What an amazing place.

Hello! My name is Ben and I spent some time I had away from work at the GVI Chiang Mai project that’s focusing on elephant conservation. Before signing up with GVI I had never completed anything like this but have had an interest in all things natural and animals from a very young age. It was a very spontaneous decision to go, planning only started 4 weeks before and we booked on just 3 weeks before our plane took off! When booking I knew I wanted to go somewhere but where that was I had no idea. After searching for all of ten minutes I came across GVIs website and the ‘call back request’ button. Filled in my name and phone number and within the hour Masi gave me a ring. A very nice man, who was very knowledgeable on the whole GVI experiences, took me through a couple of the programs I could attend narrowing down to the GVI program in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I’m so glad he helped me pick GVI Chiang Mai! Then when my sister came home I asked her if she’d like to join and she jumped at the chance.

When getting ready for the trip I was a bit nervous as anybody would be but as soon as I landed all these nerves quickly dispersed. Getting off the plane we met with smiley staff member Liane, who then introduced us to the others on our intake. They were all so friendly and welcoming, something I’m not to used to coming from England.

The village it’s self, Huay Pakoot, is like no where I’ve ever been before. Everybody has such a big smile on their face and greets you with the friendliest ‘da blue’ (hello/bye/thankyou in the local language of Pakinyaw). We were shown to our homestay and met the family we’d be staying with, again so friendly and so welcoming.

The days are organised for you and a schedule is written on a white board in base so you always know what’s going on, you don’t have to do anything if you don’t want but I suggest you try an do everything! The elephant hikes and other biodiversity walks were just amazing, walking through thick forest for an elephant to just appear only metres in front of you was really mental. Who knew such a big animal could blend in so well! After the walk there would be lots going on whether it was pakinyaw lessons, teaching English at the local school, playing football with the mahoots or even making baskets down at old chiefs house. No way could you ever be bored or feel like you hadn’t done enough with your day.

On my first weekend in the village the staff had organised a 57km walk from base to Mae Chaem to raise money for the new baby elephant. I love walking so of course signed up and despite what you might think had the best time in doing so, it was a really great opportunity to talk to as many of the other volunteers as possible. At lot of then I believe will be life long friends, most of which are already looking to come back at similar times. I also spent a lot of the hike with the local community liaison Don and his friend who was doing some of the driving. Even going for breakfast in Mae Chaem with Don the day after the walk, I would now consider don to be a life time friend after the time we’ve spent together and been one of the meany reasons I’m definitely going back to Huay Pakoot!

When in the village you can really see everything GVI has help them achieve, they now have 5 shops, I think 2 restaurants, a smoothie shop, a Internet cafe and even a launderette! Things that wouldn’t existed in the village if it wasn’t for all the ‘golas’ coming through the GVI project. With one of the local lads even building a art Gallery to showcase and sell his paintings, incredibly impressive pieces so much so I’ve now got one myself! All of this really helps to add to the incomes the family’s already had through farming, also showing the children how much they can achieve in life.

When my time came to leave I really didn’t want to, if work wasn’t calling I’d of definitely extended my stay. Nothing I’ve ever done has been like that place, spending time there has really helped me grow as a person and helping me to decide the direction I want my life to go in. Making me much more aware of how I can help climate change from my home, even with small things like what products contain unsustainable palm oil to knowing what can and can’t be recycled. Over all GVI Chiang Mai has changed me for the better and I couldn’t be more thankful for the experience it has given me! To anybody that’s sat on the fence thinking about heading out, just jump in and do it you really won’t be disappointed when you get there!