My last experience in the small northern town of Chiang Rai was definitely my most memorable of the trip so far. Yesterday, we visited Chianrai Rajabhat University. We were immediately greeted so graciously by the kind staff and student tour guides at the college. After a few minutes of brief orientation, my classmates and I were able to separate from the adults and go on a little adventure with the student tour guides. We even got to ride on the back of their motorcycles… which in my opinion is BY FAR the best mode of transportation ever! We saw some great sights on this beautiful campus, but my favorite part was just being able to hang out with people our own age from a different country and relate with them while holding great conversations in English. Specifically, I got to know my tour guide very well. It was so much fun we even got together with them later that night to hang out by the pool of our hotel and at a club in downtown Chiang Rai!
Before that, however, the University held a small party in our honor which took place outside. A feast of champions was prepared for us. There was also local music performed live and a variety of dance numbers. The two schools became permanently united that night in a way that was so special and sincere. I will never forget the friends I made at CRU!! The unification was even symbolized with the lighting of lanterns at the end of the evening. Overall, it was a touching and memorable experience that I will probably cherish for the rest of my life. I can only hope that I will see my new Thai friends again someday (perhaps even in Minnesota 🙂 ).