Travel notes from around the world

I was fortunate enough to be part of a journey that took 38 refugee kids to see the sea for the first time. On the last day as we said our goodbyes every single child bowed, some crying, others holding it in; they wanted to show their gratitude, yet it was thanks to them that 8 adults were able to be children again.

We left Sangkhlaburi on a flatbed lorry fully loaded with clothes, blankets, toys, food, 38 kids, 8 adults and a washing machine. Over the next two days the lorry's flatbed would work as bed and playroom, sometimes simultaneously. The raggedy blankets were extremely useful in protecting us from the pouring rain. The smell of slumber, two day sweat and wet blankets mixed with dirt and crumbs was with us long after we reached Ko Lanta.

As we were arriving the older kids started to get impatient. They spotted a lake, 'is that the ocean?' they asked. Jesse laughed and repeated once more that the ocean was very, very big. The eldest eyed her suspiciously, then looked back at the lake, then at her again. ' That's pretty big...'

I was sitting next to a 9 year old on the day they had their first hamburger and I don't remember ever enjoying a meal as much as he did. He stuffed his face, smiling the entire time, I'm not even sure if he was chewing or just swallowing after one bite or two. Every time I looked he had more ketchup on his cheeks and chin. Pieces of lettuce glued to his fingers. After his 2nd I offered him my remaining half, he wiped his face with the back of his hand, and took it slowly from my hands, a mischievous look on him.

Someone announced there was ice cream for dessert. There was a huge commotion. Their enthusiasm was so contagious that I found myself screaming as well.

Behind me on the queue for dessert Jesse whispered, 'I'm so excited!It's like I've never had ice cream before!' I smiled back at her, at the line of eager eyes, big smiles and bigger hearts and I nodded in agreement. 'And we haven't. Not really.'