The Grade 8 students arrived to their Experience Week destination – Chiang Mai, Thailand. The day started off with a tiring early morning flight, but that did not impede the kids from having the best first day possible to begin their seven-day trip. After a lengthy bus ride to Traidhos, the students settled in to their apartment dorms and parted ways, set off to their activities for the day in their respective groups. All activities were the same for everyone today, only the order was different. The activities were a way for the students to get a better understanding of the culture and arts of Thailand. These consisted of Muay Thai (Thai boxing), Language & Culture, and Thai Dress & Dance.

Muay Thai was the most vigorous activity of them all today. It required students to practice and learn the Muay Thai basics. Here, they learned precise footwork as to not lose balance, proper hand positioning to be able to protect their face at all times, and the most accurate ways to perform certain moves, such as a punch, kick, knee, or elbow. Then, students were in a classroom to learn the Thai language and culture. The encouraging atmosphere the teacher gave made everyone give their best in learning various phrases in Thai, including “Hello”, “How much is it?”, “Can you reduce the price?”, “I don’t want it”, and “Thank you”. Lastly, the Thai Dress & Dance was a fun time for the kids to dress up in traditional Thai clothing and become able to dance traditional Thai performances. It was an interesting class for the students, as they were able to put on all the accessories to fully feel what it would be like to be in a classic Thai person’s shoes, like extended metal fingernails and straw hats.

All in all, the first day of experience week was already a memorable time for the grade eights, can’t wait to make more memories tomorrow.

Written by: Eliana Joaquim Ho & Eunice Cordeiro Hoi