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 12 February 2011

Getting diggy with Echo 4

On Wednesday we joined Echo 4 at their camp in Basava Pura in the middle of a set of fields where they've also got the task of digging elephant trenches and solar fences to protect the village farmers' crops. They had done a brilliant job of building their camp with a circus tent style shelter as the main hang out.


View of the camp from afar. In Celine's words, 'it looks like a mini Ikea'.

Their living/dining area complete with table and benches. Luxury!

Ross demonstrates the all important chrome tap. Note the handwash gaffer taped to the bamboo, genius.

 Book with the street sign for her bashas that the group have all made.


Weiger shows us around his new pad.

Weiger openly declaring his love for the local biscuits 'Parle-G'.

PM Dan's new address.
  
A lovely new sign for the toilet to stop any unwanted visitors.

Their food for one week.
Photo by Felix.


We caught up with them as they did some digging and then headed over to the local school to work with some of the teachers.


Getting diggy with it are Lauren S, Holly, Sean, Sian, Felix and Book.

Celine, Kieran, Ross, Weiger, Anna, Dan and Lauren B in action.

Becky and Elliott.

Book and Wieger demonstrating the art of good hand washing skills. 
Felix and Holly sharing how they clean their teeth.

A bit of 'Head, shoulders, knees and toes' with Sian and Becky.

Anna and her new pals.

I think Kieran and Elliott are in there somewhere...

Here's an update on how they've been getting on kindly written by Becky Barnes...

Days 1-4
On the first day of our adventure we were met by a barren field with hard ground at 11am and by 7.30pm Echo 4’s basha village was starting to look and feel like home. Some of the team constructed a tarp and bamboo kitchen whilst a few dug the toilet with lots of laughs as when asked “How’s the long drop looking?” Felix replied “it’s not a long drop it’s a short drop - there may be some splash back!” - Don’t worry we’ll dig it a lot deeper following this! Children visited as most of the group teamed up to build 15 bashas and even the Mayor of Basava Pura stopped by for a photo op.

Digging trenches nearby our campsite from the crack of dawn attracted interest throughout the morning. The variety of passersby included a man selling insurance. Wieger wondered if they would insure his hat – he’s lost it by the way! It’s great to mix with the locals but we need to brush up on our Kannada, and we will!

On days 2 and 3 members of the group finished our camp site essentials including a slops pit, burning hole and shower. It was really satisfying for all the group to build our home for the next  three weeks from scratch, all contributing as a team.

We’ve decided to get up at 5am every morning so that we can do the work before it gets too hot. The work is hard but satisfying and by getting it done early, there’s plenty of time to build out campsite or take trips to the local town or refreshing reservoir. 

Bathtime.
Photo by Lauren B.

There’s plenty of banter while we work, including competitions started by PM Dan to get the biggest chunk of soil from one thrust of the digging pole.

It’s great to see people working together and getting to know each other whilst helping a great cause. Although it’s hard to roll out of our bashas each morning, another bonus of getting up early is watching the sun rise. The sunsets here are also stunning.

Photo by Becky.

With clear skies and head torches as the primary source of light, night time brings dazzling star light blanketing the campsite to every edge of the horizon. Dusk also brings the entertainment of our lively night watchman who can sing, dance, and play the bongos – sometimes at 4am – much to all of our delight. Percussions and/or singing beats an alarm clock and is a prime example of the different experiences we get out here. Throwing a bucket of water over ourselves within a tarpaulin structure every couple of days is a great luxury and the sunshine as opposed to the weather back home is fabulous – even though the ladies are having to come to terms with having a cracking t-shirt tan. 

Raleigh tan as modelled by Lauren.

We all face challenges are are meeting new experiences every day. We’re learning, we’re approaching the next nine weeks with excitement and anticipation. So watch this space... 

Brilliant summary there from Becky. Echo 4 have also been busy painting a flag for their camp, just in case anyone passing by couldn't see the bright blue and yellow shelter! We were lucky enough to be there as it went up...

The happy team in height order.
L-R - Wieger, Felix, Elliott, Kieran, Ross, Becky, Lauren S, Sian, Dan (PM), Holly, Lauren B, Anna, Sean, Book and Celine (PM). 

Photo by Dan.

We said farewell to the guys but they've continued working hard and having fun and we'll be back to see them very soon.

Here are the messages we collected from them...

From – Ross Conquest
Hi, Mum and Dad (and Poppy and Lily). Hope you are well. Thanks for the blog update on the football, I know you.re missing having football on in the house. We are all about 6 days into our first phase which is environmental and we are digging elephant trenches to protect the villager’s crops from damage. I am having a brilliant time out here. It is a totally different world out here; it feels as if we are all famous! The heat is topping 30 degrees c everyday and there is not a cloud in the sky. The food is delicious if a bit spicy, but I am loving it. I’ve met loads of great people and we are all having a great laugh together. We visited a school today, which was an unbelievable experience; all the kids went absolutely crazy! Anyway keep an eye on the blog and keep the updates going and say hi to everyone for me!!
Lots of love, Ross

From - Becky Barnes
Hi Mum and Ruth, Thank you for your letter and parcel. I am really well and having an amazing time doing an Environmental project for my first phase. We get up at 5am and are sleeping in bashas in the middle of nowhere. Ruth-I hope you are enjoying Asia, and Mum-I hope you are well. If you comment on the blog it gets passed on to me so if you want to do that it would be lovely. Tell my friends!!!
Love you loads, Becky xxxx

From Becky Barnes
To Gina Rooke, thank you so much for your message – it’s the only one I’ve got!  I am missing you and Australia a lot but having an amazing time here.  I know its going to be a challenge but I’m taking it on!!  I haven’t been inside for over a week and love living under the stars.  I can’t wait to travel with you after.  How are we going to meet? I’m free from 6th April.  Hope you are amazingly well, getting lots of shifts and say hi to Rick, Andy, Amy and Andrew from me. 
Love you loads, Bec xxx

From Elliott Leishman
Hi Mum and Dad, Doing well, can’t really talk, in a rush and get only a few minutes to myself so haven’t written a letter yet. Will talk soon, don’t forget to go to the James Yorkshire gig.
Lots of Love Elliott
From - Felix Balbernie

Hello mother
The trek wasn’t too bad, I’m looking forward to the real one now!  I think I may have underpaid me but I can’t be bothered to make a fuss out of it.  I don’t know if I want to go this year yet, can you tell me what the line up is so far?
Felix

From - Anna Clarke
Hello there parents!  Everything is going really well, set up our own camp and gradually adding to it day by day – we now have a functioning shower and tap believe it or not!  Digging trenches is hard work (my guns are huge) but the banter is amazing and the locals are really helpful.  Just got back from a school and the children actually almost ripped my cheeks off.  Played the hokey cokey – cute.  Hope you’re all well.  Haven’t got packages as yet but its something to look forward to. Miss you fam. 
Lots of love Anna xxxxx

From Wieger van Rinkhuzen
Lieve Mam, Pap en David, zit nu in Bassavapura O.I.D, GPS: N 11 55 308  E 079 20 375.  Basha city is klaar, myn basha heet sandtmannlaan India.  Project is geweldig en zit in een hele leuke groep!!! 21 Feb gaan we terug en in de middag naar Mysore.  Ik skype jullie dan! 
Heel veel liefs Wieger

From – Holly Peel
Dear Mum, Ed and Bunny
I’m having an amazing time in India.  Thank you for sending the flip flops, walking boots are all I’ve had for the last week and a half.  Glad to hear you managed to send you’re second assignment.  The trench digging has been good fun and it’s not particularly hot compared to Greece in the summer.  Hope bunny is enjoying football and planning to stick with it now she’s got the boots.  I won’t be able to get online so you’ll have to show me the song when I get back Ed.  Thanks for getting a Roskilde ticket, who else has been added to the lineup?  Have you heard anything from Parsons yet?  Hope bunny has a good time in Greece.  Have met lots of lovely people, I’ll put a postcard in the mail shortly, might take a while to get there though. 
Miss you lots, Love Holly
  
From - Lauren Bell
To June, Nigel, Emma & Robyn Bell
Thank you for all the blog messages, love getting them!  Am 6 days into the environmental phase, building elephant trenches!  Sleeping in a basha and washing in a bucket but having an amazing time!  Miss you all!  Tell Ali I send my love and wish him a happy birthday! 
Lots of love Lauren xx

From Sian Hilton
Hii Nicky Minaj, Thanks for your first blog message!  Keep sending me updates of home!  I’m in Echo 4 now.  Built my own basha to sleep in and I spend the mornings digging trenches and the rest enjoying the SUN!! I hope home’s good and your new job is as good as you imagined!  Are you still acting like a tree in your acting like?  Send me a letter because I don’t know your address.  Say ‘hello’ to everyone at Chiq’s, miss you ALL. 
Love Siany xxxxx

48 comments:

  1. hya Sean c,
    just seen your photos of you in the water you look great, you seem to be enjoying yourself making your flag it's great to see you in the photos keep them coming, try to reply when you can, we will keep them coming.
    missing you lots of love from mum, dad and Colleen :) xx

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  2. To Wieger van Rinkhuyzen, Echo 4

    Lieve Wieger,
    We hebben net genoten om de belevenissen van jouw groep te lezen en de foto's te zien, wat een geweldig avontuur. Wat super dat jullie tijdens dit project ook al contact hebben met de lokale bevolking. Weten ze nu hoe ze hun handen moeten wassen? Begrijp dat je je hoed kwijt bent. Kun je daar een ander regelen of zullen we er 1 opsturen? Brieven zijn naar je onderweg. Hier alles ok. Heel veel liefs van ons. Pap, David en Mam

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  3. To Lauren B
    From Mum, Dad, Em & Robs
    Hey Lauren, so good to see your pics and get your message. Camp looks amazing and you look very happy digging in the soil, just like when you were a toddler! I see you're not the shortest in Echo 4 but Rob's is rather concerned about your new fashion statement! Liked your pic of the communal bath! Rob will facebook Ali with your message. Dad's home and Anna is in Kent for the weekend. Love you lots, can't wait to see the next pics.xxxxx

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  4. Anna Clarke Echo413 February 2011 at 00:00

    Anna,

    You are obviously having fun as you have a constant smile on your face! Hope the cheeks recover soon! Love the innivative touches in a camp and nice to see the home comforts installed in a field. Lovely image of the field toilet....not.

    Home news...great news you have an unconditional offer from your first choice. Going to see the sisters next week in Durham. Everything just fine here but too quiet without you. We are a missing a fish it seems!

    Lots of love Mum and Dad xxxxxx

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  5. Hi Ross
    Its brilliant to see the new photos. We check the blog everyday to see whats been happening. Its great to see you smiling. What an experience!!!Just been watching Rob at Loughbourgh. They won and Rob scored. England have won both 6 nations games beating Wales & Italy 59-16. woop woop! Man u beat Man city 2-1 today as well. Alls well here. Grandma & Grandad are in Spain enjoying some sunshine. Not as hot as India though. Everyone sends their love, including Poppy & Lily (They really miss you!!)Look forward to more updates! Love you! Mum & Dad xxxxx

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  6. Celine Barr group 11 a/ echo 4

    Hey Celine, just wanted to say thank you for our birthday cards and Amelia's birthday present. Fancy going all that way to build an Ikea! It looks like you are all working hard and enjoying the luxeries in life! Hope you all keep well
    Lots of love Chelle, Chris, Amelia, Jack and Maisy

    Ps have you seen an elephant yet ? Just curious x

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  7. To Fieke Haak, Charlie 1
    Hoi Fiek, hier alles goed. Indrukwekkende nieuwe fotos van de andere groepen. We zijn erg benieuwd hoe jij het hebt. Heb een brief gestuurd en hoop dat ie op tijd aankomt. Maak je veel fotos? Hier is het bijna vakantie en lijkt het wel voorjaar.. kussies mam

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  8. Becky Barnes!! hello my beautiful kindred spirit! I do apologise that i havent written to you before now. i'm writing you a letter at the mo but thought i would have finshed it by now. I cant beleive you have been away for so long now. I miss you so much and think about what you are upto every day. this blog is fantastic and ive been trawling the photos looking for your lovely face. It was lovely to read something written by your own hand and i must say true to form toilet rituals are at the top of your list! Everything you are doing looks amazing I cant beleive that you are ggetting up at 5am! will this continue when you return home i wonder? Also i need an update on the wildlife/ spider snake situation?

    Everything is cool back here. Me and smoo begin our CELTA tomo and we have been studying most evening. ive got verbs and tenses coming out of my ears! Yesterday was my last full time shift at topshop, I'm so excited! I havent really doing anything that riveting, just gyming it and crying into my pillow waiting for your return:-) I am so proud of you barnes and wish that we could speak to eachother so i could hear about all teh lovely people you have met and how you are feeling. I love you so much. i am gonna try and post your letter this week. Just remember you are amazing!

    P.s your mum cam into topshop last week for a cuddle. she lovely you muchly xx

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  9. Hello Ellie ( Gale) Tango 5
    Looking forward to reading that Tango 5 are still around as there is absolutely nothing on the blogs about any of you or from any of you at all.
    Everyone else seems to be having a lovely time if a little hot and smelly!Hope you are too and that no news is good news.
    Tom and I miss you on Weds evenings, and he will be off soon leaving me on my own for a few weeks. Catharine got all clear from her scans. Phew!And bumped into Emma last week - she is missing you too as are all the other staff.Weather is damp and drizzly - best to snuggle indoors with good book and CDs this weekend. Off to Chilcompton for next two weekends to rehearse then concert in the Abbey on 26th - I hope I will have learnt some russian by then
    So proud of what you are doing and missing you dreadfully. Mummeeeeeee xxxxx

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  10. Hi Sean seen your photos looks as though you are having a great time everybody keeps asking me how are you getting on but i can't tell them because you are not posting me any comments back. LOL Have you by any chance recieved our letter yet i'll keep posting our comments, missing you Mam Dad, Colleen ;)xx

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  11. To Lauren B
    Love from Mum & Dad
    Happy Valentines Day Lauren!
    xxxxx

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  12. Sarah Churlish (Tango 6) - Hi Sarah, still following daily (think you must be living my dream as well as yours). I have seen T5's trek photos today and they are unbelievable, I assume you are seeing much of the same. You know me I get overwhelmed by such things, think how much else in the world there is left to see. The terrain looks a little unforgiving though and wish now we did wander further than Langley in your two day training program. It also looks quite high which will also make things difficult. Hope you are manageing ok and your gear is standing up to the test. I suspect you will sleep for England when you get home. I have been wondering how you have been getting on with the food, ate any insects or eyeballs yet? Let us know how you are managing when you get the chance, meanwhile I will keep watching the blog. Lots of love and as always missing you loads. Love D xxxxx

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  13. Becky Barnes Echo 4
    Hello love and happy valentine's day - thank you for the card. Great to read your blog and to see picture of you. Ruth is in Pai and loves it as you did.
    sending lots of hugs

    Mum

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  14. To Becky Barnes Echo 4

    I've just found out some of the messages I've sent didn't come through so sorry about that I prob did it wrong! I've loved reading your blog and seeing what you are doing. Getting up at 5am? Wow! Ruth is in Pai and thinking of you and shortly going over into Laos. Love you loads

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  15. Celine PM Echo 4
    Hi Celine
    Catching up with all the blogs and photos - I am totally amazed by it all - an experience that everyone should have once in a lifetime that might help folks put things in perspective.

    Love & Miss you
    Rosetta xx

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  16. Lieve Sophie,
    Eindelijk zie ik je weer eens op wat foto's. Ik lees jullie blog vrijwel iedere dag, zodat ik op de hoogte blijf en jouw ouders niet nog eens hoeven te vertellen wat jij allemaal beleefd in India
    Het landschap zie er prachtig uit, jullie tochten lijken mij giga zwaar, kilometers sjouwen in die hitte met al die bagage. Ik heb bewondering voor je.
    Veel liefs
    De buren Ed en Lies

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  17. Hello Holly,

    Glad to see you are having fun and working hard. Nice picture of you with the children - like the tee shirt. Kate and I done Acropolis today for her project. She also liked your picture.

    Love Dad

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  18. To Sian Hilton - Echo 4 - Siannyyyy!! How are youuu? I just figured out how to make a blog now :) I miss you lots and lots. Update me on everything youve been doing please. The pics look amazing. It randomly snowed here today haha so strange I bet you miss good old manchester for that! Updates from meeee hmmmm we had a night in York to say bye to coral for when she was leaving to travel which was lots of fun but we missed you! The standard fist pumping wasnt as good on my own haha. Anyways I hope your good! Keep safe my love.
    Biddly bong Saima
    xxxxxxxxxx

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  19. Tango 5 Alice Corby Happy Valentine Alice......Looks like you are having a great time.. liked the picture of your first bath!! what wonderful scenery, I hope the boots are keeping your feet happy.... all well here, expecting business cards any day ... will send a letter at the end of the week with any new news lots of love mum x x Lavender & Benvolio Purrrrr

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  20. To Dan O'F - Echo 4

    Hi Daniella ;-), It looks like you're having a truly amazing time. Your project sounds like hard work but, from the photos,it looks like you're making the most of it and really enjoying yourselves.. Good to learn that your vanity has followed you all that way ;-) I hope you're getting a tan. Thanks for the birthday wishes (it's your ma's today). We had a fantastic holiday - don't worry, I've kept the slideshow for you. I was astounded by my present ;-) Everton continue to plumb new depths - Bolton on Sunday was a real horror show. I've got my party up in Liverpool on Saturday - it's a shame you can't be there. Nick is here for the week teaching at Wood End. Let me know if there's anything you need sending out.

    Take it easy fella.

    Ma and Pa xxx Molly says woof ;-)

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  21. For Becky B, group 4:

    Hey bec!! Hows it going?! Sounds like your having a fab time,and i read your blog and looked at your pics...proud :) so anyway guess what, im in pai!! I can see why you got stuck here, its soo lovely, we rode elephants the other day and got to go swimming in the river with them, did a jungle trek (although our guide turned out to have a screw loose and tried to stop us leaving the hill tribe village, nutter!) and this afternoon did that fish thing you did where they eat your dead skin...amazing! Just been chilling by that lovely river, feel very lazy and decadent compared to you. Tomorrow we head to laos on a 2 day long slow boat down the river mekong which should be a cool experience! Anyway enough about me, keep us updated, im glad your having a great time, and dont worry about ma, shes missing talking to you but is otherwise good :) iv sent your love to pai! Lots of love little sis, Ruthie xxx

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  22. catherine.gaynor@virgin.net15 February 2011 at 18:02

    Hi dearest Guy, lovely to get your message - we will keep posting to you and have passed on the link to the rest of the fam. Your trek looks incredible, what scenery! we are all very jealous but know only you could manage the early mornings and tough trekking. Is there anything that you want when you get back to camp and I can send it to you. all great here, I am in Stoke with builders etc, dad and Izi in HK, she is working really hard, loving Upper House. 10 hour shifts. she will tell you all about it. We are missing you big time. George and James great too - went to K social cultural evening, hilarious, as usual very close to the bone, their play was about gangsta rappers in K social and May and Murphy were DJs! it's raining nonstop here, and there is no snow in Alps, looking at your photos not a problem that you are having! love you and miss you, Mum XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  23. Hi Emily,
    Lorne's passed this link on to me so I have been looking at the pictures and your trek looks amazing. Quite an experience for you all, well done. Look forward to hearing all about it when you get home. Lots of love Nicola

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  24. (Sarah Churlish) - Tango 6
    hey freakshow, all the pictures look awesome!! made friends with many indians yet? i saw a picture of a super awesome snake so now i really want to go. Guess who got a new name badge? Yeah thats right, Nando's went all out and got us all mint new magnetic name bagdes. No sellotape involved. So Nando's is clearly a better company then Costa,without a shadow of a doubt. Missing you loads! Punching tigger isn't the same as punching you! Anyway speak to you soon. Have fun and enjoy it! Bye Bye love John

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  25. Hey Anna (echo 4),
    Looks like you are having fun!! Am so jealous of you.... want to be back on my gap year. Hope the tan is coming along nicely.
    Here, on the other hand, is freezing... chances of snow on the weekend. Not cool. Charlo and the parentals are coming to visit Durham soon which should be good. Not too much going on apart from that... just ridiculous amount of uni work. Send me a message on facebook whenever you get a chance, want to know what you have been up to.
    Abby
    xxx

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  26. Hi Sunil India C2

    You keeping well & busy in the hot sun. Got yr message. We're following the blog of all the teams and the pictures are great. Tango group are making chappaties at 4.30 in the morning. Maybe you will get yr turn and hav hot roti's straight from the pan.(making yr mouth water hey:) Have u got used to yr porridge at breakfast? Did you get yr chicken or fish. What have u been cooking. Let us no if you want anything. Lofty will be sending u an update on the important matters -Football results. :)

    By the way, don't dodge yr chores, just because u have become one of the locals. :) Got to go now, will let u know if we coming over. CYA soon

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  27. For Kieran A, Echo 4
    Hi Kieran
    thanks for your last message.
    great to see you are having such a good time.
    I am trying to give your mum instructions on how to read the blog and send you a message but you know how she is with computers!
    keep up the fabulous work.
    love Jan x

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  28. Andy Jehring Tango 5

    Hello you :), unbelieveably happy when Will gave me this link! Might have cried a little, reading all about the trek, and catching little glimpses of you in the amazing photos...you look like you're having an amazing time. So so glad that you're loving it. I am well and uni is same old same oldd. Miss you like crazy,hurry up and come home alreadt! Love you
    Serena x x x

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  29. This is for Genevieve McAreavey,

    Hi Gen,

    Hope you are doing OK, not too much sunburn - I have looked at some of the pics from your trip - looks like a great opportunity. Just want U to know - lots of love from the T's

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  30. Tp Becky Barnes Echo 4

    How great to get your letters! What a lovely suprise. Am passing the other letter to Amy. I can see her message has got through to you and Ruth's too so that's good. Well done for coping with the creepy crawlies - rather you tha me! sending lots of love and hugs

    Mum xxxxxx

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  31. Hi Kieran(Echo 4)

    I got your post card today and I'm glad your'e having a good time. I had my first scan today and your little cousin is doing very well. Take care and I'll speak to you soon,

    Love Aunty Nicole xx

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  32. For Sophie (Tango 5)
    Hoi lieve Fie, we proberen al de hele tijd berichtjes te plaatsen, maar we weten niet of ze zijn aangekomen, want we zien ze niet op de blog. We volgen je iedere dag; wat ziet het er allemaal fantastisch uit en zo te zien ben je aan 't genieten ! Heb je geen blaren ? Veel succes en plezier, kus pap en mam

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  33. to Sophie van Dorp (tango 5)

    Hadie Fie
    Nu net vanaf ed en lies geprobeerd te berichten. dat zag er anders en beter uit. dan heb je dus alle vorige berichtjes gemist. We zijn al weer aan het werk na Veysonnaz. Zelfs in Zwits hebben we nog naar de Blog gekeken en jou fotoos gezien. We kwamen daar een Stephan tegen via de fam Puyl. Die stephan heeft een zoon Philip in jouw india reis!!!!! Wel in een andere groep hoor. Tamelijk onwaarschijnlijk toch! We zijn erg onder de indruk van de fotoos en de verhalen. Ik heb annelot verteld na jouw smsje om de vriendinnen te vertellen hoe het zit met berichtjes. Het ziet er uit of je het nog steeds erg spannend hebt. hoe is het met je kuitspieren??
    Je vaeder en moeder(mede namens je zus en jor en spen

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  34. For Becky Barnes

    B Barnacle Bamboozle!! I hope to God this message gets through I have tried to post at least three and none of them have appeared on here! Your blog and photos are amazing, well done beautiful!! Everything you're doing looks so amazing I am SO proud of you gorgeous, you are spectacular in every shape and form. I'm so sorry you haven't recieved any of my messages, be assured i have sent you some and think of you every day, wondering what adventures you're having, how you're coping with sleeping under the stars and how your botty is coping with the toilet arrangements and food! :-) Amy and I have just finished our third day of CELTA training... one word... INTENSE! very overwhelming but hopefully will get better the more we get used to it. Missing you so much, dreaming of our big reunion in the Spring.

    Love you beautiful girl, so proud of you!

    Smoo xxx

    P.S Roz gave my my elephant, thankyou! it's sitting next to my bed reminding me of you far away xxx

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  35. Anna Clarke, Echo 4

    Trip looks absolutely brillant, tan is probably a 7 out of 10, nothing on mine nonetheless. Hope the cherub cheeks survived the scathing attack! Bath is all well and good, torn a hamstring so no more rugby this season, which is absolutely gutting. Just lots of money going towards the TeamBath physios! So i've been forced to turn into a gym monkey for my sport fix. 1 off the course record at Bath's very own miniture golf course, so still aspiring high! Hit me with some news! Missing you mucho.

    Lots of love

    Sebby

    xxxx

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  36. ha Fiek, al olifanten gezien? ik zit in Parijs. We zijn benieuwd hoe het je in de eerste periode is vergaan. Ajax heeft weer punten laten liggen zondag, dus Twente wordt gewoon kampioen. Hou je taai, Tom

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  37. Hi Sweetheart
    Missing you but great to get updateson your exploits. The children in the school appear to be enjoying you and your company. I tried to imagine you doing the hokey cokey - did you practise beforehand?! Are you miissing home comforts yet? Have just returned from Waitrose to stock your sisters up on luxury items to give to them this weekend.
    Dad and I are good- working away. Have had some ice contracts awarded to us.Milo is getting more walks than everbut still doing the odd runner or two. Rising Sun is opening again at Easter with locals taking it on. Good news about forests in that Gov has done a u-turn on selling them off.
    Will look forwrd to hearing and seeing next installment of your antics.

    Lots of love Mum and Dad xxxxxxxx

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  38. To: Becky Barnes. From: Roz Ware
    To my beautiful becky barnes!
    I just looked at your blog again and my last post didnt go through! grr!!
    Was so lovely to have a smidgen of contact today, sorry i couldnt talk but i was at work. miss you loads babe, love all your pics, cant believe your up at 5am! we were getting up at like 10 in Bali! haha!! its weird, im supposed to be coming home tomorrow, time goes so fast!
    love all your pics darling, you lok like your having a fab time!! i take it your moving on to the next project soon!! cant wait for more piccies. oh and by the way, did you take the photo of that gorgeous sunset!! very nice, you may have to take up photography when you get back!! went to see your mum the other day, shes looking so well and happy it was so nice to see her at your house.
    missing you lots and lots, hope you get my letter soon, i dont trust the bloody post office!!
    love love, kiss kiss, Rolly xxxxx

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  39. To Becky from Charles
    I really enjoyed reading your blog and seeing the photos (nice sunset!). I don't think I did the right thing when i sent my last message but Mum has given me the correct procedure now so i hope this gets through OK. Seems as if you are doing a great job and having a really good time so keep up the good work...and keep well (always a problem in India!).I should be seeing Mum in a few days time when she visits Pat so will get more news of you and Ruth then I'm sure. Meanwhile..well done.Love from Charles in Bristol

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  40. I LOVE BECKY BARNES :)

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  41. Dear Holly,

    Feeling envious again of you being there as we have snow again this morning.Still waiting to hear the result of my second assignment. Took assembly at school this morning and was told by many that it was good, so feel v. pleased. Ed goes to Barcelona on Sunday, so it will just be Kate and I for 5 days. Booked the same apartment in Bergen for June. Have a fabulous time in whatever you do next.

    Love you lots

    Mum xxxxxx

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  42. Anna clarke echo423 February 2011 at 16:34

    heeyyy

    This shall be my third attempt of trying to post on this thing (all others were deleted through pressing the wrong URL or something...?)
    HOWS IT GOING? Been scouring the photos for you and I don;t think you are in enough, as in jump in front of all the cameras!! Im so jeall as I see you have sun, can see my own breath in my flat right now... about to walk to library to do work, dull dull!
    Have you got internet like facebook and shizz like that to send emails out?? i don't want to make this much longer as it may get deleted again!!
    love charlotte xxxx

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  43. Alastair & Margaret23 February 2011 at 21:53

    Hi Becky! Thank you for all this blog info: trying to keep up at least a little! Glad all is well, hope not too many blisters etc. Lots of love from Devon (at half-term!)

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  44. to Becky Barnes
    Hi from Canterbury! This is my third attempt at sending you a message so I hope it works this time. [Your Mum is with me telling, me what to do this time.] Have loved reading the blog and am really impressed by your writing and photos. Take care! Much love Judith X

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  45. To Lauren B, Echo 4,
    LOZZLE!!
    Not sure if its meant to be just family writing on here or not but oh well, Robyn kindly gave me the link and thought I would send you a note..have sent you a letter but not sure if it will have arrived yet or not.
    It looks like things are going so well and that your having ana amazing time.Have had updates from your Mum, Emma and Robyn which is good, pleased to hear you're having a good time. I have my final 4 mornings in Ipanema this week till I'm off to Zimbabwe-flights all booked don't worry! So nervous but also so excited!
    Ali's missing you, we all are!!:(
    Take care gorgeous, missing you lots
    Hugs and Kisses
    Rachel x x x

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  46. Miss Becky Barnes!!

    I miss you ALOT! Looks like your having an amazing time out there- I have been eagerly stalking your travels (in a loving way). When you decide to come back to the land of Eng make sure you let me and Zoe know so we can come and cuddle you loads!!

    Love you lots like jelly tots,

    Cathy xxxxx

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  47. Becky!! Hello my love, so sorry that i havent written to you, but so exciting what you are getting up to!! You look amazing, and sounds amazing all the work you are doing. I miss you though so please come back to canters soon. I need somebody to scoff cake with.
    Saw your ma on sunday, i think she told you, but wanted to myself, IM GETTING MARRIED!!! woo woo! ha can you believe it?! i cant really! 22nd october this year, so please be in the country for it!

    i was thinking of wearing a curtain as a wedding dress. what do you think? like that one our favorite person modeled for us once! ha.

    Anyway, love you alot, hope you're staying safe and having an incred time. much much love, mel xxxxx

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