Ed's Argentinian Adventure

COUNTRY: Argentina
PROGRAM: GapBreak
PROJECT: Sustainable Projects
WRITTEN BY: Ed Spiller

The day would begin as all bad mornings do, a phone alarm. Whispering lo siento (sorry) to my Argentinian room mates, I climb of my top bunk (or roll off depending on how late the night was before).

The frustrating action of being unable to find the perfect temperature of the shower continues until I realise I need to head off to spanish classes. I´ll grab some toast and put on what I think is jam but suspect is coloured pure sugar in jam form. The subway trip to class can be too packed to get on, but sometimes you´ll be delighted to find a peformer, with a guitar and occasionally a pan flute, all it needs is some Tango and you´ve found the essence of Argentina on the subway. When I get into town, Spanish classes begin. The classes are classes, poeple reading this may be thinking about taking a gap year to Argentina and are currently sick of being in school, so I won´t delve into details. All I´ll say is that I step outside and immediately use my Spanish when I still haven´t needed to apply trigonomic equations to any part of my life. After Spanish classes usually involves exploring the city grabbing some delicious empanadas, the national on the go meal of Argentina and the only thing that gives the aussie meat pie a real run for its money, while taking in the sights of Buenos Aires. I´ve been able to tick off one of my lifetime goals of visiting the biggest cathedral in Buenos Aires, El Bombanera stadium, home of Boca Juniors and next to a really good empanada shop. If you´re not into the whole "when in Rome" thing, the pituresque La Boca area is still a must visit for all gringos. Gringos is the Argentinian slang word for foreigners, I have absolutely no clue if it´s insulting or not but all I know is that as much as I try, locals can pick me out as one way too easily. I guess my rank amateur spanish has something to do with it, I guess the only way is up. . After a busy day, I´ll return to the hostel that has become my home in Buenos Aires. Even though the wifi is slow and unreliable it´s become a place to relax and get the local Argentinians to do my spanish homework for me when I´m feeling sick and tired of the wierd sounding double L´s.

St Hilda's students assist in the construction of high school dormitory rooms

COUNTRY: Laos
PROGRAM: Expeditions
PROJECT: Leadership Expedition
WRITTEN BY: St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls

Sabaidee!

We have just finished up our very rewarding five days at the community project, building dormitories for boys at Sop Jak Regional High School. The school is located in the small community of the Sueng River Valley, about two hours drive from Luang Prabang.

Sitting on the back of a truck in the cool sunlight of a Wednesday morning on the way back to Luang, we think back to our six hour drive from Nong Khiaw to the community project crawling along the muddy roads with the rain coming down around us.

We spent five days sifting sand, mixing concrete and rendering the dormitory walls. Progress was slowed by some surprise rain and a brief thunderstorm which left the group playing cards and huddling together wrapped up in our beanies, thermals and fleeces; waiting for the rain to finish so we could launch ourselves back into work.

As well as working on the dormitories we were able to meet the people from the high school and share stories about how different our schools are. We were able to join a soccer game which resulted in a draw yet they insisted on a penalty shootout which we won! We used one of the soccer balls we were able to donate to the high school along with other books, stationary and sports equipment.

We also had the privilege of meeting the children at the primary school and playing games such as 'duck duck goose' to their delight while they taught us some of their local games. It also gave us the opportunity to donate some sports equipment and books.


When we weren't playing with the children or working off all that tasty Laos food on the dormitory we enjoyed some cold bamboo rafting, basket weaving and bathing in the Sueng River. The last night was spent at the high school disco where we witnessed traditional dancing from the three main groups in Laos; Hmong, Khmu, and Lao.

Every night was spent in our home stays with our host families, some groups enjoying the companies of some cheerful puppies called Steven, Monday, and Tuesday and a cat called Tiger. The home stays were usually compiled of a well built wooden structure with a squat toilet and bucket shower out the back. Despite the sound of it, the bucket showers were surprisingly quite satisfying, especially after a long day of hard work.

We are looking forward to another two days in Luang Prabang, venturing into some more night markets and hopefully seeing the early morning Monks Alms Procession 'Tak Bat' whilst we are there.

From the St Hilda's Laos girls (and Tom)!

P.s Parents! We will be arriving back in Perth on the 21st of December at 8am- sharp. Please don't forget us!