Paddy Harvesting Whoo

                                                                                              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. 

                 Minshara Sayer and I making our way through the muddy field- courtesy of Izzul Adi

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 :)

Reflections

After many attempts to get to a computer with internet, I can finally do my assignment! : )

Highlight of experience


I was pleasantly suprised that this video seemed to be similiar as almost a continuation of Daniel Quinn's Ishmael which i have recently read just a week ago. This documentary of the human population ruining the world's ecosystem doesn't sound "pleasant" though the highlight of my experience was knowing that all of the students are watching this video. When I finished Ishmael, I began to wonder on a daily basis, what can I do? where do I stand, and how can I make a difference. My classmates are intelligent people and many with wonderful leadership skills and it's comforting knowing that they are watching this film and have had their eyes opened to this catastophy caused by what many call a typical lifestyle early in life.

What aspect of the experience caused you the most anxiety?

The aspect that caused me the most anxiety would definitely be the information given regarding the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island who ruined their civilization. It was said that they had the tallest palm trees in the world but were cut down for lumber. I couldn't help but thinking, wow- how selfish of them to do such a thing but it is a possibility that they just weren't aware of the consiquences.It caused much anxiety for me because the possibility of the end of a 21st century civilization became more real and practical.  Fortunately, with advanced technology we are a civilization that can save itself. That is if we can all work together.
Was there any aspect of the experience that suprised you?

I was suprised over and over again throughout the film mainly having to do with agriculture. Water consumption, food, oil, and clean air sacrificed in extremely massive amounts in order for a small percentage of the population to make money made me sick. These resources can be used in countless other ways than to make some money and serve fillets at a dinner party.
What were the three most important things you learnt from this experience?

1. I learnt from the websites and links from the page that the world's youth is becoming increasingly interested in the environment.
2. I realized that just one person can make a single decision that will alter the lives of millions.
3. Oil isn't the only resource the earth is running out of.


Which aspects would you include in your future behaviour based on the learning from this experience

I know that one day I will have the ability to influence a lot of people who make important decisions. I now will work toward campaigning for mother earth as she has given so much to humans. I feel now like it is my duty as an appreciative human to give back and speak for the voiceless nurturer of our world.

Why Hello there and welcome to my blog =D

My name is Christine Hixenbaugh and I look forward to participating in the BEACA for 2010. I have always had an interest in environmental matters and can't wait to trek through the Borneo rainforest. It may sound like any other forest to Bruneians, but in fact, not many people get this opportunity. In my country, it would be considered a chance of a lifetime. So lets enjoy! ; )