The Bario Experience

My batch mates; the people I spent my everyday with. 

There are so many things that can be said about the Bario experience. But one of the things I'm immensely grateful for would be to have gone to Bario under/with Project WHEE.

While we were in Bario, we came across a couple of tourists who were there for a couple of days, and it was obvious that the only people the tourists interacted with were the people in their homestays and their guides. No doubt the villagers were immensely welcoming and friendly, but it simply wasn't the same being a tourist in Bario and being there with Project WHEE. Through Project WHEE, I was able to experience so much more of Bario, as opposed to only being able to experience it as a place. I got to experience its community, its people, and to truly understand what their daily life is like. To me, Bario is so much more than just a place.

I honestly believe that Bario wouldn't have been as amazing if it weren't for the activities we had. The talk series were really eye-opening and allowed me to broaden my understanding and get a glimpse into the issues faced by the Kelabits. It made me realize how little I truly know about the world, and how real the problems faced by traditional farmers were. The farming, trekking and hiking allowed me to challenge my own capabilities, and I learned more about myself as well. Activities such as beauty sessions and cultural night really brought the team together, and it was lovely seeing all the Tepuqs enjoying themselves. If it weren't for these activities, I don't think I would've been able to form the relationships I did or have such a deep appreciation for the Kelabit culture.

However, aside from forming close relationships with the Tepuqs and the people of Bario, I also formed close relationships with my batch mates. Experiencing Bario isn't something that can be put into words, and I'm grateful to have shared this life-changing experience with my batch mates; its comforting- to have people who understand. It was the simple things such as brushing our teeth together, saying prayers before meals, and having all our meals together that made me so fond of my batch mates. Who else would I compare insect bites with?

One of the things I found to be really surprising though - was how much I enjoyed not having any internet connection. Before going to Bario I braced myself for the frustration I'd endure with having little to no internet connection. Initially, it was pretty strange not having any internet connection. I'd reach for my phone out of sheer habit before realizing, there was nothing to check. However, as the days passed, I found it to be oddly peaceful and comforting. There was simply no need to check in with the world because for that ten days, Bario and its inhabitants were my world.

Not having any internet caused us to interact more with the people around us, and made us more proactive in looking for things to do. During our rest time, my batch mates and I would bond over things we wouldn't usually practice in the city, like jamming and just spending undiluted quality time together. It was refreshing, and it taught me the importance of giving my full attention to the people and things around me.

The Bario experience was a lovely one, and it simply wouldn't have been the same without Project WHEE and my fellow batch mates.