By Sarita Tam
5:05am and all the girls (even the ones who aren't going trekking) are awoken by a loud clanging of metal on concrete floor as Arya comically bumps into and topples over what I could only make out to be a metal cooker. Alpha Three then quickly organise themselves and their kit in record time and congregate in the dining area, ready to board their bus and commence their long journey to Kerala. Gradually more and more of the other sleepy venturers follow them into the Dining Room to see them off and some tears were shed. Particularly by several members of the original Alpha Two group, [cough] Frit and Christina [cough].
5:05am and all the girls (even the ones who aren't going trekking) are awoken by a loud clanging of metal on concrete floor as Arya comically bumps into and topples over what I could only make out to be a metal cooker. Alpha Three then quickly organise themselves and their kit in record time and congregate in the dining area, ready to board their bus and commence their long journey to Kerala. Gradually more and more of the other sleepy venturers follow them into the Dining Room to see them off and some tears were shed. Particularly by several members of the original Alpha Two group, [cough] Frit and Christina [cough].
Once Alpha Three have departed, Fieldbase is unusually quiet as the other two groups begin to prepare for their departures also. Breakfast was LOVELY! Omelette seems to be a real winner with everyone here.
Finally, at approximately 9:15am, Alpha One and Two begin to load their kit onto the buses and say their goodbyes to fellow venturers, as do the staff. And then, they were off to their community and environmental projects.
Unfortunately today, three of our venturers are leaving after completing their four weeks here with Raleigh, as part of a shorter version of the expedition. Myself (Sarita Tam), Julia Vandoone and Chris Dravers.
Here is a message to the original Alpha Two group from "Fishy" and "The Machine" (Sarita and Julia):
Finally, at approximately 9:15am, Alpha One and Two begin to load their kit onto the buses and say their goodbyes to fellow venturers, as do the staff. And then, they were off to their community and environmental projects.
Unfortunately today, three of our venturers are leaving after completing their four weeks here with Raleigh, as part of a shorter version of the expedition. Myself (Sarita Tam), Julia Vandoone and Chris Dravers.
Here is a message to the original Alpha Two group from "Fishy" and "The Machine" (Sarita and Julia):
WINNERS! "Because losing is not an option".
We had an awesome time with each and every one of you guys. Lap up this Raleigh experience and have the time of your lives. There will never be another group for us like Alpha Two. Love you all. Stay in touch. Love, love, love. xxx
P.S. See you guys out there on the backwaters in my Party House Boat - from Jules.
Message to the original Alpha One from Chris:
I haven't even left yet and I'm already writing you a message! Very strange with no one at Fieldbase, but I've finally got a bus ticket, so heading South tonight! Thanks for an amazing few weeks and good luck with the rest of Raleigh. I will keep checking the blog and let you know how I get on. Hopefully see you all for the Guernsey rave this Summer.
Love to everyone, Chris
P.S. Please keep up the rebellage (you know who this applies to)
Our groups will all be arriving at their sites later today. We will be continuing to keep you all updated with the news from our Alpha groups throughout Phase Two here on the blog, so keep checking here and posting your messages for them.
BABE! looking good hun, klinkt allemaal erg spannend en interesting. Hope you're having heaps of fun in the indian wildernis and ik mis je heel erg.Veel liefs en biggest kisses, duuc
ReplyDeleteJib
ReplyDeleteRebellage sounds like one of yours Jib.
Hope you have a Brill Trek, Im sure you will.
Loved the letter. More enroute to you.
Was great to speak to you and look forward to hearing all about the trek when you get back again.
It sounds great fun judging by all the comments and piccies.
We are going to upgrade our Webcam so we can skype you in OZ without it looking like it is underwater.
Happy Trekking
Tons of Love
Dad xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Alice,
ReplyDeleteYou look like a natural in that canoe. I wasn't aware that you'd done it before, but what do I know?
Mum's been to Bath (via Tetbury) to watch Lucy in the Abbey there. By all accounts it went very well, but they left very early this morning to get Lucy back to Uni for a rehearsal for the Boyfriend. Mum's got a cold and feeling very tired.
I bought a travel book yesterday about Southern India. You'll have to show us where precisely you've been. Did you see any elephants?
Ta ta for now,
Love Dad
xxx
For Georgia
ReplyDeleteHallo my darling! I rang to see how you are this morning and because I couldn't get through on your phone, I spoke to Dr Newman who told me they had just dropped you off at the Nagarhole Nat Park. That was quick! She told me there's no reception there and you had to leave your phone. I am SO pleased you are recovering so well - just don't overdo it, it'll take a few days to get your strength back. A big thank you from all of us to the brilliant medical team for looking after you so well and to all the staff for being so kind! Daddy is back tomorrow but have kept him updated, he was so worried. Emily and I have been shopping today for her ski clothes...it was fun and we got some really cool stuff! She's off on Saturday and I really can't believe its her 21st in 9 days! You'll now both be away for your birthdays. I gave Waffle a bath last night (at last!) she is SO fluffy and looks really adorable but is still driving us all mad by barking at her reflection! I know you can't let me know how you're feeling but I will just keep checking for news of you on the blog. Keep well and look out for those elephants! Love you masses, more than...........?!! Hugs & kisses Mummy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hooi Bruno,
ReplyDeleteHeb je al veél olifanten gezien?
Je moet nu toch greppels herstellen voor olifanten'? Is het moeilijk/zwaar? Ik ben zaterdag gaan hockeyen tegen Roomburg C1 en we hebben 1-1 gespeeld! Daarna zijn we gaan bowlen bij Sportcity in Leiderdorp, het was wel leuk! Ik tijdens de wedstrijd een soort kramp/steek in mijn rechterzij. Toen ik thuis kwam deed het superveel pijn en zijn we de volgende dag (zondag) naar de dokterspost gegaan. Wij dachten dat het misschien een blinde darm ontsteking was, omdat je dan ook een soort steek in je rechterzij hebt, maar we wisten het natuurlijk niet zeker. De dokter zij dat ik (het klinkt raar??) gevoelige darmen had, en dat hij verder nog niet dacht dat het een blinde darm ontsteking was, maar dat kon het nog wel worde : -(
Eigelijk had ik nu op de fiets moeten zitten naar school, maar ik ik heb nog last , dus blijf thuis!
Met Baloe gaat alles goed!
Over 2 weken begint met PWW.. Waaaaa, !
Eliane krabbelde je dat ze ook dit project ging doen (volgens mij..)
En vroeg zich af hoe het met jou ging...Wij hier in Oegstgeest zijn oook nieuwsgierig :)!
Heb je al leuke fotoooos gemaakt?=Wel doen he! hahaaa. Nouja, ik ga stoppen want dit slaat nergens op!
DikkeDoei!
Je állerleukst zusje Stanny X
hi josie glad your having fun dad said he spoke to you.
ReplyDeletelooks a fantastic place
i bet bettys are missing you
we have storms and the sea is amazing sam says hello .
love janexxxxxxxxxxx