Building bungalows – a volunteer perspective

 

For the past 6 weeks, my partner Brad and I have been volunteering with ‘Next Step Thailand’.

Samart– the owner of ‘Next Step Thailand’ also owns ‘Spicy Villa Eco Lodges‘. Spicy Villa is located around 90 minutes drive from Chiang Mai city. Words cannot describe the beauty of this area, so here are two photographs so you can see for yourself:

We have been working alongside other volunteers (from various places around the world) and Thai locals constructing bungalows. We have also recently completed a school/ community clinic for the local Karen people who live in a nearby village. These services are free for local people. All materials for the Eco lodges are sourced locally and local workers are employed to construct the bungalows.

Here are some photos of the bungalows being built:

 

This is the school/ community clinic being built for the local people:

A typical day for volunteers runs like this:

6.30am- wake up and start preparing breakfast for guests. Clean the kitchen and bathrooms, clean up after breakfast.
8.30am- start building work, or work on the garden/ organic farm.
12 noon- stop work for lunch. Prepare food and help cook.
1pm- recommence building work on bungalows or garden/ organic farm.
4-5pm- finish building work for the day and shower!
5.30pm- start preparing dinner for guests staying at Spicy Villa Eco Lodges
7.30pm- clear dishes and wash up.

 
The highlight of volunteering here is the cultural experience. Working alongside the Thai workers from the local village, meeting their families, learning their language and eating together!

Here are some photos of volunteers and staff preparing delicious (spicy) local food, some of the food is grown at Spicy Villa:

Today’s post comes from Emma, who has been volunteering with Next Step Thailand. If you are also interested in volunteering with us, please have a look here.