & drenching in sweat while learning the the history and philosophy of Buddha was well worth it. The Thais' dedication to Buddha and his teachings reveal why the Thai people are so easy-going and well-liked.
(photo) At the Buddhist Temples in Bangkok; there were many Buddhas, each of different sizes, all unique in their own way. A must see would have to be the Reclining Buddha.
Another cultural gain would definitely have to be the array of food! Mangoes, fresh fruit shakes, & Roti were all a must have!
(photo) During the first few nights in Bangkok, we decided to delve into some maggots/mealworms (??) that were sold in carts on the streets. We deci
ded to do it as a group (real teamwork right there) and eat them together--Kevin ended up eating about 5 as if they were fries! It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience that everyone needs to experience for themselves.
Personal Gains: One of the most obvious personal gains would have to be the relationships I built during the program. Though I am not a student at UCLA, I was fortunate to build bonds that will last a lifetime. These people are the only ones who will understand everything we have been through.
(photo) After planting mangroves, we all headed to the beach for some reflection...and jumping pictures, of course.
Meeting everyone on this trip was an amazing experience. I would have never thought I would have formed the relationships I did or experienced the things I did without these people. These people completely enriched my experience in Thailand, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I hope to return to Thailand one day--but it would have to be with them.
(photo) Most of us at the Buddhist Temples in Bangkok. Our tour guide made us do some funny poses, as you can see. Some of our group decided to go zip-lining instead :( and are not pictured.
Best, Liz (:
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