Welcome to the official blog for Raleigh India 12I | July - August 2012



Welcome to the Official Blog for Raleigh India 12J September - December 2012.



Thursday 8 April 2010

Trek Fit!


It is Jo here again and as promised I have returned from trekking  to show you the photographs and tell the much awaited stories from the Tango groups. I am pleased to say I survived and I had the most amazing time. What fantastic groups and I was bowled over by the mind blowing scenery. It was definitely worth all the hard work!

Tango 6 ........

Day one, ok, back packs on, first steps and cue the rain!  Rivers of water run down the mountains and we are given our first insight as to what the monsoon season will be like.  Below you can see Lauren enjoying the rain as it is a welcome break from the intense heat.



Although the novelty soon wears off and we are left drying our boots and kit around the camp fire later and we feel a little bit chilly for the first time in India. The first signs that this trek is not going to be a walk in the park!


The experience is beautifully summed up by Sam Downes who has kindly shared his poem with us all :-

There is a burden on the shoulders,
Kilograms of exhaustion,
Physical, mental,
Stressful and painful,
Yet still we must trek onwards,
Up Masapula, down through the rain.

Rations are tiny,
Our stomachs empty,
We push through the air.

But how fantastic the mountains we see,
The rivers, rocks, sights and stops,
People, parota,
Reward and chai,
Beauty is painful, worth every hurt?
No, time to live it, down through the rain.

Day 2 there is excitement in the air as we glance upwards at the intimidating and looming mountain that we are all about to climb. We have heard about the second highest peak outside of Himalaya's from the previous Tango 6 group.




Here it is in all its glory and it is hot again - marvellous!


Along the way the guides show us the Nilgiri Tahr which are the rare mountain goats on the verge of extinction and which are only found in Kerala. The goats are less than impressed by our intrusion and they continue to munch grass with not so much as a movement or blink of the eye to welcome us to the mountain. The guide also cannot hide his delight as he comes across a blooming, blue, kurinji flower. These flowers are special as they only flower once every 12 years and they are not supposed to bloom again until 2018. So to see a rather early flower is an additional treat to the blue hazy mountain that lies before us.

One foot in front of the other, feeling the burn, onwards for what seems like hours and eventually we make progress and finally we summit!



An euphoric photograph of the group as we conquer the mountain! It was tough but we were tougher on the day and it was a good result for us all.


You always forget that you need to leave a bit of energy for the downward stretch and the descent is not as spritely as we have been walking for 8 hours.  Our feet are throbbing, toe nails hit the front of our boots. This walking malarkey is becoming tiresome and challenging. We are told that if we make good time we can go to the tea factory so we have incentive to plough on despite our tired limbs and weary bodies under the strain of the increasing weight of our ruck sacks.



The tea plantations soften the pain and every time you lift your head to take in the vast beautiful surroundings it makes it all worthwhile.

 We make the tea factory and as fascinating as the production of the tea is, nothing is as sweet as  finishing the day with a nice cuppa!


Days 3 and 4......are spent at Lakeside but no shopping at this one only stunning scenery and bamboo races are on offer here!



Fierce competition as the girls take on the boys at building a raft and racing them to the otherside of the lake.

The girls set to work and are quick to make their raft.

The boys not as quick but are looking pretty.

A lot of hot air filling the boys tyres as the teams taunt each other as to who will be victorious!


So will it be the boys ....looking mean .........


Or will it be the girls .....looking demure...........


It's official the girls are better than the boys and despite all the hard rowing from the boys the girls make it to the otherside first. Well done the girls!



So sadly the time comes to leave Tango 6 and I will leave you with a photograph of the glamorous Tango 6 Project Managers.


Tango 7

The group are trekking through Kerala but they are doing the route in reverse to Tango 6 so they still have the big beast of a mountain to climb. They have however been trekking as much as 28 kilometres in one day so they have been walking just as hard.




Tango 7 want to impart some of their hard earned wisdom that they have gathered so far on their trek through Kerala.

Juliet:- When faced with 28k to walk in one day ...just keep talking

Annie:- Eat crushed up bourbons and condensed milk together to keep you going

Nick:- When nature calls use the trowel not your hands



Benn:- Use the map and jolly well man up

Bella:- Wear your high wasted shorts with pride and adopt a sturdy stick for the tough bits

Satish:- Sleep a lot!


Girish:- Just enjoy the mountains


Hattie :- Two snacks a day will keep hunger at bay

James H:- Do not open sweets with a sharp knife unless you want a bloody finger for the next 3 days

James B:- Go "au natural" under your lungi


Nevin:- Mosquitoes, leeches, cockroaches - I don't give a **** (read monkies) kill them all!


Alice:- Unlike Benn use every opportunity to wash, - wet wipes, ponds, bucket showers

Charles:- Carry less weight than the girls

Harry:- Just don't trek!!!

 As I now consider myself a seasoned trekker my advice would be....whatever nasty clothing is necessary and in the absence of being able to wear heels it is important to always make sure you have your sunnies to add some glamour to the occassion!

Tango 6 have also been treated to the amazing scenery and tea plantations ......



48 comments:

  1. Dear Annie,

    I am with Rosie, Becca, Camilla and Phoebe (its Aimee typing) in Rosie's apartment in Tel Aviv. We are thinking of you and miss you lots and lots- especially here. We've been relaxing on the beach and we're going to Namal tonight. Phoebe is a lobster (and has been here for less than 48 hours), Aimee is mixed race, Becca is still sane, Camilla is not, and Rosie is dealing with grandma issues. We hope you are having an amazing time, can't wait to speak to you. We'll have a drink for you tonight!

    lots of love,

    Aimee, Rosie, Becca, Phoebe and Camilla

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  2. Hi Claire,Tango 6
    Just read the blog with all the info of your trek,thank Jo for the wonderful photos and up date.It looks amazing but very hard work dad rather envious he would loved to have been with you!Sorry missed your call yesterday dad just got to the phone as it stopped ringing.We had the message lovely to hear you and so pleased you've received the parcel and letters.Rachel and Ian said they had contacted you on face book and filled you in on some news.I sent a letter on Tuesday 6th.Everyone fit and well here dad saw nan earlier and they are fine.Weather has been nice here the passed couple of days so managed to do some work in the garden however lots more to do!Going to meet Julie and Colin for food shortly Colin is going back to Bristol in the morning.Looking forward to speaking to you next week your flight has been changed!Missing you but so glad all is going well take care love you, love Mam and Dad xxxxxxxxx

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  3. Dhwani,

    D of E platinum u say !!!! way more than that ...... hope your o k and have no major injuries? how's your knee holding up ? see that you've got your knee support on!!! one more week and i'll have you home and i promise to let you sleep as long as you need............

    love you my child

    stay safe

    mum

    marcus and annabel both have posted a blog,


    more love

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  4. Megan Glassford9 April 2010 at 00:12

    SAMMYBEAR! :D

    I'm so proud of you, keep up the good work!
    Those photos had me in fits of laughter, apart from the one with the cigarette- STOP SMOKING SO MUCH! JEEZ! >:O I've written you another letter, I'll post it tomorrow and put in a few wee goodies for you.

    Your poem is lovely. Um, where's mine? :P I love you so much and I'll see you soon! :)

    Kisses and meows,

    Megan

    P.S. I'm 18! heh heh heh...

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  5. Hi David, fancy getting beat by the girls! looks as though it was enjoyable and a relief after the hard climb up the mountain, the views must have been worth it. The beard is growing on me....
    It felt like the first day of spring today with shoots popping out all over the place and the temp rising slowly. It was a beautiful sunrise this am, amazing to imagine you so far away seeing a different view of the sun and sunset.
    Hope you are all keeping well and have not gone down with any lurgies??
    To the Raleigh team, thanks for keeping us informed here at home

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  6. Darling Annie,
    So thrilled to know you're having such a great time.......continue to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience which we both look forward to hearing about when we're all back in U.K.
    we're also doing well and will tell you in detail.
    In the meantime, lots of love abd xxxs from G and G.

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  7. Thanks Anna for keeping us so well informed. It helps to know that our much-missed loved ones are so well looked after :-)

    Hey David (Smith) Echo 4

    Seeing the trek photos from the current phase makes me realise even more how fantastic it must have been for you. I hope you're enjoying this project just as much. It has been warmer here today (still only in the teens though, not the forties) and the sun has been shining which always makes things better. Tim Henman was in Earl Street yesterday - something to do with Robinsons - but no-one seemed to know he was there so he didn't have many visitors. He was also heavily camouflaged by the Lib Dem and Conservative balloons (and stands and supporters) gathered outside M&S as an instant reaction to the Election being called! Much Love
    Ma xxxx

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  8. Fantastic photos of Tango groups - amazing and have printed them for future albums. Am now really hoping for photos of Charlie groups. Is a bit of a lifeline as have not spoken to my venturer Theo since he left on 1st March.

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  9. Hi Nick,Great to see you smiling again on the blogg. The trek looks fab. How lucky you are to be able to see such wonderfull nature and beauty firsthand. I'm sure it must be very hard,but so worth it!Lots of love.Mum & Dadxxxxx

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  10. Is there a group photo for Tango 7 please !!!!!!

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  11. hey euan aka jay-k?!!!wow-wonderful pictures-thankyou all!nice posing too i may say!keep up the good work,happy trekking,xx

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  12. Hi Paula (Charlie 4)
    Just to give you an update. I was back for my hospital appointment today. More blood tests, examination & X-ray. They now think it is a brochial infection! But at last I have been prescibed antibiotics!!!! Also steroids - 6 of them before breakfast. My goodness my little pill box won't cope. Maybe I should have had all the injections you had before you went to India. Hope things are going well with you all.

    Love Auntie Ren
    PS Mark dipped in to your Ben & Jerry's - he said he deserved it he is 33 tomorrow!!

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  13. Benn - Rory passed unbelievable got 46 out of 50 truely a miracle.Heard you called Rory to pass on Birthday wishes well done but no idea where card has got to. I got mine Thanks. Almost ready for my trip 3 weeks a long time. Good to see some pictures of your current trek - seen any citrus ? Trust you are enjoying looks hard work in the heat. Have got you Wimbledon ticket if you are around. Take Care Love Mum,Dad,Rory and Mey. No news from Hannah which we take to be good news.

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  14. Annie Raff

    Bourbons and condensed milk-are you sure we're related?

    Dad

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  15. Hi Catriona Echo 5
    Lovely to see a big photo of you and lovely to hear from you. Michele posted a message on the last blog with all the details , hope you got it. I've just realised that I've booked you back on the wrong date. leaving the 29th instead of the 28th as you requested.Hopefully you will be able to build another day into your travel itinerary with your friends. Please send a message when you can. Keep enjoying yourself Love Mummy xxx

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  16. Thanks to Jo for this update.

    Message for Alice Maclennan Tango 7

    Great to see a photo of you stepping out and what words of wisdom!

    I hadn't realised until this blog that you were walking the same route as Tango 6. Does this mean your paths cross somewhere?

    I hope your blisters are getting better. Good Luck for the mighty ascent of the BIG mountain!

    Love you and miss you lots Mum x

    Keep

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  17. …Christina sales…(Echo 4)

    Hiya Chris, How is the new project going? Hope your doing well. There doesn't seem to be any info or update on echo 4s progress. So all i can do is wonder. I'm writing this at the same time trying to get ready for work. Have you received my letters? There should be one with some p's. Enjoy! Anyway just a quick message to let you know that you have not been forgotten b. Still missing ya. Gonna post another letter to you today so you should get that soon. Keep up the good work. Hope to hear from you soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

    Shahed x X x

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  18. Michelle Mcdonald9 April 2010 at 14:37

    Message for Lauren Mcdonald - hiya darling it was great speaking to you today it really made my day, the pictures on here look fantastic you look soooo well, india obviously is good for you. The scenery looks fantastic. And just goes to show girl power all the way with the rafting, bet those lads were gutted lol. Everyone here is fine and keeping well, baby ella loved her easter egg lol shame though I never got to see her eat it lol. Dont worry about money babe all sorted so you will not run out I will keep an eye on the account this end but will text you when you touch base with a balance, just spend spend spend lol I know how you love to do that. I hope your foot gets better please keep an eye on it though yea and a well deserved pedicure will be booked for when you get home. I hope you get your parcel ok shame about those letters I will check and make sure they have the right address. Anyway take care darling, look after that foot and I will talk to you when you touch base. As always keep safe and stay strong, you look fantastic, love you mil's big hugs mum, dad, nats and shelby and big loud woof from layla xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  19. (Tango 7)
    Wag1 Neven, It's Dana. Just thought I should write to you to see how your doing. Me and Mum are In Gormera Missing you loads! It's so weird without you here. No loud Music. No lOADS of your friends here. No arugments Over nothing, No Not sharing the Laptop, No Neven. I can't wait to see you. Once you get back me and you should have A nice Hair Cut like what we did last time. All you friends are missing you too. Mostly Jacob. When i'm in school he always asks when your Back and says He's missing you Bare. Neven Anytime I said I hated you I take it back becuase you not here has made me realise how much I love you.

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  20. Jo Jo,
    I am jealous. It looks AMAZING. Your blog is fab fab. I love the fact you still have your gorgeous sunglasses - don't lose them. Was it half a day we spent negotiating for those babies! Please come home soon. We all miss you including The Albion and Park Bar! To make you feel better I am sat in the office at my desk doing boring work - how dull.
    Philly
    xxxxxxxx

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  21. Michelle Mcdonald9 April 2010 at 16:40

    Message for Lauren Mcdonald. Hiya babe mum again, lol, between writing the earlier post and now the mail has finally arrived and your lovely letter has arrived (well you know what the post is like here). I loved reading every word of it and how you went from being really homesick and wanting to come home to really enjoying it and having a fantastic time was brill to read, it was a letter well worth the wait, and reading through the stages made me cry and then laugh (well you know what a soppy thing I am). Thank you also for enclosing your first report and team messages I can proudly sit back and say I did a blooming good job lol. Ah well babe just wanted to let you know I have got your letter, oh and I love the little badge, so true what they say. Not sure if Im keen on the nick name though you will only ever be loopy lou to me. Love you lots take care, mum xxxxx

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  22. For Kat - tango 6

    Hey you!

    Is that you in the red t-shirt in the first photo? You're looking a bit lonesome! But I like the ones at the top of the mountain. Well done for beating the boys in the boat race - I bet you were really competitive! I miss you. Looking forward to speaking again when you're back at base camp.
    Love, Tom xxxxxx

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  23. hey annie - missing you and flora, you are both so adventurous. your mum looks great (must be the waccy tea i just gave her). looking forward to seeing you and hearing all about it. we'll have to do a reunion sometime in the summer. xx donna

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  24. Message for Paula Brocki (Charlie 4)
    Hey Sweetheart,
    I am back with my trusty lap top, all fixed lol.
    Hope everything is going well and you are ok.
    The weekend has arrived again and looking forward to it as always. Hairdressers tomorrow and then some gardening i think as the weather is supposed to be good this weekend.
    Just a short note and will message again tomorrow. Sos it is short but Harry Potter on TV and although i have seen them loads enjoy watching them. So take Care love you always.
    love Mummybear
    xxx

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  25. CHARLES SALMON - TANGO 7

    Hey Charles,
    Great speaking to you today. As you know we are still in Aldeburgh where we will be for another week! We are muchly awaiting the arrival of Barbar on Monday.

    I went into the ice cream parlour yesterday and the man asked all about you!!!!!! He says he is looking forward to seeing you in the Summer!

    Jack Wills had an event on Monday night, 10% off plus we got a goodie bag which consisted of a free t-shirt! I went with Vanessa and we were about the oldest there, lol!!!!!!

    Hope all carries on well, enjoy the last three days of the trek. Can't say I'm jealous but I think you are all doing amazingly!!!!!

    Lots of love Sophie xx

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  26. Juliet C-W:

    Keep on trekking!!! Don't let the body influence the mind, and don't let the mind influence the body. (Samurai training.)
    Love you,
    Mort & Nana
    -

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  27. Hi Nev its your mother. Are they feeding you? No seriously are you eating enough I mean my God if you're treking 28 kms a day you need food inside you.
    Ok enough embarassing motherly concern, news here is that we have started the process of renovating the house in Gomera. So hopefully by August we can start the arduous task of demolishing and rebuilding. Its high up on a hill and only reached by a donkey track so bringing materials up is hard work. I'm hoping that you are up to volunteer your services and if this sounds like something that any of your friends might enjoy then the more the merrier.
    We are back to London on Monday and then I am coming back here to Gomera on Sunday to finish the paperwork etc.
    Things feel good right now only missing you but I know you are having a once in a lifetime experience so things are good.
    It was so nice to speak to you and to hear your voice, I am very proud of you and I love you x

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  28. For Dhawani Soni - Tango 6

    Hi Dhwani,
    Read your trek blog from here in San Francisco. Hang in there. Good to see you. I get back to Bangalore on the 16th. Look forward to seeing you soon. Love. Papa

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  29. for katherine mammone! TANGO 6

    hello baby hehe nice to see some pics of you!! that trek sounded like a mission i bet you r getting a well toned bum!!:) hehe miss you loads, keep well em xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  30. Message for Harry (Tango 7)

    Wherever you are we hope you have a very happy birthday on the 12th. I'm sure you will remember this one above all others. Trek looks pretty full on and hope the bandage on your knee doesn't suggest that you are too much pain. If it all gets really tough, just remember Jess did it in Costa Rica even though she wanted to call in the helicopter.

    We've rather lost track of when you get back to base camp before starting on your final Echo venture but I bet you're looking forward to it.

    It would be great to see some more photos of Tango 7 on the blog - you seem to have been slightly short-changed and a group shot would be great.

    I'm off down to London tonight for a busy week ans hope that Mummy is coming down for a few days - the weather is picking up - 18 degrees in Edinburgh today.

    I hope you have a good birthday - let us know if there is anything you need and if you can give Mummy a call at home.

    Lots of love from all of us - stay safe and contact us if you can

    M&Dxxxx

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  31. hi euan,hows it going?hope alls well.have you all recovered from the rains?mustve been a relief at first.ali at cricket this morn.hes been on a sleepover couple of nights staying in a tent.weather been great. rob been on sleeping over too so all having a good holiday.dads off to manchester then oxford next week.have you heard any more about london?thinking of you and all send our love to you,lots of love,mumxxxxx

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  32. Kat Mammone Tango 6
    Some of the photos are too far away to make you out, but looks like your having a great time. Mum was pleased to get your phone call shame I wasnt here.
    Good result on the raft race but you never were one to be beaten by the boys!!!!!
    Have you crossed paths with Tango7 yet and picked up all their info & experiences?

    Alls well here Old Folks are ok,took them all out to Netherfield on Good Friday,they all wanted to hear about your exploits have printed bits for them from the blogs.

    No news on the house yet had the odd viewing but no offers, well none worth considering.

    Jo's gone back to Uni now but Chris is still here for another week (or so)havent heard from Pat lately so he must be ok.

    Grandad T is coming out to watch Spurs beat Portsmouth this afternoon so will show all your updates to him then.

    Hope the blisters have healed up and the boots are worn in,keep on trekking!!!

    Love and miss you Mum & Dad XXXXXXX

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  33. kat mammone
    this all sounds amazing but really hard work, very proud of you as its not your normal type of pass time! haha!
    sorry i've not emailed for a while, i've just had the busiest but most awesome weekend in a long time. had 15 (i think) people staying in our house, and went out to the best place in london and it was the last time the event is taking place so was very sad!!!
    nearly finished my essay on india, taken quite a few days off though so far!
    don't know if you've heard but i somehow volunteered myself to make emma's wedding cakes so myself emily and another of emma's friends are making 120 cupcakes the day before her wedding. wanna help?! we had a practice the other day and they actually turned out ok. quite impressed really!
    what do your next three weeks entail then?! found out yet?!
    soooooooo looking forward to having you back.
    love you lots
    Jo
    x x x x

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  34. to Dhwani Soni

    hey baby doll, got into mumbai today !!! impatiently waiting for you now!!! last few days of your trek .......... call me as soon as you get to field base have sent out a parcel to you with a toiletries and a few clothes to keep you going till you reach bombay, have locally couriered it so should be waiting for you when you reach Mysore....... love you and as always love you more

    mum

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  35. Hi Lowenna, have been following the blog about the trek, it all looks amazing, makes my daily bike ride and walk around Storridge with Fizzy look tame! Saw your picture on the blog ,I guess you must be coming up to the big mountain so good luck, with all those tea plantations perhaps someone will offer you a cuppa! At least you can look forward to a nice bucket shower at base camp when you get back. Have sent the things you requested, hopefully they will be there for you when you get back to camp.
    lots of love Mum ,Dad Jess Freya and FIzzy and Molly XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  36. Hi Harriet (Jones) Tango 6
    It was great talking to you on facebook Saturday - what are the chances?! Glad to hear all's going good except for errant mosquito - or was it an earwig? Irony of this missed at the time. Anyway, hope that your ears are now OK.
    When you have made your mind up about extending travel plans, let me know the date and I will do my best to change your flight. Would you be changing airport too? I can't do much until you've made your decision, so let me know. And are you OK money wise?
    You seem to be coping well with the trekking you little hero. I wonder if you're nearly done - lost all track since returning from hols I'm afraid. Loved the last blog with your trekking update and pictures by the way - where did those sandals come from?
    Back at work today..... can't get enthusiastic but I'm sure my mojo will return at some point.
    Love you lots
    Mum xxxx

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  37. To Lauren McDonald - Tango 6

    Hi Lou
    Lovely to see the pics and read the blog of your latest experience. I can actually see you clearly this time. You look really well and nice and brown. Mum says you are having a fine old time - I'm very glad to hear it. I hear you have foot trouble - can understand this with all that walking - hope not too painful, but take good care. It won't be long now before you're home. Looking forward to that, but also looking forward to seeing more pics and reading more blogs before then. Shelby now officially a teenager - funny, feels like she's been one for years!!!!!!!
    Will sign off for now, am sending lots of lovexxxxxxxxxx Nanny Joan.

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  38. hi euan,hope alls going well.robin has mislaid his ipod password-help.he cant connect it to the internet...love mumxx

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  39. CHARLES SALMON TANGO 7
    Hello Charles,
    Since you've been away Daniel has a new football team. He went on Sunday with uni friends to watch Portsmouth beat Spurs at Wembley in the FA Cup semi. He also went on Saturday and saw Chelsea reach the final. We wonder who he'll support for the final.
    Yesterday Toby's tennis rating went up to an 8.1. He is very pleased. Toby goes back to school on Tuesday, his study leave starts in the middle of May.
    We enjoy reading all your news on the blog. It sounds a tough trek, lucky you are fit.
    Simon, Daniel and Toby join in sending their love. Love Caroline

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  40. To Tango Tiger - Harriet Jones

    Hiya Tiger, all you need now are a some stripes, a tail and a few whiskers and you could disappear off into those tea plantations, lick your paws, and watch the world go by. Mum says you're going to Everest next - fantastic - or did she say you're going to have a rest next? Either way, I hope it goes well. I like that big stick you were trekking with - no, not your group leader, but the wooden one in the blog photo - I'll have that as a souvenir if you can get it through customs (and the termites don't eat it first). It looks just like the one I threw into the sea off Margate pier 50 years ago - it's amazing where these things resurface. Speaking of sea, Unc Geoff is chasing wily whales around the Outer Hebrides and Toby has got a very runny nose. So, I hope the Raleighs are teaching you lots about India - I'll have a test ready for you for when you get back - here's a practice question to get your brain in gear - what kind of animal is a Bombay Duck? Or, perhaps something a little more difficult: what is the capital of Karnataka? (Even I don't know that one, it has to be said.) Film night tonight - apparently it's a really depressing one - for a change! - you know, the sort where you think afterwards: 'Well, I thought my life was rubbish, but...' What else? Cider on Fridee, snakes on Saturdee, and china on Sundee. It's all go. And so are you!! Keep it up, two, three, four. Which reminds me: What's the name of the tiger in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book - trick question - nothing to do with Disney. Purr for now. Dee.

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  41. Message for James Brown Tango 7.Ash from a volcanic eruption in Iceland has brought all air flights to a standstill today. Missing you - yesterday was a disaster. 1- broke the oven door whilst attempting to clean it so cant use it until it is mended! 2- washing machine literally exploded in the afternoon. 3- Millie spent all day making a complicated cheese cake. dad came home at 9.30 just as she was transferring it to the fridge and she promptly dropped it all over the kitchen floor.4- the hoover has broken but I have managed to make a few repairs so it will last a little longer. 5- have accidentally thrown out Millies boots whilst spring cleaning the enormous cupboard! BUT on the good side we are all booked up for Archies christening- we shall be staying in Montagnac near Pezenas and doing 2 nights in Paris beforehand. Re the summer have 2 weeks booked in Uzes (lots of space for friends!!) and Kerry is trying to book her neighbours house for the first week.Dads birthday next week - wants to wait till you come home before celebrating!! Angus taking him through to Glasgow to see the ....buttons instead. We are having to change all the cars - dad going for something natty so will sell the Saab and buy a second hand Golf so you can all learn to drive with me !!!! Just off to get Millies kilt shortened before she goes back to school. Lots and lots of love, Mum.

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  42. Hi Bella!

    Love the high-waisted shorts, which are worthy of your ex-school teacher Madame X!

    Lots of love
    Mum
    xxx

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  43. Wee H (Swinton)

    Queen of the slugs and I (anonymous) hope you had a great birthday. You are looking particularly fetching in your trekking gear, although your knee looks very soar :(
    All is well here, we had Mary-Lesie and Jackie to stay this week which was entertaining. Katherine of Arragon is as twitchy as ever. I am off to the burg tomorrow for some relaxation. Please give us a tinkle when you get back from your trek...you must be finnished pretty soon....woo hoo!

    From

    Your sis

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  44. LARA MONTIJN Tango 7

    Hoorde net jouw berichtje op mijn antwoordapparaat - zo jammer dat het niet is gelukt elkaar even aan de telefoon te krijgen, lieverdje. Ook jouw berichtje op mijn voicemail heb ik natuurlijk gehoord - en ik heb smsjes gestuurd.. Heb ook geen idee of dit bij je aankomt - ik heb al eerder iets geschreven. Dus je zit in Tango 7 nu en je bent aan het trekken. O, wat lijkt me dat vreselijk zwaar en vermoeiend. Je zult wel eens denken dat 't mooi geweest is; en sowieso zou ik zelf af en toe flink verlangen naar huis. Maar jij kunt je goed aanpassen en sterk zijn, dus het gaat je vast lukken. Ik ben trots op je als ik aan je denk, en dat doe ik nogal eens :-) Misschien best wel goed dat je de Salamanca ervaring al hebt, denk ik. Ik kom net terug uit Italie, waar ik 4 heerlijke dagen had met Rinske: Venetie en Bologna. Een concert, twee musea, cocktails op de Johns Hopkins universiteit, leuk etentje met at JH alumni, vanochtend in de heuvels buiten Bologna met eindelijk ook een lekker zonnetje. Blijkt een gek mens die R..
    Morgen (maandag) even uitslapen en dan naar kantoor - ook wel weer leuk. Nou aapje, sterkte ermee, take care, neem je indrukken mee en geniet zoveel als je kunt. Ik verheug me op moederdag als je weer hier bent!! Hou van je, zoen, pappa

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  45. LARA - Tango 7

    Gisteren hoorde ik van mamma over jouw verwonding - wat een narigheid zeg! Als 't nu maar weer beter gaat, en je er geen pijn aan hebt of andere last. Ontzettend vervelend voor je - je hebt er vast ook slecht door geslapen, waardoor je moe werd temidden van die inspanningen die van je worden gevraagd. Is er goed voor je gezorgd?

    Ik was gisteren op uitnodiging van Marc a Campo in de Oude Kerk in Amsterdam, voor de opening van World Press Photo en een concert. Met R en nog andere vrienden van Marc en Karen, waaronder Maartje. Erg leuk. Zo zijn er telkens weer aardige ' events' op de een of andere manier.. Vrijdag a.s. is koninginnedag, en ik denk dat ik 's-avonds in Eefde ga eten (sterfdag van opa). Maarten c.s. en tante Ton (tweelingzusje van opa as you know) zijn daar ook. Marc zit in het bestuur van de Oranjevereniging in Gorssel, en die organiseren van alles - zal wel gezellig zijn. Komende week is 't schoolvakantie - gek idee dat dat mij niet meer regardeert!

    Vandaag voor 't eerst weer met open dakje naar kantoor gereden - lekker gevoel. Met Laurens had ik vorige week ook het dakje van R eraf gehaald; dat staat nu ook in onze garage, wel gezellig:-) Ik had over haar trouwens per ongeluk 'blijkt een gek mens' geschreven; ik bedoelde ' blijft' .. Enfin, ik zorg goed voor jouw auto, hoor:-) o ja, en voor haar, vind ik (heel veel liefs, zij had je zo graag even gesproken).

    Laurens gaat zich inschrijven voor Rechten; wil nog wel even met hem overleggen. Sneu dat hij z'n examen voor de KLS niet heeft gehaald; maar misschien toch beter en leuker zo.

    Hebben jullie iets gemerkt of gehoord van die opstandjes van Maoisten verder naar het noorden? Wellicht niet. Ik ben vreselijk benieuwd te horen wat je allemaal meemaakt daar. Nog maar 10 dagen, Gott sei Dank.

    Tot de volgende keer liefje. Zoen, pappa

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  46. For Sophie Hatcher Tango 7
    Hi Sophie,
    Have just looked at the pictures of Kerala and your trek looks quite something.
    Have distributed pictures of you from the blog far and wide including to Granny and Grandpa. You look as though you are having a great time.
    Am going to Oxford on Friday for a talk on Gerald Manley Hopkins. Will see Simon Price while I am there and get him to autograph the book he has written which has just been published.
    Am looking forward tothe Bank holiday weekend. Daddy has been to Newcastle this week and is back later tonight.
    Much love M,D and Tiger

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  47. For Rachel Hard Charlie 3, hi Rachel, hope you are okay and still enjoying the project. You are missing Bigot gate here : gordon Brown left a political meeting with his mike on, without realising and broadcast his opinion of a pensioner he had met, that she was a bigoted woman. As you can imagine there has been a media frenzy, poor man! Bank holiday weekend here and not long til you come home now. The weather has been beautiful, hot and sunny, but of course, now its bank holiday, the clouds and rain have arrived. Am planning to do lots of sleeping and maybe a walk on the hills between downpours. This evening am seeing the Kings singers with group of chapter 8 friends. Mark and Fiona know them so we might get a dressing room invitation to meet them after the concert. May not be able to stop Lara making a banner for the Heathrow welcome party : promise I have tried! Love you everso much darling girl,
    Mum xxxxx

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  48. LARA - Tango 7

    Ha lieverdje, hoe is 't ? Ik kan op de site niet volgen waar jullie zijn - wellicht over een paar dagen terug op het basiskamp; bijkomen en dan terug. Over een week ben je er weer :-) :-) :-) Ik was afgelopen vrijdag (koninginnedag) en gisteren bij oma; vandaag eerst naar de Dominicuskerk in A'dam waar Maartje een soort preek gaf (over De Moed om Bescheiden te Zijn..); daarna wat gegeten met nog wat mensen, en toen naar een galerie waar ik Jan Montijn en zijn vrouw en dochter weer ontmoette. Heb ook een klein etsje van M gekocht, misschien een verjaardagscadeau voor R. Je moet wat zon meenemen; 't is hier echt nat en koud. Nou luv, veel sterkte met de laatste dagen! Misschien kun je voordat je terugvliegt ergens een telefoontje met wat pre-pay kopen; kijk maar. xx pappa

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