Reflections on a mid-term break spent with the Baan Mae Lid Hill Tribe

Five. That’s the number of times I’ve been to the Baan Mae Lid School in Mae Hong Son. And I’m proud to say it still amazes me so much. Every time I come back from the trip, I realise that I’ve learned new things and that I still have so much to experience.

Reflections on a mid-term break spent with the Baan Mae Lid Hill Tribe Daisy in Year 12 reflects on her latest trip to meet the Baan Mae Lid Hill Tribe. Five. That’s the number of times I’ve been to the Baan Mae Lid School in Mae Hong Son. And I’m proud to say it still amazes me so much. Every time I come back from the trip, I realise that I’ve learned new things and that I still have so much to experience.

This year, however, has to be one of the best I’ve had there. It wasn’t exactly like the others where it was all about us, teaching them English or building things. This time around, we had the chance of them teaching us something, whether it be dancing or how to cook bamboo sticky rice etc. We, Regents’ students and staff, have learned their ways of living and experienced their peaceful non-technological life. It was certainly different…but I like to think we welcomed it as much as possible. The children, the teachers, the villagers, and the parents were probably the most amazing people I have ever met. We may not come from the same place nor speak the same language but we all share the same smile.

The showers were ice cold but we managed, having worked the whole day in the hot sun. We all slept in a classroom with our own sleeping bags and layers of blankets that they had kindly lent us. We also had a small furry “visitor” who came in the middle of the night trying to steal people’s snacks.

Everything that happened during that trip made Baan Mae Lid School what it is now: a huge pool of memories, good and bad, but worth the plunge.

I can’t exactly say what my favourite part of the trip was. It would either be making new friends or experiencing everything to the fullest. Everything just all comes together and creates unforgettable moments. I’m pretty sure if you ask anyone who’s been, including me, that they would recommend you to go. Go when you have the opportunity or you’ll just regret missing it.

Daisy, Year 12