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| Imogen in the Great Cave |
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| Jodie in the Great Cave |
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| Shivi and Imogen |
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| View during lunch |
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| Clive joining us on our trek |
Sunday, July 29, 2012
cock-ups and caves
So by now you've probably read of my shameful day as leader. Basically one cock-up after another, here's a short breakdown of events.
Originally planning to wake up at a time whereby everyone could shower, eat and pack at a leisurely pace before getting into taxi's, we were actually rudely awakened by our lifesaver Imogen, shouting that we had 5 minutes to get into our taxi's. Thankfully the taxi ride to the boat was not as long as we expected and we arrived with plenty of time to board the boat.
The boat ride was great, once again sailing through crocodile-infested waters, though disappointed with the lack of crocodiles, the amazing scenery, hot sun and cool breeze made lying on the deck an experience not to be forgotten, and one that led to my punishment for the next few days.
Disembarking the boat, we once again loaded onto to taxi's to head to the bus station. The next cock-up coming from the taxi driver of one of the cabs being adamant on taking 5 of us to the airport, 40 minutes later, suddenly remembering he can speak english when confronted by a police man, the taxi eventually reaches the the awaiting team at the bus station.
The bus taking us from Sibu to Miri was the third thing that day we underestimated, taking 6, rather than 3 hours to reach our accommodation, we then argued with the receptionist at 1 o'clock in the morning, though it was partially our fault we arrived late, they had managed to cock-up our room arrangements. We walked out and headed to the much nicer Dillenia guesthouse where an american couple noted how the same hotel had cocked-up their rooms too (see, not our fault, ha).
So that was my hectic day as a leader, though it was not the smoothest day, I did manage to get us half-way across the country and into decent accommodation for the next 3 nights and paid dearly for the day with the aforementioned punishment, after spending 5 hours on the deck of the boat, I emerged from the day with the most painfully sunburnt legs of my life. Looking like a lobster and walking like a zombie, having been ridiculed the last 3 days I at least take comfort in what Neil said, "These are the days that people remember and will laugh about".
So, onto todays event, we travelled to the Niah caves, a huge cavern 3km into the jungle. The entrance of the cave was spectacular and looked moreso from the inside. Headtorches on we descended into the caves, bats flying overhead and cave-crickets on the floor, it was always a miraculous site when Mark shined his ultra-bright torch upwards, revealing hundreds of hanging bats. Though cut short by maintenance, we had had lunch at the other side of the caves, on the edge of a drop into the jungle before returning back through the giant system and heading home, preparing for the next 5 days trek through the jungle.
Sorry for the long blog but I thought it only fair that you all get the chance to laugh at me and this is one of the last blogs heading your way in at least a week.
Hope everyone's having a great holiday so far and see you all soon! :)
Originally planning to wake up at a time whereby everyone could shower, eat and pack at a leisurely pace before getting into taxi's, we were actually rudely awakened by our lifesaver Imogen, shouting that we had 5 minutes to get into our taxi's. Thankfully the taxi ride to the boat was not as long as we expected and we arrived with plenty of time to board the boat.
The boat ride was great, once again sailing through crocodile-infested waters, though disappointed with the lack of crocodiles, the amazing scenery, hot sun and cool breeze made lying on the deck an experience not to be forgotten, and one that led to my punishment for the next few days.
Disembarking the boat, we once again loaded onto to taxi's to head to the bus station. The next cock-up coming from the taxi driver of one of the cabs being adamant on taking 5 of us to the airport, 40 minutes later, suddenly remembering he can speak english when confronted by a police man, the taxi eventually reaches the the awaiting team at the bus station.
The bus taking us from Sibu to Miri was the third thing that day we underestimated, taking 6, rather than 3 hours to reach our accommodation, we then argued with the receptionist at 1 o'clock in the morning, though it was partially our fault we arrived late, they had managed to cock-up our room arrangements. We walked out and headed to the much nicer Dillenia guesthouse where an american couple noted how the same hotel had cocked-up their rooms too (see, not our fault, ha).
So that was my hectic day as a leader, though it was not the smoothest day, I did manage to get us half-way across the country and into decent accommodation for the next 3 nights and paid dearly for the day with the aforementioned punishment, after spending 5 hours on the deck of the boat, I emerged from the day with the most painfully sunburnt legs of my life. Looking like a lobster and walking like a zombie, having been ridiculed the last 3 days I at least take comfort in what Neil said, "These are the days that people remember and will laugh about".
So, onto todays event, we travelled to the Niah caves, a huge cavern 3km into the jungle. The entrance of the cave was spectacular and looked moreso from the inside. Headtorches on we descended into the caves, bats flying overhead and cave-crickets on the floor, it was always a miraculous site when Mark shined his ultra-bright torch upwards, revealing hundreds of hanging bats. Though cut short by maintenance, we had had lunch at the other side of the caves, on the edge of a drop into the jungle before returning back through the giant system and heading home, preparing for the next 5 days trek through the jungle.
Sorry for the long blog but I thought it only fair that you all get the chance to laugh at me and this is one of the last blogs heading your way in at least a week.
Hope everyone's having a great holiday so far and see you all soon! :)
Saturday, July 28, 2012
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| At the Red Corner Restaurant on our last day in Kutching |
Not a great deal has happened today as it was set aside for admin. We met Sampson, our in-country agent - what an amazing bloke. If he isn't related to every important dignitary in the country then he went to school with them.
Off to the Niah caves tomorrow - that should be quite an experience. The team managed to convince Rob that we were going to fly there. The boy should be blonde! Every day there has been something else that has put him at the top of the 'doh' league.Jack has recovered from his day as leader, in fact, I don't think there was actually anything to recover from as he just let the whole thing pass him by.
Jon has had a quiet day since his performance with the wok at the restaurant yesterday.
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| Jon enjoys a curry prepared especially for him. |
Emma is becoming the mother of the group. Yes, she moans a bit, (no really, only a bit), but I have been so pleased with how she has risen to the challenge. She still doesn't always know whether she is asking a sensible question, but more often than not she is and she is so good at seeing that something needs to be done and getting it sorted.
Matt has had another quiet day, but I know that he is beginning to manage things in his own way and is exerting influence where he thinks he can.
Shivi was leader today and whilst, to be fair, it was not the most difficult day to be leader, nevertheless, she was calmly efficient. Abbie's turn tomorrow.
Dan has a problem! He cannot make himself heard. Really, he cannot shout. Whatever the situation he cannot raise his voice. I thought he was joking at first, but we have now set him a personal challenge. Not sure he will rise to it.
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| On the boat from Kutching to Sibu. Lots of bodies got fried that day! |
Nigel, what kind of a reason is that to support Chelsea?
Thursday, July 26, 2012
4 minutes. I have to be honest, I'm enjoying this, knowing that apart from a few angry taxi drivers there will not be a problem. 1 minute and the first one surfaces, Imogen is off to get the others. No-one has gone to tell the taxi drivers.
Yep, poo is flying and most of it towards Jack. He decided to leave wake up to Imogen, yesterday's leader. Was last one down just now. Needs to recover this quick.
Time to go I think.
What fun!!!!!!!
Neil
Yep, poo is flying and most of it towards Jack. He decided to leave wake up to Imogen, yesterday's leader. Was last one down just now. Needs to recover this quick.
Time to go I think.
What fun!!!!!!!
Neil
Last day in Kuching
Today we travelled by taxi to Matang National Park to visit the wildlife reserves, including sun bears, orang utans, crocodiles, leapords, porcupine, and other various animals. We then spent a leisurely afternoon in Kuching to find Rob in an interesting new choice of clothing which was later followed by Jack and Jon to form a tribe (photos soon to follow). We have also had many incidents today involving loss of keys starting with the boys keys being dropped on the hostel roof by Peter which had to be rescued by Mark with a throw line. As punishment for the room that had now lost keys on numerous occassions Mark padlocked both sets of keys to a wok! This had to be carried around all evening - even to the restaurant where we took the hostel owner, Chris, to dinner. The restaurant was only small so once we were inside and had put all of the tables together we had taken up the entire restuarant. During dinner Mark ordered Jon a small plate of fish stuffed with six of the hottest chillis around, normally one chilli is enough for six people, his face was one of the funniest things we'd seen all week. The next key incident involved Rob and Matt who found themselves struggling to get into their room without a key. They both searched everywhere including the restaurant we had been to only to find out on the walk back to the hostel that Rob had the key in his pocket all along!
Tomorrow we are travelling to Miri so can't guarentee when the next blog will be but we will try to message soon hopefully with some photos and videos.
Lots of love Emily and Fen x
Tomorrow we are travelling to Miri so can't guarentee when the next blog will be but we will try to message soon hopefully with some photos and videos.
Lots of love Emily and Fen x
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Monkeys and Mosquitos
So after 2 days non-stop flying and airport terminals we finally arrived in Borneo in the brilliantly named town of Kuching. After a day of chilling, or boiling, around Kuching, checking out the markets and having the worst, coldest buffet of our lives we settled down in our room, the boys having the best room with the only en suite...
The next 2 days were spent in Bako national park, 2 of the best days of my life. Arriving by bus on day 1 we registed and boarded the small boats which took us on a jungle river cruise through crocodile infested waters to the main offices and chalets. We opted for the 2 1/2 hour trek on the first day which was a surprising struggle for everyone. The heat, humidity, rough uphill terrain, and constant threat of monkey and snake attacks meant constant stops and aching legs and shoulders, however we powered through and came out onto a massive clifface overlooking a fantastic beach, a few of us climbed down to the beach and negotiated with the boatman to take us back to our site. After dinner and messing around on the beach, our tents were set up and ready for what was to be the worst night of our lives. After being severely dissapointed by the mosquito's (me and Rob expecting daddy long leg sized insects and they end up being midge sized...pfft...) we settled down in the tents, with 5 guys, jon and dans feet either side of my face, and the general heat and humidty it was a surprise anyone slept, still, atleast we weren't sleeping in puddles like the girls...
On day 2 we packed the tents and headed to the second trek, opting for a shorter trek after yesterdays struggle, we managed to complete the 1 1/2 trek in 40 minutes, everyone having clearly improved and rewarded by again coming out onto an amazing beach. With various rocks to climb, lizards, snakes and the odd-nosed proboscis monkeys, this was the best day of the trip so far... Despite all the scenery, massive tree's and unusual plants, herds of wild boar and mosquito's visibly eating you alive, the highlight of the national park has to be the monkeys, emerging from the tree's into the hunting ground of the cafe, one particularly fearless monkey first stole a banana before moving onto a can of sprite on a table, at first drinking it like a human and then tearing the the can in half with its teeth before dipping its head in, it then wandered away. A few minutes later, during our lunch, the girls sitting on a table with various plates of food, the monkey returns, slowly climbing down the poles before jumping onto the table and frenziedly grabbing Fens' chips, stuffing them into its face 10 at a time and sprinting away like it knew what it was doing was wrong, it just didn't care...despite all the moaning, Borneo has been amazing so far and I can't wait for things to come.
Sorry for the stupidly long blog and I hope everyone's enjoying themselves at home, it's now quarter to 1 in the morning so good night guys!
The next 2 days were spent in Bako national park, 2 of the best days of my life. Arriving by bus on day 1 we registed and boarded the small boats which took us on a jungle river cruise through crocodile infested waters to the main offices and chalets. We opted for the 2 1/2 hour trek on the first day which was a surprising struggle for everyone. The heat, humidity, rough uphill terrain, and constant threat of monkey and snake attacks meant constant stops and aching legs and shoulders, however we powered through and came out onto a massive clifface overlooking a fantastic beach, a few of us climbed down to the beach and negotiated with the boatman to take us back to our site. After dinner and messing around on the beach, our tents were set up and ready for what was to be the worst night of our lives. After being severely dissapointed by the mosquito's (me and Rob expecting daddy long leg sized insects and they end up being midge sized...pfft...) we settled down in the tents, with 5 guys, jon and dans feet either side of my face, and the general heat and humidty it was a surprise anyone slept, still, atleast we weren't sleeping in puddles like the girls...
On day 2 we packed the tents and headed to the second trek, opting for a shorter trek after yesterdays struggle, we managed to complete the 1 1/2 trek in 40 minutes, everyone having clearly improved and rewarded by again coming out onto an amazing beach. With various rocks to climb, lizards, snakes and the odd-nosed proboscis monkeys, this was the best day of the trip so far... Despite all the scenery, massive tree's and unusual plants, herds of wild boar and mosquito's visibly eating you alive, the highlight of the national park has to be the monkeys, emerging from the tree's into the hunting ground of the cafe, one particularly fearless monkey first stole a banana before moving onto a can of sprite on a table, at first drinking it like a human and then tearing the the can in half with its teeth before dipping its head in, it then wandered away. A few minutes later, during our lunch, the girls sitting on a table with various plates of food, the monkey returns, slowly climbing down the poles before jumping onto the table and frenziedly grabbing Fens' chips, stuffing them into its face 10 at a time and sprinting away like it knew what it was doing was wrong, it just didn't care...despite all the moaning, Borneo has been amazing so far and I can't wait for things to come.
Sorry for the stupidly long blog and I hope everyone's enjoying themselves at home, it's now quarter to 1 in the morning so good night guys!
Bako National Park
We spent the last two days at Bako National Park, just an hour from the B&B yet you will never see such contrast in scenery, from the hustle and bustle of the town centre to an idealic island of jungle forests and crocodile filled lake. We started the day with a boat ride which Im not sure everyone enjoyed (Rob/Abbie/Emma), We then planned a small trek from our acclimatisation, yet I think we all underestimated walking in such heat with our rucksacks on and a few of us may have been complaining but we journey on and ended at a 'post card worthy' beach which we all felt was extremely deserved. Later that evening we settled down for dinner and was a few times joined by a couple of chip stealing monkeys, we then went about the task of setting up our tents for the night for some this was second nature for others they may have needed some extra help, with the heat and tents fully packed no one will be wanting to sleep in tents any time soon. Morning came and once again so did the task of getting everyone up and ready ofcourse the men being an easy half hour before the women, breakfast (looking very similar to dinner) and a boiling hot coffee was gladly recieved, followed by an afternoon walk Im sure we all feel totally ready for our trek ... well maybe. So we journeyed back and jumped straight in the shower which for all felt heavenly. So now being the teenagers we are we're going try and find a takeaway,
Im sure everyone sends their love,
Jon
Im sure everyone sends their love,
Jon
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Kutching
We've woken up to a less humid day, pretty hot, seems our November acclimatisation training a cold Cannock is really paying off! Matt and me are sitting in the hostel at 2:30 waiting for the others to arrive back with the food. Beth H is our team leader and we've had our meeting to discuss; accounts for the upcoming week, transport to reach Bako tomorrow and accomodation. Talked to our in-country agent and have had the tents for tomorrow delivered ready for an 7:00 bus then boat journey which will land us at Bako. Despite our early efforts to grab a maccies, Neil has scolded us,so to the fruit-sellers we go. So far we've all worked really well together and have set about getting a phone, sim and charger at a good price. Exchange rates have been compared and we're going to change set amounts later on in the day. A welcoming Kuching has been a really nice visit and though the people here may have an... interesting driving style, it's a genuinely lovely city with a beautiful waterfront and incredible temples! Food is arriving soon, but Steven is looking increasingly tasty by the minute, for those of you who don't know Steven is our hosts massive fish. We'll keep you updated when we can.
Dan and Matt
Arrived in Kuching
So after a very eventful day... we've finally arrived at our B&B in Kuching! Since our last post by Jess and Neil, we've managed to get lost in the Kuala Lumpur Airport, eaten more airport food than we can imagine, seen the tallest building in the world whilst refueling in Dubai and finally managed to shower!
http://borneobnb.com/nomad/ - web address to the B&B if you fancy having a look!
Its 2.09am which means braving the wall of smell of our boots, which we've had to leave on the landing, as we make our way upstairs and into bed.
Night Guys, will be in touch soon!
http://borneobnb.com/nomad/ - web address to the B&B if you fancy having a look!
Its 2.09am which means braving the wall of smell of our boots, which we've had to leave on the landing, as we make our way upstairs and into bed.
Night Guys, will be in touch soon!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Back to the airport and disaster averted Terry...Rob boarded the plane and had a very successful day as team leader. No problems other than his snoring on the plane :) Everyone doing really well, until we 'lost' John and Jack at Heathrow....who was in charge again....Robert! And...who's burnt a hole in his trousers already, and had them stitched by a girl? Rob!
This blog is brought to you from 'The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Bar at Brunei Airport. Only another 9 hours travel time to go!
Neil & Jess
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Saying goodbye to my bed...
1 more sleep before I have to part ways with my bed which I am going to miss... and of course my family! Can't believe how quick it's come around, see you tomorrow!x
OMG!!
Now it's finally starting to seem real.......!A massive thank-you to everyone who helped make this possible - -I'm sure it will be an unforgettable experience for us all..... one thing for sure I won't be taking the tele, bed, fridge or loo for granted tonight!!!! Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow
1 sleep...
Wow, so 600 or so days ago I remember first looking at the timeline bar and thinking, "thats going to take forever to reach the end!", but two years of non-stop fundraising and various money-making shenanigans have flown by and here we are with 1 sleep left in our own beds...Gotta be getting pretty excited by now and I look forward to seeing everyone on build up day and at the barbecue!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The Build Up...
Can't believe It's almost here, seems like just yesterday I signed up for it! The nerves are kicking in as I begin to pack my rucksack which is soo heavy! However I'm extremely excited to get to Borneo and experience a new country, and a new culture especially with the team. I am so grateful for having all the help from my family, including all my cousins in Leeds who helped me to raise money, thankyou guys so much! And also a huge thankyou to my parents, I simply couldn't have done it without you. All I can say now is BRING IT ON WOOO!
2 days...
All our hard work and excitment for the past 2 years will create something special for the month we are going to be together. I am so happy that I am going with some amazing people which I'm sure we will be life long friends. I'm so grateful for all the support I have gained from all the parents but also my own family I wouldn't be going if it wasn't for them. We see all your beautiful faces friday, Borneo here we come!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
4 days to go!
After a good while trying to log onto this blog, I think I have finally managed it! As I'm sat here, wearing my sandals, attempting to wear them in and so they're more comfy, I'm finally realising how close we are and how exciting the last two years as we built up to this expedition has been! Only 4 days to go and counting! With all my kit sprawled across my bed, wondering how and if it will all fit into my rucksack, I once thought was huge, and how I will be able to carry it for a whole month! I'm definitely going to leave things behind I thought I could never go a month without (such as my straighteners!) The next month is definitely going to be an experience I will never forget and I cant wait for it to begin! I think the whole group will be behind me in saying, how grateful we are for our parents, other family members and organisations who have helped us with our fundraising and have allowed us to get this far and finally be in grabbing distance from this amazing experience!
So guys, I'll see you all on Friday!!!
So guys, I'll see you all on Friday!!!
Borneo
This is very hard to do, but I think I have managed to do it now, very excited for Borneo, not long now!
Monday, July 16, 2012
5 days...
It's weird to think how close we now are to going, especially after 2 years of fundraising! I'm sitting here wondering how comfortable I'll be this time next week, how different my surroundings will be. It's still hard to imagine and despite the nerves, I'm looking forward to it! Thanks to all the team, parents and leaders who've all been really supportive and got us through the seemingly endless hours spent bag packing.
Neil will also see here I've proved him wrong and have read his emails!
I know it'll be a great experience and hope the people who helped us all have a great summer!
Dan
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Anticipation
This time next week we will be sitting in the airport, two years of planning and nearly £70,000 of fundraising behind us. (Ok, so they haven't quite raised all of that, parents might have had to put their hands in their pockets a little bit!) The group have been fantastic throughout that time and I am really looking forward to spending the summer in their company, (sorry Sue).
Many thanks to all of the parents for their support, not only for their own child, but for all that they have done for the group. When we began the journey back in September 2010 I said that the team was not just the staff and children, but that parents were also a vital element. This has certainly been the case, so thank you again and thanks also for your friendship.
On behalf of all of us I would also like to thank Bryony. We are so sorry that you won't be with us, but we will be thinking of you. Get better soon!
I hope that the team will add their own thoughts and feelings before we go.
Neil
Many thanks to all of the parents for their support, not only for their own child, but for all that they have done for the group. When we began the journey back in September 2010 I said that the team was not just the staff and children, but that parents were also a vital element. This has certainly been the case, so thank you again and thanks also for your friendship.
On behalf of all of us I would also like to thank Bryony. We are so sorry that you won't be with us, but we will be thinking of you. Get better soon!
I hope that the team will add their own thoughts and feelings before we go.
Neil
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