By Cornelie – 2 weeks intern – If you take some time to look at the KSES site with the collection of blog posts, on page 4 date 24/03/2020 you will find a bit of repetition in a post ending with the sentence stated above. I was true to my word, and four years later I was back in an open truck on a dirt path returning to Ban Naklang. Other than a few new puppies and an improved bridge, nothing much has changed. It instantly felt like home. And once again, this trip was an exhilarating experience.

It’s a tricky subject not to fall into repetition with my last post and mention how warm and welcoming the people here are, and how breathtaking the elephants. I could go on about this for pages and pages. I however wanted to try to emphasize a different component of my journey this second time around.

Unfortunately, last time my stay was cut short after a week due to the stressful situation that COVID had created. My experience in the village was clouded by a thin layer of tension and a dusty face mask. The immersive experience in the Karen culture became a tricky subject when keeping a 2 meter distance at all times.

Therefore, my current experience took a 180 degree turn, feeling that I cannot have a more immersive experience with a rural Thai village. My plan was to stay for only a week and then continue backpacking, but on day 2 I felt that a week would be too short. The first week was mainly getting used to the sleep rhythm, the village and the group. My second week was creating a more meaningful connection to both the interns and staff, as well as the locals. This got accentuated after becoming friends with Gae, a local staff member who helps guide on the hikes. Additionally, I had the lucky timing to be here during the Giju ceremony, a bi-annual event in the village. We were welcomed into all the homes with fun convesations (in my bare minimum Karen), delicious foods and a minimum of 2 rice whiskey shots. A dangerous endeavor that ended in great stories and a day to never forget.

I am fairly sad to leave here already, but I believe that this experience has once again been incredible and influential. I am even so lucky that I am leaving here to go on a short trip with my new friend Gae!

So I think the only correct way to finish off this blog: ‘All in all an incredible experience I recommend and will surely do again’