Trips of a lifetime

Angie's year in Thailand was culture shock that required some adaptation. One of her families lived in a small house with only three bedrooms for eight people. At school she said she received the red-carpet treatment even if the language was a challenge. Relaxation was family time and usually at the beach. She said at first there was some adjustment trying to understand the customs of practicing Buddists, but overall the experience was wonderful.

Angie enjoyed Thai food . "At first it was too spicy  but now I find Canadian food rather bland."

Festivals are a big part of Thai culture especially Thai New Year, which prompts a fresh start and cleansing  and a nationwide water fight with water guns.
 
Highlights include a Rotary sponsored tour of the country and the bond that develops with other students on exchange.

K'Arissa's experiences were equally enjoyable in Brazil. She too had wonderful host families including a "very" spoiled young child and a "spunky" grandmother. She says school was a challenge and quite different from Canada but still wonderful.

The food is perhaps less exotic than Thailand, with porridge and beams daily. Red meat is staple and fresh fruit  - mangoes, papaya, pineapple - abounds is incredibly cheap.

Carnival is a two week celebration that essentially is a party complete with egg and flour throwing.

K'Arissa also enjoyed the opportunity to meet with other exchange students in Rotary sponsored tours.

Both young ladies said that Rotary becomes family in these far away countries and that the toughest part of these exchanges was leaving our "new families and many friends"

Angie and K'Arissa thanked the club for the "experience of a lifetime."