KK Trip - 6 hours (A), 8 hours (S)

Another very difficult experience which nevertheless made me appreciate some of the difficulties facing many people around the world, while also giving me a taste of basic construction work. We were all excited to be flying out to KK, and all of us spent some time in the city, shopping, eating, or just looking around. After arriving at the camp area by bus, I think I was not alone in despairing: the only accommodation immediately visible was a long row of bunks made from canvas and bamboo. To be fair, however, it didn't really matter that they were uncomfortable, a little dirty, and (for me at least) too small - at the end of a long day of hard work they were as good as any bed.

Getting down to work

A bit of relaxation

The Action portion of the KK Trip was composed of a bicycle ride through and around the camp and village where we were working, and, as a finale to the entire excursion, a short raft along the river. The bicycle ride was especially difficult for me, as I was completely out of practise (and never was too good at it anyway). Eventually, I had to give up riding the bike as my asthma was getting the better of me, and I wound up helping the other group continue with the construction in the village. The rafting, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoyable while being quite difficult as well, and I'm proud to say I only fell in when I wanted to.

The finished project

The Service area of the trip revolved around us improving the local schoolhouse: building a fence around it, renovating the library area, and a host of more minor improvements. It was tough work, and the hot, humid climate did nothing to help. However, we all persevered, and while our friends were busy climbing a mountain we helped fix a school. In the end, we only barely finished the improvements in time before we left - the fence was completed, we took a few photos in front of it all, and then we returned to camp to pack up in preparation for the return journey. All in all, the KK trip was quite an experience for me, and one that I would not have missed for the world.