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



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



Saturday 29 January 2011

Wanna be starting something...

They’re here!

The alarm went off at three o’clock this morning which could only have meant one thing, either I’ve forgotten again how to use this new watch or it’s time to go get the venturers! Luckily it was the latter of these options and it was great to finally meet all the people from all over the world that are going to make this expedition flippin' brilliant.













After some long flights and a five hour journey back from the airport, everyone is now here, safe and well and being fattened up on some lovely Iocal food. After a quick tour of field base, it was time for Mark to welcome the venturers from all over the globe and then for Julia to introduce them to the staff team. The full expedition team is now complete hurray!






As the temperature rose into the thirties this afternoon, the venturers got a chance to change into shorts and flip flops, meet their new home for the next 96 days, as well as lots and lots of new friends.




Their beds are almost set up, the sun has set and there are just a few more things to work through tonight before they pack their bags again and head out at first light tomorrow morning for three days training starting with a 25km trek to the camp site. It’s going to be a full on few days for them and we’ll be updating you on all their adventures along the way.

But for now, it’s time to get packing for us all and then a few hours sleep. Nighty night.

48 comments:

  1. lottie verrall- hey you! hope you've settle in well to indian life and enjoying yourself? we are all missing you back here in the uk and friday night @ unit wasn't the same:(we all had a jager on you:) hope you have a fantastic first week and get stuck in to everything. were all very proud of you!:) lots of love liane and gareth x

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  2. katy stocker
    india 11a
    From dom,bob and brian
    we miss you loads and loads make sure you put lots of sun cream on your head xxx
    love you x

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  3. Hi Kathryn (photographer)Even though people here in Oz aren't blogging so much they all love the pics and everything you all are doing--Go Raleigh!

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  4. Richard Smith India 11

    making your bed wow! Enjoy your time there photographs are good

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  5. Hi Louisa - India
    Missing you - Glad you are having some hot weather as its freezing here and I've started a cold. Annie Burke from coffee morning was asking after you today at church and Nan rang yesterday to ask after you, and Ben and I have rung Lucy to chat about you. Nice to see you on the group photo. Been talking about you lots and I'm very proud of you. Keep smiling Love Mum x ps got lost driving out of T5 on Friday!

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  6. big shout out to rachel all the way from PERTH hope you enjoy yourself as much as i did. i am sure you will all the best from scott fae the base in perth

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  7. Lieve Anne Romee,
    Ik wens je een enorm geweldige onvergetelijke tijd toe.
    Ik ga je volgen, zag al dat je in ieder geval goed bent aangekomen.
    Liefs Mieke

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  8. Laura Oakley - Hope your settling in OK, finally had some snow but was stuck driving in it! Gary is lost somewhere in Italy, will explain in a letter but all quite amusing! Hope you're having fun, miss you, Cal x

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  9. Louisa Mohsen
    India 11A

    Hi Louisa, Hope you had a good flight and are settling in. Thinking of you, Geraldine, Rob and Alex xx

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  10. James Bell - hey James, so pleased to see you have arrived safely and hope you're enjoying yourself so far! I'm really looking forward to seeing what you have been up to next, but most of all, can't wait to hear from you soon :) thinking of you lots!! Love you xxxx

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  11. Sam Ummat India 11a
    From MUM, Dad , Ben and Alice

    It all looks so exciting and I hope you have enjoyed the first few days. We are missing you loads here in the Uk but Aunty , Uncle , Sagar and Sahil are following your adventures from Delhi too !!
    Have a great time !!xx

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  12. Message for Ellie Burton.

    Looking good on the 'arrivals' photo...recognized the 'boots' first...then the 'pose!' Hope my jacket enjoys its unplanned holiday!!! Hope you are settling in well, making friends and enjoying this excellent experience. Middle Earth and me are missing you.xxxx

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  13. Lieve Simone,

    Ik heb al genoten van de foto's. Ben je al een beetje gewend?
    Hoe was de korte trek die jullie hebben gemaakt?
    Geniet van deze onvergetelijke reis.
    Ik verheug me op de volgende foto's.
    Lig nu met griep op bed.
    Tot de volgende mail, dikke kus en heel veel liefs mamma en pappa

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  14. India Charlie 2
    Kate Stace, PM

    Hi Katy, what amazing pics! It looks like you're in paradise, the blog's fantastic, bringing back memories of Kerala & reminding me of Sri Lanka - the country & wildlife incredible & local villagers so kind. I guess the real work starts now the venturers are out - good luck building the loos! Lots of love, Sazxx

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  15. Hi James Hollins
    Great to see your pics on the blog. We are all very envious here and wish we could be there too. Hope you are having a fantastic time. Lots of love Suzie & Ian xxx ps how many eggs in the omelettes?

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  16. Bernadette slagboom31 January 2011 at 00:31

    Lieve Simone,

    Ben je al een beetje gewend?
    Hoe was de korte trek die jullie gemaakt hebben?
    Ik heb de foto's al bekeken en verheug me op alle nieuwe foto's.
    Geniet van deze onvergetelijke reis!
    Tot de volgende mail. Heel veel liefs , dikke kus mamma en pappa

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  17. For Wieger van Rinkhuyzen, India 11a

    Lieve Wieger,
    We hebben je gespot op het blog, zijn blij te weten dat je veilig bent aangekomen. Zijn de eerste nachten goed gegaan? We volgen je via het blog. Laat je af en toe fotograferen!! Heel veel liefs, Pap, Mam en David

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  18. Hi Holly,

    All looks very exciting there. Hope you enjoyed the three day trek and wonder whether you saw any animals.

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  19. Seen your group photo and seen you off the bus you look great take care and keep in touch
    love from mum, dad and Colleen :) xx

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  20. Dear Ameze Simbo

    Just to say I'm really proud of you for this. Have fun, enjoy the superb weather, and looking forward to seeing you when you get back.

    Miss and love you loads

    Kwesi xxx

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  21. Comment for Anne-Romee Coebergh in projectgroup India A11:
    Lieve Anne-Romee, Goed je te zien op deze mooie foto's! Ziet er allemaal reuze spannend uit. Hoop dat de proef trekking goed gaat. Geniet ervan and enjoy incredible India! P+M

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  22. For Lauren Bell, 11A
    From Mum, Dad, Em, Robs, & Amber
    Pic of you & pals in arrivals was great to see. Hope the 25km goes well. Its freezing here, so enjoy the 30 deg. Love and hugs xxx

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  23. Mum said
    Sam UmmatIndia 11a
    -5 C in rural Berkshire this morning and lambing has just begun in this sub zero temperatures ! Ben is training for London in his thermals! it looks fantastic where you are ...as always colourful,vibrant and noisy and above all warm!! I hope you are practising the Hindi you learnt in Delhi and Aunty Anju returns there tomorrow and promises to make Mooli paranthas when you finish ! Keep enjoying . Missing you loads xxx Mum and Alice

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  24. To: Clare Evans, India
    Hi,
    Great to see you in a photo. Hope you managed the trek!! Make sure you cover yourself in sun cream. Think of me - walked the dog this morning in termperatures below -7 ! Have a great time. Love, Mum x

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  25. Hi Kate,
    This will make you laugh out loud....spoke to your mother for technical advice as this is my second attempt to send you a message.! Photos look fab, and sounds like toilets etc are living up to expectations....just avoid the snake..that one made Lula screech..very loudly in my ear...ouch.Lots of love Kimberley xx

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  26. Hi Jess Gibbons
    We saw you in your arrivals photo looking good, I thought I would E-Mail it to all the family so they could keep up with your adventures (if I can ). Francis said did you want your bedroom painted red and yellow or was it blue and pink !!!.
    Have fun Mum & Dad xx

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  27. Laura Oakley Raleigh India 11A
    Hi Laura,
    Just showed dad the pics of you on the blog. It really looks great. Hope you manage the trek OK. Paula has written to you today. I read Callum's message and I hope he finds Gary! Saints lost to Man U 1-2 but it was a very good game. Take care, enjoy yourself. Star and Pusskins are fine! love mum xx

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  28. a message for Sean C,
    Hope you have enjoyed your trecking, hope you wore your hat (mam said lol) did you see any animals?
    love from mam, dad and Colleen :) xx

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  29. Sunil Mistry, India, 11A

    dude hectic transfer market, Fernando Torres is now a Chelsea player! Newcastle's Andy Carol is now a Liverpool player :O

    Also Arsenal beat Huddersfield 1-0 in the FA cup and next FA cup game against Layton orient.

    any way have fun and keep working hard but not too hard, but hard!

    Kishan

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  30. mum,dad,tanya & shelby1 February 2011 at 05:01

    Hi Samantha A saw picture of you at the airport hope your not to tired after your activities so far were so proud of you,shelby's getting better
    apitite is back saw tony's house its comfy big enough for them will blog again soon enjoy lots of love xxxx

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  31. Sam Ummat 11a India
    What a surprise to hear from you this morning as I drove Alice to school. The excitement in your voice was incredible and it was a perfect start to a dreary Tuesday morning here in the UK ! We are also so pleased that you are enjoying the experience and looking forward to the next phase ...cannot wait to see the photos!!Everyone is asking about you and missing you including Max who is still busy digging holes in the garden !! Nevermind you can help him unearth his treasures when you return!
    All our love Mum Dad Ben and Alice xxxx

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  32. Mum, Dad Robs and Emma
    Hi Lauren great to get your text and happy to read you are really enjoying your adventures. Look forward to see pics of the expedition. How's the sleeping mat bearing up? Look forward to more news & pics of what you're up to. All ok here.
    Love you lots, xxx

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  33. Lottie Verrall,
    I went home and tidied up the mess you left when you departed - three bin bags worth of rubbish. Absolute disgrace. Hopefully India will teach you about living frugally and more simply.
    In other news, it is so cold today I'm wearing a beanie in the office. Miss you, love you and am really proud (and also jealous). Dani xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  34. Sian Hilton, India.

    Hi kunis! Good to see uve arrived all fine, loving the hiking boots on the picture ;) .. Seems that mini hike to the bank did them wonders! Looking forward to the updates, try and get in some more pictures, force your way in! Your missed at work, mainly because your awesome! Shame ive no one share my lasagne with.. Oh well!! Missing u loads, will write soon!

    Nick xxxxx

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  35. To Sam Anderson
    India 6 (or 4).

    Hey,

    Hope you're having fun out there!
    Stay safe, and see you when you get back!

    Liam
    x

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  36. Mum....said
    Alice Corby India
    Glad you arrived safely ... and they have kept you busy already , Jack is following the blog.. guess what, im settling down for vampire diaries and planning the parties mm !! I will write with news at the end of the week take care lol XX

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  37. Hi Florine
    De eerste foto's gezien van je op de blog, vanuit nat en koud holland naar een warm India. Begreep ook dat jullie, jammer genoeg, de laatste groep waren dus midden op de dag in de hitte moesten lopen.Een stevige test.
    Je broer Tijmen is gearriveerd in Borneo maar daar hebben we nog geen blog van ontvangen. Blijven je op deze manier in ieder geval volgen.
    gr papa en mama

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  38. india 11a
    to India 5 Philip de Koning

    heeee philip! het ziet er fantastisch uit!!
    veel plezier en heel veel lieve groeten, mama
    xxx

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  39. philip de koning india 11a

    haha weet niet of het lukt!
    in ieder geval heel veel liefs, het ziet er allemaal geweldig uit!! Erg leuk dat we het een beetje kunnen volgen!
    xxxx
    mama

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  40. Lottie 'Slasher' Verrall

    well aware its only been one weekend, but we missed you this weekend slasher. gonna be an awesome weekend when ya back, chin up - dont miss me too much. go save india

    Robbie xx

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  41. Ummat have a great time wherever you are going pretty sure all the lads are missing you home... i know i am... hope you have a good time dont get eaten please and come home safe

    Much Love
    Ted xxxx

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  42. @Sunil - have an awesome time fella. Can't wait to see all your pictures and hear about the adventures you have!!!

    Peace,
    Hinai

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  43. Phil Kay, India 11a

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY for yesterday (grandpa)! Looks like you had everything but the kitchen sink hanging from your rucksack! Mum is hoping that you've had a shower, are washing regularly and are brushing your teeth. I want my money back! I'll be raiding your bank account. Have a brilliant time, we're missing you loads (your cheeriness, high fives and the yellow car game - I've seen loads) but enjoying the tidy house. Hope you played your birthday candle haha.
    Loads of squadgy hugs from Mum and Lyd xxxxxxxxx

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  44. Ralph & Florence3 February 2011 at 22:16

    Hi Rachel, We're following your progress with interest, and seeing you on photos. Good luck with everything.

    Love,
    Granny & Grandad

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  45. India 11a Philip de Koning
    lieve Philip, zie dat m'n berichtjes toch op het blog terecht komen, mooi! Hier is alles goed. Jeroen is er nu en we denken aan je. xx

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  46. Mum and Pete and Alice say hi, so great to hear you sounding so well and happy and exited about everything. Sounds the most amazing experience, glad the tummy is feeling better! We are all well except Alice has flu today so she is asleep in your bed. House looks great just got to move everything back.... urrg. Keep well and enjoy everything we love you loads and loads.xx

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  47. Hi Again Alice Corby Is the camera completely broken or is it worth sending a battery .... Mum

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  48. Alice Corby Oops forgotten which group your in now! Hello I have had a look at the trains its seems to say the the AC3 tier is the best value I cant find what Barry was on about but I am going to give him a call today, he was on about going for a curry Ha! so perhaps I can get him to show me. went to the auction last night I took Gloria it turned out to be quite a night with Darrell helping us to bring it all home, it was funny though, joy was there and asked after you and darrell says come back soon , its much more fun when we are around. I will write again soon XX

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