Dear All..
Just a quick (not really, lol jk) update of our whereabouts and activities of late. Left Puerto Jim early on someday of the week. Everything seems to merge into one when travelling, sad that that is not the case at school. From Puerto Jim it was a quick bus journey and then a rather exciting taxi journey in the back of a cattle truck wedged in between all our rucksacks, thank god not cattle. The taxi took us to Bahia Drake, where the second of our projects was held. We arrived at our eco lodge after walking up the run-way. When I say we were staying near an airport, the truth was we were ON THE RUNWAY, it also doubled as the pathway from village to beach. WOOP.
The first day involved us meeting with the hippy Spanish volunteer scientist geeks who gave us the low-down on what we would be doing over the next couple of days. We were involved in a number of hard tasks including preparing a space for a new hatchery for the baby turtles and improving and updating a bridge to the beach built by Harrow in 2007, finishing Harrow's dirty work.
Alongside the manual labour and skill needed during the day, in the evenings the team took part in night patrols, trooping along the beach in 4 hour slots, from 8 to 12 or the really lucky ones the lovely 12 till 4 slot. No matter what, the patrols were a once in a life time experience walking along the beach in the moonlight with the waves lapping at ones feet. HOWEVER TEAM 1 WERE UBER LUCKY AND BLESSED as they came across Gloria, of the Olive Ridley variety within the first hour of their patrol. Turtle numbers are low at the moment and for the patrol leader, David, this was his first turtle of the season, which runs from July to December. In true Prior's Field fashion, the turtle was named Gloria. For no reason at all other than we all liked it when we were screaming like girls (but silently so as not to disturb her laying 131, yes 131, little mini Gloriaettes; this was in fact a record egg fest). Yes we were all very very VERY excited to have this amazing magical experience and we tried not to be too smuggy McSmug when we got back.
The night followed with more excitment when the team was ATTACKED by not a CROC or a snake or a spider BUT A PUPPY with the energy levels of an energetic THING. The whole team ended up standing on the table wrapped in sleeping bags leaving GORDON alone to fend of the beast, battle wounds were acquired and EDU, the owner of the lodge had to come to the rescue.
In regards to our hard manual labour the team split into two groups working alternative shifts on the bridge and the hatchery. All at the turtle foundation were TRULY AND HONESTLY AMAZINGLY impressed with the sheer GIRL POWER Priors Field bring with them wherever they go.
Everyone was sad to leave the OSA area, considered to be one of the most underdeveloped and beautiful areas of Costa Rica, with many saying it is up to 20 years behind in the development stakes compared to the rest of Costa Rica. WE LOVE THE PURA VIDA way of life, having freshly caught fish and plantaine chips.
Currently in SAN JOSE, staying in a lovely CHILLED OUT HOSTEL with free tea and coffee, so everyone feels at home :). Tomorrow we are off for the last stage of our adventure with a ENERGY PACKED THREE DAYS including canopy tour, white water rafting, a couple of treks here and there and HOT SPRINGS in front of an active volcano, Its a really hard life on expedition.
Hugs and kisses to family and friends and looking forward to seeing you at the airport. NOT; we are all moving to COSTA RICA and opening up a TURTLE SANCTUARY- your all invited to come out and help save this species.
GOOD NIGHT, been on an 8 hour bus journey so Zzzzzz... are much needed.
ADIOS.
SCARF. GORDO. GGB. KEN KEN. WARDY.
Thursday 29 July 2010
Saturday 24 July 2010
DOLPHINS ARE THE MOST AMAZING ANIMALS IN THE WORLD
So we have limited time on the internet so this is going to be quick. These last 3 days of Rest and Relaxation have been amazing. Yesterday we went on A 4 hour boat ride to go dolphin watching in the Gulfo Dulce. It was insane. At least 100 dolphins playing with the boats and the waves the motor made, they are such show offs. All a little bit burnt, hats off to Charlotte who wins the prize of being the Most BURNT person probably in the whole of COSTA RICA. The end of the day included a trip to a croc bay, we got about 100 metres down the path and then ran.
NO TIME LEFT SO
ICE CREAM
DESERTED BEACHES
PALM TREES
CHARITY SHOPPING
PIZZA
GRINGO SPOTTING
Over and out off to turtles tomorrow.
Scarf. Watson. Walker.
NO TIME LEFT SO
ICE CREAM
DESERTED BEACHES
PALM TREES
CHARITY SHOPPING
PIZZA
GRINGO SPOTTING
Over and out off to turtles tomorrow.
Scarf. Watson. Walker.
Do I need to take my waterproof to the rainforest?
Greeting fellow englishmen and others. So we are currently in Puerto Jimenez in the south of Costa Rica in the Peninsula de Osa, claimed by the National Geographic to the most ecologically intense place on earth. Oh yes and it is Hot, Hot Hot. We returned from our trek 2 days ago. Due to weather issues consisting of heavy rain we had to alter our routes a little but it all ended a-okay. We stayed in a lovely Eco-lodge in La Tarde in the middle of THE ACUTAL rainforest. From there we took a number of day trek around the local area guided by our wonderful new friend George, not the dog. Day one consisted of a 4 hour morning trek in primary rainforest, {Treanor we have some impressive buttress roots for you}. We definitely felt like extras in King Kong. At the end of the trek we tried our hands at gold panning and surprisingly found very little. We were a little rusty.
Day 2 consisted of two treks. Morning trek involved taking back bag loads of oranges to then discover there was a reason green oranges are not sold in Waitrose. However, that did not dishearten the excitment for the afternoon trek. In one word it was AWESOME and AMAZING. Sorry that was two words, I could not help it. For many it was the highlight of the trek so far. We trekked down to a beautiful creek that could of been the postcard photograph. From there we waded through around 4km of river, our boots are still wet. I think there was a mutual feeling of ohhh.. I feel like Lara Croft.
Day 3 still feeling like Lara Croft we began on a beastly 7 hour trek, we again broke a record being only the second group to have the balls to venture on this epic journey. Trek included meeting a good friend one of the most poisonous snakes in the world, EVER, in the top 5, the Fleur de lance, a mere two metres away from us. Dont worry parents all of us remained remarkably calm, apart from Gordon who freaked. Other friends we met on the way included the poisonous arrow frog, toucan, spider monkeys, sloths, baby tarantulas, bats, owls and more. We also sampled the local beauties that is fresh coconut, and sugar cane. Yum Yum.
Day 4 involved a trek back to La Palma to return to Port Jim. Hats of to the team who walked like the chinese army it was done so fast.
Evening entertainment during the trek included dicussing food for at least 4 hours a day, parents if your child goes on about Wagamamas a lot when they get back number 47, 24, and 32 and 72 are all winners. Second to food book club is going strong, with Charlotte holding the record of 5 books in under 2 and a half weeks.{Lunnon, City of Thieves is a hit, and looking rather battered, but with love and lots of squished bugs}. Day 3 evening entertainment was an energetic game of WHOS IN THE BAG. I do believe the heat did affect our ability the come up with important historical dates and events, with 1066 reoccuring at least 7 times. Eiffel Tower also having at least 5 repeat shows.
Scarf, Watson, Gordo
Day 2 consisted of two treks. Morning trek involved taking back bag loads of oranges to then discover there was a reason green oranges are not sold in Waitrose. However, that did not dishearten the excitment for the afternoon trek. In one word it was AWESOME and AMAZING. Sorry that was two words, I could not help it. For many it was the highlight of the trek so far. We trekked down to a beautiful creek that could of been the postcard photograph. From there we waded through around 4km of river, our boots are still wet. I think there was a mutual feeling of ohhh.. I feel like Lara Croft.
Day 3 still feeling like Lara Croft we began on a beastly 7 hour trek, we again broke a record being only the second group to have the balls to venture on this epic journey. Trek included meeting a good friend one of the most poisonous snakes in the world, EVER, in the top 5, the Fleur de lance, a mere two metres away from us. Dont worry parents all of us remained remarkably calm, apart from Gordon who freaked. Other friends we met on the way included the poisonous arrow frog, toucan, spider monkeys, sloths, baby tarantulas, bats, owls and more. We also sampled the local beauties that is fresh coconut, and sugar cane. Yum Yum.
Day 4 involved a trek back to La Palma to return to Port Jim. Hats of to the team who walked like the chinese army it was done so fast.
Evening entertainment during the trek included dicussing food for at least 4 hours a day, parents if your child goes on about Wagamamas a lot when they get back number 47, 24, and 32 and 72 are all winners. Second to food book club is going strong, with Charlotte holding the record of 5 books in under 2 and a half weeks.{Lunnon, City of Thieves is a hit, and looking rather battered, but with love and lots of squished bugs}. Day 3 evening entertainment was an energetic game of WHOS IN THE BAG. I do believe the heat did affect our ability the come up with important historical dates and events, with 1066 reoccuring at least 7 times. Eiffel Tower also having at least 5 repeat shows.
Scarf, Watson, Gordo
Friday 16 July 2010
Do you know the way to San Jose?
PARTY-
On our last evening with the community we organised a goodbye and thank you party. The evening began with a play session with the locals kids, and our favorite little girl BELINDA and Juanita who had a little bird called Juan. As it got dark the party moved to the cuban doctor's house. The latino musica was pumping and the dancefloor, aka the porch was jam packed with locals dancing. A couple of our team members were rather embarrassed at first but after a while were forced into it and after a wee bit longer enjoyed it. Hats off to Hannah Scarf who won a dance battle against Hector and other unkown locals, her 'prize' was a dance with look a like Ronaldo. The locals wanted the party to go on for a lot longer than the tired team who needed to get up at 5 am the next morning for our 8 hour bus journey to San Jose.
So we said goodbye to the cuban doctor and his family, and our new friends in the village...especially the dogs.
At 5 am the next morning everybody was up to wave us off and we trudged along the road for 1km laiden with our heavy bags in order to catch our bus. Jorge Curioso tagged along with us as he is Luby's BFF. Some of the group were confident that he would find his way home by himself as he is a dog. However two near misses right in front of us of a car and a truck left us feeling less than confident that he would survive the homeward journey...
So the 8 and a half hour bus journey.
4 comatosed zombies
10 able bodied
enough said.
Arrived in San Jose at a bus station. Got the map out and started walking to the hostel. Little did we know that we navigated from the wrong bus station on the map. We ended up in the 'red zone'=danger
The welcoming sign seemed particularly ominous; Welcome to the Ghetto.
Then like an angel on a pick-up truck the nice man from the hostel Pangea randomly drove past and sorted out transport for us.
Hostel Pangea is quite frankly paradise, there are mattresses and palatial bathrooms and not only that, actual hot water. 10 burgers were ordered for the able bodied while the chunder monkeys had a simple snack with water.
Free internet and TV room topped the experience off and the 'pool' which is like a fish pond. You can tell we've got it pretty tough at the moment.
The chunder monkeys were put into quarrantine and the able bodied got up at 6 am to leave for Puerto Jimenez. Today is a travel day for them and rest for the CMs ready for our 4 day trek through the jungles of Costa Rica, lets hope we all make it back in one piece.
Over and out for the next wee while,
Moraes, Watson and Gordy
On our last evening with the community we organised a goodbye and thank you party. The evening began with a play session with the locals kids, and our favorite little girl BELINDA and Juanita who had a little bird called Juan. As it got dark the party moved to the cuban doctor's house. The latino musica was pumping and the dancefloor, aka the porch was jam packed with locals dancing. A couple of our team members were rather embarrassed at first but after a while were forced into it and after a wee bit longer enjoyed it. Hats off to Hannah Scarf who won a dance battle against Hector and other unkown locals, her 'prize' was a dance with look a like Ronaldo. The locals wanted the party to go on for a lot longer than the tired team who needed to get up at 5 am the next morning for our 8 hour bus journey to San Jose.
So we said goodbye to the cuban doctor and his family, and our new friends in the village...especially the dogs.
At 5 am the next morning everybody was up to wave us off and we trudged along the road for 1km laiden with our heavy bags in order to catch our bus. Jorge Curioso tagged along with us as he is Luby's BFF. Some of the group were confident that he would find his way home by himself as he is a dog. However two near misses right in front of us of a car and a truck left us feeling less than confident that he would survive the homeward journey...
So the 8 and a half hour bus journey.
4 comatosed zombies
10 able bodied
enough said.
Arrived in San Jose at a bus station. Got the map out and started walking to the hostel. Little did we know that we navigated from the wrong bus station on the map. We ended up in the 'red zone'=danger
The welcoming sign seemed particularly ominous; Welcome to the Ghetto.
Then like an angel on a pick-up truck the nice man from the hostel Pangea randomly drove past and sorted out transport for us.
Hostel Pangea is quite frankly paradise, there are mattresses and palatial bathrooms and not only that, actual hot water. 10 burgers were ordered for the able bodied while the chunder monkeys had a simple snack with water.
Free internet and TV room topped the experience off and the 'pool' which is like a fish pond. You can tell we've got it pretty tough at the moment.
The chunder monkeys were put into quarrantine and the able bodied got up at 6 am to leave for Puerto Jimenez. Today is a travel day for them and rest for the CMs ready for our 4 day trek through the jungles of Costa Rica, lets hope we all make it back in one piece.
Over and out for the next wee while,
Moraes, Watson and Gordy
Project phase PART DOS
Ok well we are in San Jose now and have free internet in the saweet hostel we are in so expect mucho grande blogging...
Currently 5 people chilling in San Jose while the rest of the group have begun their journey to the south of Costa Rica, towards Puerto Jimenez. So yes, a couple of us have been hit by the feared TRAVELLERS TUM TUM. So we are recuperating trying to get better with DR. GORDO on NURSE duty.
Project phase - So, So.. We arrived in LOS COCOS {that is not really the name but our adopted title for the community we were working with} Amazingly kind and friendly people who seemed very grateful if not a bit shocked to see 14 girls wielding pick-axes and shovels. We had the honour of spending the 5 days in the house of The CUBAN DOCTOR and his family- includind cuatro dogs CURIOUS GEORGE, SHADOW, PSYCHO and random little dude. Extended family also included 1 MEGA pig, 3 piglets, 4 geese and around 428792 chickens. Oh, The Doctor also had human children Abraham Jessica and Marie. On the first night Jessica did a little traditional jig for us while Abraham aged 2, stole the limelight and threw some shapes on the dance floor gangster stylie. BUT to return to the project phase, 5 days of hard work, we received lots and lots of support and help from the locals and often had to take the tools out of their hands to prove that we were up to the job. Special mention to LIZS talents pick-axes skills and raking. Apart from flattening and cementing in the playground stuff, jobs also included painting the equipment, often multiple times after the kids hijacked the brushes and decided to attack a tyre with an array of clashing colours.
However, it must also be mentioned that it wasnt all work. Paddles in one of the largest lakes in the americas, with amazing views of two volcanos and this is despite the threat of the BULL SHARKS. But we have all got our limbs intact. We did a lot of chilling in the midday sun/torrential rain, sunbathing only to be disturbed by a tropical storm. Sun tans are coming on nicely. We managed to pick the one time to visiit when sand flies converge in their billions and there were swarms and clouds of them dive bombing us whilst we attempted to eat our 5 star cuisine cheffed up by the food group.
The end result was a bright colourful, safe playground which the community can enjoy and build upon. The village asked when we left to email them a picture of us with our names on us so that the children could know who the hardworking girls were who helped make their playground amazing.
love the ILL FOOD GROUP-Liz, Hannah, Gordy, Vicky plus special guest, Sophie
Currently 5 people chilling in San Jose while the rest of the group have begun their journey to the south of Costa Rica, towards Puerto Jimenez. So yes, a couple of us have been hit by the feared TRAVELLERS TUM TUM. So we are recuperating trying to get better with DR. GORDO on NURSE duty.
Project phase - So, So.. We arrived in LOS COCOS {that is not really the name but our adopted title for the community we were working with} Amazingly kind and friendly people who seemed very grateful if not a bit shocked to see 14 girls wielding pick-axes and shovels. We had the honour of spending the 5 days in the house of The CUBAN DOCTOR and his family- includind cuatro dogs CURIOUS GEORGE, SHADOW, PSYCHO and random little dude. Extended family also included 1 MEGA pig, 3 piglets, 4 geese and around 428792 chickens. Oh, The Doctor also had human children Abraham Jessica and Marie. On the first night Jessica did a little traditional jig for us while Abraham aged 2, stole the limelight and threw some shapes on the dance floor gangster stylie. BUT to return to the project phase, 5 days of hard work, we received lots and lots of support and help from the locals and often had to take the tools out of their hands to prove that we were up to the job. Special mention to LIZS talents pick-axes skills and raking. Apart from flattening and cementing in the playground stuff, jobs also included painting the equipment, often multiple times after the kids hijacked the brushes and decided to attack a tyre with an array of clashing colours.
However, it must also be mentioned that it wasnt all work. Paddles in one of the largest lakes in the americas, with amazing views of two volcanos and this is despite the threat of the BULL SHARKS. But we have all got our limbs intact. We did a lot of chilling in the midday sun/torrential rain, sunbathing only to be disturbed by a tropical storm. Sun tans are coming on nicely. We managed to pick the one time to visiit when sand flies converge in their billions and there were swarms and clouds of them dive bombing us whilst we attempted to eat our 5 star cuisine cheffed up by the food group.
The end result was a bright colourful, safe playground which the community can enjoy and build upon. The village asked when we left to email them a picture of us with our names on us so that the children could know who the hardworking girls were who helped make their playground amazing.
love the ILL FOOD GROUP-Liz, Hannah, Gordy, Vicky plus special guest, Sophie
Wednesday 14 July 2010
project phase-
after an early wake up on Ometepe Island, we crossed back over the lake and hopped on a bus in Rivas. First thing on the agenda was food - the most important thing in our lives at the moment. and i think we are all in agreement to say that the food group definatley did us proud, with a MASSIVE bag full of food and there were even more plastic bags to follow. We hopped back on the bus and about 20 minutes later arrived at the village, where we had an amazing welcome from the whole village, and they seemed very excited for us to be there.
we have all worked very hard this week, and have not only made the playground a lot better, but we are all confident and feel that it is a much more safe area as well for all the children to play in. we have also had a lot of keen villagers to help, and have impressed them with out skills to be able to pick axe, and have had to grab out tools back off them a number of times, as they are as keen as us to do the work. it is all looking a lot more happier now as well because we have re painted everything and its lovely and bright.
today we found out that we are the first ever world challengers not to just travel straight through Nicaragua, and the people of the village now know that we are wanting to make a difference in their country as well as others, so we have a very big claim to fame out here!!
We are heading off on a Tiki bus tomorrow morning, and have a 6 hour journey into San Jose - Costa Rica, something we are all very much looking forward too.
Lots and lots of love to all family and friends.
walker
we have all worked very hard this week, and have not only made the playground a lot better, but we are all confident and feel that it is a much more safe area as well for all the children to play in. we have also had a lot of keen villagers to help, and have impressed them with out skills to be able to pick axe, and have had to grab out tools back off them a number of times, as they are as keen as us to do the work. it is all looking a lot more happier now as well because we have re painted everything and its lovely and bright.
today we found out that we are the first ever world challengers not to just travel straight through Nicaragua, and the people of the village now know that we are wanting to make a difference in their country as well as others, so we have a very big claim to fame out here!!
We are heading off on a Tiki bus tomorrow morning, and have a 6 hour journey into San Jose - Costa Rica, something we are all very much looking forward too.
Lots and lots of love to all family and friends.
walker
Thursday 8 July 2010
First couple of days.
After a very long 22 hour journey we finally arrived in our first hostel in Granada - Nicaragua, all very tired and ready for bed as it was around 5 in the morning English time, so some struggled to get used to the timings, but we are all pretty much used to it now. after having a quick breakfast at a cafe the food people went for a shop and when they returned we walked to get the local bus to the port where we caught a ferry to Ometepe Island, where I am currently writing this from.
Yesterday we were up bright and early to get our bus to La Cascada, which is a waterfall on the side of the inactive vocano on the island. It was around a 4 hour walk up and down overall, and when we got to the top, although it was raining it was a beautiful sight, and we had a quick lunch before going back down again. it was a good first expierence for a hardish walk and i think we have all learnt that walking boots are a definate necessity.
Off to the first project tomorrow and we are starting to round up our design group to start thinking about the building of the playgroud.
Much love to all the families, and will try to blog soon.
Walker
Yesterday we were up bright and early to get our bus to La Cascada, which is a waterfall on the side of the inactive vocano on the island. It was around a 4 hour walk up and down overall, and when we got to the top, although it was raining it was a beautiful sight, and we had a quick lunch before going back down again. it was a good first expierence for a hardish walk and i think we have all learnt that walking boots are a definate necessity.
Off to the first project tomorrow and we are starting to round up our design group to start thinking about the building of the playgroud.
Much love to all the families, and will try to blog soon.
Walker
Sunday 4 July 2010
First night...in the sports hall.
After emotional goodbyes and an enjoyable and yummy bbq cooked to perfection by wonderful fathers, we set up our tents and crammed additional team kit and tents into what were already bulging rucksacks.
After a highly intellectual and self-evaluating discussion , team roles were decided, and we came to the conclusion that Vix and Hannah would be leading the team throughout the first stage.
Other roles decided which were prehaps unexpectadly volunteered for was 'Head Washeruper' for the whole 30 days who will be Luby. Sophie was enthusiatic about her new roles as 'Head Wakerupper' and 'Team Motivator' and the team is satisfied that she is qualifed to fullfill the jobs requirements.
We're about to pull out the gym mats to sleep on, after consuming a huge amount of pizza in the hope that fat stores will quickly build up. On that note we would all like to say goodbye,so long, farewell. au revoir, auf wiedersehrn. We will blog as much as we can. but could be out of contact for the next two days and possibly week due to travelling and the fact that we are camping on a volcano!
Lots of love to all families and friend, we miss you already (kinda).
Good luck Justin in the Sound of Music and team rule number 6 is 9th of July official Sound of Music appriciation day.
Walker, Watson, GB.
After a highly intellectual and self-evaluating discussion , team roles were decided, and we came to the conclusion that Vix and Hannah would be leading the team throughout the first stage.
Other roles decided which were prehaps unexpectadly volunteered for was 'Head Washeruper' for the whole 30 days who will be Luby. Sophie was enthusiatic about her new roles as 'Head Wakerupper' and 'Team Motivator' and the team is satisfied that she is qualifed to fullfill the jobs requirements.
We're about to pull out the gym mats to sleep on, after consuming a huge amount of pizza in the hope that fat stores will quickly build up. On that note we would all like to say goodbye,so long, farewell. au revoir, auf wiedersehrn. We will blog as much as we can. but could be out of contact for the next two days and possibly week due to travelling and the fact that we are camping on a volcano!
Lots of love to all families and friend, we miss you already (kinda).
Good luck Justin in the Sound of Music and team rule number 6 is 9th of July official Sound of Music appriciation day.
Walker, Watson, GB.
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