We have arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and already it’s been an action-packed first day! We met our local contact P’Phan at the airport, who greeted us with a welcome banner and necklaces made from fresh jasmine. Even after such a long travel day, everyone was extremely excited to begin our adventures in Thailand.

For our time in Chiang Mai, we stay at a lovely guest house that is located in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. The streets are lined with temples (including one right across the street), and there are historic ruins just next door, which remind us that we are now in a part of Thailand rich with history and culture.

We spent some time this afternoon bonding as a group and devising our very own group “Manifesto” — outlining some ways to make this trip a valuable, inclusive, and powerful experience for us all. To top it off, we were surrounded by the 730-year old ruins!

Finally, to end the day, we explored the neighborhood by bike, with our local contact P’Phan guiding us and sharing the unique details of this town. We watched the sun set and ate Thai food — the perfect end to a great first day!

Stay tuned,

Ansley & Ryan