courtesy of the Borneo Bulletin website http://www.borneobulletin.com.bn/tue/oct19h36.htm
Location of experience: Wasan Paddy Field
Date of experience: October 15th, 2010
Highlight of experience
Students were called out Wasan paddy field to experience first-hand the process of harvest and learn a bit about Brunei’s newest export. After being told how to harvest the paddy and given a brief history of the product, we got to put the much talked about and intimidating sickle to work. Dressed in boots and hats, we worked together trudging through the deep mud to get to the uncut paddy and successfully filled our Curlew group large bag full of the stalks of paddy. After, we enjoyed curry puffs and refreshments together and learned about the different types of paddy from the person in charge.
What aspect of the experience caused you the most anxiety?
On the way to the fields, our group made a left instead of a right and our caravan ended up at the border. Unfortunately we were late to the field and missed the official briefing of history and harvesting directions but fortunately we were able to catch up efficiently as our group works well together ;)
Was there any aspect of the experience that surprised you?
I was most surprised at how beautiful the scenery was while harvesting. I thought it was going to be tough work and everyone was going to be filthy and sweaty. Instead, the atmosphere was laid back and the people helping us were very friendly which created a surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable environment.
What are the three most important things you learned from the experience?
1. I learned the process of harvesting paddy into rice
2. Harvesting the paddy takes teamwork- in my case specifically, to make sure I didn’t get stuck J
3. Advanced technology can harvest 1 acre /hr but me and my friends only harvested approximately 10x10 feet in 1 hour. – Manual Labor is slow but much more rewarding.
Which aspect would you include in your future behavior based on the learning from this experience?
Every time I look at another paddy or rice field when I go back to the states, I will remember this experience and the manual labor that is being practiced in other countries instead of technology. I will remember getting stuck in the mud with friends, the teamwork to get each other out, and the paddy harvest process. Since I was young driving with the family down the CA 5 freeway, I always gaze at the miles of fields wondering what it be like to step foot in a rice field. I now can tell other curious kids(and adults) who will ask me of my experience and will no longer wonder because I found my answer right here in Brunei :)
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