I am writing this last blog from the Airport lounge. our flight is due to depart at 1315hrs, its now 1040am, so we got here in good time. We left Amaya reef hotel at 6am, so it was an early start for everyone. We spent yesterday relaxing by the pool and enjoying traditional Singhalese New Year games including, pillow fights and tug-of-war.
Despite many precautions including the application of copious amounts of sun block and staying out of the sunshine between 12- 2 pm, most of us are suffering with a little sunburn, me included! :-( Everyone is really depressed to be leaving Sri Lanka, although i think everyone is looking forward to the cooler weather of home.
The expedition has been a huge success. its been a true experience of a lifetime and Sri Lanka has touched our hearts in many ways. There have been memories and times shared on this expedition that will never be forgotten.
We left the Cabanas early in the morning already dressed and ready to get cracking with the community project. This was the part that most of us were looking forward to. We arrived at the school, which in all honesty, the school was not as badly damaged as we had anticipated, nevertheless it was badly in need of work. The School houses over 500 students in what can only be described as cramped conditions. We got to work as soon as we got there and made huge progress on day one. everything was left primed, sanded, cleaned and ready to be painted and transformed the next day.Local kids from the school gave up their New Years day holiday to come and help, which made it a great experience. Both group of kids getting alot out of the interaction. we even managed to get a game of baskeball/netball in during lunch.
After the mountain biking we made our way to the Wadawella National park where 4 trucks were waiting to take us around the national park. We had high hopes of seeing lots of wildlife, especially as the weather had been fantastic. As you would expect, on our arrival the weather decided to change and remind us of England. The heavens opened up on us. Although the trucks had roof covers, many opted to travel “open top” and consequently got drenched.. again! - as if we hadn’t been drenched enough in the jungle!We managed to see Elephants up close, jackles, eagles, owls, parrots, peackocks and lots of other birds. the Crocodiles refused to come out to see us as did the leopards. :-( After the National Park we made our way to Palm Paradise Cabanas where we had our rest day! - well deserved too!
We woke up at 6am to the sound of birds and monkeys against the background of the noise from the waterfall. We had a few more hours of walking today. It was hard going but we all finished in good time to avoid the rain. Every one is well and injury free. We are now having lunch and all looking forward to a BBQ tonight. Tomorrow we are going on safari..can’t wait.
We woke up at 6 am and started the 7 hour walk to our campsite in the jungle. Lots of us were bitten by leeches, but we are used to it now. All having a great time and enjoying the cooler weather in the south of the island. The walk was hard, but thoroughly enjoyable. I dont think we have ever sweated so much in our lives. We have come to love the leeches and have turned the constant fear of where they might bite into a competition.!
We received a text message from Flt Lt Piedade this morning telling us that cadets and staff are all fine, they have arrived at their Jungle campsite and at the time of the message were having lunch!
Today we went mountain biking! - the weather started out great!, nice and sunny.. then out of the blue came the heavy monsoon rain, which if we are honest was great. we needed cooling down. Tomorrow we are all departing for the Trek, so please dont expect any more blog entries for a few days, 3 days to be precise. on returning to the hotel I will also need a bit of time to get the photos done and the videos edited, so please be patient.! I can assure you all that everyone is well and in tremendous high spirits. this is so far proving to be an expedition that we will never forget. Look forward to giving you more news soon.
The team was pleased to be able to assist the War Grave Commission (UK) photographing the war graves for ex serving british servicement who died and have been burried in Sri Lanka. It was moving and very emotional time for everyone. The group finished with a 1 minute’s silence in remembrance.
Hi everyone, apologies for not having uploaded any blogs. A combination of tiredness and lack of internet connection I am affraid. We are all well and having a great time. We all visited the Elephant orphanage and are considering bringing back the baby one! :-) The weather has been great!, much better than i expected. The cadets are tired but having a great time.
I am pleased to report that we have all landed safely and checked into our first hotel ( the above image is the view from our hotel ) The team was greated by 25 Degree temperatures at 6am! - by 12 Noon the temperature was up to 33 Degrees. The Group was extremely shattered after a 10hr flight and stuggled to remain awake for much of the day. The cadets could not wait to get into the pool; quickly tired themselves out and many had a late morning knap. We all had a buffet lunch and made the most of of the day off. The expedition staff had a number of meetings to attend to finalise activities for the next two weeks. Despite this WO Bird and WO Collins found time to visit the local barber for a haricut and a prefessional shave ( local especiality, colonial style)Everyone is in high spirits and very much looking forward to getting on with the expedition from tomorrow morning.. and just in case you think we are on holiday.. we are getting up at 6am!
