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



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



Wednesday 2 February 2011

Ch ch ch ch changes...


After everyone and their trek kit was all cleaned up yesterday, it was time to find out in the heat of the sun which project they were off to for the first three weeks along with who their new project mates were going to be. It was all done through another game in which people had to close their eyes and then guess which project had been written on their head.


What was India 6 keeping their peepers shut.

Rachel and Dharmendra

Anne-Romee, Thatte and Alexander

All is revealed to Catherine and Rachel who are off to Community projects.

Wieger, Jessica and Sunil.

Sachin off to an environmental project

Genevieve, Phil and Nic are still in the dark.

Laura and Clare both off to Charlie 1

The bonding starts straight away for those heading off to Charlie 2.

There was already much sadness about leaving the groups they’d been in for the few days of induction as strong bonds had already been formed. But as they say, a change is as good as rest and it was swapsies time as the new groups were announced. So in no particular order, actually that’s a lie as we’re going in number order – here are the groups for Phase 1...

Charlie 1 – Community phase building bio-gas units in Vellary

Back row L - R - Scott, Ben, Dharmendra, Philip, Stuart (PM)
Middle row L-R - Kannan, Clare, Fieke, Ed, Samantha
Front row L - R - Eeva (PM), Laura, Rachel, Danielle

Charlie 2 – Community phase building eco-sanitation units in Boredevaramunti

Back row L - R - Sunil, Dan, Andy, Louis, George
Middle row L-R - Kate (PM), Nic, Lucy, Sophie, Daphne, Catherine
Front row L - R - Flo, Rachel, Lottie and Mona (PM)

Echo 3 – Environmental phase building solar fences and elephant trenches in Huskurhadi

Back row L - R - Dave (PM), Sachin, Chris, James
Middle row L-R - Alex, Anne-Romee, Louisa, Georgia, Katy, Ellie
Front row L - R - Cas, Karla, Cat (PM), Philip

Echo 4 – Environmental phase also building solar fences and elephant trenches in Basava Pura

Back row L - R - Elliott, Ross, Becky, Lauren
Middle row L-R - Wieger, Felix, Holly, Sian, Sean, Book, Celine (PM), Keiran
Front row L - R - Dan (PM), Anna, Lauren

Tango 5 – Trekking phase in Kerala

Back row L - R - Hugh, Richard, Martyn, Sankar, Guy, guest appearance from Phil from C1, Andy
Middle row L-R - Ros (PM), Naomi (PM, Laura, Sophie, Alice, Emily, Genevieve
Front row L - R - Ellie, James, Georgina

Tango 6 – also a trekking phase in Kerala

Back row L - R - Jonathan, Phil, Alex, Robert
Middle row L-R - Susan (PM), Clare, Maddy, Jessica, Sarah, Binika, Ameze
Front row L - R - Sam, Thatte, Simone, Stuart (PM)

Oh and for some reason that I am yet to work out, everyone had moustaches painted on today. And when I say everyone, I mean EVERYONE.

Becca and Theja

Captain Kate

The newest member of The Village People.

I tried to run and hide but there was no escape.

Mark looks more like a bat has settled under his nose but we won't mention it...

Once we knew all the new groups it was time to pick the expedition song, so after much whooping and a hollering – we have a winning tune! I can tell you now, I’ve had many sleepless nights trying to pick songs that a bunch of cool and trendy young uns are going to like but we seem to have done the trick. We’re not going to let you in on what the song is as yet though so you’ll have to wait until the end of expedition to see our very own music video, exciting.

It’s everyone’s last night in camp together before they all head off at first light tomorrow out to their new project sites for the next three weeks. There’s been lots of clothes washing, planning and packing going on today as they take everything with them from field base, from the equipment, tools, food and loo roll (essential not to run short!) to the bamboo and tarpaulin needed to make their shelters.

Polly and Becca have had the tricky task of organising and planning the food and equipment for all the teams which has been a mammoth effort but all seems to be going to plan, so far...

Becca and Polly just getting started

 As the packing continues and the sun sets, everyone is very excited about their new groups and the projects they’re about to go and work on for the next three weeks. They’re going to be working hard but seeing some amazing things.

Some of them have also managed to find a few spare minutes to reply to your messages...

From - Keiran Armour
To – Jan
Hi Jan, I’m having a great time. The weather is really good. I will send you a postcard soon.
Lots of love, Kieran x x

From – Samantha Anderson
To – Mummy, Daddy, Squidge and Shelby
Thank you for my blog messages and it was so nice to talk to you on the phone. I’m really homesick but it’s really nice here. The weather is fantastic so I’ve already got a slight tan :) My first phase is a community one, Charlie 1 is my group and we’re doing the bio-gas units. Hope you’re all well. Can you say hi to everyone for me? Love you all and miss you loads xxxx

From – Ameze Simbo
To – Mum, Lucy and Kwesi
Hey! I’m ok but my phone is out of battery. Having fun and the weather is great, waking up early every morning (so unusual for me LOL!). Miss you guys, will text soon, love meh xxx

From – Katy Star
To – Dommer, old man, motherships, my bobs
Hiya! Just cleaned the toilets and thought of you all! Have been waking up very early (4:30 first morn!) did one day of trekking anc got blisters! Head not sunburnt yet...! Love and miss you all xxx
Ps send presents!

From – Wieger van Rinkhuyzen
To – P and M and D
Lieve Pap, Mam en David,
Het is hier geweldig! Ik heb eerst een introductie – periode gehad met een hele leuke grope. Nu ga ik morgen naar eerste project; environmental! We gaan trenches graven! Daarnaast bouwen we ons eigen ‘basha city’ een hangmatdorp met keuken ‘oven’, douche etc!! Je kunt altyd berichten sturen naar het blog, iedere 5 dagen kan ik myn antwoord doorgeven. Zy typen het dan uit vannacht voor het eerst lekker geslapen, want bedden zyn klein. Na environmental gann we naar mysore en kunnen we wellickt skypen!
Ik meld datum & tyd wel via sms als ik weet hoe en wat! Heel veel liefs en ik ga proberen een brief te schryven wieger = vic again :)
!

More messages to come tomorrow.

We're all up at five am to get everyone on the buses and out to their projects, so time to turn in.

44 comments:

  1. Hya Sean C,
    seen your picture you look cool with the mouchtache you look as though your having a good time, hear that your going on your project for three weeks hope you have a great time still waiting a reply from you keep in touch.
    Love mum,dad and Colleen :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Georgi Tandy (Tango 5)
    heya, dont think the blog thingy i sent yday worked so sorry, and so whoop, looks like your having fun then =), hope you enjoyed your long walk then and will have a great rest of trip.
    going to london to see cage the elephant as amelia had 2 tickets, and staying in camden =D
    Lots of love Rupert

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  3. Katy Star Hi Katy I tried to send a comment after yst blog but seems it didnt go,that's me an pooters! Great to see your pics and hear about the adventure. I wondered about your feet in those new boots! Hope you see lots of elephants and enjoy the trenching. Thinking about you lots. Take care, lots of love

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  4. Sam Ummat Tango 6

    I always wondered what you would like with a moustache , now I know !! Very fetching !!
    Have a great time Sam ......we are proud of you and missing you .
    Love Mum xxxx

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  5. Louisa Mohsen India 11A Project E3
    You've only been gone a few days and you've already grown a moustache! Good luck with the first project. Love Geraldine xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Message to Ellie B. India 5.

    Hey Jelly,

    Wow u are in India! Most likely sleeping in a tent (I do hope your tent skills have progressed since those treacherous nights in Wakestock!) or fighting a snake or eating curry as I type, its a very bizarre thought. I hope your putting my camera to good use and documenting your journey! I’ve been following your blog, looks like your having an amazing adventure! So how r u coping with the long treks, have you done any cooking yet? Have u stocked up on supplies in the big city ?? (mum has put in an order for copious amounts of old school herbal essences). I’m in danger of hogging this blog space so I’d better keep it brief, I’m thinking of you lots and hoping that this is one journey that you have a map for :)

    Missing you loads,

    Love Mai & Mary (if your ever feeling low just think “spirit of the jaguar” and “Booooooze” for instant cheer) and & Bonnie xXx

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  7. heeee Philip! het ziet er geweldig uit! erg leuk ook dat ik het hier een beetje kan volgen allemaal! succes met de bio-gas units en ik hoop (en denk) dat je de tijd van je leven hebt.
    heel veel liefs xx

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  8. to dharmendra
    india 6 - charlie 1
    from mum dad.
    seems like you are having a swell time. seen some of the photos. hope all is well.
    amit is missing phat.

    ReplyDelete
  9. to Daan (Dan) India 1 project Charlie 2
    Hoi Daan, Wat heb je al veel meegemaakt, heel erg leuk om je zo te kunnen volgen, Veel succes met het zwoegen in de hitte en veel plezier met je groep! liefs van de Dommersen

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  10. to Fieke Haak
    Ha Fiek, beetje lastig om bericht geplaatst te krijgen. Gaat ie goed? Hier alles ok. Leuke fotos en leuk om de berichten op de website te lezen. Afzien? Houd vol!!! Ziet er tot nu toe fantastisch uit.Kussie mam

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  11. Sarah Churlish (Tango 6) - Good luck with the 'full-on' trek and take lots of photos. Its gotta be better than Langely Park (we will build a snowman in your honour)......Lv D

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  12. Mum, Dad, Tanya, Shelby4 February 2011 at 02:01

    Samantha Anderson 11a Charlie 1
    Heya sammy :) you ok ?
    Seen any elephants or tigers yet ?
    Shelby is back to normal, trying to eat all our food and running around like a loony haha In fact she has just came into the study to look at the computer but then went to bed
    Linda says hi
    All your photos are looking great :) have you taken any yourself ?
    Missing you loads, love you lots
    Love your favourite sister, mum, dad and puppy
    xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  13. to Sophie van Dorp
    Ha Fie, hoe is het. dank je wel voor je SMSjes. Leuke foto's. je snor staat goed. Al oliefanten? wij gaan morgen voor een paar daagjes op pad. ik neem de laptop mee om te kijken of we jullie vanuit de sneeuw kunnen volgen.Dikke kussen van jaov, jaom en je zus 9en jor natuurlijk.

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  14. Florine - Charlie 2

    FLOOOO
    Nu lekker naar de eend!
    Dus dans met mij. Het is hier fantastisch. Vanavond weer een hele gekke avond.
    Ik denk aan je
    x Mat

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  15. Katy Star Stocker Echo 3
    Hi Baby
    Pleased to hear that you are on solar fences and elephant trenches. Have posted emergency supply of part cooked buns. Tell Dave that Dorset Fire And Rescue Service have issues about his beard. Love you lots.
    Dad xxx

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  16. Teresa Broughton4 February 2011 at 16:12

    Hey Celine, loving the blogs. Hope you're having fun, keep safe,
    Love Teresa x

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have send a message to Daphne Echo 2,
    but was mistaken, she in Charlie 2.
    My excuses, mom Daphne

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  18. Message to Ellie B. India 5/newly promoted Echo 3
    Hyah sweetheart!!
    Well a week has literally flown by since the epic adventure of trek Heathrow, which seems like only yesterday.
    As requested in your parting text, I have topped up your phone and sorted out your Inia travel insurance...hhmm!! I will forward a copy of the documents in case you need.
    Excellent to read of all the progress everyone is making and to see that you are in one of the groups digging out ellie-phant trenches. Maybe you will have the good fortune to see some.
    Love you.xxxx

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  19. To Martyn Parry Tango 5.
    Hi Martyn this is my sixth attempt to send you a
    message,Mum and I have been following your exploits via the excellent blog I am sure you are enjoying the experince and finding it different to the ten weeks you spent on the Galapagos Islands last year,Your brothers Scott and Cris send there regards, Mum and I wish you and your fellow ventures good luck with your project.
    I will write again before I go back to work.
    Dad.

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  20. Photographer: Tango 5: My God Kathryn you look like a pack horse (thoroughbred of course!)with all that gear. Hope you find a big strapping guy with a 6 pack to assist you. Kerala here you come. Go Kathryn!-- Mum xx

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  21. Andrew Jehring Tango 5
    Thought you would like the rugby news. Great start to six Nations.Wales19 England 26 at Cardiff. Jono pleased. Hope the Trek is going well
    Love Mum and Dad x

    ReplyDelete
  22. For Kate Stacey India 11a, Charlie 2

    Wow Kate all looks great & your project looks right up your street..... - so you. Did I read it correctly that you've been proposed to? If so RESULT!!

    love from the Lamonts

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  23. Alexander Vostanis - India 3

    I hope you are keeping the elephants away! England won at Wales 26-19. Giorgos is going to the army on Monday. Auntie Dorrie sends her love.
    Dad

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  24. Danielle Sharpe..

    Hi Danielle, just to let you know we are thinking of you and hope that you are having a great time.
    Love you loads
    Mum & Dad

    ReplyDelete
  25. Dave PM Echo 3
    Hey, hows it going? I can't believe how much beard you've now got! I'm guessing from the last load of photos that everyone was so envious of it they drew their own on. You look like youre having a great time and I hope all is well now youre on the project.
    I'm taking the girls to London for the Chinese New Year celebrations tomorrow which we're looking forward to and if I get chance I'll pop in to say hi to the ambassadors for you ;) We may also go to Westminster Abbey to check its up to standard for the royal wedding, as its sunday you cant just look round but have to do the service......so we'll see.
    Take care and missing you as always
    love karen x

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  26. Dave PM Echo 3
    I'm not convinced any of the previous messages I've sent actually worked as something different happened with that last one when it posted.........so BIG apologies for my lack of computer skills if you haven't got any of the others!!! Thinking of you loads and now I've finally worked out how to send them prepare to be bombarded!!
    love karen x

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  27. Anne-Louise Edwards7 February 2011 at 02:22

    Hi Alexander, Echo 3
    Hope you are having a wonderful time out in India.Really enjoying following your adventures & sharing your photos.Enjoy to the full this amazing experience,have loads of fun & stay safe.Thinking of you. Love from us all.
    The Edwards Family X

    ReplyDelete
  28. this is for dharmendra in charlie 1
    from dad and mum
    i have sent u 3 messages but dont know where they are on here so if you get this hope u are having a good time and looking forward to a rewarding stay in india. see u soon

    ReplyDelete
  29. lauren smith

    well the kitchen is waiting to be painted so still camping out in the back room. its ok really lol. hope all is well you have been there a week now where does time go everyone says hello we are all thinking and missing you.
    looks like you have had to do a lot of walking with the back pack hope that went ok look forward to the next batch of pics keep smiling love dad

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  30. lauren smith

    sorry about the anon bit but it keeps telling me i have put in an illigal term when i put email address computers hughhh lol never mind i will do that in future i notice other families are doing the same hey ho really stay well and enjoy yourself love dad

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  31. Hi James
    Hope your having a good time, all is well with Mum and I.
    Bad News Uncle Ken Passed away on Saturday Morning after his long sickness.
    Well good news for Newcastle 4-4 what a game, i thought it was all over half time, but when your back or if you can find a place to watch it .
    Its worth it.
    losing 4-0 at half time it was time for me to forget about the game and carry on working, then 2nd half i never got much work done !
    Newcastle played out of the socks 2nd half what a game losing 4-0 half time and drawing 4-4 the equaliser was fantastic.
    Carrols gone great money in there pockets .
    Any way were thinking of you and keeping a eye out for you.
    Love you.
    Mum and Dad

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi James
    Hope your having a good time, all is well with Mum and I.
    Bad News Uncle Ken Passed away on Saturday Morning after his long sickness.
    Well good news for Newcastle 4-4 what a game, i thought it was all over half time, but when your back or if you can find a place to watch it .
    Its worth it.
    losing 4-0 at half time it was time for me to forget about the game and carry on working, then 2nd half i never got much work done !
    Newcastle played out of the socks 2nd half what a game losing 4-0 half time and drawing 4-4 the equaliser was fantastic.
    Carrols gone great money in there pockets .
    Any way were thinking of you and keeping a eye out for you.
    Love you.
    Mum and Dad

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sam anderson charlie 1 india 11a

    Hi sammy

    Sorry i havent posted sooner been real busy with movin as u know!! Missing you like mad and i will probs have turned 21 by the time u get this!!!!

    Hope ur havin an absolutely fabulous time and dont try thinking bout home too much

    Love ur crazy best friend

    Keri xxxxxxxxxx

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  34. For binika liu tango 6
    Hello binika I've managed to find a wifi zone here in Tenerife and I must say what you are doing looks and sounds breath taking!!!! I hope your having a fantastic time and hope your bag isn't to heavy on ya back!! Don't worry tho a much needed massage is in order when you arrive home!!!!! I love you so much and miss you a he'll of alot!!!!! I can't wait to see you!!!
    Hope you are making great memories that will last you forever and also making great friends along the way!!!!! Take care my princess!!! Keep up the good work!!!!!
    All my love your Graeme xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  35. from mam to binika liu tango 68 February 2011 at 18:57

    For Binika Liu tango 6

    dont know if you got my last mess but heres another one fromyour mam - i am keeping tabs on u evryday and thinking of you and wonderin wot u are up to enjoy urself keep safe tanita mam briony luv always

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  36. To Anne-Romee (E3)

    Lieve Anne-Romee,
    "lang zal ze leven, lang zal ze leven, lang zal ze leven in de gloria" GEFELICITEERD 19 jezus hé. Hoop dat je een super dag hebt!!
    Hebben ze je verjaardag daar ook een beetje gevierd?? Wij wel hoor haha! Hoe heb je het daar in de bush bush, heb je al allemaal gave dingen gedaan? Ben echt super benieuwd naar alles! Mis je wel ontzettend hoor, maar in de zomervakantie gaan we leuk naar italië etc., dus verheug me daar nu al op. Hier gaat alles goed behalve het feit dat ik het zover geschopt heb dat ik een 3.7 sta voor wiskunde, it runs in the family zullen we dan maar zeggen haha. Maar verder gaat het hier goed. Ben wel jaloers hoor, wou dat ik ook in de warmte zat hier nog steeds fucking freezing haha.
    Hoop dat je daar nog een super tijd hebt en laat snel van je horen! Verheug me op je terugkomst, ook al is ie nog heel ver weg. Geniet van je tijd daar!!

    dikken zoenen xxxxxxxx,

    Emmeline

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  37. Anne-Romee (Echo 3)
    Hartelijk gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag!!
    Geniet van deze spannende tijd. We gaan je zeker missen in Dienten, maar kijken er al naar uit om alle verhalen te horen in Knokke!
    Liefs Anna & the boys ;)

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  38. Anna Clarke Echo49 February 2011 at 03:00

    For Anna in Echo4

    Hello Anna
    Trust all is brilliant with elephant trenching etc. Your parcel should have arrived at fieldbase (the expense!) and the Loop will deliver at end of week or beginning of next. Second parcel left here yesterday.
    Daddy and I had a lovely weekend away with Overs near Chicester - they were asking after you. also Granny and grandad. Granny is visiting Abby soon and we are planning to go at the end of the month.Charlotte willl travel down to join us.
    Can't wait to hear from you and of your exploits. Take care and don't get sunburnt!

    Lots of love Mummy and Daddy xxxxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  39. Katy Star Stocker Echo 3
    Hi Honey
    I hope you are having fun with those solar fences & digging the elephant trenches, I guess you could do with 'Bwian'.
    Very good practice for when you get home, there will be plenty of digging to do! Will send you latest pics of driveway mark 2 (and the 50 tons of stone!) in the next letter.
    All is good here, we actually had some sun ystdy, it must have been at least 9 degrees.
    I hope that all is well with you and the blister situation has improved. Am sending out some creme eggs, don't eat them all at once (like what I did) because they make you feel tres vomitto!
    So busy writing this that the bath nearly overflowed, whoops!
    I look forward to hearing about what you have been doing.
    Love you lots
    Dad xxx

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  40. Beste Florine
    Nu is het echt begonnen en gelijk al een stevig project nl een eco sanitation system dat is wel even aanpakken lijkt ons
    Zie dat het goed warm is waar jullie verblijven, in ieder geval op de foto te zien hebben jullie er veel zin in.
    Je broer Timen is bij Raleigh in Borneo ook begonnen aan zijn community project.
    Geniet van deze bijzondere ervaring en we zijn trots op je dat je dit doet
    gr papa en mama

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  41. alice Tango5

    Hope your having lots of fun & the knee is holding up ...Letter on its way, with a treat . XX

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  42. Hi Ros (PM Tango 5),

    Hope you're well sweatheart. How's the trek going? Any crazy tigers or hairy spiders on the way? We're just about to head out to our community project in Nicaragua tomorrow. Can't wait. Got a really good bunch of venturers and I think we are going to have a wicked time. I'm missing you lots and would love to hear your voice. Feels like it's been years since we last spoke. Just wanted to wish you a very happy valentines before I head off to 3 weeks with picuito communications. Sending you a massive hug and lots of kisses.

    Take care hunny

    Mo xxxxxx00000xxxxxx000000xxxxxx

    ps look out for my letter

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  43. Genevieve

    I have tried sending you some messages on this medium but not sure if you got them. Hope you are better and back to treking again. missing you lots and lots. Flora and Lola asking where you are. Life here is still wet and cold - house repairs progress.

    Hugs kisses and love xxxxxx

    Dad xxxxx

    PS two letters sent to you already.

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  44. MARTYN PARRY TANGO 5
    Hi Martyn,
    Rovers game with Notts C was abandoned in the 54th min due to waterlogged pitch they were 1 down at the time 5/2/2011 they will have to replay better news this week they beat Plymouth 3-1 at plymouth up to 17th with 3 games in hand.
    This expedition is more hands on compared to your ten weeks on the Galapagos Islands,If you require any items sending out to you let me know via the blog when you get a chance.
    Remember what I have always said you can not buy memories .
    Look after yourself.
    Mum & Dad.

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