“I have learned what I want to do in my life: travel helping others!”

joan martinez He is 22 years old, is from Badalona and is a radiotherapy technician. She had always dreamed of traveling in solidarity, but had not done so for fear of not being able to communicate in English. A month ago, she put aside her fears and traveled to Thailand to collaborate with an elephant sanctuary protected. “The feeling of tranquility that this place transmits is indescribable,” he tells us.

Why did you choose to make a solidarity trip to Thailand?

My desire to do some volunteering began at the beginning of 2016, with the refugee crisis. I felt that I wanted to help. The problem? I was not comfortable with my level of English. I thought that without an adequate level of English I would not be able to help. But The time has come to stop that fear and do what you really wanted.. I started looking for volunteers on the Internet until I found the "Solidarity Trip in Thailand with Elephants” offered by Tumaini. Without thinking, I reserved my place. I have always been a lover of nature and animals, and Thailand was on my list of countries to see before I die.                  

How was the arrival to the project?

I arrived at the elephant sanctuary with a mixture of nerves: It was my first time traveling alone! In addition, I really wanted to see everything and meet the animals and people who lived in the park. I was amazed by the beauty of the place: wooden buildings surrounded by vegetation, mountains and nature. Also, there were hundreds of animals running around! It was like being in a "Jurassic Park" movie. but changing the dinosaurs for elephants, dogs, cats and buffaloes.

How has your relationship with elephants been?

Very good, although we could only get close to certain elephants when they allowed us to, of course. Despite being used to people, they are still wild animals. It seems appropriate, since the goal of the shelter is to rehabilitate these animals so that one day they can return to their natural habitat. If you accustom these elephants to contact with people, it will be a more expensive process. In the project you see the elephants almost daily throughout the two weeks, so you end up loving them.

What do you know now about Thailand that you didn't know before your trip?

I have learned some customs and some basic words. In addition, I have known its gastronomy, which is delicious! As for the elephants, I have lived with them, so I know some of their daily habits. Besides, I have become aware of tourism with animals and its consequences. It is something that we should all know and I am going to spread it as widely as possible through my social networks and my acquaintances.

What was the atmosphere like on the project?

I was worried about the language issue, but my fear turned out to be nonsense and I was able to communicate in English without problems. I met two different groups of volunteers and the atmosphere was great with both. The relationship with the group from the first week was closer to such an extent that to this day I can call some of them friends. I was also lucky enough to coincide during the two weeks with two girls who also went alone and we got along very well.

In the photo: group of volunteers from the first week

*In the photo: group of volunteers from the second week

With the rest of the project staff, everything is great, since they are very friendly and fun and help you in everything they can.

How did you handle living in the sanctuary, surrounded by nature?

He had never had the opportunity to live surrounded by nature for so long and he didn't know how he was going to handle it. But from the first day I loved the place. Not only the landscape but also being surrounded by incredible animals and people. I think that everyone should, at least once in their life, live this experience. Because the feeling of tranquility that a place like this gives you is indescribable. I loved getting up and having one of the dogs say good morning to you on the way to breakfast. I miss! Not to mention having breakfast watching the elephants go by in an incredible landscape.

How has the return been? 

A bit tired and long, since I had a layover in Beijing for 20 hours. The good thing is that I took the opportunity to see part of the Chinese Wall. Already in Badalona, the landscape and the tranquility of the project are missed. The first day at home I was already overwhelmed by the rush here for anything! I have one thing clear: in the future I will return to this incredible place and hopefully with some of the colleagues with whom I shared this experience.

Has this trip changed your life?

Yes! It has opened my eyes to aspects such as animal abuse and in the care that animals such as elephants deserve. In addition, I have improved my English, my photography and I have learned to travel alone. Also, I have learned that what I really want to do in my life is to travel helping others.

John I travel to Thailand at March 2017.