The Village Documentary Project

Itinerary

2010 Itinerary – The Village Documentary Project

Day 1 (Tuesday):
Relax and prepare for a world-class trip on Singapore Airlines. Prior to your departure, you will have received your pre-departure packet, which will include your Rustic T-shirts, airline tickets, and important contact information.

Once you arrive at your international departure city, our Flight Liaison will help you get checked in to your international flight. Working with our Flight Liaison will be your Flight Leader, who will escort you all the way to Thailand! Our Flight Leaders are most often school teachers or good friends of our organization who happily fill this role for us each year. Once you’re checked in, feel free to relax and get acquainted with your new friends before boarding your flight to Thailand!

Day 2 (Wednesday):
Today is lost as you cross the international dateline. Fear not – you will get this time back on your way home.

Day 3 (Thursday):
Sawat dee, and welcome to Thailand! Upon your arrival into one of the world’s most modern airports, you will immediately get the feeling that you have arrived in a place that is far different from the United States. Thailand is known as one of the most welcoming countries in the world and is affectionately nicknamed the ‘Land of Smiles.’

As you exit the arrival hall with your friendly flight leader, you will meet our team of staff. They have been anxiously awaiting your arrival and will lead you up to the fourth floor of the airport, where you’ll have a relatively quiet place to unwind and meet new friends who have arrived on different flights or are connecting from different programs.

We’ll have ample space for you to relax, as well as a nice assortment of food and refreshments for you to enjoy. This may be your first chance to have truly authentic pad-Thai (you’ll like it, trust us) or one of the other traditional dishes (including vegetarian options) we have to offer. You can also expect to try a few delicious Thai fruits that you’ve probably never seen before but that you may quickly grow to love.

Once the whole group has arrived, it will be time to head out to the hotel! Queen’s Garden Resort Hotel is just a short trip from the airport, and you’ll be settled into your room and enjoying a hot shower and some quiet time before you know it. After some well-deserved down time, you will go for a short walk to explore a nearby market. Then get a relaxing foot massage and have a traditional Thai-style dinner. This will set you up nicely for a great night’s sleep, which you’ll need for your big day tomorrow!

Day 4 (Friday):
After a delicious breakfast buffet at the hotel, you will head out into town, working your way toward the Chao Phraya River, or the ‘River of Kings.’ Here you will hop on a long-tail boat and go for a cruise upstream. Viewing Bangkok from the river – away from the busy streets and with a cool breeze on your face – is truly the most beautiful way to see it. The tour will bring you by many of the city’s most famous sights before pulling up at a floating restaurant, where you will grab lunch.

When your stomach is full of delicious Thai delicacies, you will head to a nearby floating market to check out how trade on the water works these days. As you continue up river, you will stop at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Gaew, the King’s most official residence and the home of the famed Emerald Buddha. You will take a tour of these beautiful grounds and then head upstream again, this time to Wat Pho, another of Bangkok’s most famous temples and home of the Reclining Buddha, the largest such Buddha in the world. With heaps of great photos in tow, you will leave the river behind and continue onto the skytrain, which will take you into the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district. After emerging from the glittering skyscrapers and shopping malls, you will relax and enjoy a traditional Thai massage and dinner.  

Day 5 (Saturday):
Take one last look at the bustle of Bangkok because you will leave it behind this morning. You will head north from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During its heyday, from 1351 to 1767 when it was defeated by the Burmese, the kingdom’s influence stretched from the Shan states of Northern Burma to Yunnan Province and into Vietnam and some of the city-states of the Malay Peninsula. The dramatic ruins will illustrate the incredible rise and fall of the empire, and as you wander the streets of the ancient city – once one of the most influential cities of the East – you can hunt for the most beautiful temple and seek out the famous Buddha head in the courtyard of Wat Mahatat.

Day 6 (Sunday):
Today you will trace Thailand’s history even further back! From Ayutthaya you will continue on to Sukhothai, founded around 1180. Sukhothai, which literally means ‘Dawn of Happiness,’ is celebrated as the first independent Thai kingdom. Lasting only about 140 years, Sukhothai was a brief yet definitive moment in the history of modern Thailand. The end of its era was marked with submission to Ayutthaya. Here you will wander around the World Heritage Park and marvel at ruins that are over 800 years old. Majestic Buddha images and temples will surround you here and set a grand backdrop for your photography.

Day 7 (Monday):
After a quick breakfast at the hotel, you will set off for Mae Sot, one of the gateway cities to Burma. Just across the river from Mae Sot lies Myawaddy. This Burmese border city overflows with street merchants, teashops thick with the smell of this sweet concoction, and locals going about their daily business. You will immediately feel that you are in a different country. Here women paint their cheeks with thanaka and men wear colorful longyis. If even for a day, Burma is an incredible place to visit and photograph. Rustic Pathways has been traveling to Burma for years, and we have some great friends in Myawaddy. You’ll have time to visit a temple, shop in a Burmese market, perhaps play a game of pick-up soccer, and catch a glimpse of the eastern Shan Hills, off limits to any foreign visitors.

Back on the Thai side of the border, you will add layers to your understanding of Burma during a visit to a museum dedicated to the tumultuous history of Burma’s last half century. As you learn about the military dictatorship tightly controlling the country and the plight of the Karen – a distinct ethnic group that has been the target of brutal oppression and ongoing civil war – you will recall the faces of the people you met in Myawaddy.

From Mae Sot, you will continue north along the border, and as the drive takes you up into the mountains, you will feel as if you are driving into a green cloud. Nestled in this dense mountain setting is Nohbu, the small village that will be your home for the next week.

Day 8 - 12 (Tuesday - Saturday):
For the next five days you will settle into the lifestyle of the Karen people, who hold friendship, family, and respect in the highest regard. You will be welcomed as a brother, sister, daughter, or son into this loving community.

Most of your work will focus on Nohbu Academy, where you will make friends with high school students from around the region. They will be eager to hear about your life in America and will share with you stories of their home in Burma, their time at Mae La Refugee Camp, and, finally, their journey here to Nohbu Academy. The stories they tell will help you add layers of meaning to your images and create truly storytelling photographs.

In addition to working at the school, you will visit the orphanage, stop at Mae La Refugee Camp, and get involved in the day-to-day lives of the Karen villagers who are hosting you. Each of these experiences will offer another chance to add a variety of photographs to your portfolio.

A typical day might include working on portraits of students at the Academy, shooting pictures of children at play, or photographing a quiet moment between friends. You’ll develop your technical skills and gain a deeper understanding of these amazing people who are eager to share their stories. Together you and your group will compile a beautiful book of memories from your week at Nohbu. You will design, edit, and print the book and then leave it for the community here to reflect on and enjoy for generations to come.

Bring these images home with you and share the stories of the students at Nohbu Academy with your friends and family. You will leave Thailand with a genuine love and understanding of the Karen people, their captivating culture, and their dreams for a brighter future. In your free time you will have a chance to give back to your host community through English lessons.

Day 13 (Sunday):
Today it will be time to say good-bye to your new friends at Nohbu Academy and continue the journey. You will travel farther north along the border to Mae Sariang. This is a beautiful drive along the Salaween River, through peaks wrapped in mist and into valleys full of rice fields. Mae Sariang is the home of Rustic Pathways’ Hill Tribe Orphanage, which is a home and support center for Karen students who go to school in Mae Sariang. You will meet the local students, as well as the Rustic Pathways students who are working here, giving you yet another perspective on Karen life. The Orphanage is set in a quintessential Northern Thai setting and looks out on a beautiful valley. In the evening, you can take a walk down to the bridge over the river and watch the sun set over this lush valley.

Day 14 (Monday):
From the Orphanage, you will continue north to the town of Mae Hong Son. This beautiful town is set in a small valley hemmed in by tall peaks. The surrounding mountains are dotted with Hill Tribe villages, and even in town, it will be obvious that ethnic minorities make up a large part of the population here.

In the morning you will get to know one of Thailand’s most revered and majestic creatures – the Asian elephant. You will head to a nearby elephant camp, where you will climb aboard one of these massive animals and go for a stroll through the jungle. Your elephant’s mahout, or trainer, will show you everything you need to know for this one-of-a-kind ride, and you will learn a lot about these playful and intelligent creatures along the way.

Then, after lunch, you will visit one of the many Hill Tribe villages that dot the region. A 25-minute boat ride down the river will bring you to a riverside village that is home to the Karen long-neck people. This small ethnic group is known around the world for the copper rings the women wear around their necks. As you explore the village, you can make a few new friends, work on creating stunning portraits, and grab a couple of unique souvenirs for your family. The families that live here are a subgroup of Burma’s ethnic Karen and are yet another group of refugees who have fled Burma’s civil unrest. Although Thailand is home to a mere 600 members of this group, it is estimated that 130,000 remain in Burma.

Day 15 (Tuesday):
You will wake up early this morning to offer alms to the local monks. After taking part in this time-honored tradition, you will continue on to Pai. Set alongside a beautiful river, this small town is known as one of the most laid-back places in Thailand. A traveler’s mecca that was made famous by a group of traveling hippies, Pai will offer the chance to graze on fresh, organic food, shop for homemade jewelry, and soak up the cool mountain air.

Lay, a long-time friend and employee of Rustic Pathways, lives in a traditional Akha village just outside of Pai, and you will spend tonight here. You will have a home-cooked meal of traditional foods, fall asleep under a mosquito net to the sound of crickets, and awake to misty mountains.

Day 16 (Wednesday):
Finally, you will head out of the mountains to Chiang Mai, the rose of the north. Once the seat of the Lana Empire, Chiang Mai is strategically situated on ancient trade routes, and it was once one of the wealthiest and most influential kingdoms in Thailand. Today a modern city has grown up around the ancient one. It is known as the cultural centerpiece of modern Thailand, full of great shopping, traditional cuisine, and live entertainment.

Depending on what time you arrive, you will head to Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s most famous temples, where you can take in a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. In the evening you will have a farewell dinner and pick up last-minute souvenirs at the world-famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

Day 17 (Thursday):
Wake up, grab a quick breakfast and head to the airport to fly back to Bangkok, where you'll meet up with your next Rustic Pathways adventure or head home aboard our escorted group flight. Wherever you are headed, you are sure to always remember this journey!

An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.
 

Village Documentary Project Packing List
Again, a friendly reminder: To avoid delays and expensive fees on internal flights within most of SE Asia, you will want to keep your checked luggage under 15 kilograms (33 lbs.) in weight. Stick to the necessities and remember that the lighter your bags, the easier the trip.

Clothing

            *Please bring at least a few items appropriate for temple visits, (knees and shoulders covered)

1 long pants or skirt

Underwear (5 to 7)

Socks (7 to 8) If you are bringing shoes, lightweight quick dry athletic socks work best.

T-Shirts (10) 3-5 cotton, 3-5 quick dry shirts made of capilene or polypropylene

1 light sweater/sweatshirt

Rainproof Jacket

Shorts (3-5 pairs)

Swim Suit (1 or 2) Girls please be considerate of our more conservative hosts, thanks!

Athletic Shoes.  Shoes you can hike short distances in that protect your feet are best.  Shoes should be quick drying as they will get muddy and dirty so don’t get too attached to your footwear.

Sandals and/or Flip-Flops.  YOU WILL LIVE IN THESE SHOES IN SE ASIA.  It is recommended to have a pair of strap on sandals that will not fall off in water Tevas or Chacos brand sandals work great!

Hat

Towel (NOT white)  Large travel towels are great!

One nice casual outfit for Final Dinner (not too fancy or bulky)

Toiletries/Personal Items
            As a note on toiletries, bring those items from home that you must have.  Basic items can generally easily be purchased along the way.  This would include; soap, toothpaste, shampoo, …
            Here is a list of items that should be considered things to bring from home:

• Shampoo and Soap (preferably with little or no fragrance because of bugs) you can find non-fragrance and biodegradable soap at natural food stores and outdoor adventure stores. Dr. Brauner’s and Mountain Suds soaps are both good.
• Non-Fragrant Deodorant
• Toothpaste and Toothbrush
• Medications (must tell staff about)
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellant (2 bottles 35% DEET)
• Anti-itch Cream (1 Benedryl Anti-itch Gel works great)
• Hand Sanitizer (1 or 2 small bottles per week)
• Contact lenses and accompanying paraphernalia
• Tampons are harder to find than you may think.
• Small Personal First Aid Kit (our guides will have comprehensive first aid kits on hand, but having a small personal kit is always helpful)
• Band aids
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment
• Medical Tape
• Moleskin or preferred blister care
• Preferred Mild Pain Reliever
• Antihistamine (Benedryl or preferred type)
• 2 Non-adherent, sterile dressing
• 2 Gauze dressing
• 5-8 After Cuts and Scrapes Wipes

Additional Items

• Passport and Wallet.  Travel Wallet that can be hidden under clothing is a good idea.
• Photo Copy of Passport.  2 additional photocopies should be carried.
• 4-6 extra passport photos
• Watch or Clock with an Alarm
• Small headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Heavy Duty Garbage Bags (2) *for packing wet and dirty clothes/shoes
• Large (one gallon) Ziplock© Freezer Bags (4)

OPTIONALITEMS:

• Thai/English dictionary
• Deck of Cards
• Small photo albums from home are a great way to make friends.
• Frisbee, Aerobee, Hackysack, Football, Soccer Ball or Volleyball

Photo Equipment, Thoughts & Ideas
•  Any type of camera is fine, just plan on getting better!
·For those of you who really don't know much about photography: WELCOME! You are in the majority and you won't feel out of place here.

·  For those of you who are more advanced in your study not to worry.  Our staff our professional photographers and educators, you will improve!

·  Our staff carry computers and portable hard drives to edit and back up your photos. Film can also be purchased in larger cities such as Bangkok.  However you may have to wait to get home to process it.

·  Southeast Asia is a wet environment so please have a good case that keeps your camera safe from elements like rain and dirt.

•  Film can also be purchased in larger cities.  However you may have to wait to get    home to process it.  Please keep in mind that heat sensitive film may not make it, as there is no refrigeration as we travel. 

·  We do a good deal of exploring on foot.  So however much or equipment you choose to bring make sure you have a comfortable way of carrying it around

·  If you are traveling with expensive equipment, I’d strongly suggest you have it insured. We do our best to stay in safe areas, but theft is always a possibility.  Weather and accidental damage also pose a threat.  Ask your parents for help!  If equipment isn’t already covered by an existing policy, Personal Articles Policies are a great inexpensive way to protect your gear against just about anything.

            Remember, YOUR ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT

In your camera bag:
·Extra batteries, memory cards and film.   If you are shooting with a digital camera, consider the size of the file you shoot, ie. Jpeg or Raw, and plan accordingly, we’d suggest at least 4 gigabytes.  Film shooters should estimate their daily usage. 

·Lenses – only those that your will use and want to carry!
·A small cleaning kit.

·  Portable hard drive – if you will be shooting with a digital camera, I’d recommend a 100 gig drive.  Rustic used to burn DVD’s as backup but have found that they are too easily damaged and cumbersome.

·Your camera’s manual.
·  A couple of small plastic bags and a small roll of duct tape -  good for everything!

·  Skylight filters for each lense – every lense should have one of these as extra    protection against dirt.

 

Village Documentary Project FAQs 2010:

Where will we stay?
We’ll stay at hotels, guesthouses, Rustic Pathways’ Base houses, and bamboo huts when at the Nohbo Acadmey.

What are the accommodations like?
They will range from nice clean rooms with hot water showers and western style beds to simple bamboo huts with mats on the floor and mosquito nets.

How often can I do laundry?

We’ll be able to wash our clothes a few times during the trip at the student’s expense.

Are the mosquitoes a problem?

There are mosquitoes. They’re usually not too bad, but you will want to have a long sleeve shirt and long pants in the evenings. Also bring a small bottle of insect repellent containing DEET.

What will I need to spend my allowance money on?

There will be all kinds of souvenirs and fun stuff to buy, so budget some money for that.

What is the weather like?
It’s hot, and humid in the day and a little cooler in the mountains at night. Daily downpours are short and give way to sunny skies. Be prepared for heat and dampness. Synthetic fiber clothes are great because they dry fast much faster than cotton can.

How often will I have access to email and phones?

Phones will be available most days but can be spotty near Nohbo and we will stop off at internet cafes a few times during the trip.

How many staff members will be on this trip?
We never have less than one staff member for every five students.

Do I need any special photography equipment?
You don’t need anything special. Just bring your camera and creativity. Students will have a wide variety of cameras from small point and shoots to nice SLR cameras. Whatever you bring, you will get some great shots.