Pre-Thailand Goals and Thoughts

      My name is Zach Bourgraf, I am a young college student embracing the risks that life provides. I have decided to start a blog to record my adventures this summer in Thailand (soon to be explained.) Before I start I must not only acknowledge a few things for myself, but also for the readers. My posts, comments, and ventures will be unorthodox. I intend to experience all that is offered no matter how vulgar, dangerous, or down right unmoral it is(don't worry I will be legally conscious.) I will not only experience but I will record (to a safe extent) and provide my self with a journal of life experiences to soon judge, mold, and rebuild myself to adapt with the ever progressing world.

     Through a gracious opportunity from YPOnextgen I was selected to venture to Chiang Rai, Thailand on May 5, 2013 for a 4 month internship with Hilltribe organics. Hilltribe Organics is a social enterprise producing high value organic agricultural products (mostly eggs) with the objective of uplifting the lives of rural hill tribe communities in Thailand. Myself and 5 other interns from around the world will be working with Hilltribe Organics building the supply chain with hotels along with creating marketing strategies. I have set Hilltribe Organics as my top priority but I cannot ignore the endless discoveries and adventures that a new country contains.

This is a visit to a model farm--What I can Expect

        Before I depart from the US to embark on my 4 month Journey to Chiang Rai I ask my self what goals and types of situational preparation should I engage in? I refuse to restrict what I may adventure to by creating a checklist prior to knowing what the city of Chiang Rai could offer. However, I do acknowledge that some preparation is always standard but I will only consider this check list a rough draft that outlines only my intentions and is heavily susceptible to changes.

• Mold with the Thai culture
• Try the most disgusting foods
• Live amongst the Hilltribe people
• Venture to "dark side of town" to gain perspective
• Learn and embrace the Thai language 
• Experience the geographical aspect of Chiang Rai

      In conclusion, as the days slowly disappear and my departure date creeps closer and closer I am eager for what this journey to begin. I look forward to my success and failures along with experiencing the Thai cultures food, alcohol, music, and norms. I will keep this blog updated every few days, thank you for reading and enjoy.