Bye Bye...

I am completely in communicado as of tomorrow as the venturers finally arrive and I have to actually start managing stuff. I am knackered from relentless training, a little scared, dreading the trek again but really looking forward to meeting my group. We train themn for 3 days in everything we've learnt at TAC (see previous post) and then we're off to the jungle. I thought I would leave you a little set of pics from my project site in Imbak Canyon so you can visualise it better...

Mount Kinabalu on the way to Imbak

Imbak Falls, next door to BBC camp where we're staying

The route into BBC camp

Some more Imbak River

BBC camp kitchen area

BBC camp living area

And the group sleeping area

Last but not least, all the damn food we have to trek in..

Right. I'll love you and leave you... please send messages of encouragement if you can. I'll hold my hnds up and say I'm more away from my comfort zone than I have ever been. You can leave comments oin the Raleigh blog (address on the right) and write if you want to.

See you on the other side.... xxx

Raleigh debrief - two weeks in

So, I've talked and talked about the project specifically, but I thought I'd give a bit of a debrief about how the whole experience has been thus far...

The challenge - is much more than I thought it would be. I'm sure the result will be much more rewarding but I haven't done anything so mentally, and sometimes physically, demanding. There have been tears and times when I've felt a very daunted by the task so, as much as I'm getting a lot out of it, it's hardly like I'm sat here having the best fun of my life 24/7. Although this evening I did walk into town and treat myself to a back massage. Yes, my treat is paying a small Malaysian lady to essential beat me up, that about sums it up!

People - I have been really lucky with the group of PMs we have. I cannot believe I type these words as I haven't really enjoyed the previous chances to meet other volunteer managers and thought I would find it difficult to meet like minded people but, hats off to the guys and gals, they are ace. Instead of the highly competitive atmosphere everyone is openly finding this 1,000 times more challenging than we expected, and is quick to pick people up when they've had enough or don't think they're up to the challenge. There is a lot of laughter, not necessarily because we're having the time of our lives, but when we realise that we've done this to ourselves, and some of the more ludicrous positions we find ourselves in. For example, tonight we had a night at HQ which involved fancy dress, skits and 'Raleigh Olympics'. For my sins I was force fed ice cream, crawled on the fall to narration and pushed a land rover up a hill as part of a race. Honestly, what is that about? It's refreshing to be involved in a cause like this and it not be flooded by, as my good friend Racheal would say 'hideously pro-active do gooders' simply, people who are up for a challenge and something different, most importantly, with a sense of humour.

Sanity levels - are low. I spent most of today's soft skills training wearing a cape my friend found in the dressing up box here. No one really questioned it, least of all me. This is not right, surely? I think the isolation of jungle life may mark the dissolution of my sanity altogether...help!

Malaysia - is a gorgeous place and the island of Borneo is beautiful. I have seen a real range of luxury to poverty which I clearly haven't experience before and is a real eye opener. The people everywhere are super friendly and helpful which is very reassuring when you're stressed trying to organise things of great importance. It is super hot and humid here, none of our clothes dry, we sweat just from sitting down and rain is a thing to be celebrated as it leaves you momentarily comfortable!

Going native - I haven't worn make up in two weeks, my hair looks like I've been electrocuted and I kind of love it. I cheated and borrowed someone at HQ's hair straighteners the other day and it was blissful I will admit. Two luxuries I miss are a bed and warm water but hey ho, we can't have it all. I am also a bit sick of everything smelling all the time, if it's not because no one can stop sweating, it's the super strong DEET insect repellent we wear. A very savoury thought I know.

Personal development (i.e. what 50% of Raleigh is all about) - I don't know how I feel about this. I am being truly pushed and can only imagine it's good for me, however, it is bloody hard. I know a lot of friends likened what I'm doing to travelling, and I too thought it would be a lot more straight forward! I don't mean to sound like I'm banging on but, friends who read this probably sponsored me so I want them to know what they paid for! It has made me realise a few things I need to work on personally, and I'm sure many more will come to the fore throughout the project. I just wish I wasn't so far away doing this sometimes as there are plenty of occasions I could use the phone/a rant! Please send letters if you can, I may go mad without.

Skills - I have loved learning radio communications, and a lot of a fluffy 'soft skills' have been very useful. Practical camping skills are something I haven't needed for a long time and it's nice thinking that way again, and being able to say I know how to use a machete properly is a bit strange. I think it'll be one of those things where a random question/comment will be made and I suddenly realise I have learnt loads and will be extremely grateful.

Anyway, enough blabbering, photos of the Imbak Canyon jungle camp to follow soon! xxx

PPV - Project planning visit

As I mentioned in a previous post, my project is based at the nature reserve Imbak Canyon where I have discovered, my group will be working on a suspension bridge. That's right folks, I'm project managing the construction of a suspension bridge, god help us all. The project is run with the Imbak Rangers (an organisation called Yayasan Sabah) who will direct and help us with the work, and in turn the access means more opportunities for research and maintenance of this beautiful, untouched area.

As part of the prep for our projects we're required to undertake a 3 day recce of the site and meet the people we're working with (in our case, the Rangers of Imbak Canyon), plan risk assessments, plan emergency casualty evacuation plans, write cultural and environmental impact reports, route cards and check out the local medical facilities. As well as being part of crucial planning this is also pretty good for us project managers as we get to know our projects and puts us one step ahead of the venturers. It also makes the responsibility we're taking on hit home, as I think I speak for a lot of my fellow PMs when I say, we did not realise how tough this would be, and how many things there were to think of!

Anyway, my journey to Imbak Canyon started at 6am last Thursday in one of HQ's land rovers. As there are currently a project group out there at the moment, we were taken there as part of the 'loop' where HQ staff go and visit the projects, deliver post, bring some fresh food, check you haven't gone mental yet etc. After four hours driving up windy roads past Mount Kinabalu, we arrived at a small town called Telupid, which looks like some kind of border town where you shouldn't go any further. So, further on we went, spending three hours off roading to the Imbak rangers camp, including a river crossing and some spectacularly bumpy roads. Arriving at rangers camp at 2 pm we then had to trek to the camp we stay in for project (named BBC camp, as it's where the documentary makers stayed). Now, one important thing I've learnt is that I don't really like trekking... a walk here and there is great, I can even handle the odd hill, but trekking in 100% humidity carrying 20+ kilos of kit brings out my inner brat. so off we set on this trek which is essentially a wall of mud and tree roots which we somehow have to schlep up. Bearing in mind I had been awake since the wee hours and was probably a bit dehydrated, I wasn't quite in the right frame of mind for this. Once we got to the top of the huge hill (there were tears... brat) we had to come down the other side. Although there was no slipping like the jungle training, the was severe leg shakes from dehydration, only worsened by the fact that at the bottom of the hill, the trail was replaced by a series of rocks and roots, next to a sharp drop into the river and a hand rope to pull ourselves back up another hill with. At the end of this we cross a suspension bridge and then we make it to BBC camp. So this epic journey involving two sets of tears, the shakes and rock climbing was completed in about two hours... and what distance did we travel? 2 bloody kilometres. That's right folks, 2km! I hope this goes to demonstrate jungle conditions (not my lack of fitness - I've been assured it's normal).

Anyway, BBC camp is a bit of a palace, there is a basic toilet shack with a flush, static bunks - no more hammocks for me, a sink and our own waterfall should we fancy a shower. Right, it's not that lush but there is a waterfall next door where we can go for a little swim if the weather/current/conditions are right... It is beautiful but it's in the middle of nowhere. The rangers have a camp next door to us as they have to escort us everywhere but we are completely isolated. The only way to get any medical attention is helicopter someone out or stretcher them over the route I described which is obviously rubbish (I may have to introduce a putting down lame vernturers policy to deter them getting injured/sick... harsh? but fair?). I have images of us getting a bit lord of the flies/ the beach with no real human interaction so please send letters if you can. I may bang on about water falls, but it's quite a demanding job running these projects and we need the distraction and moral support!!

Anyway, after our day & overnight stop checking out the site, meeting Rangers and picking the brains of the current PMs we had to trek back to Rangers camp on that bloody route where we were met with bunk beds - hurrah, and I managed to only cry once on route. Well done me. I've promised to not be so pathetic when the venturers arrive.

We spent the next day back in the crazy border town of Telupid where we were treated like rock stars... lots of pointing, waving, calling out in English which was really very sweet. We assume this was because we're white which is a rarity in such a rural area, not just because we're weird looking. It made me a little sad I wasn't spending more time in a community project as the Malaysians are so welcoming. We were joined in the evening by another group of PMs and shared stories, a bit of hysteria and jungle/trekking nightmares. We're all in for a rough ride. We did however stay ion a lodge which had hot water, which I haven't experienced since being in Borneo so that was pretty wonderful.

Getting back to HQ we were met with the mountains of paper work we had to complete, in all its minutiae, which took us some hours. Anyone who thinks I am on a jolly can think again - it felt like being back in the office (with less coffee breaks and banter).

All in all, I am feeling OK about the project. The responsibility we have for health and safety, personal development of the venturers and smooth running of the project is huge which is incredibly nerve wracking, and as we know, I am not excited about doing that sodding trek AGAIN, but it'll be great to finally get on with something. I'll be very honest in saying I didn't realise how hard it would be and have spent the last few days thinking I have bitten off more than I can chew, but luckily my fight or fly instincts haven't driven me to get on that plane yet. I'll just have to hope I remain proud and don't let down the lovely people who sponsored me.

Selamat Malam, Sarah xxx

Photos

I have take quite a few but here's a seleciton for you...

Raleigh HQ, Kota Kinabalu, Borneo - my temporary home:
Jungle camp training:

Trekking into the jungle - if only I looked this good all the time...


Some of my team carrying the effin' bamboo pole across the rickety bridge...

Camping in the big J:

And finally, the post-jungle hair...

I've got jungle fever...

Or at least I will do, as I'm heading to the jungle! I've finally been given my project and I'll be heading to Imbak Canyon to build infrastructure and facilities for environmental research and development. Imbak Canyon is one of the most untouched places on earth, more people have been to Everest base camp than have set foot in the most bio diverse eco system on this here planet (true facts people, true facts). BBC filmed a documentary on Borneo there a few years ago and scientists were discovering three new species of animal/flora/fauna a day.

Now, I am about to join their ranks and I am quite frankly terrified.

Don't get me wrong, I feel enormously privileged to go somewhere so remote and untouched (Raleigh are the only people to go in and out of there regularly) but having had some experience in it now, I am not sure I'm totally cut out for jungle life. The past few days we've been training at a place called TAC (Traverse Activity Centre) where we learnt jungle camp craft, radio and medical skills which was promptly followed by an overnight expedition into the 'Big J'. Skills learnt included the handling of a machete, building long drop toilets, putting up a hammock and tarp (which we in the biz call a basher) and camp maintenance to be at one with the jungle. We were taught all of this by lovely local guide Floyd who just and about managed to stifle his laughter while we tried our hands at camp craft.

Our expedition proved that I am in fact not one with the jungle, the jungle kicks my ass. To get into the camp we had to trek for 2 hours, in 40 degree heat either steeply uphill or steeply downhill on a path no wider than my foot which was normally on the edge of a sharp drop into the forest. We were carrying all our own gear, camp gear, food and a 12ft bamboo pole and tarp just to make things a little bit more interesting. Bearing in mind I am fairly clumsy I spent a lot of time sliding down slopes/falling over/hanging on to trees for dear life which wasn't made easier by the fact all of our group were sweating more than we ever have done, which was in all honesty pretty disgusting. I think I was silent throughout the whole trek apart from the occasional expletive or cry for help as I fell down something... again. I think at some point I kicked a tree in frustration, not very mature I know. Once the hell of trekking was over we set up our jungle camp, including our bashers and had a cool down in the stream which was fairly pleasant. What am I saying? It was actually heaven. Being cool is not something that happens a lot in Malaysia, esp in the big J so the opportunity was welcomed with a metaphorical bear hug.

Our evening was spent chatting in the main camp, watching a huge thunder storm from the safety of our communal tarp, watching fireflies, glow in the dark fungus (yummy...) and laughing in that slightly hysterical over tired way you do when you're knackered. I have been pleasantly surprised by the quick forming support network of our group of PMs and even more surprised that instead of mocking it, I'm completely embracing it and will genuinely miss my group when we split off to plan our different projects. Anyway, enough fluff, back to jungle life.... when the rain died down and it was safe to venture up to bed we did (it was about 9pm, we get early nights here...), our sleeping quarters were further up hill from our main camp and built on the slope so everything was pretty precarious. After carefully constructing my basher/mosquito net combo and climbing into bed I felt like a winner as I lay on my perfectly even, comfortably rocking, jungle bed listening to beetles and crickets flirt while I fell asleep... bliss. Until I woke up some hours later. I found myself lying at a 45 degree angle, most things having fallen out of my bed, and I was clinging on for dear life to one edge convinced I was about to fall into a leafy ravine. Of course reality was no where near as dramatic, although my basher was a disgrace, and too tried/lazy/scared of creepy crawlies to get out and rearrange it, I lay there for 3 hours or so, staring a tree in the face and willing on daylight. The next morning we packed up, trekked out on a much nicer route and got back to TAC for showers. The overall conclusion I made was that my jungle skills are poor, and I'm not enthralled by the combination of sweating and nothing ever, ever drying in the humidity (mmmmm, clammy).

So anyway, in the Raleigh spirit of challenge, I've been posted to the national park/jungle based project. Ina weird twist, it's actually one of the most plush sites as there is a rudimentary camp we'll be staying in that the BBC built while filming the documentary there which has static hammocks and flushing toilets so at least there are no long drops for me! My project partner is a 37 year old father of three called Matt, who unlike me, is quite skilled and enjoys Jungle life so I think we make a good team. He is quiet, I am loud, he is confident in his decisions, I am full of self doubt, I am organised, he isn't, he is at one with the jungle, I am going to be... it all adds up. Like some sort of law enforcement themed sitcom double act.

Today we're planning our PPV (project planning visit) and we head in tomorrow so I can tell you all about the joys of Imbak when I return. I will also post photos very soon so you can see jungle hair and some of the things I'm talking about!

Lots of love xxx

I'm here

After leaving the UK on Wednesday night, I finally arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo this morning (it's 6:30pm local time). I have so far learnt the true meaning of the word 'humidity', the joys of a 23kg back pack on international travel and the true complexity of KL airport.

Today has been easy as we've been chilling and chatting mainly, but tomorrow we start the real stuff and we trek to jungle training camp on Sunday - full on! Tuesday I find out my project so I can finally let you know what I'm doing!

The HQ where I'm staying looks like a bit of a squat with suitable charity-esque furnitre and camping/trekking equipment littered everywhere. We're sleeping on mattresses on the (very hard) floor which will probably be quite some luxury compared to what's coming up.

It's good to see the familiar faces of the training weekends as well as some newbies as everyone finally seems a bit more relaxed. I am really excited but also pretty petrified as we're really been thrown in at the deep rnd. It's what I signed up for though isn't it?

Anyway, I'll do this again when I have stuff of more interest to say shall I?

Taylor out xx

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'm leaving, tomorrow...

So, I finally go tomorrrow. I am honestly as bored of talking about and waiting for this trip as my friends are so, I'm delighted I finally get to actually get on that plane and go somewhere.

I am currently at work, desperately trying to 'hand over' all my bits and pieces for other people to do while I'm away knowing at home there's a pile of clothes, shoes, first aid equipment, waterproofs, sun creams, mosquito repellent, mosquito nets, hats, gloves, sleeping bag etc that is bursting out of a very large and over full ruck sack. This is quite an issue an I'm not entirely convinced it's all going to fit.

Here's some of what we're dealing with:

We'll see in about 6 hours if this is going to happen or not!

8 days left

In the months where there hasn't been a lot to do apart from buying things, preparing and otherwise twiddling my thumbs I can blog regularly YET when I am doing lots of Borneo related things I have nothing to say?!? Silly Sarah.

The last 6 weeks or so have been all go on the Borneo front including a staff development and first aid training weekends. The former was a useful experience, and taught me as much as possible about expedition life. There was quite a lot of soft skills training - coaching, leadership, you know the sort which I was surprised by how much I enjoyed. It really dawned on me (largely due to being told this expressly and repeatedly) that PMs have to be on all the time. It's essential to remain level headed, fair and rational when dealing with the the venturers at all times which will be a real challenge. I'd love to say this weekend I bonded with the other PMs and had a great time, but I actually found it a bit overwhelming and didn't gel with people the way I thought I would. This didn't put me off the idea of expedition, it was just a bit of a shock, and I'm sure (and hoping) that it'll be a different tale once we get to Borneo. What else did I learn....

1) The leeches will get me, there's no point trying to avoid it
2) There is such a thing called a Tiger Leech in Borneo, which can jump at you from trees. Disgusting.
3) Nothing ever dries ever as it's so humid.
4) Deet, Deet, Deet.
5) bringing my own herbs and spices will be my best friend.
6) Malaysian culture is very conservative so despite the 35 degree heat I will need to be covered up pretty much all the time, which remaining cool and comfortable.
7) The mix of volunteers we manage will be self fund raisers, partnership programme participants (mouthful!), locals and some internationals.
8) The two main projects I could be on are a gravity feed water system in a local community and building facilities in the national park - Imbuk Canyon.
9) It's really hot all the time.
10) the time plan - we arrive, receive in country training for two weeks learning practical & soft skills, get partnered up for our projects, plan our projects, volunteers arrive, we teach them everything we know, trek out to project sites, do project, come back, have one day to chill, then go on our adventure phase of trekking/white water rafting/mountain biking etc, send volunteers home with a big goodbye party, have a project wash up, go home after our own huge good bye party. Phew, not too much going on then!
11) The staff at the Raleigh Borneo HQ are lovely and I felt very safe in their hands
12) Conflict resolution
13) I can't cope without coffee.

So, on the learning front a very successful weekend!

Next challenge... packing...



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The official Raleigh Borneo Summer 09 blog

For all the happenings in Borneo over the summer please check out this blog:

http://raleighborneo.blogspot.com/

It'll have photos (possibly even of me when I finally get there!) and updates on what everyone's doing, which will be useful as I own't have access to a computer.

A more me specific blog about recent devlopments and prep is on its way...

T minus 5 weeks!

So peeps, 5 weeks left and my credit card bill is going through the roof getting all my equipment together, I went on a training residential on the weekend just gone (which was quite the experience - it needs a post to itself really) so I'm all clued up about Raleigh, their projects and Borneo.

One of te things we learnt was that letters from home are like gold, and can really help lift your mood and make you feel great in tough conditions with people you don't know. We have no access to email/mobile phone signal or any of that new fangled technology lark so hand written word is the way to go.

Should any of you get the urge to write me something nice and/or encouraging (no abuse please!) then feel free to do so to this address:

Raleigh
PO BOX 14182
88848 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah,
Malaysia

The job role

A few people have asked me what the job I'm doing will actually entail. Well, I've included the description here so you can see fgor your own eyes what I've let myself in for:

Project manager: The role

The position of project manager is one of considerable independence and autonomy, which
involves taking responsibility for the success of an allocated project. You’ll organise and run
a project site in a remote area with little external support, managing a group of around 12
international young people in a cross-cultural environment. Each project site has two project
managers who’ll work together to deliver the aims of the project and the personal
development of young people.

The responsibilities

• Facilitating group development and resolving group conflict when required with
particular regard to cross cultural need
• One to one support and coaching for young people to ensure they get the most from
the experience
• Managing and accounting for all equipment issued
• Under the supervision of the finance manager, to manage a sub account for the
project and accounting for all expenditure
• Instructing groups in skills necessary to achieve project
• Liaising with other organisations and agencies as required
• Keeping field base and the Raleigh in-country staff informed at all times of general
progress, and of any incidents on the project site
• Daily communication with field base
• Main point of contact for both the community and project partners
• Producing a written post expedition report
• Liaising with the logistics manager over project requirements
Pre-expedition in-country responsibilities
• Carrying out a planning visit after briefing from the country director
• Planning project in detail ensuring that it is worthwhile, challenging and enjoyable
• Producing a written planning visit report
• Carrying out a risk assessment for all activities and supervising health and safety
policy, in accordance with our safety procedures and the concept of "Duty of Care"
Essential skills
• Open to personal development concepts and willing to engage in own development
• The ability to manage a variety of demanding responsibilities in a physical, remote
and dynamic environment
• Display effective personal leadership and help develop leadership skills of others
• Plan logically and in detail producing practical, effective solutions to achieve goals or
overcome real problems
• Display high level of interpersonal skills and to be able to listen, empathise and work
with individuals from a variety of backgrounds
• Acquire and implement new skills quickly, ability to think of your feet in a fast-moving
and changeable environment
• Manage financial and material resources

No biggie!

Down to the last 50

There are now 50 days left until the trip starts. Not 8 months like it was at the assessment day, not 26 weeks like the start of the original countdown, a mere 50 days. 

 

Surprisingly, unlike my normal efforts for pre trip preparation, this one seems to be going quite well! I am now the proud owner of some plane tickets (to the right place and everything), a travel insurance policy so comprehensive I am tempted to break a leg just to test the luxury of my recovery and the most comfortable thermarest ready for my jungle hammock. Bring it on Malaysian jungle - I'm ready for ya!

I have also managed to sort something else out to take a load off my mind - I have guaranteed to return to work on my return in September. I mentioned earlier about having told my boss - after with I had to wait an agonising two weeks to find out if I had a job or not! I made my peace with this thinking, if nothing else, the Raleigh experience would help me find another job quite easily. After 3 rounds of approval from escalating levels of management committee it was eventually agreed it would be a great opportunity, a benefit to the company and myself so they're giving me the time off to 'better myself which doing something worthwhile' - how lucky am I?!! As a result of my request, the company are examining their CSR policy and are developing a charity work leave policy around what I've asked for (and to protect the terms of my employment while I'm away) so future employees can go off on their own adventures too. So not just a win for me - the others can thank me later :)

So the remaining tasks of the final fifty mean finishing off my equipment shopping, get all my medicine, get fitter physically and go to my training weekend next weekend. That's when I FINALLY meet my team, find out more about the specific project I'm doing in Borneo and learn some very essential skills. Hopefully then the whole thing will start to sink in!

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Falling into place

So, Borneo/expedition prep updates have been fairly minimal as well, nothing has really changed! This is often the way with something with a long build up: there's the initial excitement and the immediate pre-travel preparations but otherwise, things aren't that changeable from day to day.  As a result, the fact that I'm even going away seems completely unreal, almost surreal in fact but, with just over two months to go, I can however think of a couple of things which is making everything sink in a little more.

Firstly, I have now booked my flights. I am fully paid up, itinerary printed off and flight numbers confirmed to go on my trip. I leave on the evening of July 8th and arrive back on our shores on the 4th September. Seems like hardly any time away really, but I know it'll feel like I've been there forever once I've thrown myself into project life. I managed to get an amazing deal on my travel through a travel agent friend of mine, which means the money I've saved can go towards more useful things than in flight meals - mosquito repellent and sun screen!

Secondly, I have also bitten the bullet and informed my manager of my plans. There were various reasons why I haven't informed them before now, these largely come down to my worry about not being able to go for whatever reason, my differing feelings over whether I wanted to keep my job or not, and plain old fear when it came down to it. I was very nervous about the reaction of my manager as after much consideration, I decided I would like to come back to my job, so would be asking for unpaid leave. In the current economic climate I felt the request of two months off, including 6 weeks unpaid leave is somewhat cheeky, but, once I've made a decision I like to commit and , as many friends reminded me, there's no harm in asking. 

I know my company has a policy against sabbaticals if you've been employed with them for less than 4 years (I've only racked up two!) so was expecting the worst, however, given the fact that it's a charity project, I'll be learning great new skills, AND it's not very long in the grand scheme of things, my manager seemed very positive we could work out some way for me to stay.  This was music to my ears, even if I do have to resign for whatever reason, at least I know they want me to stay, and will be fighting my corner! It was great to know I have the support of my boss, and the fact he recognised what a big deal the trip is for me, and realises how much a better employee I could potentially be on my return (providing I odn't get malaria). There's no definite answer either way yet, but just have the secret off my chest is a relief enough in itself.  I've hated feeling dishonet, so I'm glad I can now share this with my colleagues rather than act sheepish when asked about my summer plans! 

I will keep you all posted as to how things work out, but at the moment it's looking pretty good so, watch this space...

Money, money, money...

Y'see... the thing I've noticed most in the run up to all of this is how much I am thinking about money. It is constant. What I spend on injections, what I need for equipment, what I need for tickets, what I need to cover my rent while I'm away... blah, blah, blah it's NEVER ENDING! However, in all this financial trial and tribulation some good stuff as happened, as you will see from looking over to the right at my handy little justgiving.com gadget. I have managed to raise a fantastic £1,500.27p which goes straight to Raleigh and covers me for the trip - hurrah! 

To celebrate the end of this financial burden, and to start thinking about the trip properly as it's only 3 short months away now, I celebrated with some Borneo shopping. I get a lot of people asking me if I'm excited yet or not, and the truth is, not really! It's been on my mind for so long, and I've been preparing mentally, physically, financially for a while so I had kinda run out of steam thinking about it. Going out today to dedicate some time and money to the things I need, and imagining what I'll need them for, certainly stoked the embers of my excitement.

Want to see my purchases....

So, my big fear as some of you may have guessed is getting malaria or some other hideous tropical illness. Due to Malaysia's high humidity there are mosquitoes everywhere so I will be fending them off with plenty of repellent and one of these lovely things...

That's right, a mosquito headnet. If you yourself fancy a bit of widow chic, don't despair! You too can be the owner of one of these for a bargainous £8. Sexy, huh?

I also got some less ridiculous looking things. I treated myself to a pair of practical sunnies, i.e. not £5 from H&M as I will need to protect my eyes in the tropics....

 What a poser!

My lovely friend Christine treated me to a camping pillow as it will make a huge difference to my comfort levels and therefore overall mood for the time I'm away....

Not only is it nice and comfy, but it also colour co-ordinates wonderfully with my 'giant' trek towel, which folds up to the size of a A5 diary and is 6x lighter than a normal towel (ideal when you're carrying everything you have and space is an issue)...

It also has a map of the world on it in green in case I get lost - very handy.

All in all, a fairly exciting couple of days!

I want to be there...

Now!

 

Everything seems to be revolving around prepartion, injections, saving money, booking flights and training. I am excited obviously but I don't want to run out of steam before July as all my thought and action revolves around the trip.

--

Different kettle of fish

When I first started looking at jobs I could do within Raleigh I was torn between two - a Project Manager on the sites or a Communications Officer in the Raleigh HQ in whatever country I ended up in. I was completely torn nd undecided right up until the assessment weekend, and eventually let Raleigh decide for me assuming they knew best.

After being offered the PM role I got pretty excited about getting my hands dirty. I was worried the comms role would mean I would miss out on the whole essence of the expedition and essentially just be doing my job abroad.

However, having just read the Raleigh forum with a bit more advice I'm starting to think maybe I got the bum deal. Please find below a list of tips and advice they give to people in HQ:

* The start and end of expedition include a fair amount of going out, so you will want to budget and pack accordingly. This includes "longs" for evenings out in KK.
* Take advantage of the days off.
* Grab a Starbucks/ Coffee Bean/ Yo Yos when ever you can - but note the cost adds up!
* Save your documents regularly - the computer system crashes!
* Be prepared for your bank cards not to work on arrival - call your bank to warn them of your travels or have the number handyover here.
* You are going to be living in a normal house it is ok to allow yourself the odd treat (even a hairdryer!) and normal clothes.
* Buy a local sim card out here it is much cheaper for phone calls.
* Join the Hyatt gym (105RM per month) to keep fit, and keep the weight off after Loi's great cooking.
* A memory card reader and pen stick are useful to bring.
* there is a cheap an excellent laundry service

Starbucks?! Laundry?! Hair dryers?! It's almost luxury. Especially when you compare it to the advice given to the PMs....

* You can never have enough dry bags or zip lock bags
* A good roll mat or therma rest are essential, as are Deet and a really good pair of sandals/tevas
* If you are paranoid then leech socks are worth it (though learning to live with them is cheaper).
* you will learn to love and live of 3 in 1 coffee and milo.
* it is best to replace the string on your mozi net with some stronger and brighter string.
* You can never have enough string or gaffer tape!
* waterproofs arepointless they don't hold up to the rain and you get too hot, though an umbrella can be very handy.
* tech shirts generally don't work in this climate they just smell - cotton is better.
* don't worry too much about your kit, there is a spares box of second hand stuff at fieldbase for a small donation.
* On project make sure you take time out, but most importantly - relax, enjoy and have fun.

All I can say is leech socks?!?!

Whose silly idea was this in the first place?! :)

A little kindness goes a long way.

My English readers (I have been assured I do have some!) will know we've been knee deep in snow the last couple of days, yes, knee deep. For my foreign readers, this enough to bring our fair isle to pretty much a stand still, with schools closing, public transport failing and the nation's population working from home in between building snowmen.

Anyway, as much as this weather and subsequent wind down of normal activity has been disruptive, I have had to carry on with my training. So Sunday lunchtime, I found myself hiking up Surrey's beautiful Box Hill. There was frost, mud, lots of horse poo, hills galore and we found ourselves walking along the hill top as the wind blew the snow, yes more snow, into our faces. We were cold, a bit fed up and tired.

As with the assessment weekend I had a moment of thinking 'this is ridiculous'. Not even the beautiful view could lift my mood from wondering why I was putting myself through this, for the next 5 months!

After finishing our hike, I got the usual sense of accomplishment, and the adrenaline and I rewarded myself with some gorgeous roast chicken that evening (while I'm staying in and saving money good food id my treat of choice :)), so all in all, it wasn't a bad thing. It made me realise I need to touhgen up a bit more and just get on with things.

I am also reminded that this is worth it from the outpouring of interest and care from my friends and family in my preparations. My fundraising is going well, and I'm pleasantly surprised by the kind words and offers of help from people. Perhaps the most surprising thing was when I went for more injections yesterday (Hep B, Hep A and Typhoid) and my nurse, the very same I saw before, remembered me and was interested in finding out more about my trip. She not only recommended vaccinations and health tips which aren't on the Raleigh check list, but, she also gave me my Hep B injection for FREE. FREE! This saved me £36 and was a very lovely gesture as she was impressed that i was doing charity work. She said she would try and help me, as much as she is able to, to get as many injections as possible for free - how good is that!?

I was touched by her support, as well of those of my loved ones, and that's what helps me climb those cold, windy, muddy, snowy hills on Sunday mornings!

Should I be worried?

Below is an excerpt from the form my doctor must sign for me to be able to go on the expedition:

"THE ABOVE NAMED PERSON WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN A RALEIGH EXPEDITION DURING WHICH HE/SHE WILL BE SUBJECT TO BASIC LIVING CONDITIONS, HARSH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRESS AS WELL AS EXTREMES OF CLIMATE. THESE DEMANDS WILL INVOLVE BACK PACKING, BEING ABLE TO CARRY WEIGHTS OF UP TO 20KG AND BEING FIT ENOUGH TO TREK IN CONDITIONS WHICH WILL INVOLVE POSSIBLE EXTREME TEMPERATURES, CLIMATES, ALTITUDE CHANGES AND ROUGH TERRAIN. PROJECTS WILL VARY FROM ON THE MOVE TO STATIC PROJECT SITES. THESE WILL PROVIDE VERY BASIC FACILITIES, SUCH AS LONG DROP TOILETS AND PRIMITIVE WASHING FACILITIES, AND THEY WILL BE LIVING UNDER CANVAS OR THE STARS.

THE DIET PROVIDED WILL BE DEHYDRATED FOOD AND FRESH VEGETABLES OR FRUIT WHEN AVAILABLE, THIS BEING COOKED ON OPEN WOOD FIRES. RALEIGH AIMS TO PROVIDE A MEDIC (DOCTOR/NURSE) ON EACH PROJECT SITE TO GIVE IMMEDIATE FIRST AID AND ENSURE HIGH HYGIENE STANDARDS ARE TAUGHT AND MAINTAINED. THE PROJECT SITE CAN BE CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE FROM ANY HOSPITAL BACK UP.

WITH THE ABOVE INFORMATION, IF THERE ARE ANY MATTER OF WHICH YOU FEEL THE MEDIC SHOULD BE AWARE, PLEASE SUPPLY ON A SEPARATE SHEET. IF YOU REQUIRE FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE MEDICAL CO-COORDINATOR ON ********"

So, basically - I guess that sums up a bit more about what I'll be doing in Borneo!

Not such a pretty penny

So, as the handy list on the right hand side of here says, I am going to need quite a lot of vaccinations before I go away in July. I'm absolutely fine with needles, so I haven't been worried about that, it's just organising them all!

 

As someone who is not a particularly seasoned traveller, I don't really know anything about Malaria tablets, hepatitis jabs and such so I wanted to make sure I considered all factors in my arrangements. Timings, costs, availability, clashes, etc. etc. - to become the human pin cushion is surprisingly not straight forward!

 

This morning I had my annual flu jab, and upon arrival the nurse told me I was due for a booster of my tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. I thought this was great as they were all on my preparation tick list, and turned out to be free, which was a pleasant surprise. After having the jabs and feeling the usual, dull arm ache set in, the nurse talked me through everything I needed to prepare. Undeniably helpful, and very enthusiastic, she helped me prepare a timeline and figure out costs, and I nearly threw up when we figured out my injections will cost me £500!  I suppose one's health is priceless but still, it's enough to put you in mild shock when you're scraping every penny together for your airfare amongst other things.

 

So I'm now bringing in a new fundraising notion 'Sponsor a jab'. If you want something more tangible for you donation, don't give your money straight to Raleigh - sponsor one of my injections. That way, you don't just get the satisfaction of supporting a charitable cause, you're also keeping me happy and healthy :) I'm quite serious about this so, if you DO want to give in a more novel way, let me know.

 

After getting my breath back and figuring out what organs I could donate to fund this, the nurse asked me when I was going and for how long, and then simply said 'planning on losing weight before you go?'. Talk about adding insult to injury! :)

New Year and raring to go..

So the Christmas season has come to pass... trousers are a little tighter, wallets are a little lighter and we have arrived into a brand spanking new year.

I'm feeling pretty please as instead of squandering the seasons holiday in front of the TV (OK, squandering ALL of it I should say) for once, I have been busy making preparations for the trip (which is 26 weeks and 2 days away).

1) Physical preparation - As one of my big worries is being unfit while I'm away, I've started preparing for the trekking aspect with some walks. Guildford and the surrounding area is a gold mine for hills and I've been trying to conquer them all. There have been muddy hills, sandy hills, really really steep hills! I've acquired some willing and able walking buddies, kitted up, and forced myself out into the cold. I'll be a lean mean hiking machine before you know it!

2) Health preparation - As well as the physical exercise, I've been dosing up on everything to keep me in tip top shape. Vitamins, more fruit, more veg, NO WINE... anything to protect myself. I've also booked the appointment with my doctor to start getting my vaccinations done. I'm unfortunately prone to getting poorly and I don't want that affecting my trip, or those around me. 2009 will be the year of health!

3) Equipment preparation - I am now the proud owner of some very swanky walking boots (at a 70% discount), a very expensive and waterproof jacket - good for the rainy season in Malaysia, an essential sleeping bag liner to combat bacteria, a water bottle, as well as a couple of head torches. I've been able to acquire this haul through a combination of monetary donation, Christmas gifts and good old fashioned giving so thanks those who helped me.

4) Financial preparation - The fundraising is going swimmingly - about 40% there with 4 months to go before the deadline. I've been really lucky int he support I've received but I'm also looking to get more, and not only relying on the kindness of friends but a wider appeal. I've also been making sure I'm financially prepared for the trip (there will be small costs I incur when I'm out there, and the not so small cost of a flight!), I also have to make sure I have a buffer for when I'm back. The job climate is slightly unpredictable at the moment as well know, the uncertainty of what I'll do when I get back adding equally to the excitement and fear, so there's a lot of planning to do there on my part.

Just thought I'd keep people up to date with my actions. Please, keep spreading the word of Raleigh and hopefully we'll tap into people's generous sides and get more support for Raleigh.